Month: August 2025

Notice of Death – August 5, 2025

/ Megan Lowe

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

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.

Norma B. Tarver
December 7, 1932 – August 3, 2025
Service: Wednesday, August 6, 2025, 1pm at Palmer Chapel Memorial Church, Pineville.

Roy Leon Barron
January 23, 1939 – August 2, 2025
Service: Thursday, August 7, 2025, 2pm at HIS 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. 

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

Karen Marie Taylor
July 27, 1939 – July 30, 2025
Service: Thursday, August 7, 2025, 12pm at Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

Henry Dixon
December 6, 1943 – July 29, 2025
Service: Wednesday, August 6, 2025, 11am at The Citadel Church Alexandria, Alexandria. 

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

Board to hear Head Start update

/ wpjreporter

By JIM BUTLER

Superintendent Jeff Powell will elaborate at today’s School Board meeting on the system’s loss of the federal Head Start program, according to the posted agenda.

The board learned in late July its application to retain the program management had been rejected in favor of Save the Children, which lost it to the parish in 2020.

This time a year ago the board was split on seeking to renew its grant. By January overhaul in the program operation led to a vote to seek renewal.

As it was regarding why Save the Children lost Head Start five years ago the government is tight lipped regarding why the national non-profit regained the grant.

The competitive grant process has a number of objective and subjective assessment categories.

Focus on Early Childhood Education is a factor, as is incorporating Head Start teachers into the parish system.

The parish Early Learning Centers and its Pre K program seem strong points.

Powell, perhaps, will shed more light.

Under normal circumstances the board can apply again for the program grant in 2030.

Friends, lend me your years

/ wpjreporter

(Editor’s note – Bob Tompkins is taking a break this week recuperating from a nasty bug, so he’s sharing this “Best of Bob” piece from just after Christmas 2023 for your enjoyment.)

Overheard someone last week talking about “a 1957 Chevy convertible,” and it got me to thinking. When 1957 is mentioned, the first thing that comes to my mind is our family’s green 1957 Chevrolet — a fine-looking car with matching pointy fins on the back of each side.

And that got me to thinking about a year-association exercise. Mention a year and think of the first thing that pops into your mind. As you might

imagine, being a sportswriter for so many years, many years conjure sports memories for me, but not all. Some years bring more than one memory.

There are, without a doubt, tons of other huge events that have happened that aren’t included here. Again, this is just a sampling. It’s an exercise in word association(s) reflecting on timelines in a year-end stretch when we all tend to do – and should do – the same.  

As we approach 2024 and wonder what it will bring, here are 40 “flash card” years with a particular memory or associations that year has for me.

1 AD: Birth of Christ

33 AD: Passion, crucifixion, death and resurrection of Christ

1776: Birth of America

1865: Appomattox, Lincoln assassinated

1927: All-time greatest New York Yankees team, possibly the overall best

1936: Berlin Summer Olympics, Jesse Owens

1941: Pearl Harbor

1944: D-Day

1958: LSU football national champions

1959: LSU’s Billy Cannon wins Heisman Trophy

1961: Roger Maris gets 61 homers in ’61.

1962: John Glenn orbits Earth

1963: JFK assassinated

1968: MLK, RFK assassinated; Chicago Democratic Convention

1969: Apollo moon landing; Jets upset Colts in Super Bowl; ‘Miracle Mets’

1970: Tom Dempsey

1972: Mark Spitz

1973: Secretariat

1974: Hank Aaron

1975: Reds-Red Sox World Series

1976: America’s Bicentennial; Nadia Comaneci

1978: Affirmed and Alydar

1979: Seattle Slew; Pittsburgh Steelers; Pittsburgh Pirates

1981: President Reagan and Pope John Paul II survive assassination attempts

1984: Mary Lou Retton

1986: Space Shuttle Challenger tragedy; LSU basketball makes NCAA Final Four

1989: Berlin Wall comes down

1996: LSU’s Warren Morris hits 2-out homer in bottom of 9th to win College World Series

2001: 9-11

2003: LSU football national championship; Space Shuttle Columbia disaster

2004: Red Sox break 86-year World Series title drought

2007: LSU football national championship

2008: Michael Phelps

2009: Saints Super Bowl season; LSU baseball wins national championship

2015: American Pharoah

2016: Cubs end 108-year World Series title drought

2017: Trash-can banging Astros win their first World Series

2019: LSU football national champions; Joe Burrow wins Heisman

2020: Covid, one nightmare after another

2023: LSU wins NCAA championships in women’s basketball and baseball, and LSU’s Jayden Daniels wins Heisman Trophy 

Happy 2024!

Postponed: Traffic Alert – US 165 & US 167 (Kingsville Interchange) outside travel lanes to close

/ Megan Lowe

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises the traveling public that due to unforeseen circumstances, the start date for the US 165 project in Pineville announced a few days ago has been postponed. 

The revised start date will be announced in a subsequent press release. DOTD appreciates the public’s patience.

Traffic Alert – US 165 & US 167 (Kingsville Interchange) outside travel lanes to close

Forest Hill announces repairs to water system, water outage

/ Megan Lowe

The Village of Forest Hill announced that it is working on repairing some leaks in the water system. The water will be turned off for residents on Hwy 112 from 3089 Hwy 112 going east to the end of the line and residents on H. Strange Rd from Hwy 112 to 175 H. Strange Rd. effective immediately.

The Village appreciates the public’s consideration and apologizes for the inconvenience.

LCU faculty member hikes Tour du Mont Blanc on summer break

/ Megan Lowe

Many educators take the summer months to rest, relax and rejuvenate for the upcoming fall semester. Louisiana Christian University’s Dr. Natalie Maxey and her family took a hike—a nearly 100-mile, 8,400-foot high one, that is.

The Tour du Mont Blanc is a hiking route around the Mont Blanc massif in the Alps and encompasses about 100 miles through France, Italy and Switzerland and includes significant elevation gains and losses through mountains and valleys (around 35,000 feet of losses and gains for the whole trek).

Maxey’s parents, Sam and Judy Brimer, of Pollock, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year, she said, and wanted to commemorate it with a big family trip. So they did just that. Maxey and son Grant, 18, her sister Amanda DuBois and her husband Vaylon (a spring 2022 LCU graduate) and two children, Parker, 22, and Grace, 19, along with the Brimers, took on the Tour du Mont Blanc this July.

“My mom started planning this last fall,” Maxey said, “and the huts fill up quickly, so all our accommodations were booked by about February. To prepare, we walked as much as possible and carefully curated all the items we would need in our backpacks to try to minimize their weight. We could only have what we could carry.”

Maxey said the love of adventure definitely starts with her parents, especially her mom, Judy.

“They have never been afraid of big projects, starting businesses, or crazy challenges, and they raised three little girls to all complete doctoral degrees and equipped us to take on our own challenges,” she said.

In 2022, Maxey completed part of the El Camino de Santiago in Spain with her mother. Judy Brimer learned about that journey during her breast cancer treatment. Her adventure is memorialized at https://purpleponchoperegrinas.tumblr.com/.

“This time, she wanted to do a similar adventure with my dad and the whole family,” Maxey said.

Accommodations varied throughout the journey. Most of the places to stay are huts, she said, but there are some hotels in the cities along the route.

“We stayed in a five-star hotel one night, and then slept in a tent a few days later,” Maxey said, “But mostly we were in bunkrooms with other hikers. Much of the trail is in very remote areas and nature preserves where there are no real roads, and the only cars allowed are those of the farmers who live there.

“We knew it would be hard, but the reality was harder than any of us expected. Once we got through the ‘what have we gotten ourselves into?’ phase and figured out how to adjust our plans, we also started to feel our legs and hearts getting stronger. We became more confident and proud of what we were accomplishing. So we all gained some resilience and grit.”

The route included the cities of Chamonix, France; Courmayeur, Italy; and Champex-Lac, Switzerland, as well as the mountain passes of Grand Col Ferret and Col de Balme.

The trip challenged them both physically and mentally. The blog of this adventure can be found at https://blancblazers.tumblr.com/.

“Physically, there was being at that elevation and having to make significant ascents and descents most days,” she said. “The trail was rocky. It was hot or it was raining and cold. The days were so long that the physical challenge soon presented a mental challenge just to keep yourself going. But it’s not like you really have a choice when the only way to the next place to sleep is down the path.”

She said she is sure their children went through some initial thoughts that their parents were crazy for taking this on, but they took it in stride.

“They tried all the new foods and took opportunities to talk to other young hikers while waiting for us old people to catch up on the trail,” Maxey said. “I think they’ll be ready to do the next trail when it comes.”

Being there as a family, she said, forced them all to find a balance between acknowledging that everyone was on their own journey, but they were also there to form deeper connections with each other.

“There were lots of opportunities for developing patience and humility,” Maxey said. “It amazed me every day that even though my legs were jelly by the time I got to the destination and was sure I couldn’t go any further, after some rest, a good meal, and maybe a card game with the family, I was OK. It turned out I really could keep going.”

The entire journey lasted eleven days, and they covered about 100 miles (around 70 miles on foot) and an elevation range of 3,300 to 8,400 feet.

Maxey is sure the adventures will continue to challenge in amazing and unexpected ways.

“I wouldn’t be surprised,” Maxey said, “if Mom comes up with something else soon.”

Alexandria man killed in Avoyelles Parish crash, impairment suspected

/ Megan Lowe

Avoyelles Parish – Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a two-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 1 near the Echo community on August 3 at approximately 9pm. The crash claimed the life of 59-year-old Rickey G. Maddox of Alexandria.

The initial investigation revealed that a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by 34-year-old Romero H. Roberto of Alexandria, was northbound on Louisiana Highway 1. For reasons still under investigation, Roberto left the northbound lane of travel and impacted a 2013 Kubota (lawn mower), driven by Maddox, on the northbound shoulder.

Maddox sustained severe injuries and was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Roberto, who was not restrained, sustained no injuries. Toxicology samples were obtained and submitted. Impairment is a suspected factor in this crash.

On August 4, Troopers placed Roberto under arrest for vehicular homicide, driving while intoxicated (1st offense), careless operation, no driver’s license and expired license plate. Roberto was processed at the Avoyelles Parish Detention Center. This crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Police would like to remind all motorists that if a driver feels differently, they drive differently. Alcohol, prescription drugs, and other drugs have many effects on the body that negatively affect driving skills. These drugs can impair visual ability, alter the sense of time and space, impair fine motor skills needed to operate a motor vehicle, and decrease reaction times. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and designate a sober driver. Not doing so can have deadly consequences.

Repeat offender, others arrested after community narcotics complaints

/ Megan Lowe

The Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Unit conducted a search warrant in the 2000 block of Levin Street following a flood of community narcotic-related complaints on August 1. RADE Agents were familiar with this address as they conducted a search warrant there in 2024 after Makari Cotton sold Marijuana to an undercover police officer. He was subsequently placed on two years of supervised probation through the Offices of Louisiana State Probation and Parole.

At the time of the warrant service, there were five adults and several juveniles in the residence. The adults, later identified as Paula Barton, Latonya Collins, Queneshia Barton, Derrick Smith, and Daequan Holmes were detained without incident. RADE Agents learned Makari Cotton had just been placed in custody by his Probation Officer for violating the conditions and terms of his probation status that morning. The juveniles were released to a family member.

A search of the residence was conducted and agents located just under a pound of Marijuana, 2 ounces of Synthetic Marijuana, 2.7 grams of Fentanyl, 2 Suboxone strips and various drug paraphernalia throughout the house.

Paula Barton was placed under arrest, transported and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center for Possession of CDS I (Marijuana) with Intent to Distribute, 3 counts of Possession of CDS II (Fentanyl), Possession of CDS I (Synthetic Marijuana), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and 4 outstanding arrest warrants for Contempt of Court. Paula Barton remains in jail at the time of this release being held on a $72,000 bond.

Latonya Collins was placed under arrest, transported and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center for Possession of CDS I (Marijuana) with Intent to Distribute, 2 counts of Possession of CDS II (Fentanyl), Possession of CDS I (Synthetic Marijuana), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and 8 outstanding arrest warrants for Contempt of Court.

Queneshia Barton was placed under arrest, transported and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center booked for Possession of CDS I (Marijuana) with Intent to Distribute, 2 counts of Possession of CDS II (Fentanyl), Possession of CDS I (Synthetic Marijuana), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Queneshia Barton was released on August 3 on a $59,50 bond.

Derrick Smith was placed under arrest, transported and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center booked for Possession of CDS I (Marijuana) with Intent to Distribute, 2 counts of Possession of CDS I (Fentanyl), Possession of CDS I (Marijuana) > 14 grams, Possession of CDS I (Synthetic Marijuana), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and 2 outstanding arrest warrants for Contempt of Court. Derrick Smith remains in jail being held on a $64,500 bond.

Daequan Holmes was placed under arrest, transported and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center booked for Possession of CDS I (Marijuana) with Intent to Distribute, 2 counts of Possession of CDS II (Fentanyl), 2 counts of Possession of CDS I (Synthetic Marijuana), Possession of CDS IV (Suboxone), Possession of CDS II (Ocycodone), an active arrest warrant for Contempt of Court, and a Probation and Parole Warrant for previously violating the terms and conditions of his probation status. Daequan Holmes remains in jail at the time of this release being held on a $68,500 bond.

Based on witness statements, Makari Cotton was booked for Possession of CDS I (Marijuana) with Intent to Distribute and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Makari Cotton remains in jail at the time of this release being held on a $50,500 and a probation violation.

RADE Agents say their investigation is still ongoing and more arrests are possible.

The RADE Unit continues to target individuals suspected of trafficking narcotics in the Central Louisiana area. If anyone has information or would like to report any narcotics activity, they may do so by sending direct messages to the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RADEunit/.

ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW OR ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION.

Remember This? Request denied

/ Megan Lowe
On July 5, 1934, 26-year-old Violet Hilton and her 29-year-old fiancé Maurice Lambert, a widower, went to the Municipal License Bureau in Manhattan, New York to get a marriage license.  Violet’s sister, Daisy, went along too.  The sisters were inseparable.  Violet and Daisy were musicians and performers.  In 1911, Violet and Daisy began performing a sister act in Great Britain.  Their popularity grew and they performed throughout Europe.  In 1916, they started performing in the United States.  They sang in perfect harmony, tap-danced in synchronization, and played clarinets and saxophones in harmony.  People flocked to see them.  In 1926, Violet and Daisy were featured in an act called the “Dancemedians” with George Byrne and Les Hope.  In one notable part of the act, the sisters danced the fox-trot with George Byrne and Les Hope.  Les, Leslie Hope, changed his name shortly thereafter to Bob Hope.  In the 1930s, Maurice was a musician, orchestra leader, and the musical director for Violet and Daisy’s vaudeville act.
 
As the trio waited for the clerk to return with the marriage license, crowds gathered around Violet and Daisy requesting autographs, giving marital advice, and showering them with well wishes.  They learned that Daisy was engaged to be married as well.  It was a joyous occasion, but what was supposed to be the happiest day for a bride-to-be was suddenly spoiled.  After careful consideration, Chief Clerk Julius Brosen of the marriage license bureau denied their request for a marriage license because “the very idea is quite immoral and indecent.”  Undeterred but irritated, Maurice said they would go elsewhere to get a marriage license.  Following their denial in New York, Maurice, Violet, and Daisy visited the City Hall in Newark, New Jersey, but the result was the same.  City Clerk Harry Reichenstein denied their request because of “moral reasons.”  The trio “departed in a huff.”  Violet’s attorney, Irvin Levy, filed a motion with the New York Supreme Court to compel the city to issue Violet and Maurice a marriage license.  After a week-long legal battle, Supreme Court Justice Kenneth P. O’Brien denied the motion.  The Court decided that Violet and Maurice “must not wed,” at least not in the state of New York.     
 
Violet was determined to marry Maurice.  “I’ve made up my mind to get married,” Violet said, “and that’s all there is to it.”  In all, Violet and Maurice tried to get married in 21 states but were denied each time on moral grounds.  Eventually, Violet and Maurice had no choice but to give up their dream of being husband and wife.       
 
The moral reason for which those clerks refused Violet and Maurice’s request for a marriage license was because Daisy was always with Violet.  It was well known that Violet and Daisy worked together, traveled together, ate every meal together, slept in the same bed, and bathed together. 
 
After the states of New York and New Jersey initially denied Violet and Maurice’s request for a marriage license, scientists were brought in but were unable to agree whether Violet and Daisy were individuals or the same person.  You see, Violet and Daisy Hilton really were inseparable.  They were joined at the hip.  They were conjoined twins.            

Sources:

1.     Evening Courier (Camden, New Jersey), February 22, 1927, p.16.

2.     Progress-Bulletin (Pomona, California), July 5, 1934, p.1.

3.     The Binghamton Press (Binghampton, New York), July 6, 1934, p.20.

4.     The Buffalo News, July 6, 1934, p.36.

5.     Daily News (New York, New York), July 6, 1934, p.3.

6.     Brooklyn Eagle, July 9, 1934, p.13.

7.     Daily News (New York, New York), July 17, 1934, p.13.

Notice of Death – August 4, 2025

/ Megan Lowe

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

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

Norma B. Tarver
December 7, 1932 – August 3, 2025
Service: Wednesday, August 6, 2025, 1pm at Palmer Chapel Memorial Church, Pineville.

Roy Leon Barron
January 23, 1939 – August 2, 2025
Service: Thursday, August 7, 2025, 2pm at HIS 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. 

Lisa Marie Pilgrim
October 26, 1972 – August 1, 2025
Service: Tuesday, August 5, 2025, 11am at Tioga First Baptist Church, Pineville. 

Opra Sanchez
October 18, 1944 – August 1, 2025
Service: Tuesday, August 5, 2025, 12pm at Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

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

Karen Marie Taylor
July 27, 1939 – July 30, 2025
Service: Thursday, August 7, 2025, 12pm at Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

Henry Dixon
December 6, 1943 – July 29, 2025
Service: Wednesday, August 6, 2025, 11am at The Citadel Church Alexandria, Alexandria. 

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

Officials seek input on bus transfer station plan

/ wpjreporter

By JIM BUTLER

Alexandria officials want to hear from individuals and organizations with ideas regarding development of a Bolton Avenue site as location for a relocated bus transfer station.

The one-time headquarters of Rush Cleaners at 210 Bolton Avenue first must be rid of chemical pollutants detected in soil and water to 32 feet.

Demolition of improvements on the property, a laundry operation for about 50 years, began with a contract awarded in May 2024.

The city’s has a Brownfield cleanup and redevelopment grant from the federal government through 2028.

A condition of the continuing grant process is hearing from the public regarding use of the restored tract.

The city proposes to move the transfer station (dubbed a Mobility Hub as it incorporates first mile-last mile vehicle sharing, bicycle and pedestrian connections) from 2nd & Murray to the Rush site, a locale more suitable to current transit commuter usage and part of a Bolton Avenue rejuvenation plan.

The discussion with project consultants will be August 14 from 1:00-3:30 p.m. at the Bolton Avenue Community Center, 315 Bolton.

Written comments can be directed to cda.cityofalex.com or City of Alexandria, 625 Murray Suite 7, Alexandria 71301, Attn: Chad Reed.

Additional information is available by telephoning 318-449-5071.

RPSB announces new principal of Pineville High

/ Megan Lowe
The Rapides Parish School Board has announced the appointment of John Neal as Principal of Pineville High School.
 
With 26 years of dedicated service, all in Rapides Parish, Mr. Neal has grown with the community. From Lead Teacher (2015-2016) to Assistant Principal at Pineville High (2016-2025), he’s been shaping young minds and building on PHS’s success every step of his career.
 
In Mr. Neal’s new role, he plans to elevate students to their maximum potential and credits the teachers and administrators in helping them achieve this: “Building supportive relationships with our students and faculty is the foundation for our success. We all believe our students can achieve at the highest levels through hard work and persistence, and I strive to lead by example. Our teachers deserve the highest respect from our community because their challenging work directly changes lives every day.”
 
Mr. Neal’s passion for education and commitment to students and teachers is evident, and RPSB wishes him the best.

Celebrate National Farmers Market Week in Cenla

/ Megan Lowe
This week is National Farmers Market Week (August 3–9), and there’s no better time to support local.
 
Swing by the Pineville Farm Stand at 1634 Military Highway for farm-fresh produce and homemade goods.
 
Check out the Alexandria Farmers Market as well. This week, they are spotlighting Haille’s Hot Tamales, offering their delicious homemade hot tamales at the Market’s Happy Hour. Join them this Tuesday, Aug. 5, 5-6pm at 2727 Jackson St. for tasty bites and great company. Plus, every purchase from Hailey’s during Happy Hour gets a raffle ticket for a special drawing at the end of the market period.

Strengthened partnership to expand local food system work across Cenla, North LA

/ Megan Lowe
Shreveport Green and Louisiana Central today announced the official transfer of Louisiana Central’s Farm & Food Division to Shreveport Green, effective July 31. This strategic move deepens a longstanding partnership between the two organizations and enhances the capacity to build cleaner, greener, healthier ecosystems throughout Louisiana.
 
The Farm & Food Division, recognized nationally for its innovative programming and leadership, will now operate under the umbrella of Shreveport Green. The transition includes all staff and current initiatives, including management of the Alexandria Farmers Market, farmer training programs, and regional food systems development.
 
“This is an exciting and necessary next chapter for our team and for the continued development of environmental change within the food systems,” said Bahia Nightengale, Executive Director of the Farm & Food Division. “We’re honored to carry forward the work we’ve built with Louisiana Central and grateful to continue growing it with the creative leaders and doers at Shreveport Green. We’re excited about the future of this work in Central Louisiana and beyond.”
 
The Alexandria Farmers Market will continue to operate on the same schedule at its current location.
 
“The transition for customers and vendors will be seamless.” Nightengale said.
 
The transition reflects years of collaboration between the organizations, rooted in shared values and a common mission. It also ensures continuity for the communities served, with all programs continuing uninterrupted under the Shreveport Green umbrella.
 
Lauren L.J. Jones, Executive Director of Shreveport Green, remarked, “We’re thrilled to officially partner with the Farm & Food team! After years of collaboration through the Louisiana Small-Scale Agriculture Coalition, this transition is a natural next step. It strengthens our shared mission and creates a mutually beneficial relationship that will amplify the impact of the work we’re already doing. This partnership also allows more dollars to go directly into the North and Central Louisiana agriculture community – supporting farmers, green initiatives, and long-term sustainability across the region.”
 
Shreveport Green, known for creating North Louisiana’s largest urban farm and for co-leading a statewide coalition that has secured more than $13 million in funding for small farms, will now extend its reach into Central Louisiana. As a Keep America Beautiful affiliate, Shreveport Green prioritizes initiatives that make communities cleaner, greener, and healthier places to live.
 
Jim Clinton, President and CEO of Louisiana Central, said, “It has long been Louisiana Central’s strategy to pilot work that will take root and find a home that enhances the work’s regional impact. The combined impact of Shreveport Green and the Farm & Food team will significantly exceed the already impressive work of either alone.”
 
About Shreveport Green
Shreveport Green is a nonprofit organization working to build a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Louisiana through environmental stewardship and community-driven initiatives. From litter reduction and tree planting to habitat restoration and environmental education, the organization leads efforts that strengthen both people and place. As part of its mission, Shreveport Green also operates North Louisiana’s largest urban farm, integrating sustainable agriculture into its broader vision for healthy, resilient communities.
 
About Louisiana Central
Louisiana Central is a nonprofit organization providing economic development leadership and support for ten parishes in Central Louisiana.