LCU won its second conference football co-championship in three years with a relatively new coach who’s as comfortable on the campus as a towering pine tree.

Second-year coach Ben McLaughlin is the most decorated of the 19 All-Americans who have played amidst the pines beside Highway 167 in Pineville. He had a stellar, record-breaking career at quarterback capped by a senior season in 2010 in which he won the prestigious Gagliardi Trophy and was an Associated Press third-team Little All-American.

He’s in his 14^th year of coaching, but it’s only his second year as head coach at Louisiana Christian University, which was called Louisiana College when he played and later coached as an assistant for a couple of years. He succeeded Drew Maddox as head coach, and he and Maddox were the offensive and defensive coordinators, respectively, for the Wildcats in 2017 under head coach Justin Charles.

Unlike in 2023, when Maddox and LCU won a three-way tiebreaker among Sooner Athletic League co-champions to qualify for the NAIA Football Championship Series, this year’s Wildcats (8-3, 7-1 SAC) fell short in a point-differential tiebreaker with the Ottawa Spirit and Texas Wesleyan Rams, who also finished 7-1 in the SAC. Texas Wesleyan (7-4 overall) received the automatic bid.

Nonetheless, McLaughlin takes great satisfaction with the strides the Wildcats made this year after a 4-7 finish in his first season as head coach last year.

“Fifteen of the 22 starters were freshmen and sophomores,” McLaughlin said, “and we had only nine seniors. But I told those seniors they were so special for me. Consider what they did: as sophomores, they won a conference co-championship under Drew, then by no choice of their own, they’ve got me as their coach as juniors, but they didn’t leave. In this transfer portal world we’re in, they stayed.”

Even though the ’24 record showed four wins in 11 games, the Wildcats lost a handful of one-score games. With a few breaks here and there, it could’ve been a winning season.

This season, the Wildcats finished with a four-game winning streak, with the capper being last Saturday’s stunning upset in Surprise, Arizona, of all places – a 48-13 whipping of 11^th-ranked Ottawa at Spirit Field.

Reilly Murphy, the first-year head coach at Ottawa, met McLaughlin at midfield after the game, said McLaughlin. “He shook my hand and said, ‘Congratulations. You guys earned that one.’”

This is a team that, under Coach Mike Nesbitt, nipped the playoff-bound Wildcats, 27-24, two years ago, the last time they met on Ottawa’s turf, and then whipped LC in Pineville last year, 70-14. 

Safety Kylan Polk, an undersized freshman from Loreauville, snared four interceptions (for the second straight game) and returned one for a touchdown (for the second straight game) to levitate the Wildcats to compete at a level they hadn’t played before.

Polk (5-10, 170) had 11 interceptions this season, which is the most pass thefts of any college football player at any level in the NAIA or NCAA.

McLaughlin is the most famous native son to come out of Dierks, Ark. (estimated pop. 817), located on the southern edge of the Ouachita Mountains. It covers less than two square miles and doesn’t even have a caution light. Johnny Cash spent some of his youth there. Its original name was “Hardscrabble” before being named after the oldest of four brothers who owned the Dierks Lumber and Coal Company.

Nobody else in Dierks could claim to be what Ben McLaughlin is  — the most prolific passer in LCU history (12,055 yards, 111 touchdowns). He was the 2010 American Southwest Conference Male Athlete of the Year, and that same year was the LSWA All-Louisiana Offensive Player of the Year.

“Defensively,” he said of this year’s Wildcats, “we had some good games, and offensively we’re much more balanced than when I played, when we were pass happy. The main thing that’s helped us is we are an up-tempo team. We play fast. We play at a ludicrous tempo.”

Some teams couldn’t adjust to their pace of play, and the Wildcats play what is called a “Veer and Shoot” offense, which involves lots of running plays to draw defenses up and then spring the element of surprise with a long pass. Quarterback Bryce Perkins, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound redshirt freshman from Van Buren, Ark., didn’t post McLaughlin-type numbers but he completed 54 percent of his passes for 2,262 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Unlike Drew Maddox, who left for another job after leading LCU to the playoffs two years ago, the 39-year-old McLaughlin isn’t going anywhere.

“This place is special to me,” he said. “This is my dream job. This is where I met my wife. We have 7- and 9-year-old daughters. Central Louisiana is where we want to raise our kids. I’d love to be here 20 years from now.”

And after a season like this one, nobody is flashing even a caution light to the coach from Dierks about wanting to establish a long-term residence here.

With the average age of first-time homebuyers now near 36, a 50-year mortgage could mean millions of Americans will never own their homes outright — turning buyers into lifelong renters under another label.

By Richard Searles, Special to the Journal

The Changing Shape of “Ownership”

The traditional American dream — owning a home free and clear by retirement — is colliding with a new financial reality.
As policymakers float the idea of a 50-year mortgage to ease monthly payments, a troubling truth emerges: extending mortgage debt beyond a working lifetime could make “ownership” little different from long-term renting.

According to the National Association of Realtors, the average age of first-time homebuyers in 2024 was 36, up from just 29 two decades ago. Under a 50-year mortgage, that buyer would make the final payment at age 86 — well into or past retirement. Few will reach that milestone without selling, refinancing, or passing on the debt through an estate.

Equity That Never Materializes

The foundation of wealth for most middle-class Americans has long been home equity — the portion of the home that the owner truly owns after paying down principal.
But with a 50-year term, the principal is reduced so slowly that it could take 15 to 20 years before even 20 % equity is achieved. That’s assuming the homeowner never refinances or takes equity out again — both of which are common.

Economists note that this slow build of equity mirrors the dynamic of long-term renting: buyers occupy the property, make monthly payments, and absorb maintenance costs — yet they own very little of the underlying asset for most of their lives.

At that point, a mortgage ceases to be a path to ownership and becomes what one housing analyst called “ownership theater” — the illusion of owning, without the actual security that ownership should bring.

Impact on Homebuyers

• Lifetime Debt: A 36-year-old first-time buyer on a 50-year loan would still owe a balance at 80 or older — a stark reversal of the post-war model in which most Americans retired debt-free.

• Equity Lag: Even after 20 years, the homeowner could still owe more than 75 % of the original balance, depending on interest rates.

• Retirement Consequences: Carrying mortgage debt into retirement can reduce disposable income, limit mobility, and increase dependence on Social Security or family support.

• Market Distortion: As buyers accept longer debt horizons to afford homes, sellers may raise prices to match monthly-payment capacity — inflating nominal values without improving affordability.

• Wealth Inequality: Families unable to pass down fully paid-off homes will find it harder to build intergenerational wealth, widening the gap between older property owners and younger buyers perpetually stuck in debt.

A Louisiana Lens

In Louisiana, where home prices remain below the national average, the 50-year loan may appear less risky — but the implications are just as real.
A 35-year-old buyer in Natchitoches or Bossier City could still be making payments at 85. Even modest price gains can’t offset five decades of interest and property-tax costs. The practical effect: decades of mortgage payments with little true ownership, mirroring the economics of renting rather than investing.

Looking Ahead

If 50-year mortgages gain traction, the next generation of buyers may never experience what their parents once took for granted — the feeling of living in a home that is entirely their own.
Housing experts warn that such loans could turn American homeownership into a permanent payment model, shifting risk and wealth from households to lenders and investors.

The long-term policy question is whether expanding access to debt is a solution to housing affordability — or simply a mechanism to normalize perpetual indebtedness.

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Following the Federal Aviation Administration’s lifting of U.S. government shutdown-related commercial flight restrictions, airports around the country are preparing for a record holiday travel season. Alexandria International Airport (AEX) issues important tips for a smoother holiday travel experience.

Holiday Air Travel Tips:

1. Book Strategically – Book flights with earlier departure times for statistically better on-time performance. Consider flying on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, or New Year’s Day for potential cost savings and less crowded airports.

2. Check Flight Status – Visit your airline’s app or website and subscribe to their push notifications to receive real-time updates on flight status.

3. Arrive Early – Arrive at AEX 1.5-2 hours prior to your scheduled flight to allow sufficient time for parking, check-in, and security screening. Airline ticket counters stop accepting checked bags 45 minutes prior to departure at many airports, including AEX.

4. Account for En Route Delays – In the event of heavier-than-normal traffic, road construction, or inclement weather, allow for additional time traveling to the airport.

5. Pack Essentials – Pack necessary items, such as medications and device chargers, in your carry- on luggage in case of unexpected delays. Review the Transportation Security Administration’s “What Can I Bring?” webpage to facilitate the screening process.

6. Connect on Social Media – Follow the social media accounts of your airlines and England Airpark/AEX for additional updates on operations.

“While holiday travel can be stressful, there are several commonsense ways to optimize your experience, such as by planning ahead,” states Ralph Hennessy, Executive Director of England Airpark and Alexandria International Airport. “Packing wisely, following flight status updates from your airline, and accounting for potential disruptions can save time and provide peace of mind. AEX is fully prepared for the upcoming holiday travel season and looks forward to serving all our passengers.”

The ribbon cutting for the new pickleball courts at the Ward 9 Sports Complex in Pineville was held recently, marking the completion of a joint cooperative endeavor between the City of Pineville and the Rapides Parish Police Jury.

The new courts expand recreational opportunities at the state-of-the-art complex and enhance the quality of life for residents in North Rapides Parish. Ward 9 board members and staff were joined by representatives from the police jury and the city to celebrate the addition.

Congratulations were extended to the Ward 9 Board and staff, the Rapides Parish Police Jury, and the City of Pineville for their collaboration on this latest improvement.

Explore Alexandria/Pineville Marketing Coordinator Katelyn Coombs was recognized Friday with the 2025 Emerging Leader Award from the Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce during the YPG of Cenla 4WARD Luncheon.

Coombs was honored for her contributions to advancing Central Louisiana and for the energy and commitment she brings to her role at Explore Alexandria/Pineville.

The organization celebrated the recognition and encouraged the community to join in congratulating Coombs on the achievement.

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ALEXANDRIA, La. — A persistent rumor circulating through Central Louisiana suggests that Facebook parent company Meta Platforms Inc. may be considering a purchase of CLECO Power to secure energy supply for its planned data center operations in the state, raising concerns among Rapides Parish residents about potential power shortages.

The speculation, which has gained traction in recent weeks through word-of-mouth discussions and social media chatter, centers on Meta’s growing artificial intelligence infrastructure needs and CLECO’s position as the primary electric utility serving Central Louisiana, including Alexandria and Pineville.

While neither Meta nor CLECO has confirmed any such discussions, the rumor has sparked conversations about energy capacity in a region already grappling with questions about whether existing power infrastructure can support both the energy-intensive demands of large-scale data centers and the residential and commercial needs of local communities.

Data Center Energy Demands

Modern data centers, particularly those designed for AI processing, require massive amounts of electricity to power servers and cooling systems. A single large-scale data center can consume as much electricity as a small city, with AI-focused facilities requiring even more power due to the computational intensity of machine learning operations.

Meta has been expanding its data center footprint nationwide as demand for AI capabilities and cloud computing continues to surge. Louisiana has positioned itself as an attractive location for such facilities through tax incentives and relatively lower energy costs compared to coastal states.

Local Concerns Mount

Residents in Alexandria and Pineville have expressed worry that if Meta were to establish major data center operations in the region, the existing power grid might struggle to meet both corporate and residential demands, particularly during peak usage periods or extreme weather events.

“People are asking legitimate questions about capacity,” said one local business owner who requested anonymity. “If a tech giant comes in and needs that much power, what happens to the rest of us during a heat wave?”

CLECO, officially known as CLECO Corporate Holdings LLC, serves approximately 290,000 customers across Louisiana. The company was acquired by a consortium of investors in 2016 and has since focused on infrastructure improvements and renewable energy integration.

The Bigger Picture

The rumor, whether founded or not, reflects broader national tensions as technology companies race to build AI infrastructure while communities question the local impacts of such development. Similar concerns have emerged in other states where major tech companies have established or proposed data center campuses.

Energy analysts note that any major industrial customer—whether a data center, manufacturing facility, or other large operation—triggers questions about grid capacity and reliability. Utilities typically plan for such expansions years in advance, working with state regulators to ensure adequate supply.

No Official Comment

Attempts to reach Meta and CLECO for comment on the rumored acquisition were unsuccessful. Representatives from both companies have not publicly addressed the speculation.

Louisiana economic development officials have previously touted the state’s energy infrastructure and business climate as advantages for attracting technology investment, though specific projects are typically not announced until deals are finalized.

For now, the alleged Meta-CLECO connection remains just that—a street rumor circulating through Central Louisiana communities. Whether there’s substance behind the speculation or it’s simply small-town gossip amplified by the digital age remains to be seen.

Residents and business leaders in Rapides Parish say they’re watching closely for any official announcements that might confirm or dispel the rumors while continuing to ask questions about their community’s energy future.

Make Your Voice Heard

Whether this rumor proves true or remains mere speculation, the question of CLECO’s ownership and the region’s energy future affects every resident and business in Central Louisiana. Your elected officials and regulatory agencies need to hear from constituents about concerns regarding utility ownership, grid capacity, and community priorities.

Take our reader poll to let local, state, and federal representatives know where you stand on a potential sale of CLECO to Meta or any major technology company. Poll results will be shared with the Louisiana Public Service Commission, which regulates public utilities in the state, as well as with state legislators and congressional representatives who oversee energy policy and economic development.

Your participation helps ensure that community voices are heard before any major decisions affecting Central Louisiana’s power infrastructure are made. The poll asks about your priorities for energy reliability, economic development, rate stability, and local control of essential services.

What Was Found

• CLECO is for sale – In June 2025, CLECO officially notified the Louisiana Public Service Commission that it’s seeking a new owner. This was expected because when private equity purchased CLECO in 2016, the deal included plans for a future sale. The sale is unlikely to happen before December 2026.
• Meta IS building a massive data center in Louisiana – Meta is constructing a $10 billion “Hyperion” data center in Richland Parish (North Louisiana), not in the CLECO service area. This project is partnered with Blue Owl Capital in a $27 billion joint venture.
• Entergy, not CLECO, is powering Meta’s data center – Entergy Louisiana (not CLECO) is building three natural gas power plants totaling 2,200 megawatts to power Meta’s Richland Parish data center.
• PSC Commissioner hints at future Central Louisiana data center – Louisiana Public Service Commission Chairman Mike Francis mentioned in October 2025 that he expects Central Louisiana (CLECO’s service area) will “see a data center in the future,” but provided no specifics about who might build it or any connection to CLECO’s sale.
• Private equity and Wall Street ARE buying utilities – There is a documented national trend of private equity firms (BlackRock, Blackstone) purchasing utilities to capitalize on data center electricity demand, but there’s no specific evidence linking this trend to CLECO and Meta.

The Street Talk about Meta purchasing CLECO appears to be unsubstantiated speculation, possibly fueled by the combination of CLECO being for sale, Meta’s Louisiana data center presence, and the national trend of tech-related utility acquisitions.

Ethan Zuckerman is a name you are probably unfamiliar with, but there is little doubt that you have interacted with his invention. Almost everyone on the planet has had to deal with Ethan’s invention. Let me explain.

In 1993, Ethan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts. In 1994, Ethan dropped out of graduate school and focused on what was the newest technological craze, the World Wide Web. These days, we call it the internet. Until mid-1993, there were only about 50 websites in existence, but it snowballed shortly thereafter. Within a year, the number of websites grew into the thousands. (In October 2025, there were over 1.2 billion websites worldwide, and a new website was built about every three seconds.)

In the first year of the internet boom, Ethan and a couple of his friends in Williamstown began building an internet-based company called Tripod. Their intention was to provide content and services for graduates, what Ethan described as “tools for life.” The website was popular, but it was not making enough money to cover expenses. At its peak in the mid-1990s, about 15 million people visited their website daily. Although the number of visitors was certainly impressive, few people bought anything from the company. Ethan and his partners switched from trying to sell products to trying to get customers to pay for a subscription to gain access to their content. It was not successful. They tried to sell content in an online magazine format, but that failed too. As a last resort, they turned to advertisers, just as many other popular websites had done. Finally, they were making a hefty profit.

Then, a problem arose. A major car company which he refused to name purchased an ad that was placed on numerous websites indiscriminately. Executives at the car company were surprised and angered when their company’s ad appeared at the top of a popular pornographic website. They feared that the public would think that they were promoting pornography which could have destroyed the company’s reputation. Ethan began working to find a way to continue to have advertisements for websites but in a way that they seemed somewhat disconnected from the content on the website. After a period of trial and error, Ethan invented something the world had never seen before. Within a short time, his invention became almost inescapable. It also became one of the most hated inventions in history. In 1999, Ethan and his partners sold their company, and Ethan began to regret his invention. In August 2014, Ethan apologized to the world by saying, “I’m sorry. Our intentions were good.” Once opened, Pandora’s box is not easily closed. Ethan’s invention still pops up on computer screens across the world. You see, Ethan was the inventor of pop-up ads.

Sources:

1. Janhoi McGregor, “The Man Who Invented Pop-Up Ads Says ‘I’m Sorry’,” Forbes.com, August 15, 2014, accessed November 9, 2025, https://www.forbes.com/sites/jaymcgregor/2014/08/15/the-man-who-invented-pop-up-ads-says-im-sorry/.

2. Katherine Haan, “Top Website Statistics for 2025,” Forbes.com, October 24, 2025, accessed November 9, 2025, https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/software/website-statistics/#:~:text=There%20are%20about%201.2%20billion%20websites%20on%20the%20internet%20in%202025&text=As%20of%20October%202025%2C%20the,of%20those%20websites%20are%20active.

3. Ethan Zuckerman, “About Me,” EthanZuckerman.com, accessed November 9, 2025, https://ethanzuckerman.com/about-me/.

Services for Travis Dee Floyd will be at 10AM, Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Amiable Baptist Church, Glenmora, LA, with Bro. Carl Head and Pastor Benji Rhame officiating. Visitation will be from 9AM until time of services in the Church.

Travis Dee Floyd, 65, of Forest Hill, LA, passed away November 15, 2025, at Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital, Alexandria, LA.

Travis was a man of many talents; there was nothing he couldn’t attempt and accomplish. He loved hunting and laughing. He was a “God fearing” man and loved by many. He was a very loving husband, father, son, brother and uncle. A man who came to know God and loved Him and praised Him in all things. Travis loved to make people laugh and his sense of humor was contagious.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Waunee Floyd and brother, William Wayne Floyd.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Sharon Floyd, his daughter Heather and his son Taylor Floyd; his mother Paula Faye Kenney Floyd, sisters, Neita Head (Carl), Denise Head (Ken) and Ginger Jones (Henry); brothers, Marty Floyd (Barbara), Ernest Floyd (Theresa), Finus Floyd (Jamie) and Jeffery Floyd as well as countless nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Jimmy Neal, Jake Neal, Travis Gill, Marty Floyd, Henry Jones and Ernest Floyd. His honorary pallbearers are countless.

Barbara Jean Delrie, 85 of Pineville, La passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. Born on May 29, 1940, Barbara lived a life marked by kindness, resilience, and a deep love for her family and travel.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Gallagher Funeral Home at 12:00 pm with Mark Breeland officiating. The visitation for Barabara will be held at the funeral home on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 5:00-8:00 pm. Burial will take place at Pleasant Grove Cemetery after the services.

Pallbearers honored to serve are Blake Lindsay, Jake Delrie, Duke Goudeau, Austin Delrie, Luke Bardwell, and Steve Dauzart, II, and Daniel Carr. Honorary pallbearers are Jason Delrie, and Trevor Delrie.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Pat and Thelma Nugent; husband, Eugene Delrie; companion, James Deal; daughter, Theresa Lindsay; sister, Joanne Roshto; and brothers, Wes and Norman Nugent.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Debra Dauzart (Steve), Michael Delrie (Lisa), Jeffery Delrie, and Laura Goudeau (Danny); siblings, Patsy Conley (Terrell), Judy Roshto, Danny Nugent, and Raymond Nugent; grandchildren, Steve Dauzart, II, Russell Dauzart, Jenifer Few, Rebekah Dauzart, Barbara Dauzart, Brittney Quintana, Scott Lindsay, Rebecca Carr, JR Lindsay, Susan Delrie, Austin Delrie, Ryann Delrie, Jason Delrie, Lindsey Delrie, Andrea Delrie, Duke Goudeau, and Nikki Bardwell; twenty-nine great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren.

Throughout her life, Barbara was known by her children as caring and selfless. No matter what life brought, she put her children first. Some of their favorite memories of her include her stewed chicken simmering on the stovetop, serving friends and family a fresh pot of coffee under the Catalpa Tree, her fresh pies and contagious laugh. In her working years she excelled and dominated a career in the lab at Sabine Medical Center as a Lab Technician. She loved her years spent at SMC with her coworkers who were like family to her. This is where she met the love of her life, James Deal. They both enjoyed traveling and spending time with friends and family. Her grandchildren were what filled her cup. She loved making her famous fudge and gifting it to all 17 of them. Her door was always open to them. Whether you needed a hot meal, roof over your head, a place to laugh, sleep, cry or chat -she was always there.

In the later years of her life, she was accompanied by many women who would care for her. In that time, she developed an unbreakable friendship with her sweet Marilyn. Until her last moments she was by her side. The Delrie Family are immensely grateful for her love and time spent with their mother and grandmother during those years.

By JIM BUTLER

First Pentecostal Church of Alexandria proposes building a nursing home on North MacArt

Its petition for annexation of the approximately seven-acre site is to be introduced at Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

The Church, through Executive pastor Gary Maxwell, is seeking annexation and requesting an AC-1/multi family overlay zoning designation.

Such designation requires all adjacent properties to be zoned C-1 or C-2.

A C-1 assignment, among other things, precludes sale of alcoholic beverages.

The tract, properly addressed as 2711 North MacArthur Drive, was formerly owned by Jimmie Thompson Enterprises. The south side borders Veterans Drive.

The annexation possibilities first came to public attention in July.

The development apparently has been entrusted to CommCare Corp., a Louisiana non-profit in its 80th year of operating such developments, including facilities in Natchitoches and Mansura.

Its President/CEO is a familiar name to some. Jim Tucker is a former state representative and Speaker of the Louisiana House. 

The Menard Eagles dominated visiting Thomas Jefferson Friday night in the first round of the LHSAA football playoffs.

Menard rolled 47-0. The 13^th-seeded Eagles will play in New Orleans at No. 4 Newman Friday night in a second-round Select Division III contest. The Greenies had a first-round bye.

In the other first-round game Friday involving a local team, Pineville fell 56-7 to ninth-seeded St. Paul’s in the Select Division I bracket.

ASH and Tioga had first-round byes in the big school bracket.

Fifth-seeded ASH will host No. 12 Brother Martin Friday night. The Crusaders moved forward with a 17-16 win in the first round over Liberty Magnet.

No. 6 Tioga will be home against 11^th-seeded Rummel, which shut out Holy Cross 24-0 in the first round.

By RICHARD THIBERVILLE JR., LCU Sports Information Director

SURPRISE, Ariz. – For the second time in three years, the Louisiana Christian University football team is Sooner Athletic Conference co-champions after dominating 11^th-ranked Ottawa 48–13 Saturday night at Spirit Field.

The win by Louisiana Christian moved both the Wildcats (8-3, 7-1 SAC) up and the Spirit (8-1, 7-1 SAC) down into a three-way tie with Texas Wesleyan (7-4, 7-1 SAC) for the conference championship. By virtue of tiebreakers, the Rams receive the SAC’s automatic bid to the NAIA Football Championship Series.

Neither LCU or Ottawa was included in the 20-team NAIA playoff bracket announced Sunday night. TWU beat LCU 62-27 on Oct. 11 in Fort Worth.

Wildcats freshman safety Kylan Polk, who was coming off a four-interception and one touchdown day a week ago, made three more picks Saturday night – including another one returned for a touchdown.

His first set up the game’s first score, giving LCU possession at the Spirit 38. Seven plays later, a 16-yard Bryce Perkins to E.J. Scott pass helped the visitors up 7-0.

Ottawa booted a 30-yard field goal to make it 7-3 in the second period. LCU answered that score with a touchdown on their ensuing drive as, once again, Perkins found Scott, this time from 33 yards out to give the Wildcats a 14-3 lead.

The Spirit got momentum right before halftime with a 30-yard rushing touchdown which cut the LCU lead down to 14-10 with less than three minutes left.

Ottawa closer to open the third quarter, using a 31-yard field goal to get within 14-13.

But the Wildcats exploded. LCU again answered a field goal with a touchdown, going 57 yards in six plays with Perkins and Omarius Davis connecting from 23 yards out for the touchdown to make it 21-13 LCU with 7:18 left in the third quarter.

LCU expanded the lead late in the quarter when Datlan Cunningham punched in from one yard to cap a five-play, 69-yard drive to go up 28-13.

Polk, who added a second interception in the first half, made it back-to-back weeks with a pick-six, as he took in another wayward pass and raced 58 yards to the end zone to give LCU a 35-13 lead with 14 seconds left in the period.

The LCU defense added more points early in the fourth when Jermarian Jackson picked up a fumble and raced 30 yards to the house for a 41-13 lead.

Cunningham capped the scoring with just less than four minutes left in the contest as he again plunged into the end zone from a yard out.

Perkins finished the game 11-of-23 for 180 yards passing and three touchdowns.

Scott was his top target as he ended the game with seven receptions for 135 yards and two scores. Davis had three catches for 37 yards and a touchdown as well.

The Wildcats got 83 yards from Jaterrius Johnson on 18 carries. Cunningham was handed the football 19 times and gained 54 yards with two touchdowns.

LCU’s defense was key in the win, holding the SAC’s highest scoring offense to just 13 points while getting five turnovers, two of which were returned for scores.

First Baptist Church Pineville had a strong turnout for its F.I.R.S.T. Step New and Prospective Member class held at the home of Pastor Stewart and Rebecca. The gathering brought together 30 new or prospective members along with ministry staff and their families.

During the event, eight individuals officially joined the church. Three will become part of the Lecompte campus, while five will join the Pineville campus. Several additional attendees plan to join in the near future.

The F.I.R.S.T. Step class serves as an introduction to the church’s ministries and mission, offering newcomers an opportunity to learn more about the congregation and its campuses.

The Rapides Parish Republican Women’s Club elected its new slate of officers during the organization’s meeting held last night. The incoming board will serve a two-year term beginning in January 2026.

The newly elected officers are:
• President: Charlotte Lyles
• Vice President: Sarvette Duplessis Talley
• Recording Secretary: Linda LaCour Bordelon
• Corresponding Secretary: Sylvia Coody
• Treasurer: Vickie G. Hart
• Webmaster: Lauren Downes

Founded in 1960, the club has been active in Rapides Parish for more than six decades. Members credited the outgoing officers for their service, noting their leadership and volunteer efforts in advancing the organization’s mission.

The club stated that the upcoming term will focus on continued growth, member engagement, and expanding its presence in the community, aligning with the goals of the Louisiana Federation of Republican Women to support informed and engaged conservative women across the state.

Holy Comforter Episcopal Church in Lecompte hosted a brunch for Rapides High School’s Homecoming Court! This is the fourth year this has happened.
Rapides High School teachers Alicia Monroe, Stephanie Andries, and Lauren Wilson sponsored Homecoming activities.

The Homecoming Court and their mothers attended the event. They were so polite and their manners were exceptional.

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

Nov. 16

Ashton Carmouche, 19, Pineville – OWI first offense, hit and run driving, careless operation of a vehicle, $1,600 bail;

Barbaro Moses Hall Sr., 38, Destrehan – obstruction of justice, no bail data;

Kenneth Ray Harris, 38, New Orleans – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, no bail data;

Julissa-Milagros Ortiz-Del, 41, Pineville – OWI first offense, $1,000 bail.

Nov. 15

Jennifer Renee Epnett, 49, Alexandria – contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Brandon DeWayne Hines, 27, Alexandria – contempt of court, $25,000 bail;

Tracy Joseph Johnson, 36, Boyce – contempt of court, $15,000 bail;

Elvin Ray Lasyone, 28, Deville – OWI first offense, speeding, no bail data;

Fernando Ibarra Martinez, 35, Terrell – OWI first offense, $1,000 bail;

Eli Price, 46, Jonesville – battery of a dating partner, Louisiana fugitive, six counts contempt of court, $151,500 bail;

Weston Shaine Ray, 41, Pineville – contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Matthew Sartin, 42, N/A – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, $1,100 bail;

Giovanni Torentino, 29, Pineville – five counts sexual battery, resisting an officer, $500 bail;

Tori Larose Vander, 26, Pineville – aggravated battery, $5,000 bail;

Kenyatta Kentai Varra, 33, Pineville – simple battery, simple assault, $750 bail;

Bradley O’Neal Williams, 41, Pineville – legend drug possession, possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, possession of CDS, $1,500 bail.

Nov. 14

Jacorrian Brown, 21, Alexandria – reckless operation of a vehicle, flight from an officer, $1,000 bail;

L.C. Carrington Jr., 59, Pineville – two counts third degree rape, $100,000 bail;

Jibrin Ibn-Mohammed, 40, Natchitoches – criminal trespass, disturbing the peace, two counts contempt of court, $51,000 bail;

Jamaria Dejuan Johnson, 24, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, probation violation, contempt of court, $2,500 bail;

Timarian Dewayne Logan, 23, Pineville – eight counts illegal carry firearm with drugs, illegal possession of stolen firearms, producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, paraphernalia, resisting an officer, $151,000 bail;

Elisha Chenyenne Mazerolle, 28, Pineville – first degree murder, second degree cruelty to juveniles, probation violation, $200,000 bail;

Beverly Darlene Outlaw, 42, Ball – theft, criminal conspiracy, simple escape, $30,000 bail;

Bryan Porter, 31, New Orleans – two counts aggravated battery of a police officer, aggravated resisting a police officer, $20,000 bail;

Antwon Lakeitha Ransburg, 45, Pineville – simple burglary, burglary of inhabited dwelling, obscenity, $30,000 bail;

Jeremy Preston Sampract, 38, Alexandria – OWI, $500 bail;

Dravon Chasera Sellers, 44, Pineville – failure to register sex offender, two counts parole violation, $1,500 bail;

Doris Gail Sheppard, 63, Pineville – accessory after the fact, $25,000 bail.

Nov. 13

John Ernest Allen III, 64, Alexandria – sexual battery, legend drug possession, $1,000 bail;

Anthony Dewayne Edgefield Jr., 32, Alexandria – criminal conspiracy, aggravated burglary, two counts possession of firearm by convicted felon, contempt of court, $55,500 bail;

Paul Fredderick, 32, Pineville – second degree battery, no bail data;

Timothy Jones McCullough, 59, Santa Fe, New Mexico – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, possession of marijuana, two counts possession of CDS, paraphernalia, improper lane usage, $16,100 bail;

Marcus Tyran Sanders, 42, Alexandria – simple battery on the infirmed, possession of CDS, six counts contempt of court, $57,500 bail;

Tyrin Toliver, 29, Terrytown – aggravated criminal damage, manufacture, transfer, possession of machine guns, possession of firearm by convicted felon, three counts contempt of court, $125,000 bail;

Antonio David Montgomery, 40, New Orleans – theft (second/subsequent conviction), Louisiana fugitive, $20,000 bail;

Jose Rubio, 45, Forest Hill – stalking, 50 counts unlawful telephone harassment, $26,000 bail;

Marcus Tyran Sanders, 42, Alexandria – possession of CDS, simple battery on the infirmed, six counts contempt of court, $26,500 bail;

Anthony Sheppard, 25, Pineville – attempted second degree murder, $500,000 bail;

Tyrin Toliver, 29, Terrytown – aggravated criminal damage, manufacture, transfer or possession of machine guns, possession of firearm by convicted felon, three counts contempt of court, $125,000 bail.

Nov. 12

Chantel Marie Ashley, 52, Deville – contributing to delinquency of juveniles, interfering with a law enforcement investigation, $1,000 bail;

Deborah Susan Beaver, 74, Bunkie – two counts possession of CDS, paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, contempt of court, probation violation, $4,500 bail;

Tonya Buxton, 33, Breaux Bridge – criminal damage to property, threatening a public official, obstruction public passage, two counts resisting an officer, criminal mischief, contempt of court, $6,000 bail;

Jimmy Scott Funk Jr., 62, Pineville – possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, $2,000 bail;

Kelvon Gerald Kyle, 25, Cottonport – criminal damage to property, flight from an officer, disarming a peace officer, two counts contempt of court, $100,500 bail;

Troy Kevin Wells, 56, Ball – producing manufacturing distributing CDS with intent, simple burglary, two counts contempt of court, $19,500 bail.

Funeral services for Mr. Clyde Earl Kelley will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 17, 2025, in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, with the Reverends Billy Edwards and Travis Sanders officiating. Interment will follow in St. Rose Cemetery, Aloha, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, LA.

Mr. Kelley, 80, of Colfax, entered eternal rest on Thursday, November 14, 2025, at Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria, Louisiana, leaving behind a legacy built with his hands, his heart, and a lifetime of stories worth retelling.

Born with a natural talent for fixing anything that needed fixing, he spent his early years working as a mechanic before building a proud career as a roofer and carpenter. Whether repairing an engine, raising a roof, or crafting something from nothing, he brought determination, skill, and a stubborn dedication to doing things the right way-his way.

When he wasn’t working with tools, he was working the soil. He loved planting and tending his garden, which reliably grew far more than he ever needed. He shared the overflowing harvest with family, friends, and anyone in the community who could use a little fresh produce. His green thumb was matched only by the joy he found in watching things grow.

He loved being outdoors-fishing, hunting, gardening, or keeping his lawn in perfect condition. Whatever the season, you could count on him to be outside, soaking in the fresh air and taking pride in the work his hands could accomplish.

An exceptional cook, he was known for the Sunday dinners he prepared for his family-meals made with care, skill, and the quiet satisfaction of feeding the people he loved. He was generous and loving, yet strong-willed and wonderfully set in his ways, a man with “patience for everything except waiting.”

Above all, he loved being a father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and uncle. Though fiercely independent and perfectly content in his own space, he cherished every moment spent with his family, treasuring the laughter, the stories, and the simple joy of being together. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to live on in the family he adored and prayed for daily and the many lives he touched.

Mr. Kelley is preceded in death by his wife, Gloria Kelley; two sons, Randy Kelley and Scotty Kelley; his parents Clyde C. and Deddie Kelley; three brothers, Arnold Kelley, Dewey Kelley, and Michael Kelley; one sister, Rita Chevallier; and one grandson, Devin Kelley.

Those left to cherish his memory include one son, Toney Kelley of LaPlace; three daughters, Sherry Corley (Robert) of Franklin, Tennessee, Donna Sanders (Brian) of Joyce, and Cindy Maxwell (Clay) of Georgetown; two sisters, Darlene Antee (Johnny) of Colfax, and Judy Bishop (Ronnie) of Sallis, Mississippi; one sister-in-law, Janet Kelley of West Monroe; seventeen grandchildren; thirty great grandchildren; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and his “adopted son,” Rick Marshall of Ball.
A time of visitation will be held in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, on Monday, November 17, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. until time of service.

Pallbearers honored to serve are: Johnny Antee, Daniel Kelley, Jody Lavespere, Rick Marshall, Zane Deville, and Joshua Blazek.

Mr. Hill, 73, of Tioga, entered eternal rest on Friday, November 14, 2025, at CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital, Alexandria, LA.

He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who cherished the time he spent with his family. A proud United States Navy veteran, he honorably served his country during the Vietnam War. He had a lifelong passion for driving and took great pride in his work behind the wheel, as well as in repairing and maintaining vehicles. In his spare time, he enjoyed attending car shows, collecting records, and building his collection of Harley-Davidson memorabilia. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Awilda Hill; and two brothers, John Hill and Robert Hill.

Those left to mourn his loss and cherish his memory include his loving wife, Janet Claire Hill of Tioga; one son, Sean Hill (Deidre) of Jena; one daughter, Sara Hill of Tioga; one sister, Nancy Easterly of Las Vegas, Nevada; and three grandchildren, Makenly Wilson, Hunter Wilson, and Bentley Wilson.

All funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, LA.