Vehicle Purchase Intention Survey
Current Attitudes Toward Buying a
New Car or Truck
(within the next 4 months)

Charles R. Satcher
June 30, 1945 – August 8, 2025
Service: Saturday, August 16, 2025, 11am at Kramer & Son Funeral Home, Alexandria.

John Patrick Reynolds
September 26, 1950 – August 7, 2025
Service: Monday, August 11, 2025, 10am at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria.

Paul Douglas Chambers
December 16, 1945 – August 6, 2025
Service: Monday, August 11, 2025, 11am at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball. 

Carroll H. Gates
December 31, 1938 – August 4, 2025
Service: Saturday, August 16, 2025, 12pm at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville.

Dawn Marie Foster
December 1, 1961 – August 3, 2025
Service: Saturday, August 16, 2025, 1pm at Trinity Baptist Church, Pineville.

Cora Lee West
September 1, 1943 – August 2, 2025
Service: Friday, August 15, 2025, 11am at First Evening Star Baptist 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)

Get the Rapides Parish Journal each Weekday morning at 6:55am to your inbox – It’s FREE!

SIGN UP

UPDATE: 08-09-25

On Friday, August 8 at approximately 9 p.m., members of the Cotile Fire Department notified RPSO they had located the deceased remains of Joan Redd in the woods off of Nichols Cemetary Road.

Patrol Deputies, Sheriff’s Detectives and Crime Scene Unit responded to conduct their investigation. The Rapides Parish Coroner’s Office took possession of the body and an autopsy will be conducted to determine cause of death.

Sheriff’s Detectives say this is still an active and ongoing investigation pending results of the autopsy.

If anyone has any information on this investigation, they are asked to contact RPSO Main Office at 328-473-6700 or Crime Stoppers at 328-443-7867.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Sheriff’s Detectives are requesting the public’s assistance in locating a missing person, JOAN REDD.

MS. REDD is a white female 36 years of age. Ms. Redd has brown hair and brown eyes. She is 5’4” tall and 120 pounds. She also has facial piercing and multiple tattoos.

Ms. Redd was last seen in the area of LA 28 West near Oscar Branch road riding a pink bicycle. Family members are very concerned as Ms. Redd has had a recent medical procedure.

If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of Joan Redd, they are asked to contact RPSO at 318-473-6700 or Criminal Investigation Division-Main Office at 318-473-6700.

Tommy Carnline
Chief of Staff
Rapides Parish Sheriffs Office
318-308-6594

Continue your article here…

By JIM BUTLER

It wasn’t Earps and Clantons but close enough for those caught in the middle of June’s Cheneyville shootout.

After magazines emptied and smoke cleared, five people had bullet wounds and suspects had vamoosed.

Responding officers found four vehicles resembling Swiss cheese, dozens of shell casings and attendees at a remembrance ceremony caught in the middle.

Investigators have not confirmed the nature of the beef between the parties, believed to have run upon each other in an unfortunate intersection of gun bearers.

Identify of those shot hasn’t been confirmed though authorities indicated the injuries were not life-threatening.

Identity of suspects has been established in 12 arrests since early June, the most recent this month. They include one unnamed 16-year-old. All are charged with six counts of attempted second-degree murder and criminal conspiracy.

Five of the accused have previous felony charges, including two out on bond in another attempted murder case.

The suspects hail from Alexandria, Pineville, Glenmora and Cheneyville. One 51-year-old woman is among them.

J’marion Williams, 21, and Tavarious Thomas, 20, both of Alexandria, posted $100,000 bond each in March 2024 on attempted second-degree murder charges. Details regarding that allegation were not available.

Also with previous felony accusations among the group:

Kyjuwon Jones, 24, Pineville, last booked on an illegal use of dangerous instrumentality in May 2023. His Cheneyville charges include firearm possession by a convicted felon; Damarian Bazile, 24, Pineville, felony flight, illegal possession stolen firearm, August 2000; Xavier Wright, 22, Glenmora, possession with intent, firearm with drugs, May 2023 and aggravated assault with firearm, aggravated abuse child present, illegal use firearm, theft of firearm, June 2022.

The Rapides Parish Police Jury has announced two forthcoming road closures coming next week. 

Julie Street, Ward 8, District E, will be closed for thru traffic due to culvert replacements starting Monday, Aug. 11, until further notice.

Sunshine Road, Ward 8, District E, will be closed for thru traffic due to culvert replacements starting Thursday, Aug. 14, until further notice.

JOURNAL SERVICES

After years of dormancy, oil and natural gas exploration is experiencing a significant resurgence in Natchitoches Parish, driven by renewed interest in the prolific Haynesville Shale formation and rising demand for clean-burning natural gas.

Haynesville Shale Drives the Revival

The comeback is largely attributed to the expansion of Haynesville Shale activity into northern Natchitoches Parish. The Haynesville formation, which extends across northwest Louisiana and northeast Texas, contains an estimated 300 to 500 trillion cubic feet of recoverable natural gas reserves, making it one of the most significant shale gas resources in North America.

Natchitoches Parish currently ranks #7 in Louisiana for barrel of oil equivalent (BOE) production as of October 2024, with the parish’s oil and gas infrastructure supporting 934 wells drilled between January 1977 and October 2024. Recent data shows the parish produced 524 barrels of oil and 126,600 thousand cubic feet of natural gas in June 2024 alone.

Economic Impact and Local Activity

The resurgence has brought noticeable economic activity to the region, with leasing activity expanding beyond traditional hotspots to new areas across the parish. Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court David Stamey said that there is no surprise that leasing activity has continued in the Northern portion of the parish, especially along the borders with Desoto, Red River and Sabine Parishes, but the new areas of leasing is what had him excited. “For the first time in many years, we have had leases filed in areas around Robeline. They extend towards Marthaville, the Shady Grove area and even along Hwy 6.”

Stamey noted the increased activity at his office: “Our office has been visited by many abstractors checking titles in person for conveyance information prior to 1920. Those same companies do a lot of their title checks on line for information we have available back to 1920. We welcome those abstractors to the office because we know that the results of their work can bring great news to our citizens and to the economy.”

A quick review of the Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court records shows that over 200 leases have been filed in the Parish records since January 1, 2025. (The NPJ pulled a list of leases from the Public Records in Natchitoches Parish online service – Attached)

The renewed activity comes at a time when natural gas is again in high demand, and the Haynesville has at least 300 trillion cubic feet in reserve. Industry experts note that after spending much of the past decade overshadowed by liquids-rich shale basins, the Haynesville formation is experiencing a dramatic comeback.

Strategic Positioning

Natchitoches Parish’s position within the broader Haynesville play provides significant advantages for energy development. Some of the world’s largest petrochemical complexes and LNG export facilities are located on the Texas and Louisiana gulf coast near the Haynesville Shale play, creating ready markets for the region’s natural gas production.

The timing of this resurgence aligns with global energy trends. Global LNG trade will rise 21% by 2025 from 2019, reaching 585 billion cubic meters, creating sustained demand for the type of clean-burning natural gas that Natchitoches Parish can provide.

Looking Forward

The boundaries of what we typically think of as the Haynesville Shale in Northeast Texas and Northwest Louisiana are expanding, suggesting that Natchitoches Parish may see even more exploration activity in the coming years. Recent industry reports indicate that Haynesville Shale has 349 wells drilled in 2023, demonstrating continued robust investment in the formation.

The return of oil and gas exploration represents a significant economic opportunity for Natchitoches Parish, bringing jobs, tax revenue, and renewed investment to the region. As energy companies continue to recognize the value of the parish’s mineral resources and its strategic location within the Haynesville formation, residents can expect continued growth in exploration and production activities.

Local officials and industry observers remain optimistic about the long-term prospects for energy development in the parish, particularly as global demand for reliable, clean-burning natural gas continues to grow and technological advances make previously uneconomical resources viable for development.

Important Notice: Oil and gas leasing involves highly sophisticated legal and financial considerations. Property owners considering lease agreements are strongly advised to consult with an experienced oil and gas attorney before signing any documents. These complex contracts can have long-lasting implications for mineral rights, royalty payments, and property use. Professional legal guidance is essential to ensure fair terms and protect landowner interests throughout the leasing process.

MEMPHIS – Sam Burns made the turn, and turned around his day Thursday in the opening round of the PGA Tour playoffs.

Burns was four over through the front nine Thursday morning at TPC Southwind in the FedEx St. Jude Championship. He birdied Nos. 10 and 11, starting a surge of five birdies on the back that brought him back to even par 70 and left him tied for 39^th in the 70-player field heading into the second round today.

The former LSU All-American attacked the flag for his first four birdies, sinking putts of 5, 4, 7 (on No. 14) and 8 feet (No. 16), then drained a 27-footer on 18 to get back to even par.

He is one shot out of 27^th and two shots out of 20^th starting today’s round. Burns, a Shreveport native and Choudrant resident, tees off at 11:50 paired with Justin Rose, who shot 6-under 64 Thursday and is tied for third.

Akshay Batia carded 8-under 62 for the Round 1 lead. Tommy Fleetwood was second, one shot back.

TV coverage today is on Golf Channel starting at 1 o’clock. Golf Channel and NBC will combine on the final two rounds.

Burns, 28, tied for fifth last year in Memphis, starting a playoff push that earned him a captain’s pick on the United States Presidents Cup team. He is 16^th in the USA Ryder Cup standings, bidding to be one of captain Keegan Bradley’s six at-large picks after the playoffs finish three weeks from now.

As Child Support Awareness Month begins, the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) announces the return of its limited-time offer to help noncustodial parents who have lost their driver’s licenses due to unpaid child support get “On the Road Again” for a reduced fee.

The promotion runs August 1 through September 30. It applies to licenses administratively suspended by DCFS.

“This initiative gives parents a real opportunity to get back on track – not just with their license, but with their role in supporting their children,” said Sammy Guillory, Assistant Secretary of Family Support. “Children benefit when both parents are engaged, and a valid license can make a big difference in helping parents meet their obligations.”

Child support can play a vital role in strengthening the bond between non-custodial parents, usually fathers, and their children. By connecting early and offering manageable payment options, the program helps promote steady involvement and long-term positive outcomes for children across Louisiana.

Under normal circumstances, parents must be current on child support, have paid all past-due amounts, and provide health insurance for their child (if required) to reinstate a suspended license. During the promotion, eligible parents can reinstate their licenses by:

• Paying two months of child support for each case,
• Paying $100 toward any past-due balance for each case, and
• Paying any court-ordered fees.

For arrears-only cases, payment amounts will be determined separately. These payments are in addition to any fines or fees owed to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles for reinstating a license.

Federal law requires states to suspend licenses for unpaid child support. In Louisiana, a noncustodial parent who falls 90 days behind may lose their driver’s, hunting, fishing, professional, or business licenses.

Noncustodial parents interested in the On the Road Again promotion are encouraged to contact their caseworker to determine the amount they must pay to qualify. Full payment is due by September 30. Cash, money order, or cashier’s check is the fastest, but electronic payments are also accepted. Licenses may be re-suspended if the parent does not remain current on future payments.

Last year, 131 parents participated in the On the Road Again initiative, resulting in more than $155,000 collected on behalf of 202 children.

To learn more about the On the Road Again program, visit dcfs.la/otra. Noncustodial parents can also:

• Complete and submit this online form
• Message their caseworker through the CAFÉ portal at www.dcfs.la.gov/cafe
• Email OnTheRoad.DCFS@la.gov
• Contact LAHelpU at LAHelpU.DCFS@la.gov or 1-888-LAHelp-U (1-888-524-3578)
• Visit a local Child Support office. Find one near you at www.dcfs.la.gov/offices

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is making available free of charge commemorative durable hard cards (LDWF Hard Cards) for resident and non-resident disabled veterans. The Louisiana Legislature passed Act 321 during the 2025 session to provide the collector cards to disabled vets.

Those qualifying for the cards and disabled hunting/fishing licenses include any resident or non-resident veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Louisiana Army or Air National Guard, having a permanent service connected disability classification of 50% or more. The card will display the holder’s active annual license.

Disabled vets who are not yet licensed can obtain that by completing the application online or in person at LDWF headquarters in Baton Rouge and submitting it to LDWF with a copy of their driver’s license. Licenses for disabled vets are free and paid for by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation.

Once the disabled vet has his or her license, they can obtain the LDWF Hard Card either online or at LDWF headquarters in Baton Rouge.

Log in at www.louisianaoutdoors.com to obtain the hard card. Click on purchase on the dashboard and once in the product catalog, click on the Hard Card tab. Add the product (0301) Hard Card-Disabled Veterans to the card, then choose the card/image. Follow the steps to check out and complete the transaction.

The card should arrive by mail within two weeks of purchase.

For more information on the LDWF Hard Card, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/ldwf-hard-cards.

For more information on obtaining the card or a disabled veterans license, contact LDWF licensing at 225-765-2887 or 225-765-2898 Monday-Friday from 8am-4pm.

• Developing and managing the district’s annual budget
• Overseeing payroll, purchasing, grants, and financial reporting
• Ensuring compliance with state, federal, and local financial regulations
• Supervising business office staff and maintaining effective internal controls
• Supporting district-wide planning and resource allocation

Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies took a walk in complaint at the Tioga Substation in reference to Theft of a Motor Vehicle on July 20.  According to the victim, the vehicle was allegedly stolen from the 6000 block of Gilly Williams Road in Tioga.  Deputies took the initial report and the case was turned over to detectives for further investigation.  

Sheriff’s detectives from the Tioga Substation began their investigation and were able to establish Jeremy Wayne Belgard as a possible suspect. Proactive patrols were conducted in the area by patrol deputies as well as Sheriff’s Detectives in an attempt to locate the suspect and the vehicle.  From their investigation, Detectives located Belgard’s residence on Clark Circle in Pineville and on August 4, executed a searched warrant at 6117 Clark Circle where the stolen vehicle was located parked behind the mobile home on the lot.

A warrant for Belgard was obtained and he was taken into custody without incident and arrested for Theft of a Motor Vehicle > $1,000 < $5,000.  Belgard was booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center where he was later released on a $1,000 bond. The stolen vehicle was recovered by detectives and will be returned to the victim.

Sheriff’s detectives say this is an active investigation and more arrests are possible.  If anyone has any information about this crime, they are asked to contact Detective Matt Dauzat, Criminal Investigation Division- Tioga Substation at 318-641-6005.

The Alexandria Museum of Art will host a cyanotypes college workshop Saturday, Aug. 9, 1-4pm. 

Blooming Body Wellness Studio officially opened its doors on Aug. 7 with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce. The event marked the beginning of a new wellness destination located at 4136 Jackson Street in Alexandria.

The studio, founded on principles of self-discovery and holistic healing, offers a variety of services aimed at promoting personal growth and overall well-being. Guests in attendance were introduced to the studio’s core offerings including yoga classes (various styles including Gentle, Flow, and Restorative), sound baths, workshops and special events, private sessions, on-demand classes and recordings and retreats (e.g., seasonal or weekend retreats).

Founder Samantha Stokes describes the opening as more than just a business launch—calling it the start of “something sacred.” She welcomes the community into what she calls a space for “full-body healing, grounded self-care, and divine connection,” and emphasizes Blooming Body’s mission to guide individuals through transformative practices that nurture the mind, body, and spirit.

In addition to its breath work and wellness programs, the studio features therapeutic massage services provided by Erin Holsomback, the only licensed massage therapist in Louisiana offering Sarga Bodywork. This barefoot massage technique focuses on fascia release, lymphatic flow, and calming the nervous system. Each session is customized to encourage deep relaxation and whole-body balance.

Community members, local leaders, and wellness enthusiasts joined in the celebration, touring the newly renovated space and learning more about upcoming classes and services.

For more information or to schedule a massage session, clients can contact Erin Holsomback directly at 318-277-3272.

For other services go online to samanthastokes.offeringtree.com.

Photo: Courtesy of The Central LA Regional Chamber of Commerce

Carroll H. Gates
December 31, 1938 – August 4, 2025
Service: Saturday, August 16, 2025, 12pm at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville.

Dawn Marie Foster
December 1, 1961 – August 3, 2025
Service: Saturday, August 16, 2025, 1pm at Trinity Baptist Church, Pineville.

Shirley Joyce Dauzart
March 12, 1947 – August 2, 2025
Service: Friday, August 8, 2025, 1pm at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville.

Jeromey Ethan Phillips
December 10, 1975 – August 2, 2025
Service: Friday, August 8, 2025, 10am at First Church of God, Lena. 

Cora Lee West
September 1, 1943 – August 2, 2025
Service: Friday, August 15, 2025, 11am at First Evening Star Baptist Church, Alexandria. 

Donna Gail Price Holliday
November 15, 1946 – August 1, 2025
Service: Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 11:00 AM at The Sanctuary on the Square, Collierville, TN.

Deborah Williams-Frazier
November 18, 1957 – July 31, 2025
Service: Saturday, August 9, 2025, 10am at Zion Hill Church Family, Pineville. 

James Alton Prather
August 3, 1956 – July 31, 2025
Service: Saturday, August 9, 2025, 10am at Main Street Baptist Worship Center, Pineville.

Billy Ray Strother
December 18, 1931 – July 29, 2025
Service: Saturday, August 9, 2025, 12pm at Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

Cleotho Peterson
October 18, 1940 – July 27, 2025
Service: Saturday, August 9, 2025, 11am at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Alexandria. 

Edward L. McGuire
June 7, 1937 – July 17, 2025
Service: Friday, August 8, 2025, 12pm at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball. 

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)

Get the Rapides Parish Journal each Weekday morning at 6:55am to your inbox – It’s FREE!

SIGN UP

Corn harvest marks the end of summer along our bayou.

Sure there’s plenty of August remaining and September beyond that, but we consider summer finished.

As corn stalks disappear so too are remnants of vegetable gardens long since overwhelmed by heat and dry ground though okra stubbornly resists.

Corn taken in means school opening is at hand, and football’s fast approaching.

Doves, picking through stover seeking cracked kernels remaining behind the harvesters, will soon be targets of wing shooters ringing the fields.

Teal, beginning to appear in sunrise sweeps across the horizon, will be legal quarry in a flip of the calendar.

There’s still plenty to be done on the back 40 – soybeans, milo and cotton harvests remain.

But corn headed to the silo is the benchmark. Summer’s done.

Al Jerome Keys was convicted of three counts of Second Degree Rape on May 19.

This week, Judge Patricia Koch handed down a 20-year sentence on each count to be served consecutively for a total of 60 years.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Chuck Johnson.