Construction on US HWY 165 near Lowes, beginning Tuesday, 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.

A K-9 deputy assigned to Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Unit was conducting patrol on I-49 just south of Boyce when they observed the driver of a vehicle traveling south on Interstate 49 with a traffic violation just after 1am on Aug. 23.

The deputy initiated a traffic stop near mile marker 93 and contact was made with the driver, later identified as Jermaine Dorsey, 47 of Alexandria. A passenger of the vehicle was identified as Kyren Kentrell Dorsey, 29, also of Alexandria.  During the interview of the subjects, the deputy could detect the smell of burnt marijuana coming from the vehicle and asked Dorsey if there were any illegal narcotics in the vehicle. Dorsey stated yes and gave the deputy verbal consent to search the vehicle which revealed a small amount of marijuana in the center console.  Upon further search, the deputy located approximately 5.8 pounds of fentanyl in a bag on the rear floor board of the vehicle.

Both subjects were taken into custody without incident and placed under arrest.  They were both transported and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center where Dorsey was booked for Possession of CDS II (Fentanyl) with Intent to Distribute, Possession of CDS I (Marijuana), Improper Window Tint, and No License Plate Light.  Dixon was booked for Possession of CDS II (Fentanyl) with Intent to Distribute and Possession of CDS I (Marijuana). 

Dorsey was released the same day on a $100,700 bond, and Dixon was released the following day on a $100,500 bond.

RADE Agents say this is still an ongoing investigation.

The Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Unit is a multi-jurisdictional team comprised of the Alexandria Police Department, Ball Police Department, Boyce Police Department, Cheneyville Police Department, Forest Hill Police Department, Glenmora Police Department, Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office Lecompte Police Department, McNary Police Department, Pineville Police Department, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Woodworth Police Department, Grant Parish District Attorney’s Office, Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office, the Louisiana Department of Probation and Parole and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force.

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/.

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

Aug. 27

Steven Darcell Darbon, 46, Alexandria – two counts contempt of court, $100,000 bail;

Robert Scott Fowler, 54, Deville – money laundering, producing manufacturing distributing CDS with intent, possession of drug paraphernalia, $500 bail;

Tydarious D. Hill, 24, Pineville – illegal possession of stolen firearms, no license plate light, driver’s license required, no insurance, $300 bail;

Todd Anthony Shelby, 57, Echo – illegal possession of stolen firearms, no bail data;

Jacobe Christiam Smading, 31, Ball – possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, running a red light, driver’s license not in possession, $3,700 bail;

Romell Marie Stamps, 58, Pineville – OWI, speeding, $1,300 bail;

Aug. 26

Camillie Alternett Alexander, 28, Alexandria – simple assault, criminal trespass, public intimidation and retaliation, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting an officer, disturbing the peace, two counts contempt of court, $6,500 bail;

Kevin Lamont Batiste Sr, 52, Alexandria – vehicular homicide DWI, driving under suspension, reckless operation of a vehicle, $251,000 bail;

Jameontae D. Carter, 22, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, two counts contempt of court, $55,000 bail;

Christian Rashad Cunningham, 21, Alexandria – unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, no bail data;

Adriel Preston Hester, 53, Boyce – possession of CDS, improper lane usage, $2,600 bail;

James Carrol Knapp, 48, Alexandria – aggravated resisting police with force or violence, probation violation, possession of drug paraphernalia, $30,000 bail;

Joseph Albert Mathews, 42, Alexandria – three counts simple burglary, contempt of court, $35,000 bail;

Jarred Thomas Rachal, 46, Pineville – possession of firearm by convicted felon, $10,000 bail;

McKinley Wilton Jr., 45, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing with intent fentanyl, four counts contempt of court, $20,000 bail;

Arabia Woodard, 25, Pineville – failure to appear/pay fine, eight counts contempt of court, $26,000 bail;

Aug. 25

Brittany Michelle Evans, 28, Pineville – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, probation violation, failure to appear, $3,000 bail;

Ronnie Dale McClinton, 54, Pineville – aggravated battery, no bail data;

Brady Sanders, 24, Pineville – criminal damage to property, violation of protective orders, two counts contempt of court, $8,500 bail;

Donald Frank Willis, 60, Bunkie – remaining on premises, eight counts contempt of court, $16,250 bail.

Aug. 24

Melissa Ann Butler, 49, Alexandria – theft, resisting police with force or violence, $1,000 bail;

Ricky Joseph Jenkins Sr, 37, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery strangulation, $1,000 bail;

Kristopher Michael Marks, 26, Alexandria – possession of CDS, simple assault, resisting an officer, criminal trespass, obstructing public passages, $4,500 bail;

Matthew Tate Mobley, 50, Alexandria – two counts theft (second/subsequent conviction), simple escape, contempt of court, $16,000 bail;

Jamieon Tylee Osteen, 30, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, two counts resisting an officer, bicycle riding violation, improper bicycle operation, contempt of court, probation violation, $2,200 bail.

• I-49 to Bayou Rapides to Bolton Ave.
• Terra Ave. to Bocage Subdivision to Twin Bridges Rd.

By JIM BUTLER

Unintended consequences sometimes accompany best intentions.

Case in point: Act 194 of this year’s legislative session. It adds comparatively small fees to a range of driving offenses with proceeds going to the Louisiana Emergency Response Network Fund.

From speeding to street racing to reckless operation a fee is added to each fine collected, one of many such surcharges added to misdemeanor levies.

But there’s a problem on the upper end – adding $25 to first-offense DUI fines and $50 to second-violation fines (driving possible fines beyond $1,000) makes them what are labeled Duncan Misdemeanors, so-named for a landmark Louisiana case that affirmed the right to jury trial in misdemeanor cases in district courts.

That’s the last thing district courts need, considering the volume of cases they handle. And the last thing municipal courts want, considering the fines revenue involved.

The change has been an issue since early June. The Pineville City Council has an ordinance pending to add language to its City Code that it believes will allow cases to stay in its court.

Other jurisdictions are similarly studying what they can do while waiting to seek legislative correction next year.

Louisiana’s newest Small Business Development Center (SBDC) held an open house to celebrate its opening and let aspiring entrepreneurs know about its services Tuesday August 26 at LSUA’s Chambers Hall. The event was well attended by members of the LSUA community, Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce officials, and local business leaders. LSUA Chancellor Dr. Paul Coreil welcomed the crowd and spoke of his excitement at the small business development center being housed at LSUA and the opportunities it offers to the area’s aspiring business owners. Louisiana Associate State Director, Heidi Melancon, also spoke. Dr. Coreil then introduced Ms. Britni Lilley, the SBDC’s Business Consultant. Lilley is an LSUA alumna with extensive experience in strategic communications, business, and leadership in a variety of roles. Mr. Jim Kilcoyne is also serving as a part time business consultant, bringing decades of business experience to his role. There is no cost for their assistance.

The SBDC at LSUA is one of ten offices throughout Louisiana and serves the parishes of Avoyelles, Grant, Natchitoches, Rapides, Sabine, Vernon and Winn. If you have been thinking about starting a business, expanding an existing business, or just want to get an idea of the possibilities out there, the SBDC at LSUA stands ready to help you at every stage of the process with training, information and a helping hand. The center may be contacted at lsbdc.lsua@louisianasbdc.org or 318-427-0408 ext. 0408.

The Rapides Parish Police Jury announced that Shree Lane, Ward 11, District C, will be closed on Thursday, Aug. 28, 8am to 1pm. The purpose of the closure is to perform culvert repair. 

Paid Editorial Feature – The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the Journal.

Last month, OnPath Federal Credit Union agreed to buy Heritage Bank of St. Tammany in Covington, Louisiana, a century-old institution with deep local roots. The deal was hailed by OnPath CEO Jared Freeman, who praised Heritage’s “unwavering commitment to the local community.” But what Freeman failed to mention is that the acquisition will rob that community of a critical source of revenue.

Because OnPath is a credit union and thus tax-exempt, the deal means that St. Tammany Parish will lose a reliable stream of tax payments. Those dollars help fund schools, pay essential public servants like police officers and firefighters, and support other vital public services across the parish. Once the acquisition is finalized, that revenue will disappear, and the burden of making up the difference will fall squarely on the shoulders of local taxpayers.

The example of OnPath in Louisiana illustrates a much bigger problem across the country: credit unions are no longer the small, member-focused institutions they were established to be. Many have grown into large financial operations, similar to banks, all while enjoying tax-exempt status. Lawmakers must investigate whether credit unions’ tax-exempt status is still necessary in light of their significant growth, which is ultimately leaching revenue from state and local governments and setting the stage for higher taxes on local communities.

The situation in Louisiana is not the first. Texas Dow Employees Credit Union (TDECU) had planned to acquire Sabine Bank and Trust, which is based in Many, Louisiana. Although TDECU ultimately backed away from the acquisition, it underscores the fact that credit unions have strayed far from the original mission Congress envisioned when it exempted them from most federal, state, and local taxes under the Federal Credit Union Act. It’s time for Congress to revisit whether the tax breaks are still justified.

Credit unions like TDECU have grown into large financial institutions by leveraging taxpayer subsidies. Far from its founding mission to serve the residents of Lake Jackson, Texas, TDECU now serves over 380,000 members across the state. Ending 2024 with $4.8 billion in total assets, TDECU’s services have widened to include wealth management investment products through its partnership with LPL Financial, which they even acknowledge as being a conflict of interest. The growth doesn’t stop there. Credit unions are buying community banks at a time when bank consolidation and burdensome regulations are putting extreme pressure on banks’ bottom lines. The current regulatory environment and credit union acquisitions are exacerbating bank consolidation. In fact, data from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) shows that the number of community banks dropped by 46% over the last two decades, falling from 7,620 in 2003 to 4,129 in 2023. Credit unions are thriving, and skirting taxes while community banks are getting squeezed.

One negative outcome of tax-exempt credit unions acquiring community banks is that local and state governments lose revenue. This essential tax revenue helps fund local schools, projects, and infrastructure. The state of Louisiana has a bank shares tax that funds local communities, but when a credit union acquires a bank, it eliminates that source of revenue and results in less funding for local services. The shortfall in revenue could compel a parish to raise taxes on households to maintain a balanced budget. According to the Tax Foundation, “since 2011, more than 100 credit union–bank acquisition deals have been announced across the country.” Credit unions get to grow and avoid paying taxes, while American households across the country are getting forced to foot the bill at the end of the day.

Americans expect transparency, safeguards, and a level playing field from banks. These same principles should apply to credit unions. This is not about eliminating credit unions; it is about accountability and ensuring the law matches credit unions’ behavior. In an era where credit unions operate more like large financial institutions and less like community-oriented lenders, Congress should conduct oversight hearings and reexamine whether their tax-exempt status still aligns with their actions today. Louisiana taxpayers, in towns like Many and Covington, and in parishes around the state, should not have to pay more taxes because the law, as currently written, allows credit unions to exploit their tax loophole.

Ken Hale is the President & Chief Executive Officer of BOM Bank

The survey was conducted from August 11, 2025 to August 15, 2025 at 7 p.m. Friday.

The survey aimed to gather feedback from our readers in North and Central Louisiana to the Parish Journals (Parish Journal of Louisiana) regarding their plans to purchase a vehicle in the next four (4) months

SURVEY: How likely are you to purchase a new or used vehicle in the next 4 months?

Irregularities

Outside the State of Louisiana – Entries outside the State boundaries were excluded from the survey based on IP addresses.

Duplicate entries – Entries with the same IP address and MAC address were removed.

Masked/Hidden entries – Masked or hidden IP address entries were deleted.

Editor’s Note: Historically, some participants have attempted to influence our survey results. By removing irregularities, we attempt to ensure that uncaught entries with irregularities remain statistically insignificant. 

This survey provides an overview of Parish Journal readers in the State of Louisiana. It is not a scientific survey.

Parish Journals: Avoyelles, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, DeSoto, Grant, Jackson,  LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Red River, Sabine, Vernon, Webster and Winn

The Alexandria Police Department was dispatched to the 1800 block of Kelly Street in reference to a report of a person being shot in the leg on Monday, Aug. 25, at approximately 4:30pm.

Upon arrival, officers determined that the incident was accidental and that the gunshot wound was self-inflicted. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

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 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.

I remember riding alone into New Orleans in my white pickup truck back then, on the first day the public was officially allowed to drive into the city after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

I am remembering that as we approach the 20^th anniversary Friday of the cursed, 175-mph storm’s making landfall in the city where I was born and raised. As I drove past the dreadful sites of white dust, brown grass and blue tarps, downed power lines and uprooted trees and damaged homes and businesses, the song on the Josh Groban CD that started playing was “Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring.”

“Word of God, our flesh that fashioned

With the fire of life impassioned

Striving still to truth unknown

Soaring, dying round Thy throne”

Hearing those words, while trying to wrap my head around what I was seeing, I started crying. I was not alone. There were lots of tears related to Katrina.

John Brady, LSU’s head basketball coach at the time, who was about to embark on an NCAA Final Four 2005-06 season, was the featured speaker at the United Way Campaign Kickoff in Alexandria. After his speech, he told me how Glenn Davis was affected. Nicknamed “Big Baby,” the 6-foot-9 power forward and center who that season was a consensus All-American and SEC Player of the Year, was one of a handful of LSU players who stayed at the Maravich Assembly Center for several hours one day when it was transformed into a triage unit.

Davis stood beside a doctor who was opening a breathing hole in the throat of a patient who died, and he “got so overwhelmed by what he saw, he went back to his room and broke down,” said Brady.

My parents arrived from an extended summer trip to New Hampshire that day I arrived, in early October, not expecting what they saw in their home. They had received a message from someone who had passed by that it appeared to be OK. Looks can be deceiving. The front of the house looked OK, but it didn’t show the roof toward the back of the two-story house, much of which was torn off. That opened the way for massive rain damage  and, of course, the loss of electricity.

My parents were both in their 80s at the time. Dad was outwardly stoic but fuming inside, and Mom was shouting and crying and angrily threw a package of rotten, molded lunch meat across the kitchen before breaking down. They were fortunate to be able to move into an apartment, vacated by my nephew, a few blocks away. Their house, built in the early 1900s, had good bones and was able to be reconstructed. They were able to move back into the house in October of ’06.

Yet, the storm and its aftermath was a sad turning point in their lives as they never were the same afterwards.

When the hurricane was approaching, my friend Bucky, a pathologist in New Orleans, elected to stay rather than evacuate for a variety of reasons, some naïve but all honorable.  Like everyone who stayed, he got a false sense of security after the storm passed Monday without much damage. But on Tuesday the waters from the broken levee started rising and rising —  rising four inches an hour by nightfall.

Tom, a friend of his from Ferriday, almost miraculously got through to him on his landline and asked if he was still in New Orleans, and if so, was he OK. When Bucky told him what was going on, he offered to come get him. He knew he couldn’t drive in to New Orleans but offered to come by his boat on the Mississippi River and find him.

Bucky convinced Tom not to take such a risk, and then he lucked out when he heard some newscasters on his little TV say, “If you are uptown, you need to get out of town, and here’s how you do it.” Bucky, wearing hip boots, turned to his family and said, “Let’s go. Grab what you can and let’s get out of here.”

In darkness and flooding waters, they drove through, around and over all sorts of obstacles, got out of town and eventually made it to Tom’s house in Ferriday around 1 a.m. Wednesday.

Yes, it was a nightmare. The Superdome, with its shattered roof, became the world’s largest human toilet, and there were shootings and pillaging and worse. But you know what, it wasn’t the end of civilization in the Crescent City.

After all the rooftop wailing and gnashing of teeth, it was as if New Orleans, a place with rich faith, collectively shouldered its heavy cross in working to revive and even improve the city.

And looking at the place 20 years later, it did a darn good job. The city’s NFL team, the Saints, went to the NFL Championship game in 2006 and won the Super Bowl in 2009. Since Katrina, New Orleans has hosted two NCAA Men’s Final Fours, one NCAA Women’s Final Four and two Super Bowls, with the most recent, earlier this year, being acclaimed as the crown jewel of all Super Bowls.

JazzFest, since Katrina, hasn’t skipped a beat, unless you count a couple of years when it couldn’t beat Covid. And this year the New York-based media brand Time Out named New Orleans as the best food city in the world.

I’d say the doomsayers who predicted New Orleans’ demise were wrong, as they usually are. It’s not fun on this 20^th anniversary to recall the horrors of that storm, but it’s satisfying to see how resilient and even energizing that city has since become.