City of Pineville bids farewell to two law enforcement legends

After a combined 96 years of service, Retired Assistant Chief Murdock and Retired Captain Basco are officially retiring from the City of Pineville. Both began their careers decades ago and, even after an earlier retirement, returned as civilian employees to maintain the department’s fleet and support daily operations. Their official last day will be December 26, 2025. The city thanks them for their decades of dedication and wishes them a retirement filled with health, happiness, and well-earned rest.


Remember This? A Brighter Light

Erwin Perzy built and repaired surgical instruments for local physicians in Vienna, Austria.  In 1900, one of his clients requested a brighter light for his operating room.  Just 23 years earlier in 1879, Thomas Edison filed a patent for his carbon-filament lamp and thus began the electric light age.  Edison’s electric light was practical for most homes and businesses, but in 1900, light bulbs produced a warm, yellowish glow with the maximum brightness comparable to a modern 25-watt light bulb.  The dim bulbs also produced a lot of heat which meant that the assistants had to keep the bulbs a certain distance away from surgeons and their patients.  Surgeons squinted their eyes, wiped sweat from their brows, and snapped instructions to their assistants on the positioning of the dim bulbs.  If you have ever held a flashlight while your father worked on a car, you know the frustration that those surgeons and their assistants endured.  They needed a brighter light.  

Erwin began searching for ways to increase the light produced by the light bulbs while making them cooler at the same time.  Rather than looking for a brand new method, he looked to history for the answer.  For hundreds of years, shoemakers and other craftsmen used schusterkugels (cobbler-spheres), glass spheres with a tubular end filled with water, to magnify and redirect candlelight into a concentrated beam.  They were primitive spotlights.  Erwin experimented with schusterkugels, but the light was still not bright enough.  He added various substances to the water to reflect and intensify the light such as flakes of metal and fine glass particles, but they quickly sank to the bottom.  Erwin was able to intensify the light but only for about a second.  He tried just about everything he had in his workshop, but the substances either sank too quickly or failed to sink at all.  Erwin turned to his kitchen and tried a multitude of edible items, including rice and flakes of a coarse flour called semolina flakes, but none enabled him to produce a brighter light for more than a second or two.

Erwin ultimately failed to create the brighter light that the surgeon had requested, but with his failure came an accidental invention for which he received the first patent.  Erwin’s invention became popular worldwide.  He built a company to produce his invention which is still owned and operated by the fourth generation of the Perzy family.  You see, Erwin was drawn to the effect the semolina flakes produced when added to water.  With the addition of a pewter miniature of Vienna’s Mariazell church at the base of the sphere, he had created what people in German speaking countries call “schneekugels.”  You and I know Erwin Perzy’s invention as a snow globe.

Sources:

1.     “Thomas Edison Biography,” National Park Service, NPS.gov, accessed December 7, 2025, https://www.nps.gov/edis/learn/historyculture/edison-biography.htm.

2.     “Die Original Wiener Schneekugel,” Original Wiener Schneekugelmanufaktur, accessed December 7, 2025, https://schneekugel.at/geschichte.

3.     Erik Trinidad, “How an Experiment to Amplify Light in Hospital Operating Rooms Led to the Accidental Invention of the Snow Globe,” Smithsonian magazine, December 27, 2024, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/how-an-experiment-to-amplify-light-in-hospital-operating-rooms-led-to-the-accidental-invention-of-the-snow-globe-180985742/.


Remembering Louis G. “Buddy” Chatagnier Jr.

It is with heartfelt sadness that the family announces the passing of a beloved father, grandfather, and friend, Louis G. “Buddy” Chatagnier, Jr., an 84-year-old proud United States Air Force veteran whose life was defined by service, passion, and an unwavering competitive spirit.

Services were held on Monday, December 15, 2025 at 12 pm at the church with Bishop Anthony Mangun and Pastor Gentry Mangun. Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery following the services.

A dedicated airman in his younger years, he carried immense pride in his military service and the values it instilled in him-discipline, loyalty, and honor. These qualities followed him throughout his life and shaped the man so many came to admire.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, he found joy in anything athletic, but golf held a special place in his heart. Whether on the course with friends or watching tournaments on TV, he cherished every moment tied to the game. His competitive nature extended beyond the green-he was a formidable force on the racquetball court, where he loved nothing more than outplaying the younger guys and proving that age was no match for skill and determination.

His love for athletics didn’t stop there. A talented and respected boxer in his younger days, he earned the distinguished honor of being inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame, a testament to his grit, discipline, and devotion to the sport. He was also a bus route captain in Beaumont, Tx at New Life Tabernacle for 25 years and was also the bus route captain for 20 years at The Pentecostals of Alexandria.

Outside of athletics, he nurtured hobbies that reflected his appreciation for craftsmanship and history. He enjoyed collecting knives and old coins, each piece treasured and carefully chosen, each carrying a story he delighted in sharing.

Above all, he will be remembered for his humor, his generous heart, his competitive spark, and the deep love he held for his family and friends. His presence filled every room he entered, and his absence will be felt by all who were blessed to know him.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Louis G. Chatagnier Sr. and Thelma Chatagnier and brother, Gregory Chatagnier.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 56 years, despite the odds against them, Gloria; his son, Brandon (Nicole); grandchildren, Magan, Haley, Alyssa, Patience, Addy, Colby, and Collins; brothers, Kenneth (Angie) and Keith (Janet); sisters, Lynn Brown, Jana Chatagnier, and Dana Altazin (Keith); along with a host of nieces and nephews. He leaves behind a legacy of strength, passion, and cherished memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

Special thanks to the VA staff for the last 10+ years of exemplary service to Buddy. Also, thanks to the Hilltop staff: Dusty, Santana, Amiracle, Janet, Nurses Todd and Mykala, and our other bus route kids.
May he rest in peace, forever honored and forever missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Revi Recovery Center.


Remembering Jaymie Dale Edwards

Jaymie Dale Edwards, age 61, entered eternal rest on Friday, December 5, 2025, in Sabine Parish.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Gallagher Funeral Home. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. with interment to follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

He was preceded in death by parents, Milton Carlaine Edwards, and grandparents, George Lee Edwards and Anna Edwards.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Jennifer Edwards, Janet Edwards, and Jeremy Edwards; siblings, Larry Edwards (Erica), Darrell L. Edwards (Vicky), Susan Edwards (Andy), and Mark Edwards (Marilyn); numerous grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Jaymie was a loving father, brother, uncle, and friend. He worked for many years as a Meat Market Manager for different stores before becoming a Structural Welder. Jaymie enjoyed the outdoors spending time hunting, fishing, and being with his animals. Jaymie always had a joke or funny comment ready to go whenever you would see him. He will forever be missed by those that loved and knew him.

Pallbearers honored to serve are Brent Edwards, Billy Meher, Darrell Edwards, Barry Edwards, Patrick Edwards, and Bradley Edwards.


Notice of Death – December 15, 2025

Joseph Nicholas “Nickie” LaCombe
June 5, 1940 – December 13, 2025
Service: Thursday, December 18, 2025, 11:30am at Abundant Grace Church, Deville. 
 
Elmo Brossette
July 19, 1937 – December 12, 2025
Service: Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 12pm at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball. 
 
Annie Leah “MeGranny” Cotton Combs
November 21, 1947 – December 11, 2025
Service: Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 12pm at Calvary Baptist Church, Woodworth.
 
Tempie Morrill
December 13, 1935 – December 11, 2025
Service: Saturday, December 20, 2025, 2pm at Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.
 
Bettye Lee Shelton
January 29, 1946 – December 11, 2025
Service: Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 2pm at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Alexandria 
 
Jody Ray Berry
December 29, 1959 – December 10, 2025
Service: Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 6pm at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball. 
 
Bruce Shorter, Jr.
October 29, 1999 – December 6, 2025
Service: Friday, December 19, 2025, 11am at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Alexandria. 
 
Jaymie Dale Edwards
December 15, 1963 – December 5, 2025
Service: Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 11am at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball. 
 
Janet Tassin Hoyt
May 23, 1961 – December 1, 2025
Service: Saturday, January 17, 2026, 11am at St. Martin Catholic Church, Lecompte.
 

The Rapides Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or RPJNewsla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to RPJNewsla@gmail.com.)

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Shooting investigation underway on Marthas Drive in Alexandria

The Alexandria Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred on Dec. 15 in the 5900 block of Marthas Drive. According to police, officers responded to the scene at approximately 4:20 p.m. and learned that a 31-year-old man, identified as Avery Lewis, had been shot. Investigators said preliminary information indicated that Lewis jumped into a parked delivery truck in a threatening manner. The driver of the vehicle, identified as Robin Volson, discharged a firearm in what police described as self-defense and immediately contacted APD to report the incident.

Lewis sustained moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Police said the incident appears to be connected to a prior shooting that occurred on Nov. 8 in the 1800 block of Henry Street. That incident, investigated by the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, involved a home invasion in which Volson shot and killed an intruder, Devante Thomas. Investigators determined that Lewis and Thomas were known acquaintances, and evidence suggests the Marthas Drive shooting may have been motivated by retaliation related to the earlier incident.

Authorities stated they believe the shooting was an isolated incident involving two individuals. The investigation remains active and ongoing, and no charges have been filed against Volson at this time.

Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Alexandria Police Department Detective Division at (318) 441-6416 or APD Dispatch at (318) 441-6559. Tips may also be emailed to APDDetectives@cityofalex.com. Anonymous tips eligible for a cash reward can be submitted through Crime Stoppers of CenLa at (318) 443-7867 or through the P3 Tipster app.


McClinton didn’t miss 34 years ago

Nedra Hargons, holding photo of daughter Angie, in 1992; admitted killer Larry McClinton (right)

By JIM BUTLER

Three 18-year-olds charged last week with five counts each of attempted first-degree murder have likely never heard of Larry McClinton.

Bullets allegedly fired from their guns missed. Those from his didn’t.

McClinton was 18 (young men and guns, contrary to what some say, is not a new combination) when sentenced in 1992 to life plus 30 years after pleading guilty to first-degree and attempted first-degree murder. He was 17 when the crimes were committed.

The same day the trio was charged last week McClinton’s latest request for parole was denied. He is now 50.

The U.S. Supreme Court in 2016 ruled, in a Louisiana case, that juveniles sentenced to life must have a meaningful chance at parole, and that that applied on a retroactive basis.

Defining meaningful is a difficult and subjective task.

Four years earlier the justices ruled judges must consider age and maturity when imposing life without parole sentences.

Rapides D.A. Phillip Terrell has appeared in opposition before the Pardon Board’s Committee on Parole each time McClinton has been on its docket.

Changes in state law last year made parole harder to achieve, particularly for violent offenders, as a new administration responded to what it perceived as public demand.

In April 1991 McClinton killed Angie Hargrove, 21, in her Jeannie Street home in Pineville and attempted to kill her mother, Nedra.

McClinton also lived on that street though it was never established he knew either victim or publicly established what his motive was.

Found mentally capable in August 1992 of standing trial, McClinton two days later pleaded guilty to avoid the possibility of capital punishment.

Earlier in 1992 he also was charged with second-degree murder of Larvell Green. Her body was found in Camp Livingston. That Grant Parish case resulted in a 30-year manslaughter sentence.

A sad footnote – Nedra had earlier lost her older daughter in a car accident.


Playgrounds improvement plan on Alexandria Council agenda

By JIM BUTLER

The Alexandria City Council’s consent agenda for Tuesday’s meeting includes a resolution getting the Playgrounds Improvements Project underway.

Six playgrounds are targeted for major overhauls in the bids to be received this week.

The administration would be authorized to accept low bids and award contracts for each, with an estimated $2.34 million to be invested.

On the boards:

Helen Black Park, North 15th & Ashley, $299,000; Charles Smith Park, Harris Street, $296,000; Frank O. Hunter Park, Willow Glen Street, $297,000; Bringhurst Park, Masonic Drive, $661,009; Cheatham Park, Jones Avenue, $321,000; Deborah Bowman Park, Redwood Drive, $377,000.

The Duplantis Design Group has detailed improvement line items for each facility.


Walker Automotive is 106 and still going strong

Almost since Henry Ford introduced the mass production of automobiles via the assembly line, Walker Automotive has been selling cars in Central Louisiana.
 
The family-owned automotive group is in its 106th year since W. Foster Walker Sr. purchased the Alexandria Auto Company in 1919 and began selling REO and Durant autos in downtown Alexandria.
Now the family is in its fourth generation as Lawrence Searcy (who married then Amy Walker) assumed the presidency in 2021 from Foster Walker III, who was nominated for Time Dealer of the Year in 2014.
Walker Automotive consists of 11 different dealerships, 10 of which are in Alexandria/Pineville with one in Scott.
 
From luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW to everyday brands like Honda, Toyota and General Motors, buyers are sure to find something they like in the largest automotive group in the area.
While the brands may have changed through the years – the dealership was known for nearly 75 years as Walker Oldsmobile before General Motors shuttered that line in 2004 – customers always knew to expect a first-rate experience at any Walker dealership.
 
Customers often return for Walker Automotive’s service and collision departments to maintain and repair their car through the life of the vehicle.
 
Aren’t in the market for a car just yet? Walker also sells a range of lawn equipment, all terrain vehicles, motorcycles and side-by-sides.
 
Walker Automotive is military-affiliated starting W. Foster Walker Sr., a World War I veteran. Many Walker employees are veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.
 
Having a business of any type doesn’t just survive and pass down through four generations over more than a century by chance.
 
Take family-run All Star Automotive Group out of Baton Rouge, which had been in business for four decades. Their sale of its 13 locations to Hudson Automotive earlier this fall is the largest automotive deal in Louisiana history and proves that decades of longevity doesn’t mean the future is guaranteed.
 
But from the Great Depression, the Great Recession, COVID-19 pandemic and many other times of economic inflation and deflation, Walker Automotive has found their way through hard times and prospered in boom times.
 
Walker Automotive is a part of the community through ventures like Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, the Food Bank of Central Louisiana, and Hope House of Central Louisiana among others.
And they plan on serving the Central Louisiana community for another century.

Rapides Parish Early Childhood Network recognizes growth, improved performance

The Rapides Parish School Board recognized achievements in early childhood education last week as the Rapides Early Childhood Network gathered to review progress from the 2024–2025 school year. District officials reported an increase in the overall district profile score, which rose from 5.93 to 5.98.

The updated scores reflect growth across multiple early learning settings throughout the parish. Among schools serving early childhood students, 17 sites earned an Excellent rating, up from nine the previous year, while 11 were rated High Proficient. Early Learning Centers reported 20 Excellent ratings, 13 High Proficient, and two Proficient. Head Start programs recorded three Excellent sites, three High Proficient, and two Proficient.

School officials credited the progress to the collective efforts of early childhood educators, support staff, families, and community partners. The district emphasized that strong early learning programs play a critical role in building long-term academic success for students.


Rapides Parish deputies join ‘Shop with a Cop’ event

A Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office team participated in the Alexandria City Marshal and Pineville City Marshal’s annual “Shop with a Cop” event. Deputies spent time with local children, helping make the holiday season a little brighter. The sheriff’s office thanked Jerome Hopewell and Murphy Rachal of the Pineville City Marshal for including them in the community-focused event.


Alexandria man charged with sexually trafficking children

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

Dec. 14

James Douglas Lott, 47, Pineville – OWI first offense, $1,000 bail;

Dec. 13

Jose Luis Barrios Lopez, 41, N/A – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, driving too slow, resisting an officer, no driver’s license, open container, failure to yield to emergency vehicle, $2,000 bail;

Jaden Carlton Delcambre, 20, Ville Platte – aggravated assault upon peace officer, threatening an public official, disturbing the peace, seven counts resisting an officer, $4,500 bail;

James Flowers, 44, Deville – four counts contempt of court, Louisiana fugitive, $30,500 bail;

Jorion Dwann Henderson, 28, Alexandria – second degree murder, $1 million bail;

Sirlena Antoinette Jack, 33, Alexandria – five counts contempt of court, $77,500 bail;

Christopher Michael Reid, 53, Alexandria – OWI first offense, signal lamps, $1,100 bail;

Darrice Lamar Whitley, 33, Pineville – five counts contempt of court, 100,164 bail;

Dec. 12

Shawn Tyler Bennett, 26, Pineville – domestic abuse battery, $2,500 bail;

Domonic Gerard Bradford, 37, Alexandria – OWI second offense, driving under suspension, improper lane usage, $1,700 bail;

Brody Neil Dauzart, 28, Pineville – possession of CDS, monetary instrument abuse, domestic abuse battery, $3,000 bail;

Robert Drakes III, 22, Alexandria – possession of firearm by convicted felon, illegal carry firearm with drugs, possession of CDS, $16,500 bail;

Darnell Davarres Jefferson Jr., 25, Alexandria – possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, misbranded drugs and devices, no signals, $2,600 bail;

Larry Donnell Jenkins, 69, Alexandria – OWI first offense, careless operation of a vehicle, $1,100 bail;

Dantaveas Diante Lindsey, 31, Alexandria – possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession/sell firearm with obliterated serial number, five counts contempt of court, $30,000 bail;

Larry Stephen McBride, 70, Lecompte – aggravated assault domestic abuse, operating a vehicle while suspended for certain offenses, possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, failure to appear, $12,000 bail;

Christina L. Payne, 43, Alexandria – home invasion, two counts criminal damage to property, simple assault, misrepresentation during booking, failure to appear, two counts contempt of court, $20,500 bail;

Heather Rabalais, 48, N/A – theft, no bail data;

Bobby Joe Roberts,71, Alexandria – OWI second offense, possession of marijuana, open container, headlamps required, $2,200 bail;

Lesly David Silva-Osorio, 38, Alexandria – OWI first offense, running a stop sign, no driver’s license, expired plate/registration, $1,300 bail;

David C. Trudeaux, 29, Pollock – violation of protection order, simple battery, $2,500 bail;

Dec. 11

Logan Earl Bonnette 34, Alexandria – two counts theft (second/subsequent conviction), criminal conspiracy, $4,000 bail;

Haily Lynnette Box, 31, Alexandria – criminal conspiracy, simple burglary, $6,000 bail;

Nathan Brooks, 52, Boyce – simple assault, false imprisonment, $2,500 bail;

Amber Anita Clark, 27, N/A – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, Louisiana fugitive, $3,000 bail;

Terry Louis Gullette Jr., 34, Alexandria – two counts possession of fentanyl, resisting an officer, bicycle lamps/reflectors, $10,600 bail;

Hunter William Iannone, 22, Alexandria – trafficking of children for sexual purposes, indecent behavior with juveniles, intentionally possession pornography involving juveniles, computer-aided solicitation of a minor, $400,000 bail;

Darnell Laray Johnson, 38, Pineville – theft, simple burglary, failure to appear, $4,500 bail;

Jada Marie Johnson, 27, Alexandria – two counts possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, driving under suspension, no signals, no license plate light, $3,800 bail;

Ricky James Lazard, 61, Alexandria – three counts contempt of court, $54,000 bail;

David James Lewisbey, 35, South Holland, Ill. – producing, manufacturing distributing marijuana, speeding, $20,100 bail;

Exavion Philson, 18, Pineville – five counts attempted first degree murder, two counts criminal conspiracy, five counts simple burglary, $625,000 bail;

Travis Glenn Rush, 34, Alexandria – possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, bicycle reflectors required, $2,100 bail;

Christian Demond Sampson, 28, Alexandria – Louisiana fugitive, contempt of court, extradition proceedings, no bail data;

Johnathan Dewayne Sherman 31, Alexandria – possession of firearm by convicted felon, speeding, driving under suspension, failure to secure registration, $10,300 bail;

Marrison Isreal Wright, 38, Alexandria – simple burglary, contempt of court, $3,000 bail.

Dec. 10

Tardarius Lemon Lott, 31, Alexandria – four counts contempt of court, $54,000 bail.


Remembering Elmo Brossette

Elmo, age 88, of Marksville, Louisiana, entered eternal rest on Friday, December 12, 2025, at his home surrounded by his lovely wife and daughter. Eternal rest service for Elmo Brossette will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Gallagher Funeral Home at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Andrew Cox officiating. Visitation for Elmo will begin at 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Rachal Cemetery in Marco, Louisiana under the direction of Gallagher Funeral Home.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Brossette and Angela Delouche Brossette; two brothers, Milton Brossette and Andrew Brossette, five sisters, Ruth Brossette, Zelia B. Rachal, Mable B. Rachal, Daisy Brossette, and Rosa B. Rachal; his only son, Randall G. Brossette; and grandson, Seth Alexander Johnson; and brother-in-law, Sam Vercher, Jr.

He is survived by his wife Barbara Vercher Brossette; daughter, Lisa B. Johnson; two grandsons, Corey B. Brossette and Dalton Johnson; one lovely granddaughter, Carleza “Karlee” Johnson; and one great granddaughter, Emberly Rose Johnson; and many nieces and nephews.

Elmo G. Brossette was born on July 19, 1937, to the late Willie Brossette and Angela Delouche Brossette of Melrose. He retired, having worked as a Radio and Television Technician for over 35 years. He married his high school sweetheart, Barbara, and they celebrated their 66th anniversary on August 1, 2025. He loved country music and was a big fan of George Jones, having attended numerous concerts over the years. After heart surgery in 2005, Elmo was surprised with a signed color photo from George reading, “to Elmo”. Thanks to a connection that his daughter, Lisa, had with a pastor’s wife in Nashville.

Pallbearers honored to serve are Ricky Vercher, Corey Brossette, Marty Fletcher, Tony Normand, Rick Walters, and Ray Ogborn. Honorary Pallbearer is Garland Brossette.


Remembering Jody Ray Berry

Jody Ray Berry, age 65, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at his home in Alexandria.

Visitation for Jody will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Gallagher Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Services will begin at 6:00 p.m. with Reverend Kemp Cole officiating.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roger Berry (Betty) and Sherry Allen LaPrarie (Calvis Sr.); brother-in-law, Elton Ebey; stepbrother, Andrew Dewayne Wactor; and Uncle, Timothy Allen.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Brittany Losavio (Andreas) of Alexandria and Anthony Winget (Kristen) of Deville; grandchildren, Reed and Sara Winget; brother, Calvis LaPrarie, Jr. (Charlotte) of Pineville; sisters, Dixie Burlew (Donald) of Deville, Robin Garnett of Deville, Ginny Ebey of Centerpoint; step-siblings, Sharon Smith, Cindy Castle (James), and Mack Barton (Tina) all of Texas; uncle, Richard Allen of Pineville; loyal and loved fur baby, Bella; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Jody was a loving father, brother, grandfather, and uncle. Working was truly his passion. He was a mechanic since the age of 17 before becoming a Certified Master Technician and worked for dealerships in town. On the rare occasions that he was not working, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing golf, watching races on the dirt track, and spending time with his family. Jody loved people and his generosity knew no bounds. He was a longtime blood donor, giving 206 times, and even beyond death he found a way to give; Jody proudly donated to the Louisiana Organ Procurement Association. He will forever be missed by those that loved and knew him.


Notice of Death – December 14, 2025

Elmo Brossette
July 19, 1937 – December 12, 2025
Service: Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 12pm at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball. 
 
Betty Ann Davis
September 30, 1950 – December 11, 2025
Service: Monday, December 15, 2025, 2pm at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville.
 
Jody Ray Berry
December 29, 1959 – December 10, 2025
Service: Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 6pm at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball. 
 
Steven Wayne Paul
February 14, 1962 – December 10, 2025
Service: Monday, December 15, 2025, 12pm at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville.
 
Louis “Buddy” G. Chatagnier, Jr.
June 29, 1941 – December 8, 2025
Service: Monday, December 15, 2025, 12pm at The Pentecostals of Alexandria, Alexandria. 
 
Nathan Douglas Krig
August 21, 1948 – December 8, 2025
Service: Monday, December 15, 2025, 1pm at Kramer & Son Funeral Home, Alexandria.
 
Bruce Shorter, Jr.
October 29, 1999 – December 6, 2025
Service: Friday, December 19, 2025, 11am at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Alexandria. 
 
Jaymie Dale Edwards
December 15, 1963 – December 5, 2025
Service: Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 11am at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball. 
 
Janet Tassin Hoyt
May 23, 1961 – December 1, 2025
Service: Saturday, January 17, 2026, 11am at St. Martin Catholic Church, Lecompte.
 

The Rapides Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or RPJNewsla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to RPJNewsla@gmail.com.)

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Provocation for sequence of teen violence not disclosed; three booked include two out on bail

Yavier Joffrion – 18, Davvion Hampton – 18,
Exavion Philson – 18

By JIM BUTLER

Police have released no information about what issue provoked three teenagers to allegedly attempt first-degree murder.

A sequence of events apparently began on November 21, when a group, apparently including the three, beat a 14-year-old during a middle school football game held at Alexandria Senior High.

The beating was witnessed by a number of onlookers, recorded and shared on social media.

Provocation for it has not been disclosed.

Two weeks later, at Winter Fete in downtown Alexandria last Saturday night the parties again ran into each other.

After the resulting dust-up, police say, both groups crossed into Pineville, where they scuffled again before scattering after a shot, unreported at the time, was fired.

Around 3 a.m. Sunday the accused trio drove to a Pineville residence where the juveniles were supposed to be. No one was shot in the subsequent fusillade before the suspects fled, Pineville police report.

On Tuesday an investigator spotted the alleged vehicle. The resulting stop ultimately led to arrests of:

Yavier Joffrion, 18; Exavion Philson, 18; and Davyion Hampton, 18.

Each faces five counts of attempted first-degree murder and other felony charges.

Joffrion and Philson were out on bond from previous arrests when arrested this week.

Joffrion was booked September 2 on theft, criminal damage and unauthorized use of motor vehicle charges.

Philson was booked March 1 on illegal possession of handgun and illegal possession of stolen firearm charges.


Red River Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas celebrate $12M in grants

FHLB Dallas and Red River joined Divine Touch Community Development Center to celebrate the awarding of $120,000 in Disaster Rebuilding Assistance grants to help Louisiana residents repair storm-damaged homes.

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and Red River Bank are celebrating a milestone: $12 million in FHLB Dallas grants delivered over 25 years to support affordable housing, disaster recovery and economic development in communities across Louisiana.

“These grants have allowed us to support affordable housing, help families and businesses rebuild after disasters and invest in long-term economic growth across Louisiana,” said Jannease Seastrunk, senior vice president, community relations & CRA officer of Red River Bank. “Our long-term partnership with FHLB Dallas has been instrumental in turning that commitment into action.”

FHLB Dallas and Red River Bank held a series of ceremonial check celebrations December 8-9 at several locations across Louisiana to celebrate the long-standing relationship.

Grant Highlights:

  • $6 million through the Affordable Housing Program to expand access to housing
  • Nearly $800,000 in disaster recovery grants to help families, businesses and communities rebuild after natural disasters
  • Nearly $1.1 million in FHLB Dallas FORTIFIED Fund grants to strengthen homes against future severe weather events
  • $2.6 million in down payment assistance through the Homebuyer Equity Leverage Partnership, helping families achieve homeownership
  • More than $260,000 through the Partnership Grant Program to support nonprofit capacity and community services
  • $380,800 in Special Needs Assistance Program grants to provide critical home repairs for special-needs households
  • More than $320,000 from the Pathway Fund to help resolve title and homeownership issues

“This long-standing partnership with Red River Bank exemplifies the power of collaboration in building strong, resilient communities,” said Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. “Together, we’ve helped thousands of families access safe, affordable housing and recover from natural disasters while also providing grants to nonprofits and businesses to help communities thrive.”

About Red River Bank

Red River Bank is a Louisiana state-chartered bank established in Alexandria, Louisiana, in 1999 that provides a fully integrated suite of banking products and services tailored to the needs of its commercial and retail customers. Red River Bank operates from a network of 28 banking centers throughout Louisiana and two combined loan and deposit production offices, one each in New Orleans, Louisiana and Lafayette, Louisiana. Banking centers are located in the following Louisiana markets: Central, which includes the Alexandria metropolitan statistical area (“MSA”); Northwest, which includes the Shreveport-Bossier City MSA; Capital, which includes the Baton Rouge MSA; Southwest, which includes the Lake Charles MSA; the Northshore, which includes Covington; Acadiana, which includes the Lafayette MSA; and New Orleans. Red River Bank is a subsidiary of Red River Bancshares, Inc., which trades under the trading symbol RRBI on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. 

About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $112.2 billion as of September 30, 2025, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 800 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. 


Pineville business completes first project under decorative lighting grant program

The Pineville Downtown Development District has announced the completion of the first project funded through its new Facade Decorative Lighting Grant Program. Candiloro & Co. Photography, a local studio known for helping businesses strengthen their brands through custom photography, is the first recipient to finish its lighting upgrade.

The new decorative lighting highlights the studio’s creative presence in downtown Pineville and adds to the district’s efforts to enhance the area’s visual appeal. The DDD said the project reflects its goal of supporting businesses while continuing to improve the look and feel of the downtown corridor.

Before-and-after photos shared by the district show the studio’s storefront transformation under the updated lighting.