The backstory helps explain why so many in the Louisiana-Mississippi corridor were caught off guard by Katrina 20 years ago today.

A year earlier thousands had evacuated ahead of Ivan, being termed the strongest hurricane to ever approach the corridor, and aiming right at it.

Routes inland from Gulfport-Biloxi, where I was the Sun-Herald’s night editor, were jammed the afternoon before expected landfall.

Nearly forgotten memories of Camille and its devastation moved masses. The 70-mile drive to Hattiesburg took 4 1/2 hours.

The Coast was pretty much abandoned as thousands huddled afar and waited.

But Ivan changed course, instead ripping into Alabama and West Florida with unmerciful fury.

Many of those returning to Mississippi and Louisiana homes said no more and when Katrina rebounded toward them on August 27, 2005 they dug in, resolved to not again cower before a now-you-see-it, now-you-don’t demon.

By the time they could stare right in Katrina’s face it was too late to pack and go. The Coast went to bed on August 28 absolutely certain a blow was coming. The only question was how bad it would be.

We all know now.

Ivan’s storm surges in Mississippi of 4-7 feet a year earlier were surpassed by Katrina’s of up to 28 feet. From Bay St. Louis to Pascagoula a wall of water nearly three stories high roared several miles inland.

Its force in tandem with the screaming wind left destruction such as was hard to believe, toppling buildings and bridges, ripping up train tracks and trees, reducing housing and highways to rubble.

For the Coast, as in New Orleans, recovery came first, before rebuilding could begin.

Before either, of course, came the added insult less than a month later from Rita’s pounding.

Some of the rebuilding has yet to be done, and may never be.

(Two entries from Jim’s Katrina Notebook, published by the Biloxi Sun-Herald)

September 1, 2005: To the watering hole

They begin to gather at sundown, coming in ones, twos or larger groups on Day Two of life after Katrina.

Much like Serengeti animals drawn to the watering hole, residents of the subdivision are attracted to a fire hydrant and the pipe wrench discretely hidden nearby.

A shower, or what passes for one in this community circle, is the primary purpose after another day of no power and no water in the stifling heat.

Another objective is collecting in buckets enough water to facilitate toilet use.

And always there is an alertness for the prowling lion — in this instance represented by the patrolling law enforcement unit.

The surreptitious bathers aren’t sure their actions are legal, but there is an unspoken sense that they probably not acceptable in normal times, but these are not normal times.

September 7, 2005:  Drip-drop-drip

GULFPORT — There is perhaps nothing more irritating than the sound of a leaking faucet, except when that drip-drop-drip signifies water is back in the line.

Not much pressure, not potable, but water nonetheless.

It allows toilets to function, and boiled on the Coleman stove, opens the door to lost luxury — instant coffee, instant grits, instant soup, macaroni and cheese — a gourmet’s delight.

Some are talking about showers, others aren’t sure about getting under what may be a contaminated stream.

Odds are the latter are just not dirty enough yet nine days after landfall.

(Editor’s note: Jim Butler, a Bolton High School alumnus, was an acclaimed writer and editor at the Alexandria Town Talk for 36 years, the last 23 (1977-2003) as editor-in-chief. He led Pulitzer Prize-winning coverage of Hurricane Katrina for the Gulfport (Miss.) Sun-Herald in 2005. Butler returned home to Cenla a few years ago, and shares his talents and insight with Rapides Parish Journal readers.)

As America enjoys a long weekend thanks to the Labor Day holiday, the Rapides Parish Journal staff will be commemorating the occasion, too.

We join in a nationwide salute to the workers who make the U.S. economy the best in the world, and whose skill and effort continues to be the backbone of our American way of life. We hope you and yours have the opportunity to relax and rejoice this Labor Day weekend.

There will be no Monday edition of the RPJ. We’ll be back publishing on weekdays as normal Tuesday morning, popping into emails at 6:55 and online and on our Facebook page even earlier in the morning, providing you with free local content.

Thanks for reading your Journal.

Bottom Line: Cole was selected as one of “College football’s 25 most powerful people” in USAToday in its August 27, 2025 edition.   Cole Gahagan, originally from Natchitoches, Louisiana, is a proven sports media executive who has transformed Learfield into college athletics’ dominant technology and media platform through strategic innovation, financial restructuring, and market expansion.  

Industry Power & Influence

Cole has established himself as one of college football’s 25 most powerful people according to USA TODAY Sports, ranking 15th on their 2025 list. His influence stems from leading Learfield’s transformation from its origins as a farm radio network into a major player in the business of college sports, serving as a conduit for a variety of deals, from stadium naming rights to media rights to engineering more than $140 million in NIL sponsorship agreements in 2025. This recognition places him among the sport’s most influential decision-makers, alongside conference commissioners, television executives, and coaching legends.

Background & Leadership Experience

Cole was born and raised in Natchitoches, Louisiana, having attended Natchitoches Central High School where he was active in sports and represented the school at Louisiana Boys State where he was elected Lt. Governor.  He subsequently graduated from TCU and received an MBA from SMU in Dallas, TX.  Cole is the son of Coley and Sharon Gahagan who, until recently, resided in Natchitoches for over 55 years.  

Cole is married to the former Jacqueline Copp and they are the parents of two children, Henry IV and Anabell.  Henry IV has committed to Brown University in Providence R.I. where he has been accepted for admission as a pitcher for the “Brown Bears”.  Cole and his family now reside in Dallas, Texas.     

Currently serving as President and CEO of Learfield, the largest sports media and technology company in college athletics, Cole  brought extensive experience from senior executive roles at major entertainment companies, including Chief Commercial Officer at Fanatics and leadership positions at Ticketmaster and Live Nation. His background spans revenue generation, strategy development, and commercial operations across the sports and entertainment ecosystem.

Strategic Achievements

Since joining Learfield in early 2020, Cole has spearheaded comprehensive business transformation across multiple fronts. He completed the Fanbase data platform, creating college athletics’ most robust data infrastructure serving 130 schools and reaching over 150 million fans. His launch of the proprietary Fan365 programmatic advertising product expanded digital programs by over 100% across 15,000+ brand partners. Additionally, he established Learfield Studios in 2021, which has become one of the largest content engines in US sports, producing over 1,500 content units and generating 435 million fan impressions.

Market Innovation

Cole positioned Learfield as the industry leader in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) monetization following the 2021 rule changes. Through Learfield Allied, he created comprehensive NIL programs spanning over 100 school properties, 2,300+ student-athletes, and 500+ sponsor campaigns. His partnership with the University of Alabama resulted in the groundbreaking Advantage Center, the first dedicated NIL campus content facility.

Financial Leadership

Cole demonstrated exceptional crisis management during COVID-19, maintaining business continuity and achieving record growth rates post-pandemic. He secured over $240 million in growth capital in 2021 and orchestrated a landmark 2023 recapitalization that reduced long-term debt by $600+ million while securing $150 million in new equity investment, significantly strengthening the company’s financial foundation.

Industry Recognition

His leadership has earned recognition through Sports Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Award, Leaders in Sport’s Leaders Under 40 Award.  Ernest and Young, CPAs named Cole Gahagan, as the 2024 Southwest regional winner of the Ernst & Young (EY) Entrepreneur Of The Year Award for revitalizing Learfield and reimagining the college sports industry through innovative data, media, and technology solutions. Additionally, Cole was included on Billboard Magazine’s Top 25 Digital Players in Entertainment list, establishing him as a visionary in sports media and technology innovation.

Construction on US HWY 165 near Lowes, beginning today, Sept. 2, will impact service on the Pineville/RT 4 routes, which may cause delays for passengers connecting to other buses due to traffic.

Passengers are encouraged to allow at least 1 hour to reach their destinations. Stops along US HWY 165 from Lowe’s to Walmart may be affected.

Visit https://bit.ly/45tEgDE for more information on bus stops in this area.

Creative Con is back. Come to Westside Regional Library on Saturday, Aug. 30, at 9am to find local vendors, crafts, games and prizes. This year’s theme is Pokemon! Wear a costume/cosplay (does not have to be Pokemon related to enter) and compete in the Cosplay Contest at noon for a chance to win gift cards to BAM.

Update: 

The Alexandria Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance with locating the second vehicle involved in the crash in the 3100 block of Hudson Boulevard. The vehicle is described as a dark gray Chevrolet Camaro, year model between 2016 and 2018. The vehicle should have heavy damage to the front passenger side.

Original: 

The Alexandria Police Department responded to a fatal crash in the 3100 block of Hudson Boulevard involving two vehicles and a motorized wheelchair on Monday, Aug. 25, at approximately 8:45pm. The operator of the wheelchair, 76-year-old Benny Bowie, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The operator of the van that struck the motorized wheelchair was 52-year-old Kevin Batiste, Sr., who was subsequently summoned for DWI (2nd offense) and arrested on charges of vehicular homicide, reckless operation, and driving under suspension.

A second vehicle, described as a dark-colored Dodge Charger with heavy front-end damage, was also involved in this crash but fled the scene prior to officers’ arrival. Investigators are actively working to locate this vehicle.

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 Town of Ball remains the community that its offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 1, to observe the Labor Day Holiday. 

Monday’s garbage route will run on Tuesday. Tuesday’s route will run on Wednesday.

A boil advisory issued on Aug. 26 for Windermere Blvd. area is now lifted. Repair of a main made by COA personnel resulted in the need for a boil water advisory. The State of Louisiana has tested the water, and the results of the tests are clear, according to Superintendent of Water Operations, Barrett Dezendorf.

With the lifting of the boil advisory, the City of Alexandria now recommends that businesses and residences in the affected areas:

• Run cold-water faucets for one minute;
• Run drinking water fountains for one minute;
• Flush automatic icemakers (make three batches of ice and discard);
• Run water softeners through a regeneration cycle; and
• Run water coolers with direct water connections for five minutes.

By JIM BUTLER

GAEDA had no quorum for its August meeting, the second such shortfall in four months.

Three of the Authority’s seven commissioner seats are essentially vacant, leaving no margin for absence among the quorum number of four.

Absences happen – health, business, family affairs, all can create conflicts. A different commissioner missed the May and August meetings.

According to posted agenda notices and recordings the business scheduled for what turned out to be unofficial meetings was mostly in-house matters with no grant applications stalled by lack of quorum.

To this point GAEDA’s primary economic stimulus effort has been providing financial support to a host of gatherings in the city though it has entered a cooperative endeavor agreement with the city regarding the Weiss & Goldring building.

GAEDA funds are supplied through a hotel-motel occupancy tax that last year yielded $924,000.

Executive Director Angela Varnado in mid-July urged the City Council to force the membership issue under a particular legal doctrine. That dog didn’t hunt.

City Code allows each of 7 council members, who have met twice since Varnado’s request, to nominate a member and has no provision for a continuing vacancy.

The three council members – Jim Villard, Lizzie Felter and Chuck Fowler – whose GAEDA nominations are pending may be having difficulty finding takers, considering the agency issues over the past 18 months, or may just be in no hurry.

If either wants to look outside the city per se there’s a residency question – must a GAEDA nominee or member live within city?  The most-recent ordinance makes no mention.

The serve-at-will change in the member process was adopted under that ordinance in February 2023, with Fowler, according to minutes, being the only no vote.

A Northwestern State student-athlete is proving that discipline on the pitcher’s mound can also translate into entrepreneurship.

Balancing academics, athletics, and business ownership, junior baseball pitcher and hospitality management major Kevin Robinson has turned his love for baking into K-Rob’s Kitchen, a growing venture rooted in family traditions and community support.

Robinson said school and baseball remain his top priorities, and NSU has provided the structure to manage both. Time management became the first skill he had to master, and his business fits around that schedule, often late at night or on weekends. His parents frequently step in to help when he travels between Natchitoches and his hometown of Shreveport, where most of his baking supplies and equipment are kept.

The inspiration for K-Rob’s Kitchen began at age 17 when he sold a pumpkin pie recipe passed down by a mentor to raise funds for a mission trip. That experience, along with family holiday traditions centered on pies, pralines, and cookies, laid the foundation for his business. Many of his signature items—including cinnamon rolls, pralines, and Snickerdoodles—carry personal meaning tied to his grandmother, his mentor, and his family.

Robinson, a Byrd High School standout who was the Shreveport-Bossier Journal “Outstanding Player” as a senior in 2023, said coming to Northwestern was part of his faith journey. A meeting with Demons’ baseball coach Chris Bertrand and a visit to the university’s Hospitality Management and Tourism department confirmed his decision.

The combination of baseball, culinary studies, and faith-based student organizations such as FCA and BCM provided him with the balance he sought in college. His classes in the HMT department have also given him practical business and baking skills that tie directly to K-Rob’s Kitchen.

The discipline learned through baseball has shaped how he runs his business. He compares the consistency and focus required of a pitcher to the detail and preparation needed in baking. Just as he relies on his teammates on the field, he relies on his parents and family—his “volunteer employees”—to keep the business running when he is away.

Support from the NSU and Natchitoches community has also been key. His first opportunity to sell came at the NSU Baseball auction, and from there, fans, students, and local families have embraced his products. Through experiences from being included in Northwestern’s Presidential Leadership Program and an invitation to attend the NCAA student-athlete leadership conference, Robertson has grown in leadership while building his business. He credits coaches, professors, and peers for equipping him with life and professional skills.

The biggest challenge has been the constant travel between Natchitoches and Shreveport, but Robinson  said the rewards outweigh the difficulties. Seeing people enjoy his baked goods and knowing they carry his family’s traditions has been the most fulfilling part.

Looking to the future, Robinson hopes to expand K-Rob’s Kitchen with a more permanent space and new recipes drawn from family heritage. He envisions growth through storefronts, shipping, or continued community involvement, always keeping the business rooted in faith, family, and tradition.

Reflecting on his journey, Robinson said he never imagined selling pies in high school would lead to running a business in college. With Jeremiah 29:11 stitched on his baseball glove as a reminder of his faith, he credits God, family, and community with helping him manage the balance between school, baseball, and business.

Retired Menard track and field and cross country coach Wally Smith was informed Tuesday afternoon that he had been elected to the Louisiana High School Sports Hall of Fame.

Smith, who coached for 33 years at Menard, was surprised when acclaimed track and field and cross country coach Joe Moreau of Alexandria, Menard principal Cris Gatlin, several of Smith’s friends, a former runner, parents of some former runners and a former rival coach showed up at his home for the announcement of the honor.

Moreau, an early mentor for Smith, is a member of the Louisiana High School Sports Hall of Fame and its Hall of Fame selection committee. He read the letter from the Louisiana High School Coaches Association informing Smith that he had been elected to the Hall of Fame. His induction ceremony will be April 20, 2026 in Baton Rouge.

During Smith’s tenure at Menard, the Eagles won 13 state titles in cross country with the Lady Eagles winning 11 and the Eagle boys claiming two. He also guided his girls track and field team to a state title in 2013.

“This is a runners’ award,” said Smith, “because they are all a part of this. Whenever you do God’s will, everything works.”

The Rapides Parish 4-H is hosting a Boston Butt Plate Lunch Fundraiser. The plates will be available for pick-up on Monday, Sept. 15, 11am to 12:30pm, at the Mega Shelter (8125 Hwy 71 South). 

Support Rapides Parish 4-H and enjoy a delicious plate lunch featuring:

• Boston Butt
• Mac & Cheese
• Rice Dressing
• Roll
• Dessert

Each plate is only $12 (online orders will be $13 due to processing fees). Delivery available for 10 or more plates upon request.

Order now by scanning the QR code in the flyer above or contact Rapides 4-H directly.

Use this direct link unable to access the QR code.

Questions? Call 318-767-3968.

A few minutes before United States Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley called Sam Burns’ name Wednesday morning as the sixth and final captain’s choice pick for the USA roster in the Sept. 26-28 international competition, Cameron Young did.

That inadvertent slip from the fourth player announced by Bradley strongly hinted Burns was on the team.

“Cameron Young just gave away Sam Burns being a pick,” posted Hugh Kellenberger of The Athletic on that publication’s live chat as Bradley methodically went through his selections live on Golf Channel. Responding to a question, Young said, “… and teammates like Sam …” and the cat was climbing out of the bag.

Despite getting a call, presumably Monday (posted Wednesday on the Ryder Cup USA Facebook page), from Bradley – who said Wednesday morning his team was set 48 hours earlier – the emotion was apparent. Burns’ voice wavered as he began to respond to the opening query from the program moderator.

“Being on these teams is one of the highest honors you can achieve in this sport. I’m so privileged and honored to be part of this team,” said the 29-year-old Shreveport native and Calvary Baptist Academy graduate from his home in Choudrant, where he plays out of Squire Creek Country Club.

Burns was 16^th on the USA’s Ryder Cup points rankings and was among roughly 10 players thought to be in the mix for the six captain’s choices – including Bradley, who stood 11^th on the points list but decided not to be a playing captain – a decision that may have left open the slot Burns filled.

Moments after announcing the former two-time LSU All-American and 2016 major college player of the year’s spot on the roster, Bradley referenced the intensity that Burns carries — and flashed in his initial comment Wednesday.

“Sam is an incredibly passionate golfer. He is the best putter on the planet. He has won the Match Play championship. He has an extreme competitive fire in his belly. I have a lot of respect for Sam and the way that he came on at the end of the season to make this team. His back was against the wall and he played well every week. That’s some of the hardest times to play good golf, trying to make these Ryder Cup teams, and Sam did that.

“We really wanted to see how these guys handled the pressure of making this team, and they all shined brightly at the end of the season … playing high level golf on the biggest stage, with the Ryder Cup on the line. Ultimately that was the decision-maker on who made the team,” said Bradley.

The USA aims to defend home turf at Bethpage Black on Long Island, N.Y., and take the Ryder Cup away from the Europeans, who won convincingly two years ago in Rome.

As Bradley explained what he and his vice captains were looking for in the six picks to go with the six automatic qualifiers on the USA’s Ryder Cup points system, it was clear Burns was an ideal fit – considering the three-week FedEx Cup playoff run Burns staged (tied for fourth two weeks ago at the BMW Championship, tied for 7^th last weekend at the Tour Championship, while posting 68 or lower in each of his last 10 rounds in the playoffs) coupled with his two days of leading the U.S. Open and an eighth-place there, one of his six top 10s this season.

Burns tops the PGA Tour with a .924 strokes gained putting rate, is fourth in putts per round (28.0) and 19^th in birdie conversion rate (34.2 percent). He stands second on tour with 377 birdies in 24 starts this season and averages a solid 307.4 yards off the tee.

“We wanted guys who we knew could handle the moment,” said Bradley. “There’s Ryder Cups, and there’s Ryder Cups at Bethpage. We needed guys who were winners, who were up there in majors, that have won majors, and ultimately guys that we felt fit the golf course – very long, very difficult. Most of these guys are incredible putters.

“We’d love to have Sam on our side with that putter at Bethpage. I can’t wait to see him out there with those fans. (He) plays with his heart on his sleeve, and people at Bethpage are going to love that.”

Making his second Ryder Cup appearance and fourth consecutive USA roster for international competition (wins in the 2022 and 2024 Presidents Cup), Burns is relishing playing in front of boisterous New Yorkers.

“It’s going to be an incredible week. I know we’re going to have tons of support at Bethpage. These fans are special, and they love getting behind their teams, behind their country, and I know having their support will spur us on and hopefully we can rally behind that energy and use it to our advantage,” he said.

The other players chosen by Bradley and announced Wednesday were Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Patrick Cantlay and Young. The automatic selections confirmed two Sundays ago were world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, J.J. Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Bryson DeChambeau, and Harris English.

Burns went 1-2 in the 2023 Ryder Cup and was 3-0-1 last year in Canada at the Presidents Cup.

Bradley said Burns and the other USA players (except for DeChambeau, who is ineligible because he plays on the LIV Golf circuit) will be in the PGA Tour’s first fall event, the Procore Championship Sept. 11-14 in Napa, California, to avoid a monthlong competitive break before the Ryder Cup.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com