By JIM BUTLER

Revolution Aluminum Propco LLC proposes to operate a landfill on Williams Lake Road near Pineville.

Part of the company name likely rings a bell. A decade ago Revolution Aluminum announced plans to build an industrial park in the same vicinity. That went south, its promoter, Roger Boggs, eventually pleading guilty in 2022 to deceiving a creditor.

The current LLC representatives registered with the Secretary of State’s Office in 2024.

According to records, Jody O’Neal is registered agent and Thomas Tucker is manager.

The company seeks a solid waste permit allowing a Type 1 (commercial and industrial waste) landfill.

Any party with comments can direct them to DEQ’s Office of Environmental Services, Waste Permits Division, Box 4313, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4313.

In the same vicinity as the proposed landfill is the SunGas Renewables proposed green methane plant.

Scheduled to begin construction in the second half of this year, the $2.4 billion facility has been caught up in the carbon capture whirlwind.

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By Rich Dupree

When Phoenix Buffet closed in Pineville in 2021 ending a 15-year run in the Pinebrook Square Shopping Center, many thought another restaurant, and maybe even another buffet, would open in its place. Well, it took 5 years, but today a sign went up that confirmed what most could see from the ongoing remake of the façade – Pineville is getting another Mexican Restaurant.

Nogal Mexican Grill is opening soon at 3107 Highway 28 East, which is directly behind CVS Pharmacy off 28 East or directly behind Chuck’s Ace Hardware off Edgewood Drive.

Nogal Mexican Grill originally opened in Deville in 2020, but like Phoenix Buffet, struggled to stay open during COVID – and once it closed because of staffing issues in 2021, didn’t reopen.

Even before the name was known, you could tell that a Mexican Restaurant was in the making – and social media has had a field day because of the number of Mexican Restaurant establishments that not only already exist in Pineville, but across Central Louisiana.

But what those who want to make fun and bemoan this announcement fail to recognize is the huge investment this family is making to bring Nogal Mexican Grill back to this community – and to put a vacant building back into commerce.

And while we do have a lot of Mexican Restaurants to choose from, we each have our own “favorite” based on the taste or authenticity of the food – or maybe the taste of the margaritas that make happy hour a little happier – or just how the staff makes you feel every time you stop by.

For anyone else who is not happy about another Mexican Restaurant opening, the Small Business Administration (SBA) will be happy to loan you the money to start whatever eatery you would like to open.

In the meantime, it will be up to Nogal Mexican Grill to earn your business. And for the City of Pineville, they are happy a building that has been vacant since COVID, will now be back in business for the foreseeable future.

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The Rotary Club of Alexandria, in partnership with the Alexandria Downtown Rotary Club, announces scholarship opportunities for graduating high school seniors planning to attend local higher education institutions.

This year, the club will award three $2,000 scholarships, including:

• The W.E. Pate Memorial Scholarship, reserved for a graduate of Bolton Academy.
• Two additional Alexandria Rotary Scholarships, awarded based on academic excellence, community service, and extracurricular involvement.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a 2026 graduating senior
• Must attend a high school in Rapides Parish (public or private)

Must plan to attend one of the following local institutions:

• Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC)
• Louisiana Christian University (LCU)
• Louisiana State University at Alexandria (LSUA)

Application Details:

• Online submission only (new this year)

The application must be completed in one sitting; students should have all information, essays, and materials prepared before starting.

Deadline: Friday, February 20, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
Application Link: bit.ly/rotaryscholarship2026

For questions regarding eligibility or the application process, contact Dr. Arlene Duos at aduos@lsua.edu or 318-473-6511.

These scholarships offer an excellent opportunity for local students to pursue higher education while staying close to home. Students are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this generous support.

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The look of Main Street in downtown Pineville is changing as investors and community members work to revitalize the area. Old buildings and storefronts are being refurbished, and new businesses are opening, bringing renewed energy to the heart of the city.

Local Jorge Rocha is among those committed to the effort. Rocha recently unveiled a new educational mural on Main Street, depicting the early days of Pineville. The mural includes QR codes that link viewers to a ten-minute digital presentation detailing the city’s history through the years.

“I’m proud to call this place home.” Rocha said. 

City leaders and residents alike have praised Rocha’s dedication and commitment, noting that such projects contribute to the ongoing revitalization of Pineville’s downtown area.

Great things are happening along the river in this historic city, and community-driven initiatives like this mural highlight the potential of Pineville’s continued growth.

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Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

Jan. 28

Christopher James Chenoweth, 39, Bunkie – possession of CDS, intentional littering, no head light, $1,600 bail;

Michael J. Lacoste, 71, Boyce – two counts contempt of court, $200,000 bail;

Bronson Jess Morgan, 30, Pineville – two counts theft, $1,000 bail;

Bohdan Plovetskyi, 25, Orlando – two counts simple burglary, $3,000 bail;

Glendell Wesley, 48, Alexandria – second degree murder, two counts aggravated assault with a firearm concealed negligent handgun, possession of a firearm by convicted felon, illegal carry firearm with drugs, possession of CDS, paraphernalia, resisting an officer, contempt of court, $198,500 bail;

Heather Renee Willis, 46, Oakdale – reckless operation, hit and run, driving under revocation, contempt of court, $1,950 bail.

Jan. 27

Eliart Arturo Bravo, 55, Baton Rouge – contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Jyrus Malik Butler, 29, Pineville – simple arson, criminal trespass, $5,500 bail;

Zachary Scott Strother, 33, Oakdale – producing manufacturing distributing CDS possession of paraphernalia, parole violations, $1,500 bail;

Aeneas Keaire Paul, 19, Alexandria – simple burglary, resisting an officer, contributing to the delinquency of juveniles, $1,500 bail;

Joseph Hugh Worden, 61, Bunkie – possession of CDS, legend drug possession, $2,000 bail.

Jan. 26

Tellis Rayshun Coleman Jr., 30, Alexandria – careless operation of a vehicle, no driver’s license, possession of marijuana, resisting an officer, two counts contempt of court, $9,200 bail;

Katharine Elayne Kinney, 48, Ball – aggravated assault on a peace officer, simple battery, $3,000 bail;

Travis Gerald Mclaughlin, 30, Boyce – criminal damage to property, disturbing the peace, battery on officer, simple resisting a police officer with force or violence, $2,000 bail;

Shontavious Piper, 26, Pineville – domestic abuse battery intentional serious injury, contempt of court, $35,000 bail;

Jarred Thomas Rachal, 46, Pineville – two counts contempt of court, failure to appear, $51,000 bail;

Craig Allen Ramos, 33, Alexandria – driving under suspension, failure to secure registration, windshield required, reckless operation, three counts contempt of court, $54,000 bail.

Jan. 25

Tellis Rayshun Coleman Jr, 30, Alexandria – careless operation of a vehicle, resisting an officer, possession of marijuana, no driver’s license, two counts contempt of court, $9,200 bail.

Jan. 24

Trevon Shavez Coulter, 31, Alexandria – theft, possession of stolen property, two counts criminal trespass, $2,500 bail.

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James “Jimmie” Ray Dyson unexpectedly passed away on January 27, 2026.

He was born on November 9, 1952, in Pineville, Louisiana. Jimmie proudly served his country in the United States Army and was a retired veteran.

Following his military service, he worked for Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries and later spent over 20 years as a cross-country truck driver. He was a dedicated member of the American Legion Post 24 in Bogalusa, Louisiana.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Evie Lee Creel Dyson and Robert Charles Dyson, Sr.; his wife, Barbara Lambert; and his siblings, Robert Charles Dyson Jr., Freddie Dyson, Eddie Dyson, Richard Dyson, Earl Dyson, and Norma Gayle Dyson Frazier.

He is survived by his daughter, Adrienne Dyson Gates, and her husband, Frankie Gates; his sons, Brandon Dyson and Jason Freeman, and Jason’s wife, Ashley Freeman.

Jimmie is further survived by his cherished grandchildren: Natalie Mae Gates, Nathaniel Gates, Lizzy Byrd, Gabriel Dyson, Brandon Dyson Jr., Toby Dyson, Dakota Dyson, Maddison Dyson, Preston Dyson, Sayler Grisham, Evie Dyson, and Soren Dyson.

He also leaves behind his siblings, Tony Dyson, Joey Dyson, and Neva Lee Dyson, along with a host of nieces and nephews.

Jimmie will be laid to rest at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Slidell, Louisiana. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

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Melinda Shea Grigg was born to John and June Grigg on July 25, 1966 in Shreveport LA. Shea parted from this life on January 26, 2026 in her home surrounded by her family after a battle with Cancer. She was 59 years old at the time of her death.

Shea was a member of Palestine Baptist Church where over the years she taught Sunday school, mission friends, GA’s, and VBS. She also sang in many Cantatas and directed special children’s programs. Shea attended school mostly at Fairview High School and Graduated from East Beauregard High School in 1984. Shea attended Louisiana College where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work in 1988. She went on to earn her Master’s degree in Social Work at Louisiana State University in August 1992.

After graduating from Louisiana College Shea started working for Rayford Enterprises at two psychiatric hospitals in Pineville and Alexandria. She also assisted in opening a psychiatric hospital in Denham Springs. Shea worked for Rayford Enterprises for 5 years. In 1993 she accepted a social work position with Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Lake Charles. While working at Women’s and Children’s Shea helped develop a program to identify infants at high risk of contracting RSV. Shea also was privileged to work for a time with Brighton Bridge Hospice. She was touched by her coworkers, patients, and their families.

After the birth of their children Shea and Rob decided to slow down and spend more time together as a family. She accepted a job with the Beauregard Parish School board in the Pupil Appraisal department. She worked there for 22 years advocating for students and families to ensure students received the best education possible. In 2021 Shea moved to work in Allen Parish Pupil Appraisal as the section 504 coordinator. She carried her love for advocating for students and families with her. She worked with Allen Parish School board for 4 years.

Shea faced adversity early when she was diagnosed with Cancer at age 15. With God’s healing she outlived the 3 months that doctors said she would live. Through God’s healing Shea overcame Thyroid cancer in 2006 and Breast Cancer in 2013. This last battle with Cancer did not defeat Shea, this time she received Heavenly healing.

Shea met the love of her life in September 1991–Robert Budnick. They were both head over heels and were engaged December 13, 1991. Shea and Rob were married on October 3, 1992. They were married 33 years. Despite being told she would never have children they were blessed with Madison and JT. Shea loved her children fiercely and always knew they were gifts from God. Madison and JT brought such joy to Shea’s life. She could not have imagined life without them. They helped Rob along with Laney provide loving care for Shea during the last weeks of her life.

Shea is survived by her loving husband Rob Budnik, daughter Madison of Frierson; son John JT Budnik and Laney of Sugartown; grandsons, Rhett and Hudson of Sugartown; Parents, John and June Grigg of Grant; Sister Jodi and Chad Reeves of Mittie; Brothers, Troy and Janet Grigg of Grant;& Scott and Jamie Grigg of Deridder; Brother in law and sister in Law JJ and Tracey Barnes of Walker; and step mother in law Peggy Budnik of Rockwood, Tenn.

Shea was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Glade and Jewel Grigg; maternal grandparents, Toby and Georgia Young; father in law Joseph Budnik, mother in law Elizabeth Barnes.

She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Broussard and his team; Dr. Thomas Dobbins and his team; and the team at Allegiance Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Hamilton Cemetery Association, c/o Colt Reeves at 2057 Turner Rd Pitkin, LA 70656.

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Phonetic: /fuh-DOO-shee-air-ee/

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition

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Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies arrested a Hineston-area man Wednesday evening following a lengthy high-speed pursuit that ended with a vehicle fire and foot chase.

According to the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded at approximately 5:45 p.m. to a reported disturbance on Harper Road in the Hineston area. Upon arrival, the suspect, later identified as Robert Dale West, 35, fled the scene in a brown Chevrolet Suburban, prompting a pursuit.

During the chase, deputies reported speeds exceeding 90 miles per hour at times. The pursuit came to an end in the Sieper community after spike strips were deployed by the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office with assistance from Louisiana State Police. After striking the spike strips, the vehicle caught fire.

West then fled the scene on foot but was taken into custody following a brief foot pursuit. Authorities reported the arrest was made without further incident.

West was found to be in possession of a stolen firearm and was transported to the Rapides Parish Detention Center. He is expected to be booked on multiple charges, including aggravated flight from an officer, possession of a stolen firearm, and an active extraditable warrant out of Texas.

No injuries were reported during the incident. Officials stated the investigation is ongoing and that additional information, including a complete list of charges and a suspect mugshot, will be released as it becomes available.

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By JIM BUTLER 

Judge John Hodge on Monday ordered a deadline of June 6 for damage claims in the Diocese of Alexandria bankruptcy case. 

The Diocese had earlier requested a May 1 cutoff but its attorneys and those of potential abuse victims or their survivors petitioned for the later date after revising the victim claim form and process. 

The Diocese filed for bankruptcy protection on October 31 as notice of potential claims of clergy abuse as far back as 1970 increased. 

Staring at the potential legal costs and claim awards, the Diocese sought Chapter 11 relief. 

Its latest monthly operating report to the court reflects about $201,000 in combined legal fees in December alone. 

The Diocese began the month with $2.8 million cash balance. Its latest monthly operating report to the court showed December receipts of $776,000 and disbursements of $670,000. 

Post-filing debt is reported as $7.9 million, $1.5 million of that secured. Total liabilities are listed at $9.46 million.

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Louisiana Christian University welcomes Dr. Marcia Hardy as its new dean of the Young School of Business and Martin MBA program.

Hardy is the dean of the Ray and Dorothy Young School of Business.

She earned a Ph.D. from the University of California-Los Angeles, specializing in management from the Anderson School of Management and research and evaluation from the Graduate School of Education. Her original research explored the success factors of entrepreneurship. She also received Ph.D. certification from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, studying organizational leadership, strategic management and planning.

She holds an M.S. from the University of Missouri, Kansas City and a B.S. from Loyola University in New Orleans. Hardy is certified in Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategies Program from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Additional national certifications of hers are extensive, including in Quality Matters, Google Analytics, and negotiation and leadership from Harvard Law School.

Hardy has decades of experience in academia, most recently at Northwestern State University as a tenured full professor in business administration and management.

Hardy said her first priority at LCU will be to listen, learn and build trust.

“I want to understand the strengths of our graduate and undergraduate programs, hear from faculty, staff, students, alumni, and industry partners, and gain a clear understanding of where we are thriving and where we have opportunities to grow,” Hardy said.

“Looking forward, I see incredible opportunities to strengthen enrollment, enhance experiential learning, and deepen partnerships with the business community. I am excited about expanding internships, applied projects, and mentoring prospects, and will focus on ensuring our undergraduate business majors succeed and our master’s in business administration (MBA) and master’s in strategic leadership (MSL) graduates continue to add value for working professionals.”

She said she also sees an opportunity to more clearly voice the distinct values of a Christian business education-graduates who are not only skilled and competent, but ethical, insightful, and purpose-driven leaders.

She said she chose to come to LCU because the mission of the university aligns deeply with both her professional calling and her personal values.

“I believe higher education, especially business education, should develop the whole person: intellectually, ethically, and spiritually,” Hardy said. “This institution is committed not only to academic excellence, but to shaping future leaders of character who understand business as a career and a means of service.”

LCU President Dr. Mark Johnson said Louisiana Christian University is entering a new chapter in graduate studies, one that redefines workforce development as the formation of people, not simply the placement of graduates.

“Dr. Marcia Hardy’s appointment reflects that vision,” Johnson said. “She brings an exceptional blend of academic scholarship and real-world industry experience. Her work in entrepreneurship, organizational leadership and emerging technologies positions LCU to expand graduate education for Louisiana’s workforce.”

Hardy’s publications include a book EDI: A Guide To Electronic Data Interchange and Electronic Commerce Applications, 1995, and dozens of journal articles. Her professional presentations have been at local, state and national venues. She holds awards for teaching, service to cities and businesses, and has a legislative award from the United States Department of Defense for leadership and dedication, presented by the Joint Electronic Commerce Program Office.

Dr. Hardy currently serves as the international president-elect for the Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars with over 200 established chapters. 

In addition to her academic background, Hardy has also been an active member of the community.

“My experience as a business owner and community leader allows me to bring practical, real-world perspectives to business education,” she said. “I know what employers are seeking, how organizations operate, and how theory translates into practice. This combination enables me to bridge academia and industry, ensuring our programs remain relevant, credible, and impactful.

“Together, these experiences allow me to lead with understanding, clarity and purpose, honoring Louisiana Christian University’s mission while preparing students to lead faithfully, courageously, and successfully in the business world.”

She has been co-founder and president of McLure, Moynihan Inc. of California and CEO/owner of The Nest Wellness Spa & Wellness Center. She served recently as chairman of the United Way of Central Louisiana. She is also active at Calvary Baptist Church in Alexandria.

“Without question, Dr. Hardy is among the best new faculty to join LCU,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Henry Robertson. “Her business acumen and scholarship place the Young School and its Martin MBA program in the forefront of the mission-devoted business schools in America. I could not be more pleased to welcome her to the faculty and for her strong commitment to our students and their academic advancement in business, economics, management, and marketing.”

Note: Dr. Marcia Hardy was a former professor in the College of Business and Technology and former faculty Senate President at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana.

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The England Authority Board of Commissioners held its first meeting of the year on Jan. 22 with a new slate of officers providing board oversight.

Working with England Airpark and Alexandria International Airport Executive Director Ralph Hennessy and his staff to carry out the mission of the England Authority are these commissioners, followed by their respective office (if applicable) and appointing authority:

Oday Lavergne, Chair – City of Alexandria, La.
Jamar Gailes, Vice Chair – City of Alexandria, La.
Steven Mansour, Secretary/Treasurer – Rapides Parish Police Jury
Trey Crump – City of Pineville, La.
Joshua Joy Dara, Sr., – Rapides Parish Police Jury
Myron K. Lawson, Jr. – Rapides Parish Police Jury
Joe McPherson – Rapides Parish incorporated municipalities of Woodworth, Glenmora, Ball, Cheneyville, Lecompte, McNary, Boyce, and Forest Hill, La.
Patrick O’Quin – City of Alexandria, La.
Charles S. Weems III – Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce
Zeb Winstead – Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce

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Residents across Rapides Parish should prepare for several more days of cold temperatures and widespread frost, with overnight lows dipping well below freezing through the weekend before a gradual warmup early next week.

Wednesday will start cold with widespread frost during the morning hours, followed by sunny conditions throughout the day. Afternoon highs are expected to reach the lower 50s, with light winds becoming northwest around 5 mph later in the day. Frost will return Wednesday night as lows once again fall into the mid-20s under partly cloudy skies.

Cold mornings will continue Thursday, with widespread frost expected early. Skies will be mostly sunny, and highs will climb slightly into the mid-50s. Thursday night will be mostly cloudy with lows in the mid-30s, as south winds shift northwest after midnight.

Friday will bring cooler daytime temperatures, with mostly cloudy skies in the morning giving way to partial sunshine by afternoon. Highs will reach the mid-40s. Friday night will be significantly colder, with partly cloudy skies and lows dropping to around 20 degrees.

Saturday and Saturday night are expected to remain clear and cold, with daytime highs only reaching the mid-30s and overnight lows near 20. Clear skies will continue into Sunday, with highs in the mid-40s and lows in the mid-20s.

A gradual warming trend is expected to begin Monday, with sunny skies and highs returning to the mid-50s. Partly cloudy conditions will persist Monday night into Tuesday, with overnight lows around 30 and daytime highs climbing into the upper 50s.

Residents are encouraged to take precautions to protect pets, plants, pipes, and vulnerable populations during the prolonged cold stretch.

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Northwood High School (PK-12) will be open on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. The facilities team worked diligently to ensure all buildings are safe and ready to welcome students and staff back to campus. The school’s admin appreciate the patience and understanding of its Northwood families.

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Skip the crowded restaurants and complicated plans for this Valentine’s Day, and enjoy a thoughtfully prepared evening that’s both special and serves a purpose. The Valentine’s Banquet takes place on Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 6:30–9:30PM in the Fellowship Hall at First United Methodist Church of Alexandria.

This one-night event offers everything you want on a Valentine’s date: live entertainment, an elegant five-course meal, and a relaxed, romantic atmosphere. All while supporting something deeply meaningful. Proceeds benefit the FUMCA Youth Summer Mission Trip, so while FUMCA youth serve you at the banquet, you help them serve others beyond our community! By attending the Valentine’s Banquet, you’re not just planning an easy and memorable date, you’re helping young people share their faith in tangible ways.

Five-Course Dinner Menu

• Portobello Fingers with Remoulade Sauce
• Sensation Salad
• Tomato Basil Soup
• Pecan-Smoked Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Balsamic Cherry Glaze
• Florentine Potatoes
• Sautéed Green Beans Almondine
• Banana Foster over Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Plus Iced Tea and Ice Water

Cost: $50 per person
Registration closes: February 8 at 9:30PM

What is the FUMCA Youth Mission?

In the first week of June, FUMCA Youth will embark on our first annual week-long mission trip. This year’s theme and location? “Serving the Smokies!” FUMCA’s 20-person team of 7th-12th graders (and chaperones) will act as the hands and feet of Christ to our neighbors in the Sevier County area of Tennessee. Partnering with LIVE-IT Ministries, we will serve to repair family homes, create mobility aids for disabled community members, minister to folks experiencing homelessness, and grow together as a group while reaching outward to others.

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Louisiana snow day essentials: space heater, extension cord, boiling water, generator, candles, and a phone at 3% battery. While some outside the South might chuckle at a Louisiana winter, we know how to stay prepared, make the most of any situation, and get through it together.

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Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. will host its upcoming state conference at the Holiday Inn Downtown Alexandria, with several events open to the public throughout the weekend.

As part of the conference, the fraternity is inviting community members to attend a Public Forum on Gun Violence on Friday, January 30, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The forum will focus on community awareness, dialogue, and solutions related to gun violence.

Later that evening, the fraternity will host its College Brothers Step Show and Stroll Off on Friday, January 30, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., featuring performances from college members celebrating tradition, culture, and unity.

The weekend will conclude with the Miss Old Gold & Black Scholarship Pageant on Saturday, January 31, at 7 p.m. The pageant highlights scholarship, leadership, and community involvement while supporting educational opportunities.

All events will take place at the Holiday Inn Downtown Alexandria. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. encourages the public to attend and take part in the weekend’s activities as the organization gathers for its state conference.

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LSU Alexandria baseball pitcher Carter Fabre is the Red River Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Week after winning his first start with six innings of shutout work.

Fabre tossed six innings of shutout baseball in the Generals’ season opening win over Wiley College. He allowed just one hit and struck out five. Fabre, a senior right-hander from Houma, forced seven ground outs and earned his first win of the season.

The Generals (3-1) host John Melvin University this weekend for the second straight weekend. LSUA split a Friday doubleheader last weekend, bouncing back from a 4-0 loss to win 7-3.

The season opened with a 9-0, 4-3 sweep of Wiley on Thursday.

LSUA will play a single game Friday against John Melvin and a twinbill Saturday. No start times are shown on the Generals’ website.

LOUISIANA CHRISTIAN:  The Wildcats rallied from three runs down in the final inning of Game 1 to win, spurring the offense to a doubleheader sweep of the 19^th-ranked Mid-America Christian Evangels, 5-4 and 13-5, to open the 2026 season last Thursday at Billy Allgood Field.

In the nightcap, Chris Kelley went three-for-four with three RBI and two runs scored, both of those coming off his first two home runs of 2026.

His RBI double started the three-run ninth in the opener, which included a game-tying, two-out, two-strike, two-run single by Jake Messina and a game-winning bases-loaded walk drawn by Sterling Sims.

Coach Mike Byrnes’ club (2-0) will host Wiley this Friday in an 11 a.m. doubleheader.

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Once again I’m going off the rails and taking a break from talking fishing. Those of you that have read my articles from the very beginning know about my history as a kid. Growing up on the streets of Rosenburg, Texas, and Houston, made me a little tougher than most kids my age. I knew first-hand by the age of 8 what it was like to be footloose and fancy free running the streets ‘til all hours of the night, with zero guidance. 

While my biological mother was more concerned with her modeling career and surviving the beatings she took at the hands of my stepdad, I was just trying to survive. I was the one sneaking into houses looking for a quick meal. 

The one thing I always wondered — where was my real dad during all of this and why did I never get to meet him? Why was he never involved in my life?

Was this his choice to avoid contact with me or was there some kind of a mutual agreement between my mother and him that he was to never reach out to me for any reason?

These are questions that I’ll never get the answers to until the day I’m reunited with my dad and the loved ones who have crossed over to the other side. But as a father myself, I cannot imagine having a child in this world and not knowing who or where they were. 

I’ve always heard that my athletic abilities came from my dad. I’ve heard stories from my older brother, Mike (we share the same mom and dad), on the kind of dad he was to him and how he supported him and his athletic career. 

But the same questions continue to go through my head today, even at the age of 64. How was it that we never met? Why didn’t he reach out to me? 

Every kid wants that relationship with their dad. A dad plays an important role in the development of a young boy growing into a man. He also provides a sense of security to all his children that no matter what, dad always has their back.  

He provides advice and guidance for life’s troubled journey and teaches how to navigate those trials and tribulations. He’s the man who jerks a knot in your tail when you need correcting or get out of line. He’s the rock you look up to and hope to make proud one day. He’s the man you only hope you can be one day. 

But for me, that connection was never made. The years went by with zero contact from the man that I only heard about from relatives. From what I’ve been able to learn over the years, he had a good side and a bad side. 

I’ve been told that he enjoyed his Friday and Saturday nights at local taverns, but he also had wandering eyes for the ladies and traded one for another frequently. Guess this is why he and my mother divorced while she was pregnant with me. All total, he was married seven times (the legal limit in Texas) and once to the same lady, twice. 

So, maybe those that knew him thought it was in my best interest NOT to have a relationship with him; that nothing good would come out of us having that father-son bond that a boy wants with his dad. 

But looking back, he missed out on so much of my life’s great experiences. Things that a dad is supposed to be there for like a high school state championship, graduation, signing an athletic scholarship, getting married, being drafted by a Major League Baseball team and so much more! He missed out on so many of my life’s ups and downs — and three great grandkids. 

Growing up, I had the best childhood a young boy could ever ask for while being raised by my aunt and uncle in an awesome small town in East Texas. My uncle, who I called Dad after being adopted, was a great provider and taught me about responsibility and hard work while growing up on a ranch. He assumed the role of a loving father as best he could, but it’s just not the same.

There’s something about having a relationship with the man you share the same DNA with as it completes the internal connection — the connection that only a father can have with his children. 

So, I know the day will come when I’ll get all my questions answered. I’ll finally get to meet the father I never met.  But in the meantime, I’ll do my best to be the best father I can be to all three of my children.  

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