By JIM BUTLER

Two Alexandria men charged in separate holiday season rape cases are being held under $1 million-plus bail settings, facing the possibility of life sentences.

Quenten Austin, 32, was jailed Christmas Day on charges of first-degree rape and battery 2nd degree. Bail is $1,050,000.

Walter Crooks, 29, arrested December 27 for the fourth time this year and second this month, is facing first-degree rape, felony fugitive, violation of protective order, domestic abuse strangulation and battery aggravated 2nd degree charges. Bail is $1,300,000.

Crooks was booked December 4 for alleged domestic abuse battery and contempt of court, posting $15,500 bond.

In August this year he was charged with four counts of protective order violation, two counts stalking, interfering with emergency communication and contempt. He posted $62,000 bond a month later.

Back in January he was charged with contraband in a penal facility and possession of paraphernalia as well as contempt, posting $18,000 bond a week later. 

Records show he was arrested in July 2024 on charges of aggravated assault domestic abuse, aggravated domestic abuse battery strangulation and contempt. Bail was set at $19,500. 

A first-degree rape conviction in Louisiana requires a mandatory life sentence, no pardon, parole or suspension of sentence. 

The third man arrested on a rape charge is Roger Dale Bennett II, 49, of Deville. He was booked December 28. Bond is set at $100,500. 

He is charged with 2nd-degree rape, false imprisonment and contempt non-support payment. 

Second-degree rape carries a sentence of five to 40 years in Louisiana. 

First-degree rape is defined as involving a victim under 13 or elderly, use of force or a weapon during the crime or occurring during a robbery. 

Second-degree, also known as as forcible rape, is defined as occurring without lawful consent under specific circumstances, even without force or violence – threats or force, incapacitated victim without knowledge, victim between 13 & 17, age difference three years or more. 

Booking records do not indicate circumstances regarding either of the three cases. 

Looking ahead to the New Year, 2026, the 250^th anniversary of America’s birthday in 1776, I’d like to encourage us to think about some things.

Let’s think about our forefathers and how they might help us become a better people … and help us realize that many of the wretched things we’re dealing with are nothing new.

Think, for example, about what happened two centuries ago on the 50^th anniversary of our nation’s Declaration of Independence.

Two of our Founding Fathers, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, died on July 4, 1826. Jefferson, our third president, died first at age 83, around noon in Monticello, Virginia, and Adams, our second president, died early that evening at age 90 in Quincy, Massachusetts. Adams’ son, John Quincy, was then the president, and he wrote in his diary that his father’s last words were “Thomas Jefferson survives.”

Although John Adams and Jefferson were friends at the time of their deaths, they had been politically estranged for 11 years after the presidential election of 1800. Adams wrote a letter to Jefferson on January 1, 1812 – the first of many they exchanged — that renewed their old friendship that lasted until their deaths.

Jefferson’s last letter to Adams was in March of 1826 and the last letter Adams wrote to Jefferson was a month later.

In Jefferson’s last message, he compared their generation’s role in achieving independence to the mythological Argonauts, writing, “It was the lot of our early years to witness nothing but the dull monotony of Colonial subservience, and of our riper ones to breast the labors and perils of working out of it.” He also wrote that his declining health would force him to miss the 50^th anniversary celebration of the Declaration of Independence to which he had been invited.

“Your letter,” Adams responded in his final letter to Jefferson, “is one of the most beautiful and delightful I have ever received.”

Adams, however, wasn’t as optimistic as Jefferson. Seeing the attacks  on his son John Quincy’s presidency, Adams viewed the political landscape cynically: “Public affairs go on pretty much as usual, perpetual chicanery and rather more personal abuse than there used to be…. Our American Chivalry is the worst in the World. it has no Laws, no bounds, no definitions, it seems to be all a Caprice.”

If Adams perceived then that “American Chivalry” was the “worst in the world,” if he were transported through time, I suspect he’d probably say the same today.

You might say there was a bit of chivalry depicted in a letter Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail, during the Revolutionary War: “We can’t guarantee success (in this war) but we can do something better. We can deserve it.”

As historian David McCullough wrote in The American Spirit about that line, it reflected the difference from the modern attitude that success is all that matters, no matter whom you might betray or cheat, to get to the top.

“That line in the Adams letter,” wrote McCullough, “is saying that how the War for Independence turns out is in the hands of God. We can’t control that, but we can control how we behave. We can deserve success.”

Digging further, McCullough found the same line in some correspondence written by George Washington, and he learned they were quoting from a popular play at the time, Cato by Joseph Addison. It had become kind of a secular creed. It helps explain why honor was so important to them and why they pledged their “lives, fortunes and sacred honor” when they signed the Declaration.

Let’s think about why not only Adams and Jefferson but also James Monroe, our fifth president, all died on July 4. Monroe, who fought in the American Revolution and was wounded at the Battle of Trenton, died in New York City at age 73 on the 55^th anniversary of our country’s birth — July 4, 1831. Was it pure coincidence? I think not.

Monroe is considered the last of the “Founding Father” presidents, and several newspapers wrote shortly after his death of the profound “coincidence” that three of the five Founding Father presidents died on the same day. The Maryland Town Herald called it “the most remarkable tissue of coincidences that have marked the history of nations.”

Daniel Webster may have said it best in his eulogy for Adams and Jefferson.

“It cannot but seem striking and extraordinary,” he said, “that these two should live to see the fiftieth year from the date of the act, and that they should complete that year, and then, that on the day which had fast linked forever their own fame with the country’s glory, the heavens should open to receive them both at once.

“As their lives themselves were the gift of Providence, who is not willing to recognize in their happy termination, as well as in their long continuance, proofs that our country and its benefactors are objects of His care?”

Let us act, then, in 2026 to deserve God’s providence.

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office thanked the public for its patience as lines for tax payments remained long throughout the morning on Dec. 29.

The Tax Department will be open Tuesday, December 30, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wednesday, December 31 is a “Closed Day;” however, the Tax Department will be open that day from 8 a.m. until noon to accept payments only.

Residents may also make tax payments online by visiting RPSO.org and selecting the “Payments” icon.

The Rapides Parish School Board recognized Jasmine Johnson of L.S. Rugg Elementary School as this week’s Classroom Hero, spotlighting her dedication to empowering students and fostering a positive learning environment.

Johnson, who has five years of experience in education, focuses on helping students understand that heroism begins with belief, resilience, and everyday choices. Working in a struggling community, she strives to create a classroom where students feel valued, supported, and capable of achieving greatness.

Her approach emphasizes perseverance in learning, kindness in leadership, and confidence in using one’s voice.

Johnson also recognized Deidre Price-Shakur for her positive impact on students, noting her ability to build strong relationships and create an environment where students feel supported, challenged, and successful.

The Classroom Hero Highlight is part of the Rapides Parish School Board’s ongoing effort to celebrate educators who inspire students and make a lasting difference in their schools and communities.

The U.S. Forest Service announced that the Calcasieu Ranger District Evangeline Unit has reopened the Claiborne Multiple Use Trails and Loran Campground, both located in Rapides Parish.

The areas had previously been closed due to a wildfire in the Claiborne Multiple Use Trail area. As a result of the fire, the Woodworth and North Loops, along with Loran Campground, were temporarily shut down to ensure public safety.

Following an assessment conducted on Monday, December 29, officials determined conditions were safe for reopening. For additional information, residents may contact the Calcasieu Ranger District office at (318) 793-9427.

As the new year approaches, many of us will be compiling our New Year’s resolutions, a tradition that dates back to 2000 B.C. in ancient Babylon. The Babylonians held their New Year’s celebrations during a 12-day festival called Akitu which began with the first new moon after the vernal equinox, usually in what is now March. Their New Year began with the beginning of their farming season. One common resolution from their agricultural-based society was the return of borrowed farm equipment. The ancient Romans adopted this Babylonian celebration along with the tradition of New Year’s resolutions. In 46 B.C., the Romans reformed the calendar year and created the Julian calendar which was named after Roman dictator Julius Caesar. The Julian calendar officially set January 1st as the New Year’s Day.

In more recent history, people have shifted their resolutions away from returning borrowed farm equipment to what has become the most popular New Year’s resolution of all, improved fitness. When 29-year-old Jeane Mortenson sat down in the winter of 1955 and scribbled her extensive list of resolutions for the upcoming year on the first page of her Gucci address book, she focused mainly on her career. Jeane was in the midst of a very successful career, but she was unhappy. In the margin, probably as an afterthought, Jeane scribbled, “Try to enjoy myself when I can – I’ll be miserable enough as it is.”

While most people list a maximum of three resolutions, Jeane detailed 11 resolutions. Her first four resolutions dealt with going to classes in her career field. Her first resolution was, “go to class – my own always – without fail.” Another resolution showed her determination toward her craft. She wrote, “go as often as possible to observe…other private classes.” She continued, “keep looking around me – only much more so – observing – but not only myself but others and everything – take things (it) for what they (it’s) are worth.” In her list, she made notes on correcting certain aspects of her life. She wrote, “must make strong effort to work on current problems and phobias that out of my past has arisen – making much much much more more more more more effort in my analisis [sic]. And be there always on time – no excuses for being ever late.” Jeane resolved to take at least one class in literature and to take dancing lessons. While most of our lists of New Year’s resolutions would begin with improving physical health, that was last on Jeane’s list. She scribbled, “take care of my instrument – personally & bodily (exercise).”

Despite Jeane’s seemingly constant feeling of miserableness, her list of New Year’s resolutions allows us to see how determined she was to make the most of the opportunities she had earned or had been given. By the time she scribbled these New Year’s resolutions in December of 1955, Jeane had appeared in 26 films, she had become a star, and there were several more films to come. On February 23, 1956, just two months after she scribbled her New Year’s resolutions, Jeane legally changed her name to the one she used in her professional career. Jeane ultimately became more than a star; she became a pop culture icon. Everyone knows Norma Jeane Mortenson as Marilyn Monroe.

Sources:

1. Catherine Boeckmann, “The Interesting History Behind New Year’s Resolutions,” The Old Farmer’s Almanac, Almanac.com, December 17, 2025, accessed December 21, 2025, https://www.almanac.com/history-of-new-years-resolutions.

2. “Marilyn Monroe’s Go-Getter List of New Year’s Resolutions (1955),” Open Culture, January 1, 2015, accessed December 21, 2025, https://www.openculture.com/2015/01/marilyn-monroes-go-getter-list-of-new-years-resolutions-1955.html.

3. “Marilyn Monroe,” ImDB.com, accessed December 21, 2025, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000054/?ref_=fn_t_1.

Richard “Rick” Kyle John, 67, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 25, 2025, at Hospice House in Hutchinson. He was born on January 18, 1958, in McPherson, KS, the son of Daryl and Mary (Kinney) John.

Rick attended Little River High School and graduated in 1977. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force from 1977 to 1982. While in the Air Force, he was a certified Fuels Specialist and made lifetime friendships while getting to see new parts of the world he had never before seen. He worked at Cargill in Alexandria, La. for 11.5 years as a Process Technician before retiring. He was a loved member of Cross Branded Cowboy Church in Pineville, Louisiana.

Rick enjoyed attending and helping at the events his church hosted. He loved being the “burger master” at the church events and looked forward to being able to contribute in that way. He was not a man of many hobbies, but enjoyed being outdoors fishing, nature hiking, washing, and tinkering with his truck. His absolute favorite thing to do was to spend time with his friends and family. Rick never met a stranger, and all who met him loved him. While most of his family resides in Kansas, the friendships he built resulted in him becoming like family to so many others.

Rick is preceded in death by both of his parents.

He is survived by his daughter, Kaytie (Evan) Muir of Haven; brothers, Mike (Teresa) John of Ft. Worth, TX, Clint John of Moundridge, Larry (Tracy) John of Marquette, and Tim John of Oskaloosa; sister, Melanie John of Roxbury; two grandchildren, Nicholas and Selena Muir; and his numerous nieces and nephews.

Per Rick’s wishes, cremation has been chosen. A Celebration of Life will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Haven Baptist Church, 502 E. 4th, Haven, KS., with Pastor Chris Powell officiating. Rick loved helping others, it would honor him that all memorial contributions go to Cross Branded Cowboy Church. They can be sent in care of the church at 6906 LA-28, Pineville, LA 71360. Hutchinson Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

Linda Bordelon Gauthier, age 83, passed away on December 27, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at Lexington House in Alexandria, Louisiana.

A memorial visitation will be held on Monday, January 5, 2026, from 8:30-9:30 am at St. Frances Cabrini Church. Recitation of the rosary will be at 9:30 am and the memorial service will be at 10:00 am with Father Chad Partain officiating.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Russell Gauthier; her son, Dwayne Gauthier; her parents, Elliot David Bordelon, Sr. and Eunice Rachal Bordelon; her sister, Jeanette Bordelon Roy; and her brother, Elliot David Bordelon, Jr.

Linda was born in Cottonport, Louisiana, and graduated from Cottonport High School. After high school, she met the love of her life, Russell, and they were married in Cottonport before settling in Alexandria, where they raised their family. She worked for Information Systems and The Tudor Companies, both in Alexandria, and retired in 2004.

Linda was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her greatest treasure was her family and the love, care, and support she gave them each day. She was a devout Catholic with a strong faith and lived the virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity throughout her life.

Those left to cherish her memory include her three children: Jamie Gauthier (Dina), Mark Gauthier (Missie), and Jennifer Gauthier Mathews (Vernon), all of Alexandria; her brother, Gerald Bordelon (Judy); nine grandchildren: Dustin Gauthier (Amanda), Lindsay Gauthier, Corey Gauthier, Morgan Gauthier Teta (Canaan), Mackenzie Gauthier Wendt (Jesse), Adam Mathews (Megan), Jeremy Mathews (Haley), Kristen Mathews (Cody), and Anna Claire Mathews; and nine great-grandchildren: Amelia Gauthier, Adeline Gauthier, Parker Pinion, Madelyn Mathews, Russell Mathews, Abbie Mathews, Macie Mathews, Rylie Mathews, and Samuel Teta.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff of Lexington House for the compassionate care and support Linda received during her time there.

By JIM BUTLER

Notes from legislative audits released this month:

LSUA Foundation

The LSUA Foundation had net revenues of $6.76 million in the year ending June 30. 

Of that, $1.5 million was unrealized gains on investments and $1.8 million in donations released from previously restricted use.

Expenses totaled $3.2 million. Of that, $151,000 went to Athletic Association costs and $535,000 to support services.

Primary fund spending included $484,000 for scholarships and awards and $205,000 for professorships.

CLTCC

Central Louisiana Technical Community College had net operating revenues of $5.63 million.

That included $2.4 million in tuition and fees, federal grants totaling $1.7million and state/local contributions of $1 million.

Operating expenses reached $14.7 million, including almost $6 million instruction costs.

Non-operating revenues amounted to $14.5 million, including a $6.6 million state appropriation and $5.2 million federal funds.

Net income was $5.4 million.

There are seven community colleges and five technical colleges in the statewide system, serving 83,296 students in the year ending June 30.

Forest Hill

The Village of Forest Hill had $954,000 in General Fund income and $972,000 in expenses.

Fines and forfeitures yielded $661,000 of the income. Police expense totaled $340,000.

The General Fund also transferred $94,000 to the Utility Fund, creating a net fund loss of $111,000.

The Fund Balance at year end was $663,000.

The Utility Enterprise Fund had expenses of $1 million and revenues of $916,000 before the transfer from the General Fund.

Audit breakdown – gas, $279,000 out, $226,000 in; water, $456,000 out, $536,000 in; sewer, $209,000 out, $62,000 in; garbage, $62,000 out, $56,000 in.

Woodworth

The Village of Woodworth had General Fund income of $3.6 million and expenses of $5.3 million.

Transfers reduced the fund loss to $128,000. End-of-year Fund Balance was $4.4 million.

Fines and forfeitures contributed $1.4 million to the General Fund, sales tax $886,000.

Expenses included $1 million each for capital outlay and general government and $962,000 for debt service.

The Utility Fund had revenues of $2.1 million and expenses of $1.7 million. It received grants of $641,000 and transferred $792,000.

The village’s net position increased $253,000 to $3.2 million.

Below is last Monday’s story citing the Rapides Parish Journal rankings of top local stories in 2025.

Then, Jim Butler asked: “What’s your top story? What would you add to list? Drop?”

We appreciate reader input, but in this case, we inadvertently prevented it. While editing Jim’s story, the email address for response was accidentally altered. If you tried to submit your suggestions, it didn’t work, and the RPJ copy editor begs your pardon.

Send us an email at rpjtopstories2025@yahoo.com this week, by Sunday morning. Now that we’ve presented the correct email address, we are even more eager to hear from you and to share your input in a story on the first Monday of 2026.

Last Monday’s top stories list:

By JIM BUTLER

Debate over carbon capture tops the Rapides Parish Journal’s 2025 story rankings.

The gap between the opposing points of view is wide — one camp saying the process threatens water and soil quality, the other contends there is no evidence of such claims.

Police jurors voted to create a panel to solicit available information before they consider a vote for or against.

Other stories in the subjective Top 10:

• Diocesan bankruptcy filing;
• Alexandria City Council sustains veto of reapportionment vote;
• Pafford wins ambulance contract;
• Enrollment surge continues at LSU Alexandria;
• Head Start moved from School Board;
• Utility study recommends updating Alexandria rate structure;
• Tom Bouchie, after six terms, leaves Pineville Council;
• Violent crimes;
• Dining out scene a mix of openings and closings, with Olive Garden anxiously awaited by its fans.

We hope you will send us an email at rpjtopstories2025@yahoo.com this week, by Sunday morning, with stories you think rank among the most interesting of 2025, and possibly, which on our list above should be replaced.

Colder weather is expected to move into Rapides Parish this week, bringing gusty north winds, cooler daytime temperatures and freezing overnight lows before a gradual warmup later in the week.

Monday is forecast to be mostly sunny with a high near 52 degrees. North winds of 10 to 15 mph are expected throughout the day, with gusts reaching up to 30 mph. Temperatures will fall Monday night, with partly cloudy skies and lows around 31 degrees as winds diminish.

Tuesday will remain cool but sunny, with highs near 49 degrees and north winds of 5 to 10 mph. Clear skies Tuesday night will allow temperatures to drop further, with lows around 28 degrees and calm winds, creating the potential for freezing conditions.

A warming trend begins midweek. Wednesday is expected to be sunny with highs near 59 degrees, with light southwest winds developing later in the day. Overnight lows Wednesday night will remain chilly, dropping to around 35 degrees under mostly clear skies.

Conditions will continue to moderate heading into the New Year. New Year’s Day is forecast to be mostly sunny with highs near 66 degrees. Thursday night will be mostly cloudy with lows around 48 degrees.

Rain chances return late in the week, with a 20 percent chance of showers on Friday and Friday night. Highs on Friday are expected to reach near 72 degrees, with overnight lows around 52 degrees. The weekend forecast calls for sunny conditions Saturday with highs near 69 degrees, cooling slightly Saturday night before mostly sunny skies and highs near 64 degrees on Sunday.

With freezing temperatures expected Monday night and Tuesday night, residents are encouraged to take precautions to protect homes, pets and people. Exposed pipes should be insulated or allowed to drip, and outdoor faucets should be covered. Space heaters should be used safely and never left unattended.

Pet owners are advised to bring animals indoors or ensure they have adequate shelter and warmth. Residents are also encouraged to check on elderly neighbors and others who may be vulnerable during colder weather.

Drivers should use caution during early morning hours, especially on bridges and overpasses where icy spots could develop if temperatures fall below freezing. Staying informed and taking simple precautions can help keep residents safe as colder conditions move through Rapides Parish.

Members of the Rotary Club of Alexandria joined Louisiana State Troopers on Christmas Eve to bring joy to children in area hospitals. Patrick Moore, Mike Upton, Angie Johnson, and Scott Laliberte helped distribute toys, ensuring that young patients could experience some holiday cheer despite being away from home.

Acts like these highlight the spirit of giving and community support during the holiday season.

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

Dec. 28

Tavaras Jokeenth Booze, 34, Alexandria – contempt of court, $100,000 bail;

Franklin Bernard McNeal, 46, Pineville – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, driving under suspension, speeding, obstruction of justice, OWI second offense, failure to appear, three counts contempt of court, $4,200 bail;

Kentraius Molette, 29, Pineville – possession of marijuana, two counts failure to appear, contempt of court, $4,000 bail;

Shauna Yvette Sasser, 54, Alexandria – two counts possession of CDS, paraphernalia, improper lane usage, $2,100 bail;

Douglas Marino Silva, 47, Pineville – two counts contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Dominique De’vante Smith, 31, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery with child present, aggravated assault domestic abuse, domestic abuse battery, no bail data;

Marquis Thompson, 21, Forest Hill – two counts illegal use of weapons and dangerous instrumentalities, $200,000 bail.

Dec. 27

Taylan Alexis Bartie, 25, Pineville – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, open container, $1,200 bail;

Gina Lynn Brouillette, 54, Pineville – three counts possession of CDS, careless operation of a vehicle, $4,600 bail;

Kera Kerrell Chaney, 41, Alexandria – three counts possession of CDS, resisting an officer, off road vehicle on public road, possession of firearm by convicted felon, illegal carry firearm with drugs, four counts contempt of court, $84,600 bail;

Marlayja Kevonna Charles, 25, Marksville – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, contempt of court, $6,100 bail;

Randall Waye Craig Jr, 37, Colfax – open container, driving under suspension, contempt of court, $1,700 bail;

Walter Austin Crooks, 29, Alexandria – aggravated second degree battery, domestic abuse battery strangulation, violation of protective orders, first degree rape, $1.3 million bail;

Deandre Marques Ford, 33, Alexandria – open container, no driver’s license, improper lane usage, possession of marijuana, $800 bail;

Manuel Gallegos, 44, Pineville – OWI first offense, $1,000 bail;

Chalvez Jamal Pinkston, 40, Alexandria – theft, five counts contempt of court, $10,500 bail;

Weston Lance Turner, 25, Lecompte – OWI second offense, speeding, improper lane usage, open container, $1,800 bail.

Dec. 26

Herlandis Darnell Johnson, 39, Alexandria – possession of CDS, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, seven counts contempt of court, $13,500 bail;

Eric Matthew Meginley II, 26, Pineville – dating partner abuse child endangerment, $100,000 bail;

Gerald Dewayne Sanders, 40, Glenmora – aggravated battery of a dating partner strangulation, contempt of court, $28,000 bail;

Antoine Deshown Tuco, 34, Alexandria – theft of a motor vehicle, $5,000 bail.

Dec. 25

Quenten Markal Austin, 32, Alexandria – first degree rape, second degree battery, $1.05 million bail;

Jermaine M. Blue, 23, Alexandria – theft, domestic abuse aggravated assault child endangerment, $26,000 bail;

Shanita Green, 52, Natchez, Miss. – OWI first offense, wrong way on one way street, $1,100 bail;

Billy Ray Hart, 38, Alexandria – disturbing peace, resisting an office, criminal trespass, two counts contempt of court, $4,500 bail.

Dec. 24

Janiecya Helen Gradney, 26, Alexandria – five counts theft, improper supervision of minor, $3,500 bail;

Tracy Roy Harris Jr., 43, Abbeville – Louisiana fugitive, no bail data;

John Ellis Kite Jr., 47, Pineville – OWI second offense, speeding, improper lane usage, $1,700 bail;

Dale Lawrence Lebouef, 41, Alexandria – OWI first offense, speeding, $1,100 bail;

Mark Anthony Leduff Jr., 31, Alexandria – two counts contempt of court, $100,000 bail;

Missy Shanquinett Williams, 32, Alexandria – two counts child desertion, two counts no child restraint system, flight from an officer, speeding, running a stop sign, $11,400 bail.

Dec. 23

Carlee Barr, 28, Alexandria – create distribute or possession counterfeit CDS with intent, criminal conspiracy, contempt of court, $225,000 bail;

Morgan Lee Bourgeors, 40, Boyce – illegal possession of stolen things, resisting an officer, trespassing, $6,000 bail;

Richard Lee Cooper, 46, Alexandria – possession of CDS, $1,000 bail;

Daniel L. Delrie, 48, Pineville – criminal damage to property, criminal trespass, intentional littering, $1,500 bail;

Jonavon D. Edwards, 22, Glenmora – aggravated burglary, $5,000 bail;

Crystal Mae Gordon, 37, Boyce – criminal trespass, cyberstalking email, $1,000 bail;

Anthony Tanner Lewis, 21, Hineston – two counts simple battery, two counts violation of protective orders, driving under suspension, improper driving on left, two counts disturbing the peace, $102,200 bail;

Tyler V. Loomis, 24, Columbia – OWI first offense, no head light, open container, $1,200 bail;

Ronald Glenn Malensek, 64, Boyce – domestic abuse serious injury, $50,000 bail;

Dominique Jerel Roland, 37, Alexandria – two counts second degree murder, two counts attempted second degree murder, producing manufacturing distributing fentanyl, possession of marijuana, criminal conspiracy, two counts contempt of court, $300,000 bail.

Continue your article here…

Dorcas Melissa “DeeDee” Rathbun, age 60, passed away on September 4, 2025, in Alexandria, Louisiana. Born on April 6, 1965, in Morgan City, Louisiana. Dorcas lived a life marked by creativity, resilience, and quiet strength.

She graduated from Berwick High School, where she attended band as a clarinet player. During her youth, she was actively involved in the Girl Scouts, where her dedication to the organization —especially during cookie sales reflected a determined spirit that carried through her life.

Dorcas worked with care and diligence at several restaurants and provided childcare for family members during her life. Her commitment to her work earned the appreciation of both coworkers, customers and family.

Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life. She was baptized on May 29, 1977, at the RLDS Church in Baton Rouge. A youth trip to Graceland College with fellow congregants remained one of her fondest memories. She also attended Twin City Gospel Temple with family.

A gifted artisan, Dorcas expressed herself through crocheted blankets, intricate needlepoint pieces and other items—each crafted with love and attention to detail.

Throughout her life, Dorcas faced numerous health challenges—including epilepsy, social anxiety, mental illness & diabetes.

She is lovingly remembered by her mother, Barbara Rodriguez Rathbun; her brother, David (Mechell), nieces & nephews and great-nephews; her sister, Dayna Rathbun; numerous Aunts, Uncles & cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, Lewis Rathbun, grandparents; Walter & Vaun Meyers Rathbun; EJ & Lucille Connor Rodriguez.

Dorcas’s legacy lives on through the warmth of the items she created and the enduring memories shared by those who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to all who mourn her passing.

Melba Ebarb passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025, at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy of love, generosity, and grace. Her life was truly a beautiful one, well lived and deeply cherished by all who knew her.

Melba was born on January 27, 1954, to J.W. Ebarb and Evelyn Myers Ebarb, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Louis Ebarb.

A proud graduate of Tioga High School, Melba dedicated 26 years of service to the phone company, beginning her career as an operator and retiring from customer service. Her strong work ethic, kindness, and commitment to helping others were evident throughout her career.

A faithful member of St. Francis Cabrini Church, Melba’s faith was an important part of her life. She loved collecting beautiful things and had a special fondness for owls and anything that lit up, especially Christmas decor. Known for her good taste and exceptional gift giving, Melba brought joy to others through her thoughtfulness and generosity.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Jennifer Dauzat Sprayberry; and her cherished granddaughters, Sarah Dauzat and Olivia Sprayberry, who were the light of her life. She is also survived by her brother, Billy Ebarb (Kay); her sister, Sheila Littleton (Mitchell); and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins whom she adored deeply.

Melba was very much loved and will be remembered for her warmth, her generous heart, and the love she shared so freely with her family and friends.

It’s our role as journalists to discover news, but we can’t claim that we knew before everybody else that President Trump would declare today and Friday as federal holidays, bookending Christmas Day.

He signed that executive order Dec. 18, which is about the time Journal management decided to give our team an extended Christmas break.

The Rapides Parish Journal will not publish on Christmas Day or on Friday, giving our crew time to enjoy three weekdays with family and friends.

We will be back Monday morning with all our normal content on our website, our Facebook page, and in our regular 6:55 email to all our subscribers – absolutely free, as always.

If any really big, widely impactful, breaking local news develops until then, we’ll let you know.

We don’t have pop-ups or log-ins. You have quick, easy, free access to all content for every Journal published locally and across north and central Louisiana.

We wish you and yours a wonderful, joyous Christmas celebration – with Santa Claus bringing excitement for children, while we reflect on the ultimate miracle of the birth of Jesus Christ and His life on Earth.

Merry Christmas from the Journal team!

The house where my siblings and I awaited Santa is, like us, showing its age.

And it and its occupants are welcoming the season in a different fashion than we did.

There are no youngsters playing in the putting green-size front yard.

Instead the lawn is dominated by a vintage auto of undetermined make, with wheels more gaudy than Cher in a red dress.

A cat doesn’t lounge on the porch. That space is occupied by what must be a set of alternate tires for said yard ride.

A lighted artificial tree is visible through the front window.

Can’t tell from the street (now paved, by the way) whether it includes icicles and popcorn garlands as the one from the Optimist lot on Bolton Avenue did soon after arrival each year.

The tiny place – one bath, three bedrooms, six people, maybe 900 square feet – needs a facelift (who doesn’t at its age?) and the roof is thinning (tell me about it).

What its occupants will be doing today is unknown, but what they won’t be doing is – no frenetic Christmas Eve visit to Sears and its sights, sounds and smells.

We realize now that annual pilgrimage was to make the last layaway payment, then sneak the treasures to the car trunk while we kids were otherwise occupied.

Next stop, a few blocks along Bolton Avenue, Western Auto, land of many things, including in-store credit accounts.

Customs change, or are modified, yet, I trust, the excitement of the season still resides in the old house, and in yours.

Merry Christmas.

The Rapides Parish School Board recognized Carl Rudd of Alexandria Senior High School during its weekly Classroom Hero Highlight, spotlighting his nine years of service and impact in the classroom.

Rudd is known for empowering students through high-energy enthusiasm, consistent encouragement and rigorous academic expectations. His teaching style blends strong content knowledge with humor, creating an engaging environment that challenges students while keeping them motivated. His creative approach to instruction, including lighthearted classroom moments, helps students stay connected and invested in their learning.

In reflecting on colleagues who make a positive impact on students, Rudd pointed to fellow educator Leslie Ford, noting her strong literacy activities and use of multiple methods of engagement. He described her as an exceptional teammate whose work enhances student success.

The Classroom Hero Highlight program recognizes educators across Rapides Parish who demonstrate dedication, creativity and a lasting commitment to student achievement.