COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE (CDL) – BPCC, Natchitoches Campus

Program Overview

This course prepares students for employment as professional commercial drivers and follows all Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Entry-Level Driver Training rules, regulations, and guidelines. Classroom theory and behind-the-wheel training will cover topics such as DOT rules and regulations, pre-trip and post-trip inspections, backing and maneuvering, day and night driving on rural, urban, and interstate highways, trip planning, logging hours, coupling and uncoupling, handling cargo, and defensive driving.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be eligible to test for one of the following licenses:

• CDL Class A-tractor-trailer
• CDL Class B-straight truck

A contracted state-approved examiner administers the final skills test.

To be eligible for this course, students must meet all the criteria listed below before they can begin their CDL training:

• be at least 18 years of age;
• have a valid LA Driver’s License with no flags or blocks;
• pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical and drug screen; and
• obtain a CDL Class A Permit through the LA Office of Motor Vehicles.

Classes will be Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM for 6 weeks.

Cohort 3         Monday, January 12, 2026 – Friday, February 20, 2026

Cohort 4         Monday, March 2, 2026 – Friday, April 10, 2026

What’s required, overview and estimated costs: Click Here > bpcc.edu/CDL

Enroll Today: https://www.bpcc.edu/academics/science-technology-engineering-and-mathematics/commercial-drivers-license

Sherie Moore
CDL Program Coordinator
smoore@bpcc.edu
318-951-4506

Vernon Sykes
CDL Instructor
vsykes@bpcc.edu
318-951-4506

The Alexandria Police Department and Alexandria Fire Department held a joint celebration this week to recognize staff members with December birthdays. The event was made possible through the departments’ Chaplain Services, which coordinated the gathering as a way to show appreciation for the men and women who serve the community each day. Officials expressed gratitude for the dedicated personnel who work to keep Alexandria safe.

Larry McClinton, who pled guilty in 1993 to one count of first-degree murder and one count of attempted first-degree murder in Rapides Parish, was denied parole today by the Louisiana Board of Pardons and Committee on Parole. McClinton had also previously entered a guilty plea to manslaughter in a separate Grant Parish case and is serving a sentence of life plus 30 years.

District Attorney Phillip Terrell appeared before the Board to oppose McClinton’s application for release. After hearing arguments, the Board voted to deny parole, keeping McClinton in custody.

Jerry Wayne Kessler, age 87 of Pineville, Louisiana entered eternal on Sunday, December 7, 2025. Jerry was born on December 7, 1938, in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Jerry was preceded in death by Tammy Todd, Wendell Bruce Dufour, Dorothy Marie Boudreaux and David Jerome Dufour.

Those left to treasure his memory are Chris Martin, Barry Kessler (Karen Kopp), and Treasure Botta (Anthony) all of Nevada; Bobby Denham (Orien) of Woodworth; Marlene Wise (Mike) of Pineville; Joseph Dufour (Mamie) of Pineville; a special caregiver, Kayla Goodman of Pollock; and his fur baby, Brandy.

Jerry was a U.S. Marine and an avid race car driver for over 20 years. He loved everything NASCAR! He later retired from the Nevada School System and then made his home in Pineville, LA. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Priscilla “Shea” Conkling, age 72, passed from this life on December 7, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones at Community Care Nursing Home in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Shea was born on May 25, 1953, in Knoxville, Tennessee, and lived a life marked by strength, honesty, and an unmistakable spirit that touched everyone who knew her. Shea is preceded in death by parents Curtis C. and Violet “Judy” Whitaker, her beloved husband of 54 years, David Conkling; her daughters, Kimberly, Kelly, and Cristy Conkling; her son-in-law, Lloyd Frederick; and her sister, Patricia Feirn Collins.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Michelle Frederick and husband Elray; her granddaughters, Magen Jones and husband Jared, and Hollie Gira and husband Mark; her brother, Curtis Whitaker and wife Dana; and her sister, Gail Reading and husband Don. She is also lovingly remembered by her great-grandchildren, Taylan Kree, Vera Grace, Cullen Cross, and Teagan Elizabeth, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Priscilla “Shea” Conkling was truly one of a kind. To love her was to know her-authentic, outspoken, and full of life. She never left you guessing what she was thinking; she spoke her mind with honesty, humor, and heart. Her memory will forever be a blessing to those fortunate enough to have shared in her life. We would like to thank Community Care of Natchitoches, LA for their dedicated care and devotion to our loved one over the past few years. In addition, her lifelong doctor and friend Julio Iglesias of Winnfield, Louisiana.

A memorial service to honor her life will be held at a later date.

Phonetic: /WAG-ish/
Part of Speech: adjective

Definition

Waggish describes someone who is silly and playful, and especially someone who displays a mischievous sense of humor. The word can also describe things that such a person might do or possess.

He had a waggish disposition that could irk adults but typically delighted children.

She denied the prank but did so with a waggish smirk that didn’t match her disavowal.

Origin: English

By JIM BUTLER

Mayor Jacques Roy pulls no punches in his message vetoing the Alexandria City Council’s latest reapportionment ordinance.

The question now is can the Council override at its meeting next Tuesday?

That requires a two-thirds vote from the seven members — five under Robert’s Rules.

The ordinance passed 4-3 last week. The four are virtually certain to vote override. They need a fifth.

Lizzie Felter, whose District 3 boundaries are the meat of the coconut, will vote no.

District 5 member Chuck Fowler and at-large member Jim Villard are the other members of the trio.

Roy said this month’s reversal of the 2024 reapportionment “reflects an apparent attempt to arrogate unto itself the people’s power to elect their own representatives.”

The 2024 vote altered boundaries established in a 2022 council vote.

The mayor labels the current chapter “more political theater – the fictional kind – than genuine mapping oversight.”

Rapides High School first-year teacher Allie Kyle has been named a Classroom Hero, celebrated for the positive impact she is making on her students both in and beyond the art room.

Kyle says she strives to empower her students by helping them build confidence in their creative abilities and in themselves. “Without confidence, you will never take a chance to try new things,” she shared, noting that art offers students a safe space to explore, take risks, and grow.

When asked who inspires her own work in the classroom, Kyle credits fellow educator Mrs. Alicia Monroe. She described Monroe as a role model for teachers across the district—someone who consistently works hard for her students and encourages them to become the best versions of themselves.

Kyle’s teaching “superpowers,” she says, are humor and consistency, two qualities she uses daily to build trust, keep students engaged, and create a supportive learning environment.

As she continues her first year in the classroom, Kyle is already making a lasting impression by helping students unleash their confidence, creativity, and potential.

A local hospital has reached a significant milestone in cardiovascular care as Cardiologist Kanna Posina, M.D., and members of the hospital’s heart catheterization lab became the first team in the region to treat patients with in-stent restenosis using a drug-coated balloon.

In-stent restenosis occurs when a previously stented section of a coronary artery becomes narrowed or blocked again, often requiring additional intervention. The drug-coated balloon delivers medication directly to the affected area, helping prevent the existing stent from re-occluding.

This advanced technique offers patients a less invasive and more effective option for treating recurrent coronary artery narrowing, further strengthening their commitment to bringing cutting-edge cardiovascular care to Central Louisiana.

The Pineville Police Department is urging motorists to slow down in construction areas after multiple drivers were cited for speeding in the Hwy 165 (Monroe Highway) work zone, where the posted limit is 35 mph.

According to the department, an officer conducting traffic enforcement in the area on Monday stopped several vehicles traveling well above the limit, with some drivers reportedly reaching speeds close to double the posted requirement.

Police emphasized that while construction zones may be inconvenient, speed limits remain in full effect and are enforced to protect both workers and motorists.

Under Louisiana law RS 32:57(H), fines in construction or utility zones where workers are present range from $500 to $1,000.

Authorities are reminding drivers to slow down, respect construction areas, and prioritize safety to prevent serious accidents or injuries.

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

Dec. 10

Gatolyn O’Bryan Blue, 28, Lecompte – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, criminal conspiracy, paraphernalia, intentional littering, $110,000 bail;

Jeremy Joseph Bordelon, 40, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, criminal trespass, contempt of court, $3,500 bail;

Seth Michael Ethridge, 22, Echo – aggravated cruelty to animals, $1,000 bail;

Jamarria Furgerson, 20, Pineville – simple burglary, failure to appear, $1,000 bail;

Demarion Deshun Gray, 18, Pineville – three counts simple burglary, criminal conspiracy, theft of motor vehicle, resisting an officer, flight from an officer, aggravated obstruction of highway, illegal possession of stolen things, $500 bail;

Samuel Norbert Gremillion, 24, Alexandria – four counts negligent injuring, running a stop sign, obstructed window tint, failure to secure registration, resisting an officer, flight from an officer, driving under suspension, possession of drug paraphernalia, hit and run driving, reckless operation, aggravated obstruction of highway, speeding, no signals, failure to yield to emergency vehicle, contempt of court, forgery, theft, $9,100 bail;

Davyion Wilmontae Hampton, 19, Alexandria – five counts attempted first degree murder, criminal conspiracy, two counts unlawful purchase of tobacco, resisting an officer, $2.551 million bail;

Cyrus Owens, 65, Alexandria – possession of CDS, resisting an officer, $2,000 bail;

Dwight Edwin Poole, 69, Boyce – simple escape, possession of CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal trespass, simple battery, simple assault, probation violation, six counts contempt of court, $144,000 bail;

Coret Cardell Quinney, 34, Pineville – OWI first offense, parole violations, illegal carry firearm with drugs, window tint, expired MVI sticker, three counts producing distributing manufacturing CDS with intent, $151,200 bail;

Desmon Marquis Williams, 29, Alexandria – three counts burglary of inhabited dwelling, parole violations, resisting an officer, unauthorized entry of inhabited dwelling, $100,000 bail;

Michael Worthy, 59, Alexandria – contempt of court, $25,000 bail.

Dec. 9

Heather Ammons, 37, Pineville – aggravated assault domestic abuse, $5,000 bail;

Alexander M. Binnis, 30, Pineville – domestic abuse battery, $2,500 bail;

Shaterica Shannay Brown, 26, Alexandria – OWI second offense, improper lane usage, open container, no child restraint system, operating a vehicle while under certain suspensions, $2,300 bail;

Casmyn Jer’Wayne Claiborne, 26, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, contempt of court, $3,500 bail;

Trenten Gage Hayes, 24, Deville – reckless operation of a vehicle, $500 bail;

Gabriel Hunter, 29, Alexandria – two counts issuing worthless checks, lamps must emit red, $10,100 bail;

Yavier Joffrion, 18, Alexandria – five counts attempted first degree murder, three counts attempted second degree murder, $4 million bail;

Bria Mequial Johnson, 21, Alexandria – manufacture or possession of machine gins, two counts second degree murder, armed robbery, two counts possession of firearm by convicted felon, four counts aggravated second degree battery, taking contraband to and from penal institutions, simple battery, $501,000 bail;

Kiera Mock, 27, Alexandria —  two counts contempt of court, $20,000 bail;

Joshua Blake Perry, 38, Ball – theft, $20,000 bail;

Kevin Bradshaw Reed, 19, Pineville – two counts Louisiana fugitive, contempt of court, $2,500 bail;

Darrell Lionel Robinson, 45, Alexandria – possession of CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, pedestrians on highways or interstates, $2,600 bail;

Kevin Dewayne Slaughter Jr., 24, Alexandria – aggravated assault with a firearm, obstruction of justice, resisting an officer, possession of firearm by convicted felon, parole violations, $55,500 bail.

Dec. 8

Andre Lamonte Blakemore, 36, Alexandria – possession of CDS, bicycle reflectors required, $1,600 bail;

Clinton John Bohannon, 40, Pineville – OWI, careless operation of a vehicle, no driver’s license, no registration in vehicle, no evidence of insurance, $900 bail;

James Allen Cassell, 31, Alexandria – theft, $50,000 bail;

Britteny Cheyenne Doyle, 33, Pineville – contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Hardy Dewayne Dunn Jr., 47, Boyce – criminal conspiracy, possession of CDS, improper lane usage, safety belt violation, parole violations, three counts contempt of court, $4,800 bail;

Michael Shane Eversull, 49, Pineville – aggravated assault, $2,000 bail;

Hubert Joseph Gauthier Jr., 61, Pineville – simple arson, failure to appear, $2,500 bail;

Alvin Ray Giddings, 56, Deville – two counts first degree rape, resisting an officer, Louisiana fugitive, $1.15 million bail;

Mitchell Rene Guillot, 63, Pineville – criminal conspiracy, possession of marijuana, possession of CDS, obstruction of justice, possession of paraphernalia, no driver’s license, $4,600 bail;

Clayton Robert Lamkin, 29, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, violation of protective orders, $30,000 bail;

Sabastian Shird, 32, Glenmora – possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, Louisiana fugitive, $2,500 bail;

Torrie Kemon Wells, 30, Woodworth – two counts contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Jerry Tyrone White, 53, Alexandria – 12 counts contempt of court, $22,500 bail.

Dec. 7

Torey Artez Allums, 49, Pineville – theft, simple burglary, criminal trespass, contempt of court, $13,500 bail;

Moody D. Clark, 41, Alexandria – resisting an officer, possession of drug paraphernalia, simple assault, remaining on premises, $2,000 bail;

Carlena Foster, 34, Winnfield – two counts theft, $2,500 bail;

Mauricio Labrada Hernandez, 27, Glenmora – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, obstruction of justice, use of CDS in presence of minors, contributing to the delinquency of juveniles, intentional littering, operating a vehicle while under suspension of certain prior offenses, $9,500 bail;

Matthew Wesley Johnson, 44, Pineville – three counts contempt of court, $75,000 bail;

Darryl Joseph, 60, N/A – aggravated assault on a peace officer, obstructing public passages, disturbing the peace, $2,000 bail;

Jacob Aaron McManemin, 35, Pineville – domestic abuse battery intentional serious injury, home invasion, $55,000 bail;

James Earl Mims, 35, Alexandria – aggravated second degree battery, possession of firearm by convicted felon, probation violation, parole violations, $300,000 bail;

Jawaren Ondrell Raymo, 34, Boyce – aggravated assault with a firearm, $10,000 bail;

Brandi Lynn Rutter, 53, Alexandria – OWI first offense, obstructing public passages, improper parking, $1,600 bail.

Steven James Remedies, age 43 of Pineville, Louisiana entered eternal rest on Friday, December 5, 2025. He was born on November 22, 1981, in Natchitoches, Louisiana.

Steven is preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Speer Remedies.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Branda Remedies; father, James Remedies; daughters, Alexis Grace Garcia (Juilan) and Hailey Remedies; grandchild, Freya Elise Garcia; brother, Landon Remedies; and sister, Rachel Gilcreast (Skyler).

He will be missed by all that knew and loved him.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gary Wayne Austin, a beloved husband, father, and friend, who left this world on December 7, 2025, at the age of 81 just 2 days shy of making his 82nd birthday. A service celebrating his life will take place on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 11 AM at the Bentley United Pentecostal Church in Bentley, Louisiana with Reverends, Bruce Maxwell, Keith Maxwell, and Mark Briggs officiating. Interment will follow funeral services at Malone Cemetery under the direction of Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball, Louisiana. The family requests that visitation be observed at the church on Thursday, December 11, 2025, beginning at 9:00 AM until the time of the service.

Honored to serve as pallbearers will be Landon Austin, Colby Green, Ken Price, Aaron Roberts, Bob Austin, and Dewayne Stanley. Honorary pallbearers will be Darrell Austin, Shannon Austin, Cory Austin, and David Poole.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Peggy Adams Austin, who stood by his side through the joys and challenges of life. He is also survived by his devoted sons, Shannon Austin, Darrell Austin and wife Shelley, and Ken Price, as well as his cherished daughters, Regina Austin, Lana Roberts, and Candace Price. He is further survived by his sister, Colleen Odenbough, brother, Don Austin, and a sister-in-law, Velda Pennington, who held a special place in his heart. Gary also leaves behind 13 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordia Alva and Gracie Lee Higdon Austin; brother, Doyle Austin; two twin infant siblings, Robert Dean and Doris Jean Austin. Also gone before him was his brother-in-law, Lee Roy Odenbough.

Gary dedicated over 35 years of his career to Smurfit Stone Papermill, where he earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues. His work ethic was unparalleled, but it was his service in the United States Army during the Vietnam War that he held most proudly. He exemplified honor and duty throughout his life, traits that shaped his character and influenced those around him.

An avid traveler and birdwatcher, Gary embraced the beauty of nature and shared his discoveries with those he loved. His passion for singing gospel music brought him joy and inspired others, as he used his voice to serve the Lord and spread love.

Gary was the epitome of selflessness. He always placed others before himself, offering help and kindness to anyone in need. A genuine family man, he cherished every moment spent with Peggy, his children, and grandchildren, consistently reminding them of their worth and the special place they held in his heart.

As we gather to honor Gary’s life, let us remember his laughter, his unwavering love, and his devotion to family, faith, and community. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion and generosity that will continue to inspire us all.

By JIM BUTLER

The days when every emergency agency received individual calls for help are long since gone.

It’s been 40 years since Rapides voters gave the go-ahead to a single district under Police Jury purview.

Rapides 911 Communications District commissioners will today (10 a.m.) discuss the next step in unified response and assistance, taking up the ins and outs of Computer-Aided Dispatch, software system access that acts as a central hub for 911 dispatching in the most-effective manner.

Discussion was pushed from the board’s bi-monthly October meeting to today.

October, incidentally, was the effective month of increased 911 surcharges on wireless and landline phone service in the parish.

The increases were approved by the panel in June. The charges are collected by phone service providers and forwarded to the parish.

The district and others across the state are authorized to levy such fees by state law first adopted in 1999.  It set a monthly cap of 85 cents.

Almost 20 years later new legislation boosted the fee authority and allowed use of Next Generation 911 when technical requirements can be met and funding is available.

Cost of the proposed system upgrade varies with such factors as system size, number of dispatcher stations, hardware, software and licensing.

The lowest-priced is not cheap, online inquiries indicate.

District commissioners, representing specified groups, are Jury appointed. They are:

Ryan Spiller, chairman, city/parish fire departments; Darrell Basco, Pineville COO and retired police chief, municipal government; Vernon Creecy, RPSO warden, minority interests; Sam DeBona, Cleco, private industry; Rep. Jason DeWitt, parish/state government; Marcus Sandoval, RPSO; Mark Tigner, APD, law enforcement; Jessica Trichel, Pafford, emergency medical; Russell Turnage, volunteer fire departments.

The December 2025 meeting of the Pineville City Council marked a significant transition as District 4 Councilman Tom Bouchie attended his final regular meeting after 23½ years of dedicated service to the community.

Bouchie and his wife are relocating to Texas to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. City leaders and attendees expressed heartfelt gratitude for his decades of commitment to Pineville and extended best wishes to the Bouchie family as they begin their next chapter.

In other business, the council recognized the Pineville Police Department’s two newest officers: Elliott Fruge and Toby Gorbam. Both recently graduated from the Alexandria Regional Police Academy and were welcomed as strong additions to the department.

The council closed the meeting by acknowledging the importance of experienced leadership and fresh talent as Pineville prepares for the year ahead.

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office is urging the public to stay vigilant after multiple families reported falling victim to a recurring scam targeting relatives of inmates at the Rapides Parish Detention Center — just weeks after similar incidents were first reported.

According to investigators, callers posing as bondsmen are contacting family members of recently booked inmates and claiming they can help secure their loved one’s release by placing them on an ankle monitor. The scammers then instruct victims to purchase Walmart gift cards and send the barcodes via text message or a mobile app. After the initial phone call, the scammers continue communication through text, assuring victims the process is “electronic” and that they will be notified when the inmate can be picked up.

Several victims have taken the scam at face value — even going so far as to drive to the courthouse — only to discover their loved one was never released. Losses reported today alone exceed $2,500.

The sheriff’s office stresses that law enforcement will never call individuals to solicit money for any transaction, and legitimate bondsmen must meet in person with those making payment, as well as the individual being released, to complete required paperwork.

Investigators believe scammers are using publicly available information to identify relatives of newly booked inmates.

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office is urging residents to remain cautious and to contact a bondsman directly if they have questions about bonding procedures. Citizens are also encouraged to share this warning widely with family and friends to prevent further victimization.

For concerns or to report suspicious activity, residents should contact local law enforcement immediately.