EVENT ALERT: Cotile Drag Race Championship set to ignite excitement on the water

Cotile Drag Race at Cotile Lake (Submitted Photo)

WHAT: Southern 3 Cylinder Outboard Outlaw Drag Club Championship Race

WHEN: Saturday, August 23, 2025 & Sunday, August 24, 2025

WHERE: Cotile Lake (Location details available upon request)

HOSTED BY:

  • CLEAN-Cotile Lake Environmental Association
  • Rapides Parish Police Jury
  • Lil Boo’s Y-Not Stop

EVENT CONTACT: Skeeter Broxson


Event Overview

The Cotile Drag Race Championship promises to deliver high-octane thrills as the Southern 3 Cylinder Outboard Outlaw Drag Club takes to the waters of Cotile Lake for an adrenaline-pumping weekend of competitive boat racing.

This exciting two-day event brings together skilled racers and their powerful outboard-equipped boats for what is expected to be one of the most anticipated water sports competitions in the region.

Media Opportunities

  • Photo/Video Opportunities: High-speed boat racing action on Cotile Lake
  • Interview Opportunities: Available with race organizers, participants, and sponsors
  • Human Interest Stories: Local racers and their passion for outboard drag racing

About the Hosts

The event is jointly hosted by CLEAN-Cotile Lake Environmental Association and the Rapides Parish Police Jury, with additional support from Lil Boo’s Y-Not Stop, demonstrating strong community partnership in bringing this exciting sporting event to the area.


Save the date and plan to witness the excitement as these powerful boats compete for championship honors on the scenic waters of Cotile Lake.

Paid Content

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LDWF individual commercial licenses now on LA Wallet

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and LA Wallet have partnered to add additional digital fishing licenses to the LA Wallet app. Effective Aug. 12, certain commercial license holders with LA Wallet can now view their commercial licenses on their smartphones. LA Wallet will display the following commercial license types:

Commercial Fisherman
Charter
Vessel License
Oyster Seed Ground Vessel Permit
Fresh Products
Wholesale/Retail
Seafood Retail
Special Bait Permit
(Note: only non-transferable commercial licenses NOT registered to a business will be displayed)

Users who do not have recreational licenses will need to create a Louisiana Outdoors account to link to LA Wallet. The app will display a link for the user to follow to create an account. If you have trouble seeing these licenses, users may need to close and reopen their app or log out of LA Wallet and then log back in.

Charter captains who hold an ROLP or Bowfishing permit will also see those permits displayed in LA Wallet.

New to LA Wallet? The LA Wallet app is free for the public (download at Google Play / Apple Store).

To connect a LDWF licenses to LA Wallet:

  1. Tap the “LDWF Licenses” credential shown on the homepage.
  2. Read the disclaimer, then tap the yellow “Connect LDWF Account” button at the bottom.
  3. Once one’s LDWF account is found, tap “Yes” to add the licenses.

LDWF account information will display at the top of the screen. To see individual licenses, tap the category to expand the licenses in that category. Users will only see the categories for which they hold licenses. Expired licenses will display for 30 days in the LA Wallet.

As always, official hunting and fishing licenses/permits may still be carried in several other ways:

  • Email – If an email address is available in the system and a license is purchased, a digital version of that license will be emailed.
  • Image – An individual can also take a photo of their license and store that photo on their phone.
  • Hard cards – These collectible cards allow the licensee to carry all of their active licenses on one long-lasting card that fits right in their wallet. The cards feature artwork from outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Paper – LDWF recommends folding the license and storing it in a zip-top bag or laminating the paper print between two pieces of packaging tape.

Artist/vendor registration for Fall ArtWalk 2025 is now open

The Arts Council of Central Louisiana has announced that registration for artists and food vendors for Fall ArtWalk 2025 is now open. 
 
Fall ArtWalk 2025 will take place on Friday, Oct. 17, 5-9pm. The registration deadline is Friday, Oct. 10. 
 
Registration includes a pre-marked 10×10 spot and one 8’ table. Up to two chairs and access to electricity are available upon request.
 
All Fall ArtWalk vendor items MUST be hand crafted, original works created by the artist/crafter. No dealers, commercially acquired or appropriated items will be accepted.
 
All mediums are accepted such as, but not limited to, paintings, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, woodwork, written word, handcrafted original bath products, etc.
 
Once an application is submitted, vendors will be subject to a jurying process and approval. Allow one week for jury approval via email. If an applicant is not selected for Fall ArtWalk, they will receive a full refund. Accepted applicants will receive an email with their vendor space and instructions after registration has closed. 
 
Fall ArtWalk will be held on 3rd St. between Desoto & Johnston. This will be a “Rain or Shine” event. Plan accordingly (i.e. bring tents, tarps, weights, etc.) if weather is in question. Any decision to move this event indoors will be made at the latest opportunity. No refunds.

APD encourages home, business owners to register security cameras with Alex-Cam

The Alexandria Police Department is encouraging anyone who owns a home or business security camera to register their camera(s) with Alex-Cam Connect Program.
 
This voluntary program lets officers know where cameras are located in case a crime happens nearby.
The footage stays private unless the camera-owner chooses to share it. No live access. No required uploads. Just a simple way to support safer neighborhoods.
 
Register today: https://bit.ly/45wsg3U

Save the date for United Way’s 3rd annual Dining in the Dark

The United Way of Central Louisiana invites everyone to to join them for their 3rd annual Dining in the Dark on Thursday, Oct. 16. Experience a night of fun, philanthropy, live entertainment and a decadent meal with a twist – guests will be blindfold so they can take part in a unique simulation of the perils of every day working class ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families: the choice between putting food on the table or paying a utility bill.
 
Scan the QR code on the invitation or go to https://www.uwcl.org/dining-dark to register.

Notice of Death – August 21, 2025

Joseph Francis Thompson
June 25, 1934 – August 18, 2025
Service: Monday, August 25, 2025, 11am at Mary, Mother of Jesus Roman Catholic Church, Woodworth. 

Nannette Carr Walton
October 21, 1931 – August 17, 2025
Service:  Saturday, August 23, 2025, 10am at First United Methodist Church, Alexandria. 

Rocky Lee Crandall
December 1, 1967 – August 15, 2025
Service: Friday, August 22, 2025, 11am at The Pentecostals of Alexandria, Alexandria. 

Thomas Smith
July 31, 1947 – August 13, 2025
Service: Friday, August 22, 2025, 1pm at St. Matthew’s Baptist Church, Boyce. 

Mary Louise Juneau Duhon
January 10, 1936 – August 12, 2025
Service: Saturday August 23, 2025, 2pm at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria. 

Dianne P. Ford
November 17, 1946 – August 12, 2025
Service: Friday, August 22, 2025, 11am at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Alexandria. 

Laura Scott
May 28, 1932 – August 12, 2025
Service: Saturday, August 23, 2025, 11am at St. Matthew Baptist Church, Boyce.

Anthony Dewayne Norwood
November 7, 1979 – August 9, 2025
Service: Saturday, August 23, 2025, 12pm at Second Evening Star Baptist Church, Alexandria. 

Malcolm Branch
September 12, 1974 – August 3, 2025
Service: Saturday, August 23, 2025, 2pm at Timothy 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!


Economic impact: ICE uses Louisiana Airport as major hub for detainee transportation

GEO Group Operations – Alexandria Staging Facility (Courtesy Photo)

The quiet Alexandria International Airport in central Louisiana has become a crucial hub in the federal government’s immigration enforcement network, handling about four charter flights daily that transport immigrant detainees across the United States while generating significant economic benefits for the region.

The ICE operations have brought substantial economic impact to the Alexandria area. The GEO Group maintains steady employment opportunities in the region, with positions ranging from security officers to program managers. Average GEO Group hourly pay ranges from approximately $10.00 per hour to $40.87 per hour for specialized positions like registered nurses, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $43,888 for compliance roles to $350,000 for physicians.

The airport operates within England Airpark, a 3,600-acre mixed-use development that serves as an economic engine for Central Louisiana, providing aviation, transportation, manufacturing, education and healthcare opportunities. The facility contributes to the regional economy through direct employment, contractor services, and support services required for the complex transportation operations.

The immigration enforcement operations support various ancillary businesses in the area, including fuel services, aircraft maintenance, catering, ground transportation, and security services. These operations provide consistent revenue streams for local vendors and service providers throughout the year.

The Alexandria Staging Facility, located at the airport located 4 miles West of Alexandria, serves as what Immigration and Customs Enforcement calls “a 72-hour staging facility to transfer and remove individuals from the U.S. to their country of origin.”

The GEO Group, a private prison corporation under contract with ICE, operates the 400-bed facility. Large commercial aircraft — including Boeing 737-300s, 400s and 800s with capacity for 149 to 162 passengers — arrive daily from cities across the nation.

Flight tracking data shows arrivals from Newark, N.J.; Brownsville, Texas; Miami; San Antonio; Richmond, Va.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Columbus, Ohio; El Paso, Texas; and Laredo, Texas. The geographic diversity illustrates Alexandria’s role as a central consolidation point in ICE’s nationwide transportation network.

Private aviation contractors have become essential to ICE Air Operations. Eastern Air Express joined the ICE transportation network in February, according to federal records. Previously, Swiftair was documented as a primary operator at Alexandria International Airport.

The relationship between ICE and private aviation companies represents a multibillion-dollar business, creating a specialized industry focused on government contracts for immigration-related flights.

ICE emphasizes safety and security protocols in its air operations. The Alexandria facility operates under strict security measures, with restricted access and limited public information. “To preserve operational security, ICE cannot release information on pending removal flights,” the agency said in a statement.

The airport serves dual purposes: consolidating detainees arriving from across the United States and facilitating departures to other countries. Flight records show departures to Jamaica and Honduras, demonstrating the facility’s role in completing deportations.

Louisiana’s congressional delegation has acknowledged the facility’s operations. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., described the facility as “a collection point from across a region of the nation in which people are screened and then they are deported.”

The immigration enforcement transportation sector continues evolving with new contractors and changing relationships reflecting policy shifts and market dynamics. Eastern Air Express’s involvement represents the ongoing commercialization of immigration enforcement operations.

Companies have developed specialized expertise for detention transportation, security protocols and international coordination required for removal flights. This evolution has created an industry sector dedicated to government immigration contracts, providing stable employment opportunities in specialized aviation services.

The airport sector supports employment across the region, with aviation-related job opportunities extending beyond the ICE operations to include traditional airport services, military charter operations, and commercial aviation support.

Alexandria International Airport’s role illustrates the complex infrastructure underlying modern immigration enforcement. Through partnerships with private contractors and logistical coordination, the facility serves as a hub in a nationwide system for detaining and removing immigrant detainees while contributing to the local economy through sustained operations and employment.

The transformation of the regional Louisiana airport into a key federal immigration enforcement component demonstrates how immigration policy creates economic impacts across communities. The facility provides stable government contracting opportunities and supports a network of related businesses throughout Central Louisiana. As immigration policy continues evolving, facilities like Alexandria’s staging operation will likely remain central to federal enforcement efforts and continue contributing to the regional economy.


GEO Group Operations in Louisiana

Alexandria Staging Facility
96 George Thompson Drive, Alexandria, LA 71303

Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center
830 Pinehill Road, PO Box 2826, Jena, LA 71342

Pine Prairie ICE Processing Center
1133 Hampton Dupre Road, Pine Prairie, LA 70576

South Louisiana ICE Processing Center
3843 Stagg Avenue, Basile, Louisiana 70515

Lane Closure: US-167 (Pineville Expressway) southbound or drainage work TODAY

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), advises motorists that TODAY, August 21, 2025, the southbound right lane of US-167 (Pineville Expressway) will be closed between US-165 and the LA-3100 overpass (Donahue Ferry Road).

This lane closure is scheduled to take place from approximately 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for one day, and is necessary to allow DOTD maintenance crews to perform drainage work.

Permit/Detour section
None associated with this lane closure.

Safety Reminder
DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution around the construction sites and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.

Additional Information
Motorists can access the latest updates on real-time traffic and road conditions using the 511 Traveler Information System by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region on which they are seeking information. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Travelers can also access this information by visiting the 511 Traveler Information Web site at www.511la.org. Additionally, follow the Traffic Management Center on Twitter: (@Alex Traffic). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website @ www.dotd.la.gov and the DOTD Facebook page.


Ceramic Pro Alexandria to host ribbon cutting ceremony this morning

Ceramic Pro Alexandria will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony today at 10:30 a.m. at its new location, 301 John Allison Drive in Alexandria.

The business specializes in professional applications of paint protection film (PPF), ceramic coatings, and ceramic tint for a variety of vehicles, including cars, trucks, RVs, motorcycles, and tractors. In addition to automotive services, Ceramic Pro Alexandria also provides tinting services for residential and commercial customers.

The company emphasizes protecting customer investments by offering high-quality services designed to extend the life and appearance of vehicles and property.


Help RPSB better serve their students – complete the Household Income Survey

The Rapides Parish School Board is asking for community participation in the household income survey. This survey is critical for securing funding that directly benefits every student in the district.
 
This important survey helps RPSB maintain their Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), ensuring free breakfast and lunch for all students regardless of income level. It also allows the RPSB to access additional resources for classroom materials, technology, and educational support services.
 
Students from qualifying families also receive valuable opportunities like free ACT testing, which can save families hundreds of dollars while opening doors to college and career opportunities.
 
Every response to this confidential survey matters – please help RPSB ensure they have the accurate data needed to provide the best possible learning environment.
 

Burns tees off ranked among top challengers to Scheffler at Tour Championship

Sam Burns is peaking as the PGA Tour season ends this weekend with the Tour Championship beginning today in Atlanta.
 

By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

Can anybody beat Scottie Scheffler at this weekend’s Tour Championship, with a $40 million purse, a $10 million winner’s check and six spots on the USA Ryder Cup team on the line?

The oddsmakers say it’s unlikely, but they list former LSU All-American Sam Burns as one of the prime possibilities to pull it off.

He starts today at lunch time, 11:27 CDT, paired with Brian Harman. Burns, a Shreveport native who was the 2016 college player of the year for the TIgers, enters the weekend 17th in this season’s FedEx Cup standings and 16th in the USA Ryder Cup rankings.

Scheffler – winner of two major championships this season, and lately, last week’s BMW Championship — goes off this afternoon at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta at an absurd +170 on the betting board. The world No. 1 is regarded as the best player since Tiger Woods and has done everything to prove it, taking The Masters and the British Open crowns to highlight another dominant run on the PGA Tour.

Burns, who now lives in Choudrant east of Ruston and plays out of Squire Creek Country Club, has the seventh-lowest odds in the 30-man field teeing off today, posted at +2500.

Writes golf analyst Denis Esser of The Athletic: “(Burns) gained strokes across the board here in 2023, and he gained over four strokes on approach last year. Burns has gained strokes on approach in four straight tournaments and is on an absolute heater with the putter, gaining over 12 strokes combined putting in his last two tournaments” (over the past two weeks, the FedEx St. Jude Championship and last week’s BMW Championship, where he finished fifth).

Golfweek analyst Cameron DaSilva lists Burns alongside two recent Tour Championship winners, Rory McIlroy (2022) and Viktor Hovland (2023), as the top threats to a Scheffler victory. Brian Kirschner of Inside Sports Network picks Burns as the outright winner.

Burns was 12th last year in this tournament and ninth in 2023. This is his fifth straight year the 29-year-old has qualified for the Tour Championship, accessible to the 30 players who accumulate the most points in the FedEx Cup standings throughout the season.

A high finish this week could be much more than a very big paycheck. It may be the final push needed to impress Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley, who next week will make his six captain’s picks to fill out the USA’s 12-man roster for the bi-annual showdown against the European team in late September at Bethpage Black on Long Island, N.Y.

Burns is among 10 top American pros believed to be in the mix for one of Bradley’s selections, to pair with Scheffler and five other automatic qualifiers who ranked in the top six on the Ryder Cup points standings. Burns, 29, played in his first Ryder Cup in Italy two years ago and has been part of the USA team in the last two Presidents Cups (2022, 2024).

His late season surge returned him to the No. 1 ranking among all PGA Tour players in average strokes gained putting (.921).

TV coverage of the play on the 7,346-yard, par-71 East Lake layout is on Golf Channel today from noon-5, and on ESPN+ beginning with the first grouping at 10 a.m.

NBC will have network coverage of the last two rounds Saturday and Sunday.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com


Arrest made after social media post cites suspicious activity involving children

Clyde Edward Krider

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office received information of a social media post alleging a white male in a white van was making contact with children who were waiting on the bus in a neighboring parish Wednesday at approximately 10 a.m.

Deputies were given the description of the vehicle and a sergeant, assigned to the Patrol Division Resident Deputy Program in the Glenmora area, located the vehicle at the intersection of LA Hwy 113 and Joe Ray Rd in Plainview.  The vehicle was occupied by a subject appearing to be asleep at the wheel. 

The Sergeant initiated contact with the occupant, identified as Clyde Edward Krider, 65 of Glenmora.  After identification was made a warrant check was conducted, Krider was found to have an active warrant through the Louisiana Department Probation and Parole-Leesville Field Office for a parole violation.   

Krider was placed under arrest for the active warrant and transported to the Rapides Parish Detention Center and booked.  It was also discovered Krider was a Level 2 registered sex offender. 

Krider remains in jail at the time of this release and no bond has been set.

Detectives assigned to the Sex Offender Registry will be conducting a follow-up investigation.


Burglary, drug charges rack up six-figure bail for Pineville man; Alexandria driver arrested on third OWI offense

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

 

Aug. 20

Jacolby Bradford, 21, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, criminal conspiracy, obstruction of justice, flight from an officer, speeding, intentional littering, improper window tint, modified exhaust, possession of drug paraphernalia, $1,300 bail;

Daquirius Jakel Hargrove, 23, Pineville – OWI, no driver’s license, headlamps, possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, $1,700 bail;

Jarvis Tate Howard, 21, Alexandria – simple burglary, flight from an officer, resisting an officer, $25,500 bail;

Tardarius Lemon Lott, 30, Alexandria – possession of CDS, criminal trespass, $500 bail;

Evan McCall, 21, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, criminal conspiracy, obstruction of justice, intentional littering, paraphernalia, $1,000 bail.

 

Aug. 19

Ryan Dylan Dasko Jr, 25, Alexandria – possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, no insurance, driving under suspension, obstructing public passages, probation violation, contempt of court, $3,800 bail;

Reggie Alan Fee, 27, Ville Platte – five counts criminal conspiracy, five counts theft, five counts criminal trespass, $30,000 bail;

Oreaya’l Gold, 22, Pineville – second degree battery, $10,000 bail;

Beverly Collins Hagan, 72, Deville – possession of CDS, $1,000 bail;

Jessica Lane Hubbard, 35, West Monroe – two counts Louisiana fugitive, no bail data;

Mark Anthony Joseph, 57, Pineville – theft of a motor vehicle, two counts contempt of court, $4,000 bail;

Ryan Aaron McVaugh, 39, Pineville – three counts simple burglary, possession of marijuana, possession of CDS, paraphernalia, two counts resisting an officer, four counts contempt of court, $266,000 bail;

Sarah Pickering, 46, Otis – OWI first offense, $1,000 bail;

Joseph Sanders Jr, 47, Alexandria – OWI third offense, driving under suspension, careless operation of a vehicle, $200 bail;

Paul D. Soderlund, 59, Alexandria – possession of CDS, expired plate registration, driving under suspension, $2,700 bail;

Micah Erwin Washington Jr, 49, Alexandria – three counts possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, probation violation, $5,500 bail;

Krista Michelle Wilkinson, 33, N/A – simple burglary, contempt of court, $10,000 bail.

 

Aug. 18

Tessie Chambers Butler, 43, Boyce – theft, aggravated assault, simple battery, $1,000 bail;

Landon James Fulcher, 26, Alexandria – possession of marijuana, bicycle reflectors, resisting an officer, improper bicycle operation, contempt of court, $3,200 bail;

Corey Lyn Esther Means, 38, Alexandria – aggravated assault with a firearm, resisting an officer, $500 bail;

Kerry Nicholas, 25, Lafayette – simple battery, simple assault, $750 bail;

Clint Shannon Ryland, 54, Pineville – DWI first offense, reckless operation, driving under suspension, two counts contempt of court, $5,910 bail;

Daniela Ardila Salcedo, 25, North Bay Village, Fla. – possession of CDS, $1,500 bail;

Joshua Cole Warren, 36, Alexandria – three counts contempt of court, $29,000 bail;

Troy Douglas Williams, 51, Alexandria – driving under suspension, improper display of license plate, no insurance, two counts contempt of court, $20,330 bail.

 

Aug. 17

Jamarcus Deshane Blake, 32, Pineville – disturbing the peace in a violent tumultuous manner, armed robbery, obstructing public passages, probation violation, $1,000 bail;

Crystal Mae Gordon, 36, Boyce – simple battery, three counts contempt of court,  $30,500 bail;

Darrious Dewayne Humphrey, 26, Pineville – domestic abuse battery strangulation, contempt of court, $55,000 bail;

Travis Glenn Rush, 33, Alexandria – theft, criminal trespass, three counts contempt of court, $10,750 bail.


Notice of Death – August 20, 2025

Leon Roger Anders
August 3, 1938 – August 18, 2025
Service: Thursday, August 21, 2025, 11am at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville.

William “Benny” Bullitt
February 18, 1954 – August 18, 2025
Service: Thursday, August 21, 2025, 1pm at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball. 

Joseph Francis Thompson
June 25, 1934 – August 18, 2025
Service: Monday, August 25, 2025, 11am at Mary, Mother of Jesus Roman Catholic Church, Woodworth. 

Nannette Carr Walton
October 21, 1931 – August 17, 2025
Service:  Saturday, August 23, 2025, 10am at First United Methodist Church, Alexandria. 

Rocky Lee Crandall
December 1, 1967 – August 15, 2025
Service: Friday, August 22, 2025, 11am at The Pentecostals of Alexandria, Alexandria. 

Mary Louise Juneau Duhon
January 10, 1936 – August 12, 2025
Service: Saturday August 23, 2025, 2pm at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria. 

Dianne P. Ford
November 17, 1946 – August 12, 2025
Service: Friday, August 22, 2025, 11am at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Alexandria. 

Linda Jewel Carter Region
February 26, 1945 – August 12, 2025
Service: Thursday, August 21, 2025, 10am at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Alexandria.

Laura Scott
May 28, 1932 – August 12, 2025
Service: Saturday, August 23, 2025, 11am at St. Matthew Baptist Church, Boyce.

Anthony Dewayne Norwood
November 7, 1979 – August 9, 2025
Service: Saturday, August 23, 2025, 12pm at Second Evening Star Baptist Church, Alexandria. 

Malcolm Branch
September 12, 1974 – August 3, 2025
Service: Saturday, August 23, 2025, 2pm at Timothy 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!


Police Juror Wiggins called emergency meeting to resolve traffic issues for student drop-off

Rapides Parish Police Juror Randy Wiggins (District B).
An emergency called meeting was held at the Police Jury office with officials from the Rapides Parish School Board, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, City of Pineville, LA DOTD, and the Parish Highway Department on August 18, 2025.
 
The purpose of this meeting was to discuss avenues to resolve the traffic issues for parental drop-off and pick-up at J I Barron Elementary School off of LA Hwy 28 East. These governmental agencies all agreed upon specific tasks to implement to help alleviate the traffic issues and improve the public health, welfare, and safety at that site.
 
EMERGENCY FLASHERS – Additionally the RPPJ highly recommends that parents picking up or dropping of their children, and who may be in traffic on the roadside, should have the vehicle’s emergency flashers activated to add to the visibility of the vehicle.

ASH Marine Corps JROTC named a Naval Honor School

The Rapides Parish School Board announced that the Alexandria Senior High School Marine Corps JROTC was recently named a Naval Honor School – placing them among the TOP MCJROTC units in the entire nation.
 
The ASH cadets have had a great year. They’ve achieved:
  • STATE CHAMPIONS in both Armed (Blue Knights) & Unarmed (Phoenix) Drill Teams
  • 70+ competition trophies
  • 743 volunteer hours across 23 community service events
  • 30%+ maintained A/B Honor Roll ALL YEAR
  • Successfully hosted their 2nd annual “Central Louisiana Maneuvers” Drill Meet
ASH MCJROTC Senior Marine Instructor, Master Gunnery Sergeant Terry Hall, said, “It’s truly a partnership between our cadets, teachers and administration. This balance allows our cadets to enjoy a tremendously fulfilling high school journey that provides both tangible and intangible skills, ultimately shaping extremely strong young leaders.”