The team that produces your Rapides Parish Journal is taking a holiday break. There will not be a Friday morning edition.

Thanksgiving is a family-centered holiday that leads into a long weekend. Our crew will pause its work to share time with those they treasure most.

With Friday comes shopping and plenty of football to watch, or some prime time in the woods looking for that trophy buck.

So pardon us as we do not publish our regular edition Friday. We’ll be back in your e-mail Monday morning at 6:55, online at RapidesParishJournal.com and on our Facebook page with the coverage you can’t get anywhere else.

We’ll have our usual news and lifestyle coverage and will recap the ASH Trojans’ high school football playoff game Friday night.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and holiday weekend!

Observations from conversations with young and not-so-young during early holidays encounters:

Puzzled looks when mentioning anniversary of Gettysburg Address.

“You know, ‘Four score and’,” I said, drawing blanks. Is that no longer required memory work? If so, how long?

Asking what might have been learned if Oswald had survived, more stares.  Didn’t bother to mention Jack Ruby.

Realizing whether we watched the games or not results would be the same.

Children and young adults who’ve never heard of, much less seen, The Wizard of Oz yet are gaga over Wicked.

Holiday week activities planned around the next Roblox event, whatever that might be.

How do you get to middle age in our state without knowing what grillades are?

Speaking of certain age, first-time home buyer stunned by just-received property tax notice, wondering if it’s every year and who decides how much.

Oh my. Hadn’t the heart to ruin his evening.

Remembering that at his age I planned to succeed Eddie Mathews as Milwaukee Braves third baseman (yes, they were not always in Atlanta), asked pre-teener if he knew yet what he wanted to do.

“I’m going to be a YouTuber.” Roger that.

As branches gathered, explained Thanksgiving origins to one member of early elementary age – Native Americans, Pilgrims, turkey. You know the story. 

Asked if understood. “Did they get out of school?”

The more things change …

The Alexandria Senior High Trojans head to Baton Rouge Friday to meet another state high school football powerhouse, Catholic of Baton Rouge, in an LHSAA Select Division I quarterfinal playoff game.

Kickoff is 7 p.m. from Memorial Stadium, just off I-110 near the Governor’s Mansion, with game coverage streamed at 446Sports.com.

The Trojans and Bears are both 9-2 this season. ASH played in last year’s state championship game. Catholic won the 2023 state title.

The Bears, seeded fourth, have won their last six games, including a dominant 37-14 win over 20^th-seeded Captain Shreve last Friday night.

The fifth-seeded Trojans moved forward last Friday with a 38-27 win over 12^th-seeded Brother Martin.

Sophomore running back Kason Williams ran for 146 yards and three touchdowns, and caught another TD pass from Karson Sellers while posting 94 yards in receptions. Noble Williams ran for 120 yards for ASH.

Jaytun Terry made two interceptions to lead the Trojans’ defense.

Nov. 26

Christopher Antwan Dubreuil, 38, Alexandria – three counts possession of CDS, paraphernalia, contempt of court, $6,500 bail;

Heliena Morse, 44, Boyce – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, $1,100 bail;

Jeffrey Scott Paul, 48, Sulphur – OWI first offense, careless operation of a vehicle, $1,100 bail.

Nov. 25

Shawn Joseph Breland, 38, Deville – six counts contempt of court, $154,500 bail;

Kenneth Burch, 51, Alexandria – criminal damage to property, disturbing the peace, resisting an officer, $850 bail;

Chase Thomas Dauzat, 31, Pineville – speeding, switched license plate, driving under suspension, no insurance, failure to secure registration, eight counts contempt of court, $154,000 bail;

Logan Kaleb Dunn, 20, Boyce – simple burglary, theft, two counts unauthorized entry into critical infrastructure, $30,500 bail;

Torrance Anthony Gordon, 30, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, paraphernalia, illegal carry firearm with drugs, obstruction of justice, contempt of court, $12,500 bail;

John Isaac Rollins, 34, Pineville – aggravated assault with a firearm, $5,000 bail;

Curtis Rominger, 33, Deville – driving under suspension, careless operation of a vehicle, contempt of court, $50,200 bail.

Nov. 24

Michael Attaway, 23, Boyce – theft of a package delivered to inhabited dwelling, criminal trespass, $3,000 bail;

Terrell Jerrod Bryant, 44, Alexandria – possession of fentanyl, bicycle reflectors required, $5,100 bail;

Jared Kemp Cole, 33, Deville – two counts Louisiana fugitive, contempt of court, $3,000 bail;

Malcolm Rashod Fay, 26, Alexandria – remaining on premises, possession of drug paraphernalia, 11 counts contempt of court, $23,750 bail;

Robert Eugene Herron, 51, Plainview – attempted second-degree murder, $75,000 bail;

Ladarius Dayquan Hicks, 28, Pineville – four counts attempted murder, probation violation, contempt of court, $1.63 million bail;

James Clay Hyde, 63, Deville – OWI third offense, operating a vehicle while under suspension for certain prior offenses, careless operation, no MVI sticker, $75,700 bail;

Michael Anthony Hymes, 47, Alexandria – OWI second offense, $1,500 bail;

Rahkeim LeeShawn Irwin, 22, Alexandria – aggravated assault domestic abuse, domestic abuse battery pregnant, $7,500 bail;

Dontavious Jenkins, 22, Colfax – possession of marijuana, illegal carry firearm with drugs, improper lane usage, no driver’s license, $3,200 bail;

Barry Douglas Malone Jr., 41, Ball – domestic abuse battery, domestic abuse battery strangulation, two counts contempt of court, $5,000 bail;

Myron Renard Moore, 57, Alexandria – cruelty to juveniles, domestic abuse aggravated assault with child endangerment, aggravated assault, $4,000 bail;

Lonnie Verdell Papayanis, 32, Alexandria – 20 counts contempt of court, $34,500 bail;

James Michael Setliff, 37, Pineville – OWI first offense, gross littering, open container, switched license plate, switched MVI, failure to secure registration, driving under suspension, no insurance, four counts contempt of court, $152,900 bail;

Robert Kelly Stokes, 47, Glenmora – domestic abuse battery with child present, $2,500 bail.

Nov. 23

Donald P. Baker, 36, Pineville – aggravated assault, two counts possession of firearm by convicted felon, false imprisonment armed with a dangerous weapon, resisting an officer, $55,500 bail;

Harlan Farque Jr, 79, Pineville – aggravated assault with a firearm, $10,000 bail;

Jarius Daymon Johnson, 19, Alexandria – contempt of court, $5,000 bail;

Hazel Ann Morris, 23, Pineville – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, improper display of license plate, $1,200 bail;

Brice Richard Olson, 42, Alexandria – criminal mischief, two counts contempt of court, $50,250 bail;

Daniel Park Reynolds, 61, Boyce – six counts contempt of court, $60,000 bail;

Taquan Antonio Robinson, 43, Pineville – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, possession of firearm by convicted felon, illegal carry firearm with drugs, possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, contempt of court, brake lamp, $33,100 bail;

John Fitzgerald Simmons, 39, Alexandria – possession of firearm by convicted felon, two counts contempt of court, $20,000 bail;

Alton Lane Strother, 46, Forest Hill – criminal trespass, possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, $1,500 bail;

Eusabrouse Miguel Veal, 37, Alexandria – illegal possession of a stolen firearm, criminal trespass, paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, contempt of court, $8,000 bail;

Kennetra Washington, 40, Alexandria – illegal possession of a stolen firearm, criminal trespass, obstruction of justice, taking contraband to and from penal institutions, $7,500 bail.

Journal Services Staff

Thanksgiving has always been more than a holiday. It is a pause button placed firmly near the end of the year—a reminder that despite the speed, noise, and pressure of modern life, there are some things too important to neglect. Chief among them is family.

In a world that constantly pushes us toward the next deadline, the next notification, the next obligation, Thanksgiving invites us to slow down long enough to truly see the people in front of us. It reminds us that our connections with one another are not distractions from life—they are life. The table we gather around, the conversations we share, and the traditions we pass from one generation to the next form the foundation of who we are and who we hope to be.

For many families, this year has not been easy. Economic uncertainty, rising costs, health challenges, and the lingering strain of national division have all taken their toll. Yet Thanksgiving teaches us that even in difficult seasons, gratitude can anchor us. It helps us focus not on what is missing, but on what remains: love, loyalty, shared memories, and the people who continue to stand by us even when the world feels unsteady.

Putting family first does not require grand gestures. It can be as simple as setting our phones aside for a few hours, listening without distraction, or offering a sincere thank-you to someone who quietly keeps everything running. It means showing up—with patience, with kindness, and with a willingness to forgive the small imperfections that every family carries. It means recognizing that time is precious, that moments are fleeting, and that the relationships around us deserve our best attention, not just our leftover energy.

This Thanksgiving, let us choose to be fully present. Let us remember that family is not defined solely by blood, but by commitment, compassion, and the people who walk beside us through every season. Let us honor the elders who shaped us, encourage the children who are watching us, and embrace those who may be feeling the weight of the holidays more than they want to admit.

Above all, let us make the conscious choice to put family first—not just on Thanksgiving Day, but throughout the year ahead. Because long after the dishes are washed and the leftovers are gone, it is our bonds with one another that will sustain us, steady us, and shape the stories we pass down.

May this Thanksgiving bring warmth to your home, peace to your heart, and a renewed appreciation for the people who make your life meaningful.

By JIM BUTLER

Voters are being asked to approve two Fire District No. 2 “in lieu” tax propositions.

That in essence means the district proposes to renew existing taxes before their expiration, add to them and extend their life.

The April 18 election was called by the Police Jury at its November session, added to the agenda at that meeting by unanimous vote. Juror Parish Giles was absent.

The proposals would take effect with the 2026 tax roll and continue through 2035.

Twenty-five mills is sought for the district’s Service Area No. 1, a specific section of the total district territory, essentially that portion in the Station 1 Ransbottom Drive area overlapping in some areas now annexed into the City of Alexandria.

It is estimated to generate about $1.35 million a year, replacing a 16.31 mills tax now in effect.

Proposed for the district outside that service area is a 20-mill levy, replacing a 15.58-mill tax approved through 2031.

The millage is estimated to raise about $7.67 million annually.

Proceeds of both would be used to acquire, construct, maintain and operate fire protection and emergency services, vehicles and equipment, according to the ballot resolutions.

This Christmas season, step back in time and step into the greatest story ever told! First United Methodist Church of Alexandria warmly invites you and your family to join us in bringing the nativity story to life on Sunday, December 7, with our Live Nativity Drive-Through at 2727 Jackson Street.

You can do more than just attend this event!  We’re calling on community members of all ages to be a part of this joyful, heartwarming experience by becoming costumed characters in our Live Nativity. Whether you’ve ever dreamed of being an angel, a shepherd, a Roman centurion, a townsperson, or even a member of the holy family, here’s your chance to play a special part — no speaking required! This is a beautiful way to share in the spirit of Christmas, connect with neighbors, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Event Details:

• Rehearsal & Costume Fitting: 5:30 PM (spot time)
• Drive-Through Live Nativity: 6 PM–8 PM

Why Participate?

• Step into a non-speaking role and help tell the timeless nativity story
• Engage deeply with this meaningful Christmas tradition
• Enjoy a delicious complimentary chili dinner with an all-the-fixin’s bar
• Have a blast in fellowship with other community members and church family

This event is more than a pageant—it’s a festive celebration of faith and community spirit. Families, friends, and neighbors driving through will experience the wonder of Christmas as you embody the very people who witnessed the birth of Jesus.

Make this part of your family’s holiday plans and invite those you know to join you — or to simply drive through and enjoy the enchanting scenes.

Ready to join the Live Nativity cast? 

Contact the First UMC of Alexandria church office at (318) 443-5696 to sign up or for more details.

We can’t wait to share this magical evening with you!

Rev Kennon, Senior Pastor

Members of the Alexandria Mayor’s Youth Council spent a day working on their quarterly community service project, contributing to efforts that support residents across the city. City officials noted that the students’ involvement reflects a commitment to serving others and making a positive impact in Alexandria.

Among 33 boys teams at the recent LHSAA Swimming Championships in Sulphur, Pineville High School came home with a very impressive collection of medals and milestones, and an eighth-place team finish in Division II.

Senior Curtis Malone was unstoppable – claiming victories in the 200 IM and the 100 backstroke, where he broke a 31-year-old Division II record, finishing in 48.97 seconds.

Malone was named the meet’s Division II Outstanding Male Swimmer.

He has committed to study and swim at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas next fall.

Liam Alletag crushed it with a second in the 100 butterfly (51.76) and was second in the 500 freestyle in 4:49.33.

Owen Clair swam an impressive 1:10.39 in the 100 breaststroke.

The Division II boys top 10 team standings: 1. Ruston 272. 2. Holy Cross 244. 3. Rummel 178. 4. Ben Franklin 167. 5. David Thibodaux 158. 6. St. Thomas More 156-1/2. 7. Caddo Magnet 152. 8. Pineville 116½. 9. Teurlings Catholic 110. 10. Willow 104.

The Pineville Lady Rebels also had some outstanding finishes.

Caroline Broussard powered to second in the 100 breaststroke and third in the 200 IM.

Tori Broussard snagged sixth in the 500 freestyle and ninth in the 200 IM.

The Joint Transportation, Highways, & Public Works Committee will conduct a legislative public hearing on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 2:30 p.m. The purpose of the hearing – commonly referred to as the annual DOTD Road Show – is to review the highway construction priorities for the fiscal year 2026-2027.

Location:

Pineville City Hall
Council Meeting Room
910 Main Street
Pineville, LA 71360

District 08 (Avoyelles, Grant, Natchitoches, Rapides, Sabine, Vernon, & Winn Parishes)

Each DOTD District will be hosting its own Road Show to allow legislators, other elected officials, DOTD representatives and the general public to discuss and obtain information about construction projects in the preliminary FY 2026-2027 Highway Priority Program and how those projects will affect each area of the state.

All those interested are invited to attend the Road Show and will be afforded an opportunity to express their views.

Oral testimony may be supplemented by presenting important facts and documentation in writing. Written statements and comments should be handed to the committee conducting the hearing, or mailed to the following address, postmarked within 45 calendar days following the hearing:

Joint Transportation, Highways, & Public Works Committee
C/O LA DOTD (Section 45)
P.O. Box 94245
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9245

To read more information about planned construction projects for District 08 in the preliminary FY 26-27 Highway Priority Program, go online to bit.ly/4ohVkUj.

The Rapides Parish School Board spotlighted Holly Malone of Peabody Montessori Elementary as its weekly Classroom Hero. Malone, who had 11 years of teaching experience, was recognized for her approach to empowering students and fostering positive character in the classroom.

Malone said she worked to help students understand that heroism did not require a cape, but instead came from using one’s strengths to make a meaningful impact. She emphasized acts of courage, honesty and teamwork, reinforcing that the smallest daily moments often demonstrated the greatest examples of leadership among students.

She also highlighted the influence of Mrs. Lemke, noting that Lemke consistently amazed her with her positive impact on both students and colleagues. Malone described her as someone with the biggest heart who served as a strong supporter for everyone around her.

The Classroom Hero spotlight continued the district’s effort to recognize educators who model the values of its “Engage, Empower, Elevate” mission.

British archaeologist Howard Carter knelt before a newly uncovered doorway deep in the Valley of the Kings on November 26, 1922. With trembling hands, he peered through a small hole, held up a candle, and saw what he would later describe as “wonderful things.”

Moments earlier, Carter and his team had broken the seal to the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun — a 3,000-year-old resting place untouched by grave robbers. Inside were chariots, gilded shrines, jewelry, and the solid gold coffin of the boy king.

Carter’s discovery, funded by British nobleman Lord Carnarvon, became an international sensation. Newspapers worldwide splashed photographs of glittering treasures and mysterious hieroglyphs, sparking “Egyptomania” across the West.

Beyond the headlines, the find transformed archaeology. Tutankhamun’s tomb offered an unprecedented glimpse into Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, revealing burial rituals, art, and craftsmanship of extraordinary sophistication.

The work of cataloging and preserving the artifacts took a decade. Even today, much of Carter’s meticulous documentation guides modern Egyptologists.

November 26, 1922, remains a defining date in archaeological history — the day the modern world reconnected with one of antiquity’s most famous rulers, and when “wonderful things” reignited humanity’s fascination with ancient Egypt.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James M. “Jimmy” Whitehead, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who left us on November 23, 2025, at the age of 65.

Jimmy will be remembered for his warm spirit and the love he shared with family and friends.

He is survived by his cherished wife of 42 years, Teresa Whitehead, who stood by his side throughout life’s adventures; his children, JN Whitehead (Christina), Jacob Whitehead (Heather), and Jessica Whitehead (Marcus); grandchildren, Tatum, Drake, Ian, Aubryi, Addie, Ava James, Ryan, Mea, Gavin, Hunter, Dace, Tati, Kiya and his brother, Gary Whitehead (Dot).
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, John and Helen Pilgrim Whitehead, and his sister, Myra Rodden.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville, with Brother Michael Vanasselberg and Brother Jeremy Brister officiating. Burial will be in Dry Prong Cemetery.

Pallbearers honored to serve will be Willard Gericke, Glenn Smiley, Marcus Alford, Kyle Whitehead, Travis Collins, and Hunter Brister. Honorary pallbearers will be Jacob Whitehead, Dace Whitehead, and Drake Whitehead.

Jimmy touched the lives of those around him, and he will be dearly missed. Please join us in honoring a true friend and family man who brought warmth and laughter into our lives.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation, by mail to 8815 Conroy Windermere Rd. Suite 309Orlando, FL 32835, or online at https://www.helpfightra.org/donations/; also to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, by mail to Breakthrough T1D (Formerly JDRF), PO Box 5042, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5042 or online athttps://www2.breakthrought1d.org/site/Donation2?2376.donation=form1&df_id=2376&mfc_pref=T

Patricia Ann Duskin was born in Lettsworth, LA and raised and lived her life in Simmesport, LA on August 9, 1951, to the late Ada Draper Duskin and David Duskin. A devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and faithful member of Tree of Calvary Baptist Church, Patricia’s life was built on strength, service and unwavering faith. Patricia was a member of the combined choir, Sunday school, and Daughters of Eve.

Patricia was known for being a strong and devoted Christian, a woman who believed wholeheartedly in God’s grace and healing power. She often reminded those around her, “By HIS stripes I am healed”. Her faith guided her through every season of life and became the foundation she passed on to her family.

She loved going to church, keeping things in order, and making sure her home and family were cared for. Patricia was the steady rock for her siblings and children, the one everyone leaned on for comfort, laughter, and prayers. Patricia was also a dedicated worker, serving her community faithfully for over 40 years.

Patricia is survived by her daughter, Sheila Duskin of Alexandria, LA; her grandchildren, Kelsey Duskin, Brikeysha Duskin, Joshua Guillot, Justin Guillot, and Jared Guillot all of Alexandria, LA; sisters Lou Williams (Greg) of Baker, LA and Vivian McGhee of Simmesport, LA, Vera Duskin of Moreauville, LA, Leatha Duskin of Moreauville, LA, and Rilla Duskin of Houston, TX; brothers: Henry Duskin (Patricia) of Mansura, LA, Samuel Duskin (Veronica) of Marksville, LA, Kevin Duskin, John Draper, Clyde Draper, all of Simmesport, LA. She is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins and loved ones.

She is preceded in death by her beloved mother Ada Draper Duskin, beloved father David Duskin and beloved son David Michael Duskin.

Her family finds comfort in the words of Psalm 23, a scripture she held dear and lived by:

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

“And when this life is over, I’m gonna live again

Gonna trade this cross for a crown

No, this is not the end

And when You call my name, I will take my rest

There’s a mansion in glory and You’re gonna meet me there”

Please keep the family in prayer.

~Miller & Hill “The Funeral Directors”

Phonetic: /ˌimpərˈtərbəb(ə)l/
Part of Speech: adjective

Definition

unable to be upset or excited; calm.
“an imperturbable tranquility”

Similar: self-possessed, composed, collected, calm, cool

By JIM BUTLER

Renaissance Home expenses were a tad over $100,000 more than revenues in the year ending June 30, reducing the facility’s net assets position to $6.7 million.

The audit report posted Monday puts revenue at $2.79 million, almost all of it from a dedicated property tax, and expenses at $2.81 million.

Detention costs were $1.2 million, the girls residence/shelter required $500,000 and management and general expenses accounted for the remainder.

Auditors discovered two employees were underpaid and one overpaid, a result of mis- computation due to the shift differentials involved at the 24-hour, seven-day facility.

They recommended a second party review timesheets before a payroll is closed.

That recommendation has been implemented as of October 15, the board notes, and the under/overpayments corrected.

A federal review of the home’s National School Lunch Program found inadequate records and a lack of formalized procurement procedures.

Consequently, auditors noted, reviewers were unable to illustrate what products were purchased with federal funds or they were purchased at reasonable price from approved vendor.

Following the issue of the review findings, the audit report notes, the board at a June 19 meeting found it no longer economically feasible to participate in the program, withdrawing as of June 30.