The City of Pineville has announced that Dr. Mark Johnson, President of Louisiana Christian University (LCU), will serve as Grand Marshal for the 2025 Pineville Christmas Parade.

Dr. Johnson, who became the 10th president of LCU earlier this year, has quickly become a prominent figure in Central Louisiana. His selection as Grand Marshal highlights the strong and lasting connection between the city and Louisiana Christian University, which has been a cornerstone of the Pineville community for more than a century.

Mayor Joe Bishop said Dr. Johnson’s leadership reflects the spirit of partnership that defines the city and its historic university. He praised LCU as a vital economic engine, cultural hub, and training ground for future community leaders.

Founded in 1906 as Louisiana College, LCU has long contributed to Pineville’s growth through its academic programs, local engagement, and campus activities. The university continues to play an important role in the city’s economy, workforce development, and cultural life.

Dr. Johnson expressed gratitude for the honor and emphasized his personal and professional ties to the community. He noted that his family is deeply rooted in Pineville, with his children attending local schools and the university.

The Pineville Christmas Parade will take place on December 12 at 7 p.m., officially opening the city’s holiday season and celebrating the partnership between Louisiana Christian University and the City of Pineville.

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Four members of the Pineville High School band represented their school with pride this past weekend at the 2025 Big Easy Band Fest, held at Loyola University in New Orleans.

Students Holland, Shelby, Zach, and Dakota spent the weekend working alongside talented musicians and learning from top clinicians, including Colonel John R. Bourgeois, USMC (Ret.), the former conductor of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band.

The Pride of Pineville Parent Club commended the students for their dedication, musicianship, and commitment to excellence.

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For more than six decades, the small island in New York Harbor served as America’s front door. But on November 12, 1954, Ellis Island processed its final immigrant and closed as a federal immigration station, marking the end of an era that had defined the American story.

Since its opening in 1892, more than 12 million immigrants — many from southern and eastern Europe — had passed through its gates. For countless families, Ellis Island represented both hope and hardship, offering a chance at new beginnings in the United States.

By the mid-20th century, immigration laws had changed, and air travel replaced ocean liners as the dominant mode of international arrival. Screening and processing were relocated to U.S. embassies abroad, leaving Ellis Island largely obsolete.

Its final detainee, a Norwegian seaman named Arne Peterssen, departed quietly that November day. The closure signaled a new chapter in U.S. immigration policy, one increasingly focused on regulation rather than mass arrival.

Ellis Island later became a museum and national monument, preserving the stories of millions who entered through its halls. For historians and families tracing their ancestry, the site remains a symbol of the nation’s immigrant roots.

The date — November 12 — continues to stand as a milestone in the evolution of American identity. It reminds the country of its promise to those seeking opportunity, and of the ever-changing definition of what it means to become an American.

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We are now about 7 months out from our departure! What an exciting time it is as we being a journey together that is certain to make memories to last a lifetime!  Moses: A Pilgrimage of Deliverance with a Nile River Cruise and Jordanian extension is a great adventure!

Our trip dates are June 15-26, 2026, for the Egypt portion of the pilgrimage, and June 26-29 of the Jordan portion.  A link to the Good Shepherd Travel site can be found here which details all the information and can be shared:

https://reserve.goodshepherdtravel.com/tours/join-rev-kennon-pickett-on-a-pilgrimage-to-egypt-from-houston-tx-iah-june-15-26-2026/

To update you on our group, we have 6-8 spots remaining so at this time, we are opening the trip up to our community for the remaining spots.  

If you, your family, and friends are interested in coming, please send me their email addresses as we are having a special ZOOM call which will include an orientation and organization meeting going through the itinerary.   I will also be giving some details about a Bible Study that ties to our itinerary that I will be offering ahead of the pilgrimage.  

Our ZOOM pilgrimage trip presentation is on Thursday, Nov 20th at 7pm.  Here is the link:

Rev Kennon Pickett is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Egypt Pilgrimage 2026

Time: Thursday, Nov 20, 2025, 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/99497810759?pwd=JUv4rtgE9qo9R4KzA5DFepz6gZZSHl.1

View meeting insights with Zoom AI Companion

https://zoom.us/launch/edl?muid=d934f863-b62e-4f69-9c86-25c25b297e32

Meeting ID: 994 9781 0759

Passcode: 507439

Friends,  I am excited to be leading us on this incredible experience together, and I am praying expectantly for God to surpass everything we know is possible. I hope to hear from you about who else may be called to walk the steps of Moses with us.

With the Deliverer’s love,

Rev Kennon

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Tyrone Lee Allred, 64, of Alexandria, Louisiana, passed away on November 7, 2025, in Alexandria at Rapides Regional Medical Center.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday November 14, 2025 at Gallagher Funeral Home and Crematory. Visitation will take place on Thursday November 13, 2025 from 5-8 p.m. at Gallagher Funeral Home and Crematory and again on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.

He was born on September 5, 1961, in Alexandria to the late Mitchell Allred Sr. and Pauline Norwood Allred. Tyrone lived life to the fullest. He was a man full of laughter, love, and adventure, known for his ability to brighten any room with his humor and big personality. He loved to hunt and fish-especially saltwater fishing-and his happiest days were spent at his most favorite place in the world Grand Isle with his beloved wife, Linda, whom he proudly and lovingly still referred to as “his bride.” He enjoyed speedboat racing, spending time with his “brother-in-law” and best friend, Jimmy Parker, and he loved making people laugh. Though he loved to dance, he was a terrible dancer but his zest for life was unmatched, and he cherished time with his family more than anything else. Tyrone had a passion for racehorses and proudly owned Ship Stalker, All Star Superstar, and America’s Choice. He was a proud “Paw Paw Man” to his grandchildren, who were the joy of his life. His love for family was deep, steady, and ever-present.

Professionally, Tyrone was highly respected. He served as General Manager of Sales at All Star Toyota and Leglue Nissan. He earned the distinction of being the youngest recipient of the Toyota President’s Award in the history of the corporation. He also served as President of the Boys and Girls Club of Alexandria, where he poured his heart into supporting the youth of his community.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Mitchell Lee Allred Jr.; his sister, Teresa Kreps; and one grandchild, Marley Franklin.

Tyrone is survived by his devoted wife, Linda DiMarco Allred, and his children: Del (Kim) Bernard of Mandeville, LA; Dawn (Tony) Rhodes of Pearlington, MS; April (Kenneth) Sepulvado of Kentwood, LA; Tara Franklin of DeQuincy, LA; Susan (Jeff) Reeves of Orange, TX; Kristen (Michael Sr.) Trantham of Red Stone Arsenal, AL; Regan (Kyle) Allred of Golden, CO; and Hillary (Cody) Franklin of DeQuincy, LA. He is also survived by his sister, Mechelle (Brian) Hildebrandt of Red Hook, NY. Tyrone was “Paw Paw Man” to his grandchildren: Adelyn, Lucas, Wesley, Gracie, and Lillie Bernard; Michael Jr., Christopher, Autumn Rose, Addisyn, Elizabeth, and John Mark Trantham; Dason Irwin, Abigail Bernard, Donovan Irwin, Braedon Anseman, Bentley Sepulvado, Kenadie Sepulvado, Bre McDonald, Zachary Allred, Michael Franklin Jr., and Annabelle Franklin.

Those who knew Tyrone will always remember his heart for family, his loyalty to friends, his adventurous spirit, and the way he lived every day fully and joyfully. His life was rich in love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, and fun-and a lifetime of stories that will be told with smiles and laughter for generations.

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Mrs. Patricia Lee Parker Hay, lovingly known as Patty to her friends and family, age 84 of Alexandria, Louisiana entered eternal rest on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at her residence surrounded by her devoted daughters.

Services were held on Nov. 11 in the chapel of Gallagher Funeral Home with Joe Arnold officiating. Burial followed at Alexandria Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers honored to serve were Johsua Hay, Christopher Rini, Bryson Rini, Trey Guillot, Kevin Wallace, Kyle Wallace, and Dean Howard.

Patricia is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Hay; parents, Earl and Maxine Parker; sister, Mary Ellen Skains; brother, Tommy Parker; and grandson, Zachery Haley.

Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Teri Rini (John), Debbie Haley (Johnny), and Vicky Hay; grandchildren, Joshua Hay (Debra), Christopher Rini (Stacy), Victoria Guillot (Trey), Kevin Wallace, and Kyle Wallace; great grandchildren, Alyssa Hay, Isabelle Hay, Bryson Rini, Emma Rini, Trinity Dubea, Georgia Guillot, Dean Howard, and Harper Wallace; sister, Deanna Arnold (Tom); brother, Jimmy Parker (Sherry); and host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Born on September 13, 1941, in Sprague, West Virginia, Patty grew up with a joyful spirit and a steadfast faith that would guide her throughout her life. As a proud military wife and mother of three young daughters, she embraced adventure and service, traveling the world from Africa to the Philippines and across the United States, from the coast of California to the shores of South Carolina.

Blessed with artistic flair and a creative soul, Patty mastered sewing, painting, woodworking, and crafting. She shared her many gifts freely, touching countless lives with her generosity and talent. Her creations carried not only beauty but love-each piece a reflection of her caring heart.

A devoted child of God, Patty’s life was a testament to kindness, faith, and unconditional love. She will always be remembered for her warm smile, gentle spirit, and the comforting hugs that could brighten even the hardest of days.

Though she has gone to her heavenly home, the light she brought into this world will continue to shine through those who knew and loved her.

The family would like to thank Faith Foundation Hospice and all of the amazing caregivers who provided such loving care to their mother.

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The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office received a report of shots fired at a vehicle on Nov. 11 around 5:52 pm in the 1300 block of Louise Street in Alexandria.

Deputies arrived on scene and spoke with the complainant, who stated that their vehicle had been shot at. No injuries were reported, and investigators have not located any damage to vehicles at this time.

Four individuals have been detained in connection with the incident as Sheriff’s Detectives and the Crime Scene Unit continue their investigation.

The Sheriff’s Office said additional information will be released as it becomes available. Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact the RPSO Main Office at 318-473-6700 or Crime Stoppers at 318-443-7867.

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The only game in town Friday night when local high school football teams engage in first round of the playoffs is at Menard.

The history of Menard’s stadium, which has gotten distorted a bit over the years, is worth telling, not only to set the record straight but because it is a testament to what can be done on a minimum budget with wave after wave of bighearted volunteers.

Retired engineer Wilson Cedars, the brainchild for the idea of building the stadium, said Monday it came around 1995, when morale was sinking and enrollment (grades 7-12) was skidding. Some feared the school might close.

A graduate of old Natchitoches High School, Cedars had a daughter who was a junior high cheerleader at Menard at the time. One day he was walking on the old practice field, and he began thinking about the idea that had come up from time to time for 30 years that Menard should build a football stadium. Throughout its football history, Menard had always played its “home” football games at another school’s stadium. At the time, it was playing its home games at Pineville High School at a rental price of $500 a game.

“As an engineer, I visualize things to draw,” said Cedars, “and as I walked, I noticed they have lights here, and a small scoreboard and some wooden bleachers.” Meanwhile, he saw discarded bricks from an abandoned house, tall weeds all over and bushes tangled in the surrounding fence.

“I started to visualize a press box behind the stands. We went to a game at Montgomery High School, and I studied their stadium, which wasn’t fancy, and some of us parents talked and thought we can build something like that.”

The day after the last game of the 1995 season, a Saturday in November, Cedars and volunteer Paul Squyres started plowing the field. A group of volunteers spruced up the field for junior high games that in ’96 began attracting crowds, such that with concession and gate fees, revenue started coming in, along with a soaring spirit of students attending the games.

That was enough to sway Bobby Distefano, a 1964 Menard grad and business manager for Menard at the time. He reminisced in a Town Talk story after his retirement that he was initially against the idea. He said the school had plans to play football in ’96 at the old England Air Force Base. “No, Bobby,” Cedars said, “they want to play here. The guys on the varsity see the junior high games and are asking, ‘Why can’t we play here?’”

Cedars sought and received a grant of $12,000 from the Huie-Dellmon Trust to fund the project. Cleco donated creosote poles for stadium lights, and Menard grad Red Simpson installed the poles at no cost.

“More and more volunteers kept showing up,” said Cedars. “We’d all work on Saturdays and sometimes on weekdays after work. Different people took charge of different projects, whether it be the scoreboard, a sprinkler system, improved drainage, whatever.”

Cedars and Martin Lyons were the co-chairmen of the project, dubbed “Project: Home Field Advantage,” and they kept reminding themselves and anyone else who volunteered to work: “It’s not our property, it’s Menard’s, and it’s not ‘I,’ it’s ‘we.’ It’s not about any individual, it’s all of us working together.”

Bishop Sam Jacobs called Cedars and Lyons to his office to talk about the project.

“He asked, ‘How much is it going to cost me?’” Cedars said. “I did this (holding his finger and thumb to make a 0 sign) and said, ‘Nothing.’ He said, ‘Now, that’s what I like to hear.’

“I told him the idea was to keep it simple: ‘We’re going to build what we can afford, not Tiger Stadium.’”

He drew up a plan for a baseball field and football field and showed it to then head football coach Tim Tharp and Barbara Trotter, then president of the Menard Athletic Association, and they “went nuts” with excitement.

The project moved forward, thanks to a can-do attitude and a relentless work ethic and some good connections. About 40 businesses donated equipment or services to the project. A core group of close to 20 men did the brunt of the volunteer work but hundreds of others showed up to help from time to time.

“And anytime there was a problem,” Cedars said, “somebody always knew somebody who could take care of it.”

When they decided to paint the unvarnished wooden bleachers, a tractor supply business donated 25 1-gallon buckets of green paint (Menard’s color).

“Martin said, ‘We can’t use that, it’s automotive paint!’,” said Cedars. “I said, it’s free and it’s green, we’re going to use it.” And grandparents, parents and children painted the bleachers.

“We’re undertaking a project that should probably take a year and a half,” Cedars said at the November, 1996 groundbreaking ceremony, attended by Bishop Jacobs, “and we’re going to hopefully do it in nine months.”

Cedars, amazingly, was right on target. The field was ready in nine months — August, 1997 — and the first game was played that September, and more than 2,500 people attended.

“The message that went out to the community,” said Distefano, “was Menard was certainly not closing if they’re building their own stadium.”

Over the next three years after it was built, the Eagles’ Nest had record attendance, and enrollment increased to just under 500 students.

Bishop Jacobs was impressed.

“Before he left (the Alexandria diocese),” said Cedars, tearing up with a catch in his throat, “Bishop Sam told me, ‘Wilson, that stadium saved Menard.’

“People have asked me why I’d do something like that, since I wasn’t a graduate and I didn’t have a son on the football team,” said Cedars. “I just tell them, because it was the right thing to do.’”

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Louisiana Christian University Professor of Business Dr. Arthur Mazhambe served as the guest speaker at the All Africa Baptist Men’s Fellowship in Zimbabwe in October.

The theme of the conference “Freed to Proclaim” was drawn from Psalm 40:8-10.

“We witnessed a gathering that was not only spiritually enriching but also impeccably orchestrated,” said the Rev. Herbert Chingono, local arrangements committee chairman for the AABMF: Southern Region. “This would not have been possible without the tireless efforts, countless hours of preparation, and the Spirit-led contribution from [Arthur Mazhambe].”

Mazhambe spoke on godly men and women and their role in the church.

“The Women’s Missionary Union in the Baptist churches in Africa has always been way ahead of men in spreading the gospel,” Mazhambe said. “It is exciting to see men growing in number and zeal for Christ in Africa.”

LCU’s W. Ray Endowment funds allowed for Mazhambe’s participation in the conference.

“Dr. Mazhambe’s participation in an international awakening in Africa adds so much to his experience and what he can share in the classroom,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Henry O. Robertson. “Students hear about the different and similar ways to worship and much more about how to share the Christian faith beyond all borders. He connects well with believers across the ocean in his native land and learns more from different cultures and people groups who gathered to share an abiding love of Jesus Christ. He is a business faculty member with an eye on connections that go deeper than transactional knowledge. With a heart for missions and sharing the gospel,  Dr. Mazhambe is the perfect speaker, a prime example for our students, and one who gets truly what integrating faith and learning means. LCU is very fortunate to be able to share him with our students.”

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Coaches are infinitely more interested in the LHSAA’s power point rankings, but there’s no denying the prestige of being included in a Louisiana Sports Writers Association top 10 prep football poll.

Especially the one at the end of the regular season. From this point forward on the field, the five classifications are split into four divisions for playoff competition and there’s Select and Non-Select brackets for each, determined by the power points.

But the LSWA stops now; its polling ends with the results of Week 10 games, reflecting what went on in district races and non-district contests over the past three months.

Alexandria Senior High, despite a Week 10 loss at Neville, is the only Rapides Parish team to finish in a Top 10 poll for 2025. Tioga dropped out of the 4A rankings after its loss at Franklin Parish, but picked up a few points I the voting.

The LSWA poll is voted on by 11 sports media members from around the state who cover high school football.

The final regular-season rankings:

 

Class 5A

School (1^st place votes), W-L, poll points, previous week’s ranking

1. Karr (11), 10-0,132,1

2. St. Augustine, 8-1,108,T2

3. Ruston, 8-2,105, 6

4. John Curtis, 7-2, 84, T2

5. Catholic-Baton Rouge, 8-2, 81, 7

6. West Monroe, 7-3, 67, 4

7. Alexandria Senior High, 8-2, 65, 5

8. Evangel Christian, 8-2, 56, 9

9. Destrehan, 8-2, 52, 8

10. Neville, 7-3, 39, NR

Others receiving votes: Central 23, Denham Springs 9, Acadiana 7, Ouachita 5, Parkway 4, Zachary 2, Archbishop Rummel 7, Thibodaux 2, Brother Martin 2, Southside 2, Airline 1, Hahnville 1, St. Paul’s 1, Terrebonne 1.

 

Class 4A

1. North DeSoto (9), 10-0, 129, 1

2. Teurlings Catholic (2), 10-0, 122, 2

3. Plaquemine, 9-1, 101, 3

4. Iowa, 10-0, 94, 4

5. St. Thomas More, 7-3, 88, 5

6. Franklin Parish, 8-2, 83, 6

7. St. Charles, 9-1, 73, 7

8. E.D. White, 7-3, 38, NR

9. Loyola Prep, 9-1, 28, NR

10. Belle Chasse, 9-1, 25, NR

Others receiving votes: Franklinton 20, Vandebilt Catholic 20, Lakeshore 12, Archbishop Shaw 8, Tioga 7, Brusly 4, Northwood-Shreveport 3, Cecilia 2, Westgate 2.

 

Class 3A

1. Jewel Sumner (9), 10-0, 127, 1

2. University (2), 8-2, 116, 2

3. St. James, 8-2, 102, 3

4. Madison Prep, 8-2, 100, 4

5. Sterlington, 8-2, 90, 5

6. Jena, 9-1, 75, 6

7. Erath, 10-0, 73, 7

8. Bunkie, 9-1, 60, 8

9. Lake Charles Prep, 8-2, 44, 9

10. Church Point, 8-2, 27, NR

Others receiving votes: Jennings 12, Marksville 12, Amite 8, Northwest 6, L.B. Landry 3, John F. Kennedy 2, De La Salle 2.

 

Class 2A

1. Lafayette Christian Academy (10), 9-1, 131, 1

2. Dunham (1), 9-1,120, 3

3. Calvary Baptist, 9-1, 110, 4

4. Notre Dame, 8-2, 86, 6

5. Oak Grove, 8-2, 83, 9

6. Ouachita Christian, 9-1, 75, 2

7. Kinder, 10-0, 55 , 7

8. Catholic-New Iberia, 8-2,  52,8

9. Lafayette Renaissance Charter, 8-2, 36,10

10. Newman, 6-2, 34, NR

Others receiving votes: South Plaquemines 25, Mangham 23, Loreauville 17, Ferriday 4, Mansfield 2, East Feliciana 1, Union Parish 1, Vinton 1.

 

Class 1A

1. Haynesville (11),10-0, 132, 1

2. Hamilton Christian, 9-0, 114, 2

3. Riverside Academy, 9-1, 113, 3

4. Covenant Christian, 8-2, 94, 4

5. Westminster-Opelousas, 10-0, 86, 5

6. Jeanerette, 9-1, 77, 6

7. Ascension Catholic, 8-2, 55, T8

8. Southern Lab, 6-4, 52, T8

9. Ascension Episcopal, 9-1, 44, 7

10. Catholic-Pointe Coupee, 8-2, 27, NR

Others receiving votes: Logansport 17, Kentwood 17, St. Edmund 16, North Iberville 10, Sacred Heart-Ville Platte 2, Elton 1, Jonesboro-Hodge 1.

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Rapides Parish Patrol Deputies responded to the 1800 block of Henry Street in Alexandria on Nov. 8 around 7:36 am in reference to what was reported as a home invasion.

According to the initial reports, a black male, identified as Davante Deundra Thomas, 33 of Alexandria, allegedly kicked in the door of the residence armed with a handgun and allegedly fired at the homeowner. The homeowner then returned fire, striking the suspect. Upon the arrival of the deputies, a deceased male subject was located inside the residence with the firearm still in his hand.

Sheriff’s Detectives and Crime Scene Unit responded to begin their investigation and process the scene for evidence. Sheriff’s Detectives say this is an active, ongoing investigation and if anyone has any information on this incident, they are asked to RPSO Detectives at 319-473-6727 or RPSO Main Office at 318-473-6700.

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A funeral service for James Michael Percy was held on Nov. 10 at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church with Rev. Chad Partain officiating and under the direction of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home.

James Michael Percy, 82, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on November 5, 2025.

He was born on December 15, 1942, and was a longtime resident of Alexandria and Pineville, Louisiana. As a young child, he was known for being adventurous, inquisitive, and rebellious at times. As he grew up, he quickly developed a love for the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing with his friends. He also enjoyed reading, particularly history and biographies.
His inquisitive nature and love of learning led him to earn a degree in Jurisprudence from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University. During this time, he met his wife, Genie Powlett, with whom he shared 58 wonderful years of marriage.

Mike practiced law for more than 40 years, forming meaningful relationships with people across the country. He was known for his honesty, integrity, and kindness. He served as President of both the Inns of Court and the South Rotary Club.

Some of his happiest times were spent at various hunting camps, cooking and telling stories with friends, or in his shop building furniture. Mike also loved to ski in the Rocky Mountains and camp in the Canadian wilderness. He obtained his pilot’s license and delighted in flying his children around the state—often in what they described as “various dangerous situations.” He had a gift for making people laugh and always made those around him feel welcome.

He is survived by his wife, Imogene Powlett Percy; two children, Caroline Percy Moore and her husband Scott, James Michael Percy, Jr. and his wife Lauren; and his grandchildren, William Walker and Ella Claire Percy, who affectionately called him “Papa.” He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Ann Percy Meeks and Mary Theresa Percy Murphy and her husband Tom as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James Fisher Percy and Mary Inez Womack Percy and his sister, Mary Kathleen Percy Ramsey.

Memorials can be made to the charity of choice.

To extend online notes of condolence to the family, please visit http://www.KramerFunerals.net.

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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rebecca Allison Burns on November 7, 2025, at the age of 67. Born on September 19, 1958, in Alexandria, Louisiana, Becky grew up with a spirit of kindness and warmth that touched everyone she met.

Becky lived a beautiful life in Central, Louisiana, where she spent 43 wonderful years married to her husband, Malcolm Burns. Together, they raised three loving children: Tamara, Blake, and James, each of whom will carry forward her legacy of love and compassion. She was not just a mother but a cherished grandmother to her beautiful grandchildren, who brought her immense joy.

A devoted member of the Word of Grace Church, Becky enjoyed gardening and all things outdoors, filling her life with the beauty of nature and the laughter of friends and family. She will be remembered for her genuine love of life and her unwavering support for those around her.

A memorial service honoring Becky’s life was held on Nov. 10 at Word of Grace Church in Pineville. 

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Malcolm L. Burns; children, Tamara Lynn Burns, Blake Michael Burns, and James Clayton Burns; 11 grandchildren; and sisters, Kathy Blackmon and Christa Haworth (Mike).

Becky was preceded in death by her parents, Burk Joseph and Dorothy Perry Rachal.

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By JIM BUTLER

Three teenagers are among five jailed young Rapides adults charged with attempted murder.

The accusations are apparently in relation to two unrelated gunfire exchanges though no confirmation of that has been made by authorities.

Kamron Anderson, 18; Glendamon White, 18; and Shania Washington, 20 were booked Monday, November 3.

Earlier that afternoon authorities chased a vehicle from Daspit Street (off 3rd Street, south of Hunter Park), where shots had been exchanged between vehicles, to MacArthur Drive & Elliott, where it crashed into another.

Anderson and White are charged with attempted 2nd-degree murder, with $500,000 bail set for each.

Anderson’s booking record indicates a previous felony record though it doesn’t list incident details or jurisdiction. 

Washington is additionally charged with felony flight from an officer with bail at $600,000.

The next night, Tuesday, November 4, police responded to gunfire on Masonic Drive just south of the traffic circle.

Two persons allegedly involved drove themselves to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries, authorities said.

Subsequently booked on attempted 2nd-degree murder charges are Quanterious Johnson, 18, and Alanis Martin, 25.  Bail for each is $500,000.

All five of the accused remained in custody Sunday night.

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced that beginning Monday, November 10, alternating lane closures will occur along I-49 northbound and southbound entrance and exit ramps in Alexandria, between Exit 80 and Exit 86.

The closures will take place daily from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. as part of an ongoing project to replace roadway striping and other reflectorized pavement markings along this section of the interstate.

Work is expected to be completed by December 2025, weather permitting. DOTD advises motorists to use caution when traveling through the work zone and to be mindful of crews and equipment in the area.

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