By JIM BUTLER

Wagner Oil is asking the La. Office of Conservation to create two force-pool reservoirs in Rapides oil and gas fields.

The Fort Worth-based firm has been in oil and gas exploration in the two states, as well as Oklahoma and New Mexico, since 1998.

Forced pooling allows the state to combine interests of property owners with or without mineral rights leasing and without acquiescence into a single drilling and production unit with revenue sharing on a surface acreage basis.

One reservoir sought by Wagner is in the West Cheneyville Field, the other in Master’s Creek Field, also on the parish west side.

Depth projections for the Wilcox Zone drilling units are about 7,500 feet to 11,300 feet.

Hearings on the matter will be held September 3. More information is available on the Conservation web site.

Notice of the hearings does not indicate whether the requested pools are part of the renewed Austin Chalk exploration of recent years though that is most likely.

That play has produced more than 40 million barrels of oil and 200 billion cubic feet of gas, Department of Natural Resources records indicate.

Louisiana State Police and the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) are alerting residents about another text message scam that aims to steal personal information and charge unnecessary fees.

In the latest iteration of the scam, many Louisiana residents have received text messages claiming the recipient has an “outstanding traffic ticket” and must pay a fee or face repercussions. These messages are fraudulent; do not click links, respond, or send payment. The OMV advises all recipients to ignore and delete these messages immediately.

The Louisiana OMV offers the following tips to help residents avoid scams:

• DO NOT click on links in an unsolicited message from an unverified source
• DO NOT respond or send personal information via text
• Delete all suspicious texts and emails, and report them to reportfraud.ftc.gov
• Exercise caution with all communications received from anonymous sources
• Confirm the message was generated from a legitimate source
• Keep an eye out for signs of scams (rewards, vague URLs, incorrect grammar)

The Louisiana OMV does not send text messages or emails threatening prosecution for traffic or fee violations. To process legitimate online services safely and securely, Louisiana residents can visit the official OMV website at www.expresslane.org.

The Rapides Parish Library has announced that several of its branches will be hosting life-sized Battleship games in early August.

Participants can play against friends in the life-sized battleship game! Strategically place items to trick opponents. Program is suggested for players age eight and up.

Late last week, the Town of Ball announced that all food vendor spots for the Rubber Duck Round Up have been filled. There are no more spots for food vendors for the Round Up, which is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 20, 10am to 2pm. 

LifeShare Blood Center – Alexandria will be back at the Alexandria Farmers Market this Tuesday, July 29, from 2-6:30pm. The Market has a goal of 6 units this drive. The last drive the Market held on June 24 will potentially help 15 adults or 480 NICU babies. Every drop makes a difference. Come out and donate.

Oak Hill Fire Department has released its data relating to calls made between July 14 and July 20.

The Alexandria Police Department responded to a single-vehicle crash in the 400 block of Chester Street on Thursday, July 24, at approximately 3:30 p.m. Upon arrival, officers determined that the vehicle involved was a City of Alexandria vehicle being operated by 58-year-old Levi Phillips in the performance of his duties as an employee of the City of Alexandria Street Department. Mr. Phillips was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

This is a tragic loss that deeply impacts the City of Alexandria and all who knew and worked with Mr. Phillips. The Alexandria Police Department extends its condolences to his family, friends, and coworkers during this difficult time.

This is currently an ongoing investigation.

If anyone has any information about this incident or any other type of crime in the Alexandria area, please 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.

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

July 27

Rakeem Troudelle Brown, 30, Alexandria – eight counts contempt of court, $40,000 bail;

Christopher Edward Graham, 43, Hopksinville, Ky. – battery on a police officer, disturbing the peace, $1,250 bail;

Carley Brooke Middleton, 26, Woodworth – OWI first offense, open container, improper lane usage, $1,200 bail;

Keldrick Dewone Mitchell, 39, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, improper bicycle operation, $3,100 bail;

Donderick Joseph Prier, 43, Mansura – domestic abuse battery strangulation, three counts contempt of court, $4,500 bail;

Mauri M. Sanchez, 34, Pineville – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, $1,100 bail.

July 26

Shane Tucker Babin, 30, Pineville – OWI first offense, modified exhaust, $1,100 bail;

Richard Beard Jr, 31, Atlanta – OWI second offense, running a stop sign, modified exhaust, $1,700 bail;

Ian Lee Clark, 44, Ball – OWI first offense, speeding, contempt on non-support, $1,100 bail;

Benjamin Horace Coco, 33, Alexandria – theft, simple escape, resisting an officer, concealed negligent carry of handgun, possession of firearm by convicted felon, obstruction of justice, parole violations, four counts contempt of court, $176,000 bail;

Steven Honeycutt Jr, 36, Deville – possession of CDS, improper window tint, $1,600 bail;

Quintin Mitchell, 25, Alexandria – resisting an officer, probation violation, two counts failure to appear, $1,750 bail;

Christopher Stallings, 33, Natchez, Miss. – two counts possession of CDS, paraphernalia, parole violation, $2,500 bail;

Johnathan Dewayne Ward, 24, Pineville – eight counts contempt of court, $88,000 bail.

July 25

Khari Aaron Banks, 29, Pineville – OWI first offense, expired plate/registration, $1,100 bail;

Dominique Hakeem Banks Jr, 34, Alexandria – two counts possession CDS, paraphernalia, pedestrians on highways, $6,000 bail;

Angelic Elasivich, 47, Pineville – obstruct justice with intimidation/threats, obstruct court orders, $35,000 bail;

Lopez Dramone Henderson Jr, 27, Alexandria – second degree battery, stalking, domestic abuse battery strangulation, domestic abuse battery, home invasion, resisting an officer, five counts contempt of court, $910,000 bail;

Caleb MacKenzie Hill, 39, Boyce – two counts possession of firearm by convicted felon, illegal possession of stolen things, Louisiana fugitive, $25,000 bail;

Garron Dewayne Jackson, 57, Pineville – three counts contempt of court, $75,000 bail;

Bryant Keith Osteen, 43, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, probation violation, $3,000 bail;

John Oliver Perkins III, 28, Boyce – possession of fentanyl, resisting an officer, bicycle reflectors required, four counts contempt of court, $9,100 bail;

Randy Benedict Perry, 43, Alexandria – criminal trespass, criminal damage to property, unauthorized entry into inhabited dwelling, two counts violation of protective orders, probation violation, two counts contempt of court, $9,000 bail;

Wesley Jevon Porterie, 41, Marksville – OWI first offense, careless operation of a vehicle, $1,100 bail;

Carrie Amber Shoebroek, 39, Pineville – three counts possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, four counts contempt of court, possession of paraphernalia, use of CDS in presence of persons under 17, $58,500 bail;

Georderrial Traynold Williams, 48, Pineville – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, contempt of court, $8,000 bail.

July 24

Donald Wayne Durison Sr., 48, Ball – domestic abuse battery strangulation, domestic abuse battery, probation violation, $500 bail;

Lasane Harris, 21, Boyce – aggravated burglary, aggravated assault with a firearm, $50,000 bail;

Tony Jake Hicks, 47, Echo – two counts possession of firearm by convicted felon, running a stop sign, four counts criminal trespass, four counts contempt of court, four counts theft, three counts unauthorized use of a movable, $61,700 bail;

Jaylen Issac, 19, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, theft, interfering with emergency communication, contempt of court, $7,500 bail;

Patrick Dewayne Jackson, 30, Pineville – contempt of court, $2,500 bail;

Trinity Develle Jefferson, 51, Alexandria – simple battery, aggravated assault, stalking, unlawful communication telephone, parole violations, $3,500 bail;

Yolanda Denise Jenkins, 49, Alexandria – remaining after forbidden, failure to appear, 17 counts contempt of court, $35,500 bail;

Brittany Taijan Johnson, 27, Alexandria – battery of a dating partner, three counts contempt of court, $7,500 bail;

Lucas Paul Turner, 43, Boyce – two counts contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Liontraill Carneisha Williams, 22, Pineville – aggravated assault domestic abuse, three counts domestic abuse aggravated assault child endangerment, two counts failure to appear, $9,500 bail.

July 23

Charles Greg Bond, 60, Ponchatoula – OWI second offense, contempt of court, $3,000 bail;

Miracle Roshell Bush, 30, Alexandria – simple arson, six counts contempt of court, $17,000 bail;

Vanessa Lynn Colflesh, 43, Deville – theft, criminal conspiracy, $11,000 bail;

Joshua Brent Dauzart, 49, Deville – three counts possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, eight counts flight from an officer, reckless operation, driving under suspension, no insurance, intentional littering, obstruction of justice, loud noises, $48,700 bail;

William Kevin Jones, 34, Marksville – probation violation, parole violation, three counts contempt of court, $100,000 bail;

Ashley Calip Littleton, 44, Deville – theft, criminal conspiracy, two counts sexual abuse of an animal, Louisiana fugitive, $61,000 bail;

Devacheay Tray Martin, 24, Pineville – simple escape, possession of fentanyl, possession of marijuana, attempted second degree murder, possession of firearm by convicted felon, parole violations, $575,500 bail;

Christopher K. Mayeaux, 39, Pineville – simple burglary, resisting an officer, possession of drug paraphernalia, theft, possession of CDS, $30,000 bail;

Shawn Jade McCarty, 47, Vidalia – Louisiana fugitive, no bail data;

Brad Lee Moses, 25, Alexandria – two counts criminal damage to property, flight from an officer, theft of a motor vehicle, $20,500 bail;

David Paul Raila, 54, Alexandria – possession of CDS, solicitation on an interstate highway, contempt fail to pay fine, $5,500 bail.

The Natchitoches Parish School Board is actively seeking a qualified Secondary Physics/Chemistry Teacher to join its dedicated team of educators.

This position offers the opportunity to inspire and empower students to achieve their fullest potential through engaging instruction and a supportive classroom environment.

The teacher in this position will play a key role in driving student growth aligned with Louisiana’s accountability standards. NPSB offers competitive compensation and benefits, a supportive work-life balance, and professional growth and leadership opportunities.

In addition, NPSB proudly welcomes retirees to return to the classroom in a critical shortage certification area without losing retirement benefits — an initiative aimed at ensuring all students have access to highly qualified educators.

“We are committed to building a district that values its educators and makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our students every day,” said NPSB officials. “We encourage passionate teachers, recent graduates, and experienced retirees alike to explore this opportunity.”

Learn more about why NPSB is a great place to teach: https://www.npsb.la/page/careers

Apply online: https://www.applitrack.com/natchitoches/onlineapp/default.aspx?all=1

For inquiries, please contact:
Ramona Wynder, Interim Director of Human Resources
Natchitoches Parish School Board
(318) 352-2358 or Ramona.Wynder@npsb.la

EOE

By JIM BUTLER

Tayshaun Spearman is bound over for a seven-year prison sentence on a marijuana-dealing conviction. From his perspective it could be worse.

Spearman, 20, of Alexandria was tried, convicted and sentenced this week in Ninth Judicial Distict Court on the charge from last August, the most recent of his arrests, which also included allegations of contraband in a penal facility and criminal conspiracy.

Six months earlier he was charged with second-degree murder, assault by drive-by and aggravated criminal damage in an incident on Victoria Drive.

Actually Spearman, on bond at the time, was not supposed to be in the parish. Then living in Dallas, he was ordered in October 2023 to stay away unless required here for court appearance.

That circumstance was in connection with his August 2023 booking on a second-degree murder charge and two counts of armed robbery stemming from a sidewalk argument.

Pineville Elementary School’s open house will be held on Aug. 7, 5:30-7:30pm. 

They will be selling shirts at the open house, cash only! They will be $15, and the design is the image above. 

Baton Rouge, LA – July 24, 2025 – Friends of Louisiana Public Broadcasting (Friends of LPB) is proud to announce the appointment of Billy West of Natchitoches to its Board of Directors. West brings with him a wealth of experience, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the importance of public broadcasting and educational programming in Louisiana.

Friends of LPB’s mission is to cultivate members, funding, and resources that enhance and expand LPB’s programming and educational initiatives. Driven by a strong commitment to education, opportunity, and access, the organization supports LPB in its role as Louisiana’s largest classroom—providing free, high-quality educational resources for children and families, along with trusted emergency information and enriching cultural programming for communities statewide.

“Billy West’s passion for education and community engagement makes him an invaluable addition to our board,” said Bo Harris, Board Chair. “We are confident that his leadership and vision will help us continue to advance LPB’s mission and expand its impact across Louisiana.”

As a board member, West will play a critical role in strengthening fundraising efforts and expanding community outreach at a time when public media is facing significant challenges and a growing demand for quality, educational content. His leadership will help ensure that LPB remains a vital resource for communities across Louisiana.

For more information about Friends of LPB and its mission, visit www.friendsoflpb.org.

Louisiana Christian University, known for years as one of the safest college campuses in the state, is adding another tool to its safety and security practices—a siren alert warning system.

The siren has been installed and is currently in the testing phase. It was made possible through the Department of Homeland Security’s FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program.

The application and funding are long processes, according to Bryce Sanders, LCU Executive Director of Information Technology. Each year, FEMA puts out a list of grant opportunities and the equipment eligible for reimbursement.

“All of the equipment is security-related, and that list changes every year,” Sanders said.

Additional funding for the siren technology was received from the Union Pacific Railroad Foundation, said Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Henry O. Robertson, which has made the siren even more effective.

The siren is a mass notification system that can be used to audibly inform faculty, staff, students and visitors to campus of any imminent threat, said John Dauzat, director of Campus Security and Operations.

LCU will begin phasing in the use of the siren for two types of events—imminent weather and active shooter. Different siren sounds are used for different types of events, and training must be done to ensure understanding of the alert given.

For other events, the university will continue to use its RAVE text notification system. The siren will be initially used solely for imminent threats to the campus community.

“If a tornado is three miles away, we need to know now,” Sanders said. “We needed an audible alert to the entire campus population to reach all areas of campus.”

The siren, which stands 50 feet in the air near Alexandria Hall, is configured to broadcast across 2800 feet omnidirectionally.

Text alerts worked for some things, but they did not ensure that everyone was getting the message in a timely manner. Text alerts also must be subscribed to. The siren alarm will reach everyone on campus and in the immediate vicinity of campus instantly.

“You’re going to be made aware,” Dauzat said. “If you’re a guest on campus and you don’t have RAVE, you are going to be made aware.”

Sanders said with the addition of the siren to LCU’s other safety measures, which include AI cameras and keyless entry into buildings, the university is ahead of most other schools in the area.

The siren system has a lot of other potential uses in the future, Dauzat said.

“We are just scratching the surface of what it’s capable of,” he said. “It’s one more tool in our toolbelt of maintaining safety over our campus.”

The Q2 Opportunity Grant application period for the Central Louisiana Community Foundation is still open, but not for long.

Don’t miss a chance to apply for grants ranging from $250 to $2,000 to support work in the community. Applications close on July 31, so make sure to submit soon.

Learn more about eligibility, exclusions, and how to apply using the following link: https://www.clcf.net/opportunity-grant

For more information or questions, call 318-445-7702 or check the website: www.clcf.net

Today United Way of Central Louisiana’s Community Engagement Coordinator Ananda Flanagan attended the awards ceremony for CLTCC and Louisiana Central’s Manufacturing Career Camp. This year, United Way of CenLA was presented with the prestigious “Helping Hands, Building Futures” Award. This is such a great privilege and means a lot to the organization, as it truly believes the youth are the future and they are worth every second and cent being invested.

United Way of CenLA expressed its thanks to Louisiana Central Program Coordinator Keisha Hamilton
and Lindsay Herr Green, Vice Chancellor of Workforce and Grant Development of CLTCC Workforce Solutions Alexandria, for presenting them with this honor, as well as anyone else involved in the implementation of such an impactful program.

The organizational also expressed its pride in its employees Ananda and Education Coordinator Toni Clegg for personally attending the camp dates and continuously showing up and out for the kids present.

The Town of Ball has announced that, effective Oct. 1, it will no longer be accepting cash for payments.

This change comes from the Louisiana Legislative Auditor. 

Additionally, the Town of Ball will no longer accept Water Works District #3 payments. 

Payments to the Town of Ball may be made via check, money order, or credit card. Auto-draft forms are available at Town Hall. 

The Pineville Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a woman who stole a great deal of meat from a local grocery store. Over two days, the individual took:

• 17 packs of ribeyes
• Roughly 6 pounds of thick-cut bacon
• Roughly 12.25 pounds of sausage
• Energy drinks

If anyone recognizes this person, call Pineville PD. All tips can remain anonymous.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

Carbon Capture and Sequestration involves capturing CO2 emissions directly from large point private sources like power plants, industrial facilities, or cement factories before they’re released into the atmosphere. The captured CO2 is then compressed and transported (usually by pipeline) to be stored permanently underground in geological formations like depleted oil and gas reservoirs or saline aquifers

The porous space where the C02 is stored consists of porous rock layers, located under the caprock. This caprock is directly under our Groundwater aquifers. The goal is to store CO2 permanently underground, keeping it out of the atmosphere.

Louisiana has the geological storage capacity to sequester approximately 40% of the Nations C02 Emissions.