The Rapides Parish School District is proud to celebrate Mrs. Cindy Rushing, Early Childhood Director, who was recently named a 2025 Champion for Children by the Child Care Association of Louisiana.

This statewide recognition honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and advocacy for early childhood education. Mrs. Rushing’s commitment to ensuring quality care and learning opportunities for young children has made a lasting impact on families and educators across Rapides Parish.

The district commends Mrs. Rushing for her tireless dedication to helping children thrive from the very start.

Lallah Street near Military Highway will be closed to traffic on Thursday, Oct. 15, from approximately 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Military Highway will remain open for normal traffic.

The closure is necessary to allow Atmos Energy and its contractors to safely perform work in the area. Motorists are advised to plan alternate routes and allow extra time for travel.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to inform students who commute to Pineville High School of the closure and plan accordingly.

Officials appreciate the public’s patience and understanding while this work is completed.

Our BOM team had an amazing time at LSUA’s Generals Expo! This event is all about connecting students with the resources, opportunities, and support they need to succeed — and we loved being part of it! Pictured left to right: BOMs Abby Williams, Holly Cloessner, Gracelyn Jones, and Jessica Brunson.

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of Ms. Debra Lynn Reed, age 42 of Pineville, Louisiana, on Sunday, October 12, 2025, surrounded by those who loved her most.

A celebration of Debra’s life will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Ball with visitation from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am at the church. All who knew her are welcome to attend and share in honoring her memory.

Born on November 22, 1982, Debra was a woman of boundless creativity, warmth, and heart. She brought light into every room – not just with her smile, but with the magic she made from everyday moments. A devoted mother and daughter, doting grandmother, and beloved friend, she lived for family and found joy in the details of life that others might overlook.

Her love for decorating was nothing short of legendary. Whether it was Halloween pumpkins glowing on the porch, twinkling Christmas lights dancing through her home, or birthday streamers and balloons filling the kitchen, Debra made every celebration unforgettable. Each holiday was her canvas, each birthday a chance to make someone feel truly special.

A passionate and imaginative soul, Debra had a natural appreciation for fashion and spent hours designing clothes that were as bold, beautiful, and unique as she was. Her creativity spilled into every corner of her life, touching everyone she knew.

But of all her joys, nothing made her heart fuller than her family – especially her cherished granddaughter, Paisley, whom she adored beyond words. Their bond was filled with laughter, snuggles, and endless shared moments that will be treasured forever.

And then, of course, there was Maverick – her loyal feline companion. More than a pet, Maverick was family, a quiet comfort through life’s ups and downs, and always close by her side.

Debra leaves behind a legacy of love, celebration, and creativity. Her absence will be felt deeply, but her spirit – vibrant, generous, and joy-filled – will remain with us always.

She is preceded in death by her father, William “Bill” Cartwright.

She is survived by her sons, Kevin Reed (Abbie) and Mark Reed; daughters, Breanna Reed, Lila Reed, and Lauren Reed; mother, Nancy Sue Reed; brothers, Gary Reed and Johnny Reed; sisters, Margaret Reed and Donna Reed; and grandchild, Paisely Finley; and countless others who were lucky enough to be touched by her light.

Arrangements are under the direction of Gallagher Funeral Home of Ball, Louisiana.

Sergeant Major Julius Clarkston Williams, Army, Retired, 88, of Lecompte, Louisiana, was born on May 16, 1937, in Cheneyville, Louisiana and passed away on October 11, 2025. Julius lived a life dedicated to service, family, and faith. His spirit, joy, and love for life will be remembered by all who knew him.

Julius was a proud and dedicated member of the United States Armed Forces, serving as a Sergeant Major until his retirement. His work ethic and dedication to his country were an inspiration to all around him. He was also a Mason, further exemplifying his commitment to service and camaraderie. When not serving his country or his community, Julius found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved to spend his time fishing, playing dominoes, and most importantly, spending time with his family. His love and dedication to his family were evident in everything he did, and he will be deeply missed by those he leaves behind.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lillie and Thomas Williams. A service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 10:00 am at Union Chapel Baptist Church, 20 Munson Rd., Cheneyville, LA 71325. Public Viewing & Visitation will begin at 9:00 am and continue until the start of the service. Interment with military honors will take place in the Union Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery immediately following the service.

Please join us in remembering Julius. Through this site, we invite you to share your thoughts and fond memories with our family. We also encourage you to upload any photographs you might have of Julius, as your memories and stories serve as a source of comfort during this difficult time.

Frankie Jackson Jr. High School was briefly placed on a Level 1 lockdown Wednesday morning, Oct. 15, following an incident in the surrounding area.

At 10:02 a.m., the school announced the lockdown as a precautionary measure while local law enforcement responded nearby. School officials emphasized that all students and staff were safe and asked parents not to come to campus during the lockdown period.

By 10:13 a.m., the suspect had been taken into custody, and the lockdown was lifted. The school reported that the remainder of the school day would continue as normal.

Administrators expressed appreciation to parents and the community for their cooperation and understanding during the situation.

By JIM BUTLER

A burn ban is in effect in Rapides Parish.

Police Judy President Craig Smith declared it Tuesday as the parish continues to parch absent the normal tropical rains of early Fall.

The good news is a reasonable chance of rain is in the early outlook for Saturday and Sunday in the parish.

An outbreak of rain in mid-September caused lifting of a ban imposed shortly before then as the parish baked.

Burning of any kind other than government-approved instances is verboten until conditions improve.

Thanks to the efforts of Ms. Rebecca Dufour, Tioga High School has secured more than $200,000 in funding over the next five years through its Partners in Education program.

This milestone achievement was made possible through the generous support of National Auto Group, Alexandria Solutions, Chevron Kingstop, and Woodmen of the World. Their commitment to student success will enhance educational resources, opportunities, and experiences for Tioga High students for years to come.

The Rapides Parish School District extends its gratitude to Ms. Dufour and Tioga High’s partners for their continued investment in education and community collaboration.

Pineville High School has named Nicholas Pardue as its 2025–2026 Student of the Year.

An accomplished Eagle Scout and dedicated member of the Chamber Orchestra, Nicholas is actively involved in numerous campus clubs and organizations. His leadership, kindness, and strong academic record exemplify the values of Pineville High both inside and outside the classroom.

School officials say Nicholas’s commitment to excellence and service to others make him a standout representative of the student body.

Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) is a state program working with local non-profits and governments to support local communities. KLB offers programs and resources for litter prevention, education, removal, enforcement, recycling, waste reduction and sustainability initiatives, and KLB has chosen the City of Alexandria, Louisiana, to receive a Greener Grounds Grant—dedicated to support Alex Winter Fête’s waste management practices. Mayor Jacques Roy announced today that KLB awarded the City of Alexandria the $9,991.60 grant to elevate Alex Winter Fête’s current waste reduction plan.

“We won the Outstanding City Award for Love the Boot in 2025. We are cleaning up our City and this ensures we give our attendees all the fun and festivities Alex Winter Fête offers while making for a safe, wholesome environment. You’ve seen our CleanAlex crews—from Mardi Gras to the Fetes— knock it out. This grant makes it even better and represents part of our active partnership with KLB, ours being a one-of-kind model started here in conjunction with our Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce.” Roy said.

KLB Executive Director, Susan Russell explains that Greener Grounds is more than just a cleanup supplies grant, endeavoring to improve litter prevention and waste management practices at large, outdoor Louisiana events such as fairs, festivals, parades and concerts. The grant supports the implementation of the best practices outlined in the Greener Grounds guidebook. “Louisiana is home to more than 400 festivals and events annually attended by locals and tourists who come together to celebrate the state’s vibrant offerings of food, music, history, and culture. With these events often comes a completely avoidable and solvable issue: litter. While we all love to laissez les bons temps rouler, we must ensure the waste inevitably created by outdoor events does not threaten our environment. Keeping event sites clean not only enhances the attendees’ experience, but also helps stop the detrimental cycle of mismanaged waste becoming litter that will clog storm drains or enter waterways – an issue that harms the state’s coastline, wildlife and water quality.”

Made possible with funding from the State of Louisiana and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, 16 Greener Grounds Grants totaling over $105,300 were awarded to eligible organizations including Louisiana non-profits, municipalities and parishes that organize events of at least 1,000 attendees per day. The City of Alexandria will use our grant to educate the public of increased recycling efforts and to divert some festival waste from landfills.

About Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB), is a state program under the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and the Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism that promotes a personal, corporate, and community responsibility for a clean and beautiful Louisiana. KLB supports local communities through programs and resources for litter education, prevention, removal, enforcement, beautification, recycling, waste reduction, and sustainability initiatives. KLB is affiliated with the national organization, Keep America Beautiful, and is supported by a robust statewide network of Community Affiliates and University Affiliates. Learn more at KeepLouisianaBeautiful.org.

The Pineville City Marshal’s Office joined in the fun at Senior Day during this year’s Rapides Parish Fair. The event drew a large crowd, offering fellowship, food, and community spirit for local seniors.

As part of the day’s festivities, the Marshal’s Office teamed up with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office to prepare the noon meal—using their new jambalaya cooker for the first time.

For the first time in years, the lands where Moses led the Israelites to freedom are renewed with peace—and so are the hearts eager to walk those ancient paths.  Rev Kennon Pickett of First UMC of Alexandria announced a life-changing pilgrimage from June 15 to 26, 2026, to Egypt, with an optional extension to Jordan, June 26 to 29—a rare chance to explore the sacred sites of Moses’ birth, leadership, and divine encounter in the safety and structure of a guided group.

This pilgrimage invites you to walk directly into the story of Moses, from the towering Great Pyramids of Giza where Moses grew up in Pharaoh’s palace to sailing the Nile River on the very waters that shaped his early life. Pilgrims will ascend Mount Sinai, where the finger of God wrote the Ten Commandments.  The optional Jordan extension travels to the breathtaking desert of Wadi Rum, Petra, and Mount Nebo, evoking the Israelites’ forty years of wilderness wandering that ends with the vantage point from which Moses gazed upon the Promised Land. 

A limited number of spots are open on a first-come, first-serve basis to those ready for a transformative journey. If all spots fill, a waitlist will be maintained for openings before departure. This is a pilgrimage designed for spiritual growth, fellowship, and safe travel with trusted guides and all logistics handled—meals, transfers, flights, and hotels included.

For more information and to secure your place, please contact Rev. Kennon directly at: kennon@fumca.org

Funeral services for Mr. Frank Joseph Chandler will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, with Reverends Lavohn Bass, Donald Givens, and Mark Roberts officiating. Interment will follow in Mars Hill Cemetery, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

Frank Joseph Chandler, 89, stepped into eternity before daybreak on October 11, 2025. He was welcomed with open arms by his mother, Ida Mae LeBaron Chandler; his father, Edward R. Chandler; his sons, Darrell Lynn Chandler and Jimmy Layne Chandler; his brother, Edward Chandler, Jr.; his sister, Brenda Lee Crayon; his second wife, Pat; and his stepmother, Mae Lewis Chandler.

Frank was born on August 13, 1936, in the community of Mars Hill, Louisiana, where he lived until the age of six. His family then moved to Montgomery, LA, which would become the setting for much of his life’s story. At 18, he met and married Johnnie Belle Williams, and together they made a home in Montgomery. Over 28 years of marriage, they raised three children: Darrell, Kathy, and Jimmy.

A devoted member of Montgomery United Pentecostal Church, Frank served for many years as the song leader. He loved to sing and play the guitar, often filling his home and church with music and praise. Faith and family were the center of his world.

Frank was a man of many talents, carpenter, plumber, electrician, appliance repairman, and farmer. Around town, he was affectionately known as “Frankie Joe,” the man who could fix almost anything. He was the kind of neighbor everyone hopes for: reliable, generous, and always willing to lend a hand.

After the heartbreaking loss of his oldest son, Darrell, in 1984, Frank found love again and married Sarah Patricia “Pat” Blackwell. They spent 30 years together and built a home in Mars Hill. After her passing, Frank stayed busy tinkering with appliances and keeping up his property, always happiest when his hands were working.

In his later years, as his health declined, Frank moved in with his daughter, where he found joy in company of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Their laughter brought him peace, and he could often be found smiling as they played nearby. He enjoyed quiet mornings on the back deck watching birds and squirrels, and afternoons on the front porch watching the traffic roll by. Gospel music was a constant comfort, and he never missed a chance to sing along in worship.

Frank lived a long, meaningful life full of love, faith, hard work, and song. His passing leaves a deep void in the lives of those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his daughter, Kathy Kupperschmid (Robert); his stepson, Wylie Blackwell; his half-sister, Eddie Mae Weatherford; five grandchildren, Devin Jackson (Rebecca), Ariel Hooker (Andrew), Haley Hennings (Nick), Eric Kupperschmid (Diana), and Justin Kupperschmid (Jennifer). He was blessed with nine great-grandchildren: Remy and Mara Hooker, Roxy and Cid Jackson, Ingrid Hennings, Abigayle Walters, Brenden Fox, Madison Kupperschmid, and Tyler Brandt.

He will be deeply missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and dear friends.

Frank will be laid to rest in Mars Hill Cemetery, just across the road from his beloved home. Though Mars Hill was his favorite place on earth, he always said his deepest desire was to spend eternity in heaven. I know he was overjoyed to hear Jesus say, “Welcome Home.”

A time of visitation will be held at Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visitation will resume in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 9 a.m. until time of service.

Friends may post online messages of condolences for the Chandler family by visiting rushfh.com.

Thomas Earl Ball, age 66, entered eternal rest on Sunday, October 12, 2025, in Alexandria at Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital.

The Visitation for Thomas will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Gallagher Funeral Home. Services will begin at 12:00 p.m. with Bro. Kevin Simmons officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Dean Ball and Geneva Inez Norsworthy.

Those left to cherish his memory are his siblings, Danny Ball, Kathy Edwards (Michael), Mona Heyse, Leslie Ball (Troyce), and Marion Ball; step-mother, Rita Achee (Ray); nieces and nephews, Ashley Shreve, Erik Edwards, Tiffany Womack, Danielle Prudhomme, Jason Ball, and Matthew Heyse; and numerous great nieces and nephews, as well as close friends.

Thomas loved music and playing his guitar. He was also a talented carpenter and cabinet maker, able to remodel an entire house. He loved tinkering with cars and helping people with their projects.

He always had a smile on his face and his laughter was contagious. Thomas was a simple man and was happy just hanging with the people he loved. He may not have had much, but Thomas did not require much; a Dr. Pepper and a Little Debbie Cake would make his day.

Pallbearers honored to serve are Jason Ball, Matthew Heyse, Ryan Womack, Brandon Womack, Tucker Shreve, and Taylor Shreve. Honorary Pallbearers are members of the Winn Parish Sheriff Office Chase Team. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas, please visit our floral store.

By JIM BUTLER

The Police Jury General Fund balance increased about $1.4 million in the year ending December 31, 2024.

An audit report issued this month puts the balance at $9.8 million after all accounting was said and done.

General Fund income was $10.8 million and expenses totaled $7.7 million. Transfers and lease costs cut the difference to $1.1 million

The General Fund is the parish’s central operating fund, apart from funds secured by dedicated revenue streams.

Property ($3.3 million) and sales ($3 million) taxes provide the bulk of revenue.

Judicial ($2 million) and public safety ($2.1 million) lead the spending.

The audit showed dedicated Road & Bridge Fund (not part of the General Fund) income at $5.7 million and expenses at $6.7 million.

The year-end fund balance was $2.9 million.

LSU’s football team is coming off yet another “it wasn’t pretty, but we’ll take it” victory, this time against South Carolina, but it’s reflective of the team’s character.

It’s a team that gets hot flashes and a fever if it gets in the red zone. Three times against South Carolina the Tigers got within the shadow of the Gamecocks’ goal posts and failed to score a touchdown each time, at least salvaging a crucial field goal on the last red zone visit in the 20-10 win.

It’s as if they get within the opponent’s 20 and instead of thinking “golden opportunity,” they think “black hole,” and fret, “Oh, no, what do we do now?!”

Celebrations on offense, for a team that has scored more than 23 points only once through the first six games, are rare. Maybe that’s why the usually dependable defense overcompensates and stages group celebrations in the end zone after, say, an interception.

Instead of acting like, “no need to celebrate at this time; I merely did my job,” these guys decide to go stage their version of the follies in the end zone to celebrate an interception that decided only a change of possession.

It only gets harder from here for LSU. Odd as it is to say, this week’s stern challenge is Vanderbilt. At Vanderbilt. The Vanderbilt Commodores, once the butt of all football jokes in the Southeastern Conference, are just a few notches below LSU in the national rankings, and they’re almost as hungry to beat LSU as they were last year when they upset Alabama.

They were inspired then by a quote from former Alabama (and former LSU) coach Nick Saban. A quote that will live in infamy. A couple of weeks before last year’s Alabama-Vanderbilt game, Saban was talking about football in the SEC on the Pat McAfee show and said, “The only place you can play in the SEC that’s not hard to play is Vanderbilt. Because when you go to Vanderbilt, you have more fans than they have. And that’s no disrespect to them. It’s just the truth.”

That was bulletin board material from then until game time for the Commodores, and they responded on their home field with a stunning 40-35 upset of the Crimson Tide, playing then for Saban’s successor, first-year Bama coach Kalen DeBoer. The Vandy fans stormed the field, tore down the goal posts, took them to Broadway and eventually dumped them in the Cumberland River.

Alabama did beat Vanderbilt at Alabama two weeks ago, but the Commodores are 5-1 overall like the Tigers and they haven’t defeated LSU since 1990. At Vanderbilt. In a series LSU leads 25-7-1, six of Vandy’s wins were in Nashville. The Commodores’ triumph over LSU in ’90, by a 24-21 score, was their lone victory that season, and Mike Archer was fired after that 5-6 season as LSU’s head coach.

It appeared initially that LSU wide receiver Todd Kinchen had scored the winning touchdown in that 1990 game with three seconds left, but a ref ruled otherwise. Kinchen was penalized for offensive pass interference after catching a 42-yard Hail Mary pass from Chad Loup. Earlier in the game, he had missed a sure TD strike of 44 yards from LSU starting quarterback Sol Graves.

Archer strongly disputed the interference penalty. He said it came in a “jump-ball situation” in a cluster of players for both teams. He said it was an “horrific call.”

He added, “Sometimes, it’s just not meant to be.”

Although LSU had all it could handle playing South Carolins, with its elusive quarterback LaNorris “Houdini” Sellers, Vanderbilt whipped the Gamecocks, 31-7, on Sept. 13 in Columbia, S.C. And the Commodores have a firecracker dual-threat quarterback in Diego Pavia, who has passed for more than 1,400 yards this season while rushing for 865 yards. He has accounted for 23 touchdowns by land and air.

Vanderbilt will be a tough test for the Tigers. Then again, Louisiana Tech was a tough test for the Tigers. If LSU is to win, it must figure out a way to score touchdowns in the red zone instead of turning the ball over or settling for field goals.

That is their mission. They need to prove it’s not a “mission impossible.”