Alexandria Police Officers join Commissioner VanDyke for bi-monthly blood donation

In a continued show of service beyond the badge, several members of the Alexandria Police Department joined Commissioner VanDyke this week in donating blood—a meaningful tradition this group has upheld every two months.

Officers who participated in the donation effort included Deputy Chief Cooper, Deputy Chief Bradley, Chief Gremillion, Lt. Mathews, and Sgt. Delaney, alongside Commissioner VanDyke. Together, they took time from their demanding schedules to support a cause that quite literally saves lives.

“From protecting our community to giving back in deeply personal ways, our officers demonstrate unwavering dedication,” a department spokesperson said. “This blood donation tradition is just one more example of their ongoing commitment to serve.”

The Alexandria Police Department encourages others in the community to consider donating blood, especially as summer approaches and the need for blood supplies often increases.


Sobriety Checkpoint scheduled for Rapides Parish

Louisiana State Police has zero tolerance for impaired drivers. To combat impaired driving in our area, Louisiana State Police E will conduct a sobriety checkpoint. The sobriety checkpoint will occur this Friday, May 23, 2025, weather and traffic conditions permitting, in Rapides Parish.

The mission will be to intercept and incarcerate impaired drivers before they can cause injury or death to themselves, their passengers, or members of the public. Drivers are less likely to drive impaired when they recognize the increased probability of law enforcement action.

We are asking the public to make the mature decision and to designate a sober driver. Remember, “You drink, You drive, You lose!”

To report aggressive/impaired driving, call *LSP (*577) from your cellular phone or your local law enforcement


Alexandria Police investigate fatal shooting on Clark Street

The Alexandria Police Department is actively investigating a homicide that occurred on the evening of May 21 in the 4000 block of Clark Street.

Officers responded to the scene around 5:30 p.m. following reports of a shooting that left three individuals injured. Two of the victims sustained moderate injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Tragically, 17-year-old Corey Brooks succumbed to his injuries on Thursday afternoon.

This incident is currently under investigation, and police are seeking assistance from the public.

Anyone with information regarding this case or other crimes in the Alexandria area is urged to contact the Alexandria Police Department Detective Division at (318) 441-6416, or APD Dispatch at (318) 441-6559. Information can also be emailed to detectives at APDDetectives@cityofalex.com.

For those wishing to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers of CenLa by calling (318) 443-7867 or using the P3 Tipster App, available for download at http://www.p3tips.com/community/mobile. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.

The Alexandria Police Department extends its condolences to the family and friends of Corey Brooks and remains committed to bringing those responsible to justice.


Pineville Police investigating hit-and-run on Highway 28 East

The Pineville Police Department is actively investigating a hit-and-run incident that occurred around 9:09 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, involving a vehicle and a pedestrian on Highway 28 East.

Officers arrived on the scene to find a female pedestrian lying in the roadway. She was conscious and alert, and reported that she had been attempting to cross Hwy 28E to reach a nearby bus stop when she was struck by a vehicle. The driver fled the scene before authorities arrived, and the victim was unable to provide a description of the vehicle involved.

The woman sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation.

The incident remains under investigation, and police are urging anyone with information to contact the Pineville Police Department at 318-442-6603.

In light of the incident, officials are reminding residents to practice pedestrian safety. “Whenever possible, use designated crosswalks and sidewalks,” a department spokesperson said. “If walking at night, wear bright or reflective clothing to stay visible and help reduce the risk of accidents.”

More details will be released as the investigation continues.


No Journal edition on Memorial Day

The Rapides Parish Journal staff will take off an extra day this weekend as America marks the annual Memorial Day observance with nearly all governmental and financial agencies closed Monday along with a large segment of businesses.

There will be no Monday edition this week. If a major breaking news story warrants coverage, however, count on the RPJ to provide it. We will resume publication Tuesday morning with our weekday edition landing in your e-mail at 6:55 shortly after it is posted on our website and Facebook page.

Memorial Day honors the members of the United States military who have made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives in the line of duty serving America to uphold our democracy.

While the long weekend provides many opportunities for fun activities and gatherings, your friends at the Journal urge you to reflect on the purpose of Memorial Day and the military heroes lost while serving our country.


Notice of Death – May 22, 2025

Sarah Yates Thornton
Arrangements TBA

Jeanne Hunt Leavitt
Private Celebration

Mary Louise Bass
Service: Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 10 am in the Chapel of Hixson Brothers in Pineville

Glenda Ann Moring
Service: Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 3 pm in the Chapel of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home in Pineville

Nathaniel Black
Arrangements TBA

Brucie Mae Joseph
Arrangements TBA

Ronald Wayne Mertens
Service: Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 10 AM at St. Martin’s Catholic Church, located at 1815 St. Martin St. in Lecompte

SFC, Ray Fisher, Jr., USA, Retired
Service: Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Zion Hill Church Family, located at 312 Hunter St. in Pineville

Technical Sergeant Jessie Friday, USAF, Retired
Service: Friday, May 23, 2025 at Calvary Tabernacle, located at 4510 Third St. in Alexandria

Kareem “Omar” Washington
June 7, 1975 – May 12, 2025
Service: Friday, May 23, 2025, 11am at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Alexandria.

Osa Cecile Green
May 14, 1953 – May 10, 2025
Service: Saturday, May 24, 2025, 11am at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, Alexandria. 

The Rapides Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or RPJNewsla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to RPJNewsla@gmail.com)


Dubois Hospital closing

By JIM BUTLER

CHRISTUS Health is closing its long-term acute care facility in Alexandria.

Public notice was given Wednesday that Dubois Hospital, located on St. Frances Cabrini’s fourth floor, will close May 31.

The specialized care facility is most recently listed as having 25 beds. It is one of several such that Christus Health operates among its more than 600 care centers in several states.

Wednesday’s notice did not include factors in the decision.

Persons seeking patient records are referred to Priority Hospital Group, 1000 Chinaberry Drive, Suite 200, Bossier City, LA 71111.

PHC operates three acute care hospitals in Louisiana.


Auto insurance reform, industrial development highlight May North Rapides Business Meeting

The North Rapides Business & Industry Alliance (NRBIA) held its May 2025 meeting today at Louisiana Christian University (LCU), where attendees heard key legislative and economic updates affecting the region.

District 27 State Representative Mike Johnson delivered a mid-session report from the Louisiana Legislature, focusing heavily on efforts to address high auto insurance rates. Johnson outlined several bills intended to reduce insurer liability and restrict certain claims, with the goal of ultimately lowering costs for drivers across the state.

Among the legislation discussed was House Bill 431, which would prohibit drivers who are deemed at least 51% at fault in an accident from collecting damages—except in narrowly defined situations. HB434 would increase the penalties for uninsured motorists by raising the amount of bodily injury and property damage that cannot be recovered from $15,000 to $100,000. Johnson also touched on HB450 and HB436, which would create new procedural requirements and limitations for filing lawsuits against insurance providers.

In addition to legislative updates, David Lamont, Senior Vice President of SunGas Renewables, gave an update on the company’s planned development at the former International Paper (IP) site in Pineville. Lamont reported that the project’s development phase is nearing completion, with construction expected to begin no later than summer 2026.

The meeting was well-attended and described as highly informative by participants, highlighting both public policy developments and economic growth initiatives in the region.


Get it Growing: A colorful springtime staple for shady Louisiana gardens

Olivia McClure, LSUAgCenter

Hydrangeas have long been a staple of Southern gardens, and it’s no wonder why. These beloved flowers, with their unique clusters of delicate blooms, offer a late-spring and early-summer splash of color to shaded areas — something that’s not always easy to find.

Hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs. Like most shrubs, it’s best to plant them in the fall. But you can appreciate their beautiful blooms right now — or soon.

There are many species of hydrangeas out there, but in Louisiana, you’re most likely to encounter three. Each has its own unique characteristics, care requirements and bloom times.

Bigleaf hydrangea

This is what most people think of at the mention of the word “hydrangea.” With large, rounded flower heads, which are technically known as corymbs, this hydrangea is native to East Asia. It’s sometimes called French hydrangea, garden hydrangea and mophead hydrangea, and its Latin name is Hydrangea macrophylla.

The bigleaf hydrangea can grow well in both acidic and alkaline conditions. For many cultivars, soil pH determines the color of blooms. Acidic soil yields shades of blue, and alkaline soil prompts pinks and purples. White-flowering cultivars are available, too, and aren’t influenced by pH. Flowers typically emerge in May and last for a few weeks.

This plant does best in full shade. Some sun in the morning is OK, but it definitely needs to be shaded during the intense heat of the afternoon. Water regularly, especially during the intense heat of the summer.

Most bigleaf cultivars reach 4 to 6 feet tall and typically don’t require much pruning. But if you have an established shrub that you feel has become unruly or if you need to remove damaged wood, be sure to prune immediately after flowering ends in late summer.

Don’t prune at other times of year, as the bigleaf hydrangea blooms on old wood. This means it sets flower buds on the previous year’s growth.

Newer bigleaf cultivars are being bred with heat resistance and color stability in mind. Some even rebloom throughout the growing season.

Oakleaf hydrangea

Unlike the familiar bigleaf hydrangea, the oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is native to the southeastern United States. In nature, it’s an understory shrub in forests that also can be found along high stream banks.

This hydrangea has a few things in common with the bigleaf hydrangea — like its preference for shade and pruning requirements. But there are some important distinctions.

For one, good drainage is crucial for the oakleaf hydrangea. Too much water will spell trouble for this plant, which is particularly susceptible to root rot.

Oakleaf hydrangea flowers appear a bit earlier, starting in late April in some parts of Louisiana. The foliage offers great red-and-orange fall color in northern parishes.

This species can reach well over 10 feet tall in perfect conditions — but in cultivation, it usually stays in the range of 4 to 8 feet. Its cone-shaped, bright white flower clusters make a statement in shaded areas. They contrast nicely with the shrub’s large, lobed, textured, green leaves that resemble oak tree foliage.

Panicle hydrangea

The panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata), a native to Asia, is quite different from the bigleaf and oakleaf species.

It craves sun — although it can still benefit from some afternoon shade in our climate. It’s much larger and grows more vigorously. Older cultivars can reach 15 feet tall and higher; newer ones grow to between 3 and 8 feet tall in the Deep South.

The panicle hydrangea also blooms later, with the first flowers usually emerging in late May to June. The cone-shaped flower heads, or panicles, on many cultivars are initially greenish and later turn white and then pinkish. The blooms can stay on the plant for months as they cycle through the different colors.

This plant should be watered regularly during establishment and times of excessive heat and drought. But as long as you don’t overwater, this species is less particular about watering than others.

While other hydrangea species bloom on old wood, the panicle hydrangea sets flowers on new wood. That means pruning can be done in late winter or early spring. Pruning helps keep these robust plants’ size and shape in check.


Outdoor magazines turning digital

It started for me long ago. My daddy always had a copy or two of the Big Three in outdoor magazines – Field and Stream, Sports Afield or Outdoor Life lying around and one of my early childhood pleasures was picking one up, flipping through the pages and reading articles written by guys that became my heroes.

My favorite was Grits Gresham. I thought of him as a local guy since his hometown, Natchitoches, was only 40 miles or so from where I grew up. Grits would transport me in fantasy to far distant lands as he wrote about hunting wild game animals all the way from Colorado to the Congo.

Other favorite writers were those who majored in humor writing. Ed Zern, Charlie Dickey and Pat McManus et al would find me flipping to the back pages to chuckle at the brilliant way they handled humor.

Today, you’ll be hard-pressed to find actual print copies of these favorite magazines of mine. Take Outdoor Life, for instance. I checked on-line to see how this magazine is offered to readers today. Here’s what I read…”Outdoor Life is a digital-only magazine covering hunting, fishing camping, survival and outdoor gear.”

Sports Afield? “Please click the link below to access your copy of the digital version.”

Field and Stream? They are giving it a shot at bringing back the print version of this popular magazine. “That’s right – print! We’re bringing back the magazine!” Good luck with that.

My interest has been drawn to a couple of on-line magazines that have emerged from the pack in recent years. Both Catfish NOW! and Crappie NOW! are edited by outdoor writer friends of mine. Keith “Catfish” Sutton heads the one on catfish while Richard Simms is editor of the one targeting crappie anglers.

About Catfish NOW!, in checking the web site, I read the following. “…is a user-friendly web-based magazine and social media platform. Our goal is to entertain and educate catfish anglers at all skill levels and outdoors enthusiasts from all walks of life. Catfish NOW! is FREE. A new issue is released around the 15th of each month. Readers can subscribe by using our subscribe button on the home page.”

Here’s what I learned about Crappie NOW! “An unequaled online-only crappie fishing magazine aimed at passionate crappie anglers from all skill levels. It is presented on a platform where readers can search for information on new crappie fishing tips, techniques destinations, equipment, tackle, tournament and the latest news from industry-leading professionals.” This publication is also free and can be accessed by using the subscribe button on the home page.

You can subscribe to Outdoor Life and Sports Afield online but you pay for the privilege. On the other hand, both the catfish and crappie magazines are entirely free and are financed by magazine sponsors.

I enjoy reading both these free ones and I can take them with me wherever I go; all I have to do is click a button and find out all I need to know about how to catch catfish and crappie. However, I have to admit that I miss sitting down and flipping through the pages of a magazine you can hold in your hands.

The times, folks, they are a-changing, aren’t they?

Contact Glynn at glynnharris37@gmail.com


Pineville Police Department participates in community-focused peace officer training

The Pineville Police Department recently participated in a professional development training hosted by Police2Peace, an organization known for its focus on community-centered policing practices.

Funded through a U.S. Department of Justice grant, the training came at no cost to the City of Pineville or its taxpayers. The program offered officers the opportunity to deepen their commitment to policing that is effective, empathetic, and rooted in justice—principles that have long guided the department’s mission.

“We were proud to learn that our current practices already align with the values emphasized by the Peace Officer program,” the department shared in a statement. “This training reaffirmed our approach to building strong, respectful relationships with the community we serve.”

As part of its ongoing effort to foster transparency and connection with the public, the Pineville Police Department encourages residents to submit compliments for officers who have made a positive impact. A new feature on the department’s website allows community members to recognize officers for outstanding service.

To submit a compliment or learn more about the department’s work, visit: pinevillepd.com/compliment.

The department expressed its gratitude for the continued support of Pineville residents and reaffirmed its dedication to serving with integrity, professionalism, and respect.


Rapides Parish hosts Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics

Local law enforcement officers, community members, and Special Olympics athletes came together for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Louisiana, held recently in Rapides Parish.

The run began at the Rapides Parish Courthouse and concluded along the banks of the Red River, bringing awareness and support for Special Olympics athletes across the parish. Participants carried the symbolic torch as a sign of unity, inclusion, and encouragement for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Following the event, the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office hosted a supper for athletes and participants, providing a moment of fellowship and celebration after the run.

The Torch Run continues to be a meaningful tradition, highlighting the commitment of local law enforcement and the broader community to supporting Special Olympics Louisiana and its mission.

 


Six-figure bail on vehicle theft, OWI; Pineville uspsect hit with 12 charges, including burglary and inciting riot

Arrests are accusations, not convictions. 

 

May 21

K’ci Jaleell Rue, 25, Alexandria – possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, no bail data;

Dustin Aulbey Wages, 40, Pineville – Louisiana fugitive, possession of CDS, possession of firearm by convicted felon, $2,500 bail;

Tina L. Whatley, 41, Alexandria – flight from an officer, improper turn, possession of CDS, paraphernalia, driving under suspension, contempt of court, $31,700 bail.

 

May 20

Gavyn A. Anderson, 21, Alexandria – Louisiana fugitive, aggravated assault, $20,000 bail;

Lonnie Dewayne Baggett, 35, Alexandria – possession of CDS, sex offender failure to timely register,

CDS use in presence of juvenile, child desertion, no driver’s license, improper turn, brake lamp required, $5,300 bail;

Jacob Allen Bennett, 29, Boyce – simple escape, two counts Louisiana fugitive, $10,000 bail;

Montavion Tyrell Bryant, 26, Alexandria – second degree battery, possession of firearm by convicted felon, possession of CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, $80,500 bail;

Shannon Nicole Cornell, 43, Pineville – OWI first offense, careless operation of a vehicle, possession of CDS, $2,600 bail;

Aaron Keilth Culbert, 37, Pineville – aggravated assault, simple burglary, contempt of court, $5,000 bail;

Elijah Frank, 19, Alexandria – two counts aggravated assault with a firearm, $50,000 bail;

Melvin Dean Johnson Jr, 37, Alexandria – battery on officer, simple resisting a police officer with force or violence, obstruction of justice, concealed negligent carry of handgun, possession of firearm by convicted felon, $32,000 bail;

John T. Jones Jr – aggravated battery, reckless operation of vehicle, driving under suspension, four counts contempt of court, $62,200 bail;

Shawanda McMillon, 40, Columbia – possession of CDS, two counts producing manufacturing dispensing with intent CDS, possession of CDS, safety belt violation, improper driving on left, $10,700 bail;

James A. Mcrevy, 68, Pineville – aggravated assault, $5,000 bail;

Antonio Martinez Nichols, 29, Colfax – possession of firearm by convicted felon, aggravated second degree battery, parole violations, $40,000 bail;

William Joseph Ramshur, 39, Alexandria – theft, criminal trespass, possession of CDS, nine counts contempt of court, $8,500 bail.

 

May 19

Emily Laura Brown, 43, Hineston – simple burglary, taking contraband to and from penal institution, possession of CDS, $60,000 bail;

Daniel L. Delrie, 48, Pineville – theft, criminal trespass, two counts criminal damage to property, resisting an officer, criminal mischief, trespassing/remaining after forbidden, disturbing the peace, $5,000 bail;

Kavita Devi, 20, Alexandria – producing manufacturing dispensing CDS, $25,000 bail;

Brittany Gaines, 34, Alexandria – criminal trespass, four counts contempt of court, $16,000 bail;

Tony Lee Graves, 53, Pineville – OWI second offense, improper lane usage, improper driving on left, speeding, turning at intersections, no Louisiana driver’s license, failure to secure registration, expired plate registration, $3,000 bail;

Dominique Twayne Gullette, 26, Alexandria – weapon possession by convicted felon, safety belt violation, driving under suspension, parole violations, $15,200 bail;

D’onte Malik Laird, 28, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery strangulation, $1,500 bail;

Anthony Lebleu, 25, Ball – Louisiana fugitive, no bail data;

Robert Lee Mouille, 32, Forest Hill – OWI first offense, illegal carrying of a weapon, three counts possession of CDS, hit and run driving no serious injury, reckless operation, two counts contempt of court, $17,000 bail;

Gary A. Robertson, 61, Pineville – criminal trespass, criminal mischief, theft, illegal possession of stolen things, possession of burglary tools, criminal damage to property, $52,500 bail;

Davante Deundra Thomas, 32, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing with intent CDS, theft, contempt of court, $28,000 bail;

Ronald Issac Vollm, 50, Pineville – four counts contempt of court, $20,000 bail;

Calvin Michael Williams Jr., 30, Pineville – two counts aggravated second degree battery, inciting to riot, two counts resisting an officer, two counts simple burglary, two counts criminal trespass, three counts burglary of inhabited dwelling, $104,000 bail.

 

May 18

Adam Corey Mathews, 35, Pineville – criminal trespass, theft, $1,000 bail;

Justin Ryan Shelton, 25, Hineston – OWI third offense, simple escape, theft of a motor vehicle, speeding, driving under suspension, $101,200 bail;

Hunter Bradford Smith, 23, Pineville – disturbing the peace, four counts contempt of court, $12,500 bail;

Michael Wayne Smith Jr. 26, Pineville – illegal use of weapons/dangerous instrumentalities, $100,000 bail;

Tracey Lynn Willbanks, 47, Alexandria – aggravated battery, probation violation, $1,500 bail.


Free summer meals available for all children in Rapides Parish starting June 2

The Rapides Parish School Board announced that free summer meals will be available to all children 18 and under beginning June 2. The program will run through June 26 or 27, depending on the location.

Children can enjoy both breakfast and lunch at any of the designated summer meal sites, regardless of where they live or attend school. All sites are open to the public, providing families with a convenient way to keep kids fueled and healthy during the summer break.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit their nearest site and take advantage of this opportunity to ensure their children receive nutritious meals throughout the summer months.

For a list of participating locations and meal times, visit rpsb.la/summer2025meals.


Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood premieres in color, changing children’s television forever

On May 22, 1967, something quietly revolutionary happened on American television. A soft-spoken man in a cardigan sweater walked through a set door, changed his shoes, and welcomed millions of viewers—mostly preschoolers—into a neighborhood where kindness, imagination, and honesty reigned supreme.

That man was Fred Rogers. The show was Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. And with its official premiere in color on this date, a gentle movement began that would ripple through American culture for decades.

Unlike the loud, fast-paced children’s programming of the era, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood offered something radically different: stillness, sincerity, and emotional depth. There were no flashy animations or laugh tracks. Instead, viewers got hand puppets with complex personalities, visits to the crayon factory, and quiet conversations about feelings, fears, and friendship.

What made the show truly revolutionary was Fred Rogers himself. With his calm voice, thoughtful mannerisms, and unwavering respect for children’s intelligence, Rogers created a space where kids felt seen and safe.

He didn’t shy away from tough topics either. Episodes thoughtfully addressed death, divorce, war, and even the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy—all from the perspective of a child trying to understand a confusing world.

Fred Rogers’ choice of attire—those famous zip-up cardigans—was more than a fashion statement. They were symbols of comfort and routine, knitted by his mother and worn in nearly every episode.

He entered each show singing “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” and exited with words of affirmation and encouragement, often reminding children that they were special “just the way they are.”

That simple message struck a chord with viewers across generations. In a world often shaped by competition, achievement, and image, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood celebrated self-worth, empathy, and love.

Premiering in the midst of civil unrest, political upheaval, and the Vietnam War, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood became a cultural anchor. In one notable episode, Rogers invited Officer Clemmons—a Black police officer played by actor François Clemmons—to share a wading pool with him on a hot day, gently defying racial segregation.

This moment, like so many others on the show, was quiet yet powerful. It taught without preaching. It modeled without moralizing. And it showed young audiences how to navigate a world that was often anything but kind.

More than 900 episodes aired between 1967 and 2001. Fred Rogers became not just a television host, but a trusted guide and national treasure. His influence extended beyond TV. In 1969, he famously testified before Congress to help save public broadcasting funding—his heartfelt speech is still studied today as a masterclass in persuasion through sincerity.

Even after his passing in 2003, Rogers’ legacy continues. Documentaries like Won’t You Be My Neighbor? and the 2019 film A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood introduced new generations to his message. His simple wisdom—be kind, be curious, be yourself—feels more relevant than ever.

On May 22, 1967, television became more than entertainment. It became a place for nurturing hearts and minds.

Today, as kids navigate a digital world filled with noise, comparison, and endless stimulation, the slow, steady kindness of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood remains a beacon of hope. It reminds us that sometimes, the most radical thing you can do is look into the camera—and into a child’s heart—and say: “I like you just the way you are.”


Notice of Death – May 21, 2025

Brent Bordelon
Service: Thursday, May 22, 2025 from 10:30-11:30 AM at St. Rita Catholic Church, located at 3822 Bayou Rapides Rd. in Alexandria

Mary Louise Bass
Service: Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 10 am in the Chapel of Hixson Brothers in Pineville

Glenda Ann Moring
Service: Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 3 pm in the Chapel of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home in Pineville

John Henry Miller
Service: Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 11 am in the Chapel of Hixson Brothers in Alexandria

Nathaniel Black
Arrangements TBA

Brucie Mae Joseph
Arrangements TBA

Ronald Wayne Mertens
Service: Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 10 AM at St. Martin’s Catholic Church, located at 1815 St. Martin St. in Lecompte

SFC, Ray Fisher, Jr., USA, Retired
Service: Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Zion Hill Church Family, located at 312 Hunter St. in Pineville

Technical Sergeant Jessie Friday, USAF, Retired
Service: Friday, May 23, 2025 at Calvary Tabernacle, located at 4510 Third St. in Alexandria

Kareem “Omar” Washington
June 7, 1975 – May 12, 2025
Service: Friday, May 23, 2025, 11am at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Alexandria.

Osa Cecile Green
May 14, 1953 – May 10, 2025
Service: Saturday, May 24, 2025, 11am at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, Alexandria. 

The Rapides Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or RPJNewsla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to RPJNewsla@gmail.com)


Rotary Club of Alexandria awards scholarships to local 2025 graduates

The Rotary Club of Alexandria recognized its 2025 scholarship recipients, honoring the students, their parents, and school administrators.

This year’s recipients will continue their education locally at Louisiana State University at Alexandria (LSUA) and Louisiana Christian University (LCU):

Calyn M. (ASH) – LSUA, Biology
Kaitlyn R. (Tioga High) – LCU, Biology or Chemistry
Josephine M. (Bolton Academy) – LSUA, Education

The Rotary Club congratulates these outstanding students and wishes them success in their college journeys.


Buckeye High’s Mandy B. named Student of the Year

Among the many recognitions at the May School Board Meeting, one standout student received special honors for her academic achievements and community service. Mandy B., a senior at Buckeye High School, has been named the Student of the Year.

Mandy is involved in a variety of extracurricular activities, serves on the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Board, is a National Merit Finalist, and has qualified for State Literary Rally in multiple subjects. Her dedication to excellence and service has earned her numerous scholarships and recognitions. Congratulations to Mandy for representing Buckeye High and Rapides Parish with such distinction!


Rapides Parish Early Childhood team secures $4.8M to support local families

The Rapides Parish Early Childhood team visited the Louisiana State Capitol this week to celebrate securing $4.8 million in funding for the 2024–2025 school year, including $2.4 million in new state and local dollars.

The funding will provide over 300 early childhood education scholarships for working parents and student-parents in Rapides Parish. Funding for the 2025–2026 school year is already in place to continue the program.

State Representative Mike Johnson praised the team—Cindy Rushing, Patti Jo Pearson, Emily Welch, Cindy Cespiva, and Shannon Johns—for their work in supporting families and expanding access to early education.


On the Journey with RL: Overlooking the obvious

There is a funny story about Karl Barth, one of the most famous theologians of the 20th century. He was on a streetcar one day in Basel, Switzerland, where he lived and lectured. A tourist to the city climbed on the streetcar and sat down next to Barth. The two men started chatting with each other. “Are you new to the city?” Barth inquired. “Yes,” said the tourist. “Is there anything you would particularly like to see while you are here?” asked Barth.  “Yes, indeed,” he replied. “I’d love to meet the famous theologian, Karl Barth. Do you know him or where I can find him to meet him?” Barth replied, “Well as a matter of fact I do. I give him a shave every morning.” Just then the streetcar comes to a stop and the tourist gets off quite delighted. He couldn’t wait to get back to the hotel to tell his wife that he met Karl Barth’s barber.

This story amuses me. The tourist was in the very presence of the one he wanted to meet most, and even with an obvious clue, he never realized he was talking to the great theologian Karl Barth himself.

Has that ever happened to you? Have you ever been looking for something or even someone and it was right there in front of you the whole time? My dad used to say in those times growing up when I would overlook the obvious, “if it was a snake, it would have bit you!” I still often overlook the obvious, but I am trying to do better, to be better, to take in the spoken and the unspoken. To not rush so quickly to judgement or race by people and places in a mad dash to the next thing so as to take in the beauty of the moment. I’m not there yet. I am a work in progress.

On the journey,
Ramonalynn Bethley

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