By JIM BUTLER

The Renaissance board is seeking proposals for shifting construction of its expansion from a traditional approach to one it thinks more suited to the project’s complexities.

About $38 million in grant funding is involved in the addition of beds to accommodate juvenile offenders, with multiple parishes as well as state agencies involved.

Ordinarily public construction goes through design, then competitive bids on basis of the design and specifications, then construction.

The Construction Management at Risk method involves the chosen contractor involved in the project from the design get-go.

It also sets a fixed maximum price and timeline.

The board has created a committee to review applications for the construction job. Members are Police Jury President Craig Smith, Sheriff Mark Wood or designate, DA Phillip Terrell or designate, architect representative Bill Aldridge and contractor representative Wayne Vollman.

While that process unfolds the board is tending to related issues:

• Asking the state Interim Emergency Board to shift $1 million previously appropriated for a new 16-bed addition to the overall expansion;
• Negotiating buyout of a farm lease in order to sublease property for the detention facility;
• Testing of subsoil to assure capability for hosting the facility.

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The Rapides Parish School District held the first meeting of this year’s Superintendent Student Advisory Board, bringing together student representatives from across the district to share their perspectives and ideas.

Student voice continues to guide district initiatives, and this year’s kickoff meeting was filled with thoughtful questions, meaningful discussion, and forward-looking ideas to strengthen schools and student experiences.

District leaders expressed gratitude to the Peabody Magnet High School team for their warm welcome and hospitality during the event, noting that the energy and engagement from students set an inspiring tone for the year ahead.

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Certified Flight RN Joannie Sanchez and EMT Alison Cagle have been awarded the American Ambulance Association’s prestigious Stars of Life honor, recognizing exemplary service and heroism in emergency medical services.

Sanchez and Cagle will travel to Washington D.C. in early November to participate in the Stars of Life celebration, where honorees will be recognized for their achievements in front of their peers, congressional leaders, and members of the EMS community. They will also have the opportunity to meet with members of Congress to share their frontline experiences and advocate for the future of EMS.

Sanchez and Cagle both work out of Lafayette, Louisiana. They were presented with their Stars of Life medals on Tuesday, October 21, by Lafayette Consolidated Government Mayor-President Monique Blanco-Boulet. Acadian Companies CEO Eddy Dupuis, President Justin Back, Chief Legal Officer Allyson Pharr, and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Chuck Burnell, as well as family and colleagues, were present for the presentation.

Sanchez and Cagle were honored as Acadian’s 2025 medics of the year during its annual celebration in May 2025.

Sanchez has been with Acadian Air Med since 2023. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Nursing, specializing in Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nursing. She has shown exceptional dedication through mentoring new nurses and actively participating in the clinical development team and safety committee. Her colleagues admire her commitment, often going above and beyond to support her team, which led to her recognition as Acadian’s Medic of the Year and a Star of Life.

Cagle joined Acadian Ambulance in 2023. She began her journey in EMS in high school in Sacramento, California. She is currently in paramedic school and plans to finish at the end of this year. She has a passion for EMS and for educating youth on the importance of EMS. Her dedication to EMS, consistent hard work, and commitment to quality patient care led to her recognition as Acadian Ambulance’s 2025 EMT of the Year and Stars of Life honoree.

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LSU has dismissed head football coach Brian Kelly, ending his tenure in Baton Rouge after nearly four seasons.

The decision comes one day after a lopsided home loss to Texas A&M that dropped the Tigers to 5-3 on the season and intensified public pressure on the program. Kelly leaves LSU with a 34-14 record but without delivering the championship expectations that followed his high-profile hiring.

Multiple sources confirmed the firing Sunday and longtime assistant Frank Wilson, a New Orleans native,  has been named interim head coach while a national search begins.

Kelly’s exit is expected to carry a costly price tag. The buyout owed to the former head coach is estimated at more than $50 million, making the move one of the most expensive coaching separations in college football history.

LSU officials said the decision reflects the program’s commitment to returning to national contention.

“LSU Football has a championship standard. We will always make decisions with that standard in mind,” the university said in a brief statement.

The change also arrives at a critical moment in recruiting, with the early signing period approaching and high school prospects watching LSU’s next steps closely.

The Tigers will play the remainder of the season under interim leadership while university officials begin contacting candidates to lead the program moving forward. A formal timeline for the hiring process has not been announced.

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The Louisiana Christian University football team took advantage of a couple Texas College miscues, enough to dodge an upset as the Wildcats rallied by the winless Steers for a 12-7 triumph in a Sooner Athletic Conference contest Friday night at Wildcat Field.

The game was moved up from Saturday due to weather concerns.

Louisiana Christian (6-3, 5-1 SAC) played from behind most of the way after Texas College (0-7, 0-6 SAC) took its second drive of the day and marched 72 yards in nine plays, finishing off with an eight-yard touchdown pass to go up 7-0.

The Steers seemed poised to enhance their lead, getting down to the LCU 15-yard line before their drive stalled, and a 31-yard field goal was blocked by Nate Sullivan and returned 69 yards for a Wildcats touchdown by Brandon Johnson II. The extra point was missed but LCU closed within 7-6. 
The one-point edge held up going to the fourth quarter before Wildcats got the break they needed. A bad punt snap by the Steers resulted in a short field for LCU, starting at the TC 23.
 
On the second play, Bryce Perkins and Omarius Davis connected on a 31-yard touchdown pass, giving the Wildcats a 12-7 advantage with 13:41 left. The ensuing two-point conversion attempt was stopped short.
 
The Wildcat defense made a vital stop on a fourth and two play at the LCU 20 for a turnover on downs. LCU had its chances to put the game away on offense, but a 50-yard field goal attempt was just wide and a fourth and two play failed at the Texas College 26.

A sack by Jermarian Jackson near midfield halted TC’s last gasp as time expired.
 
Jaterrius Johnson led the LCU offense, rushing for 130 yards on 22 carries.
 
Perkins finished the game 10 of 18 passing for 89 yards and a touchdown.
 
E.J. Scott had four catches to lead the team, getting 26 yards.
 
Davis led LCU in receiving yards with 48 on three receptions, including the go-ahead touchdown.
 
Trace McHugh paced the defense with eight total tackles, 1.5 for loss and had a hand in on a sack.
 
Along with the blocked the field goal attempt, Sullivan had an interception which he returned 40 yards.
 
The Wildcats have a bye week before wrapping up their three-game homestand on Sat., Nov. 8 when Arkansas Baptist comes to Pineville for LCU’s final home game of the 2025 season, which will also be Senior Day.

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Arrests are accusations, not convictions

 

Oct. 26

Samantha Edwards, 35, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, criminal trespass, $3,500 bail;

Jonathan Charles Harris, 40, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, criminal trespass, $3,500 bail.

 

Oct. 25

Kyle Wayne Benton, 33, Alexandria – simple assault, two counts contempt of court, $50,500 bail;

Carolyn Desselles, 73, Pineville – three counts contempt of court, $75,000 bail;

Tripp Eckstein, 18, Pineville – OWI, open container, improper lane usage, $1,200 bail;

Brandon Markee Landers, 37, Alexandria – aggravated assault with a firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, two counts contempt of court, $10,000 bail;

Chad Jules Gagnard, 48, Pineville – two counts contempt of court, $100,000 bail;

Adam West Hughes, 53, Dry Prong – domestic abuse battery serious injury, no bail data;

Hung Luu, 35, Alexandria – OWI first offense, red light lamps, $1,100 bail;

Jiovanna Salinas, 21, Ediburg, Texas – domestic abuse battery, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, no bail data;

Dvetric Dewayne Williams St., 26, Alexandria – OWI second offense, $1,500 bail.

 

Oct. 24

Eric Bell, 48, Alexandria – seven counts contempt of court, $175,000 bail;

Ronnie Lynn Benett, 39, Boyce – criminal trespass, possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, impersonating a peace officer, parole violations, $1,500 bail;

Damien Lamelle Bradley, 47, Pineville – OWI, reckless operation, open container, $1,100 bail;

Dwight Paul Drouin, 42, Alexandria – two counts contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Jason William Fowler, 38, Pollock – four counts simple burglary, three counts criminal damage to critical infrastructure, theft of a firearm, criminal damage to property, theft, theft of a motor vehicle, $45,500 bail;

Troyvonta Deonta Green, 28, N/A — second degree murder, possession of firearm by convicted felon, simple battery, criminal damage to property, simple escape, $325,000 bail;

Charles Demonte Hall, 44, Alexandria – three counts theft, simple burglary, resisting a police officer with force or violence, battery on officer, six counts contempt of court, $47,000 bail;

Cedrick Dewayne McGinnis Jr., 24, Alexandria – five counts contempt of court, $100,500 bail;

Elizabeth J. Phillips, 42, Pineville – flight from an officer, resisting an officer, possession of CDS, resisting an officer, running a stop sign, running a red light, no vehicle registration, no signals, improper lane usage, contempt of court, Louisiana fugitive, $14,000 bail;

Travis Glenn Rush, 34, Alexandria – possession of marijuana, five counts contempt of court, $7,500 bail;

Demetrice Tolliver, 19, Jonesville – two counts contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Rocky Walker, 20, Pineville – aggravated second degree battery, no bail data;

Mark Shawn Wilkerson, 48, Pineville – simple burglary, two counts contempt of court, $50,000 bail.

 

Oct. 23

Desmond Dewayne Austin, 38, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery strangulation, three counts contempt of court, $11,000 bail;

Daitreon Delshaun Benjamin, 40, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, obstruction of justice, $101,000 bail;

Francis Merlin Bourgeois, 56, Alexandria – sex offender failure to renew registration, parole violations, $10,000 bail;

Erica Uniyaunique Chapman, 27, Pineville – cruelty to juveniles, aggravated second degree battery, aggravated battery, two counts contempt of court, $79,000 bail;

Van Michael Dunn Jr., 29, Alexandria – two counts contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Cameron Ashton Hebert, 25, Alexandria — possession of fentanyl, criminal trespass, $25,250 bail;

Gregory Demoin Mason, 51, Pineville – domestic abuse battery serious injury, $5,000 bail;

Kori Quartez Mock, 26, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, parole violations, $100,000 bail;

Nathaniel Kevin Smith, 34, Deville – simple burglary, contempt of court, $11,000 bail;

Darquarious Delquan Stafford, 25, Alexandria – possession of firearm by convicted felon, criminal trespass, contempt of court, $27,500 bail;

Shailen Trena Zeno, 32, Alexandria – OWI first offense, improper driving on the left, open container, $1,200 bail.

 

Oct. 22

Dakota Lee Beebe Sr., 29, Lena – possession of a stolen vehicle, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, possession of firearm by convicted felon, Louisiana fugitive, parole violations, $75,000 bail;

Gatloyn O’Bryan Blue, 28, Lecompte – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, criminal conspiracy, possession of drug paraphernalia, intentional littering, $760,000 bail;

Quaderius Dewayne Bush, 24, Alexandria – three counts contempt of court, $52,000 bail;

Yolanda Fate Hall, 51, Alexandria – OWI first offense, possession of marijuana, smoking in vehicle, expired plate/registration, expired MVI sticker, $1,800 bail;

Larry Charles Hargrove, 29, Alexandria – possession of firearm by convicted felon, possession of marijuana, violation of protective orders, illegal possession of stolen things, parole violations, firearms with obliterated serial number, $23,500 bail;

Johnny Ray King, 52, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, improper window tint, $5,100 bail;

Colby Aaron Whatley, 24, Pineville – child desertion, contributing to delinquency of juveniles, switch MVI, driving under suspension, reckless operation, no license plate light, speeding, resisting an officer, flight from an officer, three counts aggravated obstruction of highway, contempt of court, aggravated second degree battery, aggravated obstruction of highway, criminal conspiracy, criminal mischief, $158,500 bail;

Ladarrian Damon Young, 27, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, criminal conspiracy, possession of drug paraphernalia, careless operation of a vehicle, intentional littering, $210,100 bail.

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Indian Creek Campground once again hosted one of Rapides Parish’s largest Halloween celebrations, bringing families together for an evening filled with costumes, candy, and community fun.

Among the highlights of the event were costumed visitors from the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, whose deputies volunteered their time to join in the festivities. This year’s lineup included a mermaid, a few dinosaurs, a zombie deputy, and a clown—delighting children and families who stopped by to visit.

The annual celebration continues to be a favorite tradition for local families, offering a safe and spirited way to enjoy Halloween in Rapides Parish.

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Funeral services for Mr. Emmitt Patrick Wells will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Kingsville Baptist Church, Pineville, with Reverend Bart Walker officiating. Interment will follow in Restland Memorial Gardens, Pollock, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

Mr. Wells, 92, of Ball, entered eternal rest on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Rapides Regional Medical Center, Alexandria, LA.

Emmitt was born on a ranch in Montel, Texas. He was a proud graduate of Big Lake High School and a United States Army Veteran who honorably served during the Korean Conflict. Following his military service, he earned an engineering degree from the Missouri Institute of Technology. He began his career as a quality control engineer on the Titan I Missile Program before joining the Federal Aviation Administration, where he served as a Sector Field Office Chief. He enjoyed camping, fishing, and spending time with his family, who were the center of his life. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Joe Wells; two sons, Steve Wells and Mark Wells; his parents, Daniel Wells and Martha Wells Rhea; and two brothers, Bill Wells and Harmon Wells.

Those left to mourn his loss and cherish his memory include one son, Daniel Wells of Ball; one daughter, Grace Wells of North Carolina; two sisters, Shirley Nelms of Oklahoma, and Judy Palmer of Oklahoma; six grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.

A time of visitation will be held at Kingsville Baptist Church, Pineville, on Monday, October 27, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Visitation will resume in the church on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, from 12:00 noon until time of service.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are: Steve Nelms, Kevin Nelms, David Nelms, Troy Craft, John Minelly, and Finley Wells. Honorary pallbearer will be Riley Wells.

Friends may post online messages of condolences for the Wells family by visiting http://www.rushfh.com.

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“Remember me as you pass by, as you are now so was l, as I am now, so shall you be, so prepare for death and follow me.” – Author unknown

A Glimpse of Eleanor’s Life Journey

Mrs. Eleanor Perry Anderson was born on August 5, 1924, to the late Minerva Black Whatley and Columbus Perry, in Evergreen. She was the youngest of three children. She departed this life on October 20, 2025 in Newport News, Virginia.

Eleanor accepted Christ at a young age and was baptized at Salem Baptist Church in Evergreen, Louisiana. When she and her family moved to Alexandria, Louisiana, she joined and became active with Annadale Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverend P. M. Hall.

On May 26, 1951, she married her neighbor and friend J. J. Anderson: No children were born to this union. J. J. and Eleanor decided that they needed to find better employment opportunities and, in 1953 moved to Chicago, Illinois where they lived and worked for over 37 years.

On August 1, 1990, they retired from M.S.L. Steel Industries, Inc. and moved back to Alexandria. Eleanor immediately reunited with Annadale Baptist Church that was under the leadership of Rev. Edward L. Gordon. She later became a Deaconess under Rev. Renwick Bacon, Jr, and she served in various other capacities.

Eleanor was an excellent cook. During the holidays she enjoyed baking and sharing treats with community workers, friends and family members. She would often say, “I want people to know I appreciate their services”.

When her health began to fail, she moved to Newport News, Virginia to stay with her nephew and niece, Americus and Patsy Floyd.

Eleanor was preceded in death by both parents; her stepfather Andrew Whatley; her husband J. J. Anderson; siblings, Roberta Goodman and Marie Honor Shorts; four nieces, Helena Anderson, Sandra Goodman, Carolyn Monroe and Gladys Beauregard; three nephews Robert Earl Anderson, Lamont Collins, and Reginald Beauregard.

She leaves to cherish her memories the nieces and nephews she was proud to say that she helped to raise: Ruby Gallien (Ernest) Nyack, NY; Warren Honor, Jr. (Lee) Hope Mills, NC; Helen Collins (Walter) Monroe, LA; Minerva Hobdy (Hank) Williamsburg, VA; Patsy Floyd (Americus) Newport News, VA; Eleanor Collins, Alexandria, LA; Sharon Goodman-Smith (Rick) Philadelphia, PA; John Anderson III (Rosemary), and Darlene Anderson. She also leaves to mourn a host of great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

“I have fought the good fight; have finished my course, have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:2

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Geraldine R. LaCaze
June 16, 1936 – October 25, 2025
Service: Thursday, October 30, 2025, 10am at St. Rita Catholic Church, Alexandria. 

Emmitt Patrick Wells
September 10, 1933 – October 23, 2025
Service: Tuesday, October 28, 2025, 2pm at Kingsville Baptist Church, Pineville.

Mary Ammons Vollm Aleshire
February 29, 1956 – October 22, 2025
Service: Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 12p at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball. 

Angel Valisia Evans
February 18, 2021 – October 21, 2025
Service: Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 10am at Sunrise Cemetery, Woodworth. 

Eleanor Perry Anderson
August 5, 1924 – October 20, 2025
Service: Saturday, November 1, 2025, 1pm at Annadale Baptist Church, Alexandria. 

Anna Maria Cleare
July 28, 1948 – October 18, 2025
Service: Tuesday, October 28, 2025, 12pm at The Pentecostals of Alexandria, Alexandria. 

Willie “Pearl” Sibley Banks
October 8, 1933 – October 13, 2025
Service: Thursday, October 30, 2025, 11am at The Citadel Church, Alexandria.

Helen May Artley
October 7, 1926 – October 13, 2025
Service: Saturday, November 1, 2025, 3pm at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Pineville.

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)

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Governor Jeff Landry signed an Emergency Declaration on Oct. 24 for Louisiana to help fund SNAP benefits for the elderly, disabled, and children in our State who have been abandoned by Congressional Democrats.
 
We should not allow our elderly, disabled, or children to go hungry because of the Washington, D.C. Democrats’ failure to reopen the federal government. Our social security net is supposed to help the most vulnerable, and we will try to accomplish this with today’s action. 

“My Administration has created over 70,000 new job opportunities in Louisiana since I took office. Wages are on the rise, and our economic outlook has never looked better. This is how we move people from dependence to independence.

I urge those who are able bodied to continue to strive to get off SNAP and similar programs. Due to the Democrat’s political games these programs are not reliable. 

I encourage our citizens to seek the thousands of new job opportunities across our State, and free themselves from these social programs that the Left uses as a weaponization tool to win political points,” said Governor Landry. 

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By JIM BUTLER

It appears certain GAEDA does not intend to honor its agreement to participate with the city in restoration and use of the former Weiss & Goldring building and court action is in the offing.

The Authority is past due on payment obligations to the city and its commissioners are seemingly taking legal advice not to pay.

A vote this week to purchase a downtown building as the agency’s future home seals the deal, some think.

The vote to buy the tract at 726 Murray for $780,000, bypassing the state Bond Commission in the process, raised issues of its own.

Praised by City Council members Jules Green, Cynthia Perry and Malcolm Larvadain as a step forward for the city and the economic development panel, it is criticized as hastily done by others.

That quarter claims the purchase a preemptive move in the face of vows by former commissioner John Callis to “reform”,  in his opinion, GAEDA, through the courts if necessary.

That camp also believes the decision to bypass the bonding process was spurred by the possibility of questions that panel might ask regarding Callis’ recent win in a state Supreme Court ruling.

Regarding the “hasty” claim — GAEDA has been entertaining thoughts of a permanent home for some time.

The most-recent specific mention, according to minutes, was in July and concerned a Jackson Street property under consideration.

In August a commissioner asked for an update regarding that. Minutes do not reflect details of any update.

Most public bodies hold minutes content to the required minimum.

When the Murray Street site came into play isn’t known. The panel’s September meeting consisted of its annual retreat.

The property improvements currently house four attorneys and a coffee shop, with additional rental space available. Current annual rental income is $65,000.

GAEDA, like any other public body, is required to obtain an appraisal of property before purchase and cannot pay more than the appraised value.

If either the buyer or seller is a public agency and is aware a public official may have a pecuniary interest in a transaction it must by law disclose that at least seven days prior.

Any public official with such an interest in such a transaction must by law disclose that at least five days prior.

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Police Jury hires GoldWeems to investigate alleged contract breaches by former provider

By Journal Staff – Alexandria, La.

The Rapides Parish Police Jury has hired the law firm of GoldWeems to represent the parish in potential litigation against Acadian Ambulance Service, following concerns that the company may have submitted inaccurate response-time reports while under contract to provide emergency medical services.

Officials say the move is aimed at recovering fines and enforcing accountability tied to performance requirements outlined in prior agreements between the parish and the provider.

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Disputed Response-Time Reporting

Under the parish’s emergency service framework, ambulance providers are required to meet strict time limits for life-threatening calls depending on the service area. In the Alexandria and Pineville region—designated as Zone 1—units are expected to arrive within eight minutes. In suburban or outlying parts of the parish, known as Zone 2, the standard extends to twelve minutes. For rural areas classified as Zone 3, response times may not exceed twenty minutes.

Providers must also submit monthly reports documenting compliance with these benchmarks. The contract allows limited exemptions—such as severe weather, blocked roadways, or other unusual events—that can justify occasional delays.

However, records reviewed by the parish indicate that Acadian excluded roughly one-third of its emergency calls each month under the category of “excess calls,” described as “periods of unusual system overloads.” That designation permitted the company to omit response times for any 30-minute period when two or more calls occurred simultaneously in the same area.

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Performance Under Scrutiny

Parish officials contend that these omissions artificially inflated Acadian’s reported performance rate, which appeared to range between 80% and 90% compliance. When those exceptions are added back into the data, actual compliance reportedly falls to between 49% and 69%, far below the standards required in the contract.

Those discrepancies form the basis of the parish’s case, with GoldWeems expected to determine whether the company’s actions violated contractual obligations and if financial penalties should be imposed.

Acadian has historically defended the use of exceptions as contractually valid during high-volume emergencies. Jury members, however, have questioned whether the number and frequency of omissions were appropriate under the terms of the agreement.

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Next Steps

The Police Jury’s decision to engage GoldWeems signals an effort to determine whether contractual violations occurred and to recover any damages owed to the parish.

The firm is currently reviewing service records and performance data. Once that review is complete, parish officials will decide whether to proceed with formal legal action against Acadian Ambulance Service.

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announces the kick-off of a $4.8 million construction project that will provide repairs to over four miles of LA 1200 south of Boyce in Rapides Parish.

Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, Oct. 27 at 7 AM, weather permitting.

This 4.2 mile project – which stretches from LA 121 to LA 1 – consists of grading, milling asphalt pavement, pavement patching, drainage structures, class II base course, lime treatment, fiberglass reinforced paving mat, asphalt concrete overlay, and related work.

Alternating lane closures will be necessary to allow construction to progress safely and efficiently, and motorists should be prepared for some possible delays.

All work is anticipated to be completed by February 2026, with progress dependent on weather conditions and other factors that can impact construction timelines.

The contract was awarded to Gilchrist Co., LLC.

Permit/Detour section:
There are no detours at this time associated with these alternating lane closures.

Safety Reminder:
All construction activity is weather-dependent and may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. DOTD appreciates the motoring public’s patience and reminds drivers to please exercise caution when traveling through work zone areas 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 http://www.511la.org. Additionally, you can follow the Traffic Management Center on Twitter: (@Alex Traffic). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website @ http://www.dotd.la.gov and the DOTD Facebook page.

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Two Pineville High School students have achieved one of the highest honors in scouting, earning the rank of Eagle Scout.

Though not a school-sponsored club, the accomplishment is one the school community is proud to celebrate. The newest Eagle Scouts, Nicholas and Chason, recently met with Mr. Neal—an Eagle Scout himself—to mark the milestone.

Earning the Eagle Scout rank reflects years of dedication, leadership, and service, demonstrating the students’ commitment to excellence both in and out of the classroom.

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For the Louisiana Christian University football team, this is the fun time of year.

After manhandling visiting Nelson last week, LCU looks primed for another Sooner Athletic Conference victory at home Saturday afternoon.

The Wildcats (5-3, 4-1 SAC) continue their three-game homestand when Texas College comes to Pineville. Kickoff against the Steers (0-6, 0-5 SAC) is set for 2 p.m. at Wildcat Field, where LCU is 3-0 this season.

Leading the offense for the Wildcats is junior quarterback Bryce Perkins. He has thrown for 1,776 yards and 15 touchdowns, hitting 121 of 227 throws with nine interceptions.

ASH product Datlan Cunningham is the LCU workhorse in the running game. Cunningham’s 158 carries are more than twice as many as any other Wildcat. He has rushed for 719 yards and 7 touchdowns.

Omarius Davis is LCU’s top receiver with 33 catches for 522 yards and 5 touchdowns. ASH product E.J. Scott has 23 catches for 367 yards and four scores in just four games.

Kylon Polk sets the tone for the Wildcats’ defense. He has 46 tackles, 6 pass breakups and 3 interceptions.

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NATCHITOCHES, La. — Representatives from the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) will host an informational session for prospective students and their families on Tuesday, November 4 at 6:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Alexandria – Downtown, 701 4th Street, Alexandria.

Each fall, LSMSA staff travel across Louisiana to meet with families, answer questions, and provide insight into the unique opportunities available at LSMSA. When possible, parents of current students and alumni from the area will also be present to share their first-hand experiences.

“Information sessions are such a great opportunity for families across the state to get a closer look at LSMSA experience,” said Emily Shumate, LSMSA’s Director of Enrollment and Student Success. “It’s always inspiring to see students and their families discover the opportunities that await them here.”

The sessions are free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to register online before the day of the session at lsmsa.edu/info-sessions.

LSMSA is a tuition-free, public high school for high-achieving sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Financial assistance is available to ensure that no eligible student is denied access to its 42-year legacy of a college-level living/learning experience.

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January 31, 1967 – October 18, 2025

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated for Anthony “Tony” Chenevert on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 1:45 PM in St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, Hessmer, La., with Fr. Joseph Desimone officiating. Interment will follow in St. Alphonsus Hilltop Cemetery #1.

The family will begin receiving friends in the church at 1:00PM until time of services.

Tony Chenevert, age 58 of Hessmer, entered eternal rest on Saturday, October 18, 2025 after his heroic efforts of returning into his burning home in attempts to save his nephew “Albert” whom he had been raising from an infant. Tony, his fiance’ Cindy, and their nephew Albert all perished tragically Saturday morning.

Tony was a native and lifelong resident of Hessmer. He was a Parishioner of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Hessmer and was very proud to have recently attended and endured the Men’s ACTS Retreat at Camp Maryhill. It was said by fellow Retreaters that although somewhat reclusive at first, Tony felt the Lord touch him like never before, and by the end of the retreat, he was a different man. He was found Saturday, wearing his cherished ACTS Retreat bracelet.

Tony was an extremely skilled craftsman. He was a “jack of all trades”, and master of all. He worked for many years in their sheet metal shop with his dad, T-Rob, with his brother Jody in his sawmill and building outdoor furniture. Tony loved the outdoors, weather it was hunting, fishing, or working on projects. Since a young boy, Tony was a very impressive marksman with a shotgun. He took first place at almost every skeet shoot he attended. As a youth, he would enter in the youth division as well as the adult division and take first place in all.

There was no hiding it, Tony was definitely the rebel of the town and he knew it, and he owned up to it. But alongside the hardened heart of a rebel, Tony also had a “Heart of Gold”.

He is preceded in death by his dad, Robert Joseph Chenevert, his fiance’ Cindy Langwell and his nephew Albert Thompson who he took as his own son, Albert was his life.

Tony is survived his loving mother, Linda Guillot Rachal of Hessmer, his three sisters, Missy Chenevert Denney (Tommy) of Plaquemine, La., Tina McCain (Barry) of Tioga and Shawn Blood (Stacy) of Hessmer, and his brother, Jody Chenevert (Candy) of Plaucheville.

He is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Pallbearers honored to serve will be; Barry McCain, Jody Chenevert, Jaden Chenevert, Codi Descant, Coy Dupree and Josh Laborde.

Crossbearer will be Corbin Descant.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Fall Creek Funeral Home, Pineville, Robbie Dauzat, Director.

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Mr. Paul David Burke, 78, of Colfax, La, passed away on October 21, 2025. He was born in Grant Parish on December 16, 1946, to the late David and Hazel Burke.

Visitation will take place on Thursday October 23, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Dry Prong. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday October 24, 2025 at First Baptist Church Dry Prong with burial to follow in Bethel Cemetery under the direction of Gallagher Funeral Home and Crematory. Officiating will be Rev. Kevin Goodman, Rev. Lloyd Whitman, Rev. Jeremy Brister and Rev. Craig McCain. Active pallbearers will be Chris Brunson, Kyle Locker, Carl Gates and Doug Gates. The deacon body of First Baptist Church Dry Prong will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Paul was a devoted husband, loving brother, and faithful servant of the Lord. He was married to his beloved wife, Debra Calk Burke, for 48 wonderful years. Together they shared a life full of love, laughter, and devotion.

A hardworking man, Paul dedicated 47 years of service as a machinist at Dresser Industries, where he was admired for his skill, reliability, and strong work ethic. Outside of work, he was a committed member of the First Baptist Church of Dry Prong, where he faithfully served as a deacon. His faith guided every aspect of his life, and his kindness and humility touched all who knew him.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, David and Hazel Burke; his grandparents; and his cherished daughter, Rebbeca Jo Burke.

He is survived by his wife Debra Burke, brothers Gerald (Betty) Burke, Garland Burke and Clarence (Arlene) Richards and many loving nieces and nephews. He will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his deep love for his family, and his lifelong example of service and integrity.

The Burke family would like to thank St. Joseph Hospice and for everyone’s thoughts and prayers.

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