It doesn’t require Karnack’s crystal ball to forecast some Rapides news to come this year.

Before the more mundane: yes, all ye faithful, Olive Garden opens this month.

And for those burdened with that New Year’s resolution there are both smaller portions and lighter preparations on OG menus.

As for the rest of the year:

A 17-member task force created by the Police Jury will study carbon capture, and by association the Beaver Lake enterprise, and report back at some point.

And Governor Jeff Landry’s moratorium on CC permits will continue while answers are sought for him.

Election-year politics will play a role in many headlines.

The state returns to party primaries in the spring after decades of open primary voting.

The nine School Board members’ terms expire.

Municipalities have governing body elections, some in the spring, others the fall.

From Ball to Boyce, Glenmora to Lecompte local offices are up for a vote.

Alexandria has a mayoral election and three council seats (Districts 2, 4 and an at-large) up for a count and Pineville’s entire elected group will be on the ballot.

Crime, and how to curb it, and what causes it, will get plenty of attention.

Businesses will close, and open.

By JIM BUTLER

School Board member Linda Burgess has submitted her resignation, citing health concerns.

The board at its Tuesday afternoon meeting will consider accepting the resignation and discuss what happens next.

State law gives the board, which normally meets on the first Tuesday of the month, 20 days from the date of official vacancy to appoint a successor for the unexpired term. Should it not, the matter goes to the governor.

In this case the appointee will serve through the board elections this fall.

Burgess has held the seat since a special election in 2019. She won a full term in 2022. She is chair of the Education Committee and sits on the Executive and Personnel panels.

Her District F is a sprawling one, taking in about 13,350 residents in a stretch from Jackson Street between MacArthur Drive and Texas Avenue to Broadway Avenue at I49 to Hudson Boulevard to Red River to LA 457 near Poland to near Lecompte to US 71 to Gene Ball Drive to US 165 to MacArthur and back to Jackson.

When drawn after the 2020 Census the perfect district population number for the board’s districts was 15,000.

Alexandria’s St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church hosted members and royalty from over nine local Mardi Gras Krewes for the Mass for the Feast of Epiphany Sunday, January 4. The Mass marks the end of the Christmas season and the beginning of the Mardi Gras season.

After the service, the congregation, Krewes and royalty were invited to the church hall for the traditional blessing of the king cakes by St. Frances Cabrini pastor Fr. Chad Partain. The church also served Queen’s soup, traditional fare for Mardi Gras Balls in New Orleans. This year’s event marks the 13^th year that the Krewes have been invited to the Mass for the Feast of the Epiphany and Blessing of the King cakes. The Mardi Gras season is now upon us!

Pelican Drive at Louisiana Highway 28 East will be temporarily closed later this week to allow crews to complete roadway improvements.

The closure is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, Jan. 8-9 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. The affected section includes Pelican Drive between Hwy. 28 East and Hayes Manufacturing.

Officials say the closure is necessary to safely complete roadwork in the area. The project is expected to be completed within two days, weather permitting.

Motorists who regularly travel this route are encouraged to plan alternate routes during the closure periods. Drivers are thanked in advance for their patience and cooperation as improvements are made.

Rapides Women’s & Children’s Hospital welcomed Rapide Parish’s first baby of the new year on January 1, 2026.

Roy and Mariah Coleman celebrated the arrival of their daughter, Lila Rae Coleman, at 7:18 a.m. Lila Rae weighed 8 pounds, 15 ounces, and measured 21 inches long at birth.

Hospital staff shared in the excitement of the milestone arrival and extended congratulations to the Coleman family, calling the newborn a joyful start to the new year and a special New Year’s blessing.

Tioga Junior High educator Miranda DeCrane is being recognized as this week’s Classroom Hero for her dedication to empowering students and helping them discover their own potential.

With 18 years of experience in education, DeCrane focuses on building self-confidence in her students, encouraging them to recognize their individual strengths. She believes that when students learn to see what they are capable of, they are better prepared to face and overcome even the most challenging obstacles.

DeCrane also credits fellow educator Heather Tiley, an eighth-grade social studies teacher, as someone who continually amazes her with a positive impact on students. She describes Tiley’s passion for her subject matter as unmatched and inspiring.

Known for her student-centered, compassionate, and reflective approach to teaching, DeCrane exemplifies the spirit of the Classroom Hero program by helping students unleash their own “teaching superpowers” and grow both academically and personally.

By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

BATON ROUGE – With his legal dilemma cleared, former ASH football and track star J.T. Lindsey has been reinstated to the LSU football team but may be entering the NCAA transfer portal looking for a new football opportunity.

On3.com, which tracks recruiting and transfer portal developments, reported Saturday Lindsey is headed for the portal.

Louisiana Sports Net’s Matt Moscona reported Sunday that all legal charges against Lindsey have been dropped as of Dec. 31, clearing the way for him to return to competition at LSU or elsewhere. Moscona’s report said according to Lindsey’s attorney, Kris Perret, Lindsey has been “reinstated” and is “welcome to return to the team.”

Despite his immediate suspension from the LSU team in August per university policy regarding felony arrests of student-athletes, Lindsey was allowed to attend classes and use athletic facilities. He made the Dean’s List for the fall semester.

Lindsey was arrested in August as an accessory after the fact to second-degree murder after he allegedly allowed two murder suspects to stay in his LSU dorm room for nearly two weeks, authorities said.

Perret said then that the true freshman running back was not aware “the individuals (subsequently) arrested had committed any crimes, or that they were wanted by the police for questioning” when he housed them in his room.

East Baton Rouge Parish district attorney Hillar Moore recently declined to prosecute and removed Lindsey from his bond obligation, and Perret was notified last Wednesday, said Moscona’s report.

At ASH, Lindsey was a state track champion and an All-State running back who helped lead the 2024 Trojans to an unbeaten run to the state championship game. He was the nation’s No. 7-rated running back recruit, according to Rivals.com.

He took a redshirt season this fall and has four seasons of eligibility.

Due to the dry conditions throughout the Parish, Rapides Parish Police Jury President Craig Smith has issued a cease and desist order for all private burning. Private burning shall only be allowed by permission of the local fire department. Parish fire departments have reported an increase of grass fires due to them be left unattended.

This order is effective immediately, and shall remain in effect until rescinded.

This ban shall not apply to prescribed burns by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, by hose trained and certified by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, or by those who conductprescribed burning as a “generally accepted agriculture practice” as defined by the Louisiana Right to Farm Law (R.S. 3:3601 et seq.)

Ruby Kolin Fire Department, Rapides Parish Fire Protection District #7, had a busy start to the new year as crews responded to multiple brush fires fueled by extremely dry and windy conditions across the parish.

On January 1, 2026, firefighters were dispatched at 12:18 p.m. to an out-of-control brush fire threatening heavy wooded areas. Multiple brush trucks were deployed, with mutual aid assistance provided by the Effie Fire Department and Alpine Fire Department.

While crews were still operating at that scene, a second brush fire was reported at 1:20 p.m. along a high-line. Units were redirected to extinguish the fire before returning to the original location. As operations continued, RKFD also assisted the Deville Fire Department, which was battling multiple fires throughout the day.

Later that evening, at approximately 6:04 p.m., crews responded to a large brush and tree fire, utilizing brush trucks, engines, and handlines to bring the fire under control.

On January 2, 2026, at 11:10 a.m., firefighters responded to another incident after embers from a large tree pile ignited nearby woods. Crews quickly knocked down spot fires and applied water and foam to fully extinguish the burning pile.

Despite the extended fire operations, RKFD personnel continued responding to routine medical aid calls, ensuring uninterrupted service to the community.

Fire officials expressed appreciation to all responding personnel and mutual aid partners, including the Effie Fire Department and Alpine Fire Department, for their teamwork and support.

A burn ban remains in effect due to ongoing dry and windy conditions. Residents are urged to refrain from all burning activities until the ban is lifted to help prevent additional fires and keep the community safe.

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

Jan. 4

Coneka Anderson, 41, Lecompte – aggravated battery, seven counts contempt of court, $13,500 bail;

Shrida Lachelle Blade, 47, Pineville – OWI first offense, driving under suspension, expired plate/registration, improper lane usage, $1,300 bail;

Tyiuanna Dixon, 24, Alexandria – OWI first offense, no head light, $1,100 bail;

Leroy Gray Jr., 55, Lena – sex offender failure to renew registration, no bail data;

Jamie Metoyer Jr., 19, Alexandria – illegal possession of a stolen firearm, no bail data.

Jan. 3

Jayton Carpenter, 20, Oakdale – aggravated second degree battery, $2,500 bail;

Ashley Hudson, 37, Pollock – OWI first offense, improper driving on left, $1,100 bail;

Jonathen Jackeyus Johnson, 36, Bunkie – OWI first offense, muffler required, expired plate registration, $1,600 bail;

Ronald Juneau, 68, Ball – OWI second offense, reckless operation of a vehicle, $1,750 bail;

Joey Christopher Kimberlin, 55, Pineville – possession of CDS, bicycle lamps, $1,600 bail;

William Davis Melbert, 44, Pineville – simple strangulation domestic abuse battery, expired plate registration, OWI first offense, turn signals, contempt of court, $36,200 bail;

Kendall Portier, 36, Deville – OWI first offense, criminal damage to property, simple obstruction of highway, $1,500 bail.

Jan. 2

Jaquan Hill, 25, Ball – attempted second degree murder, $500,000 bail;

Mark Allen Hill, 64, Boyce – theft, criminal trespass, criminal mischief, $3,500 bail;

David Wayne Iles, 73, Deville – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, no signals, expired MVI sticker, $2,200 bail;

Charles Ray Lachney Jr., 43, Pineville – two counts possession of CDS, paraphernalia, no bicycle headlight, $2,600 bail;

Aurelius Kiara Miles, 36, Pineville – possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, impersonating a peace officer, OWI first offense, illegal carry firearm with drugs, reckless operation of a vehicle, $11,000 bail;

Anthony Jerome Mitchell Jr., 32, Boyce – home invasion, parole violations, $5,000 bail;

Travis Wade Spears, 32, Pineville – two counts indecent behavior with juveniles under 13 years of age, $1 million bail;

Tyshel Dayshone White, 20, Pineville – OWI second offense, operating a vehicle while under suspension under certain prior offenses, following too close, open container, $2,200 bail;

Brittany Lynne Woodard, 39, Alexandria – unauthorized entry of a place of business, $25,000 bail.

Jan. 1

Calvin Dewayne Armstead Jr., 21, Lecompte – disturbing the peace, aggravated resisting a police officer with force or violence, $1,000 bail;

Lanny Dewayne Burns, 49, Boyce – two counts Louisiana fugitive, criminal trespass, criminal mischief, illegal use of weapons/dangerous instrumentalities, $6,000 bail;

William Conrad Clark II, 21, Pineville – OWI first offense, no signals, $1,100 bail;

Malik Kortrell Daniels, 28, Alexandria – OWI first offense, reckless operation, speeding, flight from an officer, improper lane usage, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under suspension, open container, resisting an officer, two counts contempt of court, $28,400 bail;

Jeffery Michael Davis, 29, Alexandria – OWI second offense, open container, improper lane usage, $1,700 bail;

Arterio Deville Harris, 43, Alexandria – home invasion, $5,000 bail;

Laniel Joseph Lamartiniere Jr., 66, N/A – possession of marijuana, domestic abuse battery, $1,000 bail;

Keyera Janay McCall, 25, Alexandria – cruelty to juveniles, $3,000 bail;

Ronald Deson Montgomery Jr, 38, Pineville – OWI second offense, improper lane usage, driving under suspension, $1,700 bail;

Trinity Heaven Racks, 19, Pineville – aggravated assault with a firearm, carrying a firearm on school property, no bail data;

Jeffery D. Richard, 43, Pineville – possession of synthetic CDS, two counts contempt of court, $4,000 bail;

Hunter Bradford Smith, 24, Deville – OWI first offense, $1,000 bail;

Rykedrick Jerome Williams, 41, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing CDS with intent, contempt of court, $25,000 bail.

Dec. 31

John Edward Harrison Jr., 19, Alexandria – attempted second degree murder, attempted armed robbery, $650,000 bail;

Clarence Jones Jr., 44, Alexandria – two counts possession of CDS, criminal trespass, resisting an officer, paraphernalia, simple battery of a police officer, parole violations, $9,500 bail.

Dec. 30

David Garrett Drerup, 67, Alexandria – possession of CDS, two counts contempt of court, $10,500 bail;

Danny Ray Dydzyk, 53, Boyce – simple burglary, $5,000 bail;

Byron Keith Fay, 53, Pineville – possession of CDS, tail lamps, obstruction of justice, no driver’s license, flight from an officer, $2,700 bail;

Karye Jacob Kelly, 46, Alexandria – unauthorized entry of a place of business, $25,000 bail;

Glenn Joseph Laborde Sr., 66, Pineville – simple battery, aggravated assault, $1,000 bail;

Brandon Markee Landers, 37, Alexandria – aggravated assault with a firearm, possession of firearm by convicted felon, two counts contempt of court, $40,000 bail;

Austin Auzlle Maxwell, 27, Dry Prong – home invasion, two counts violation of protective order, stalking, open container, criminal trespass, two counts contempt of court, $150,600 bail;

David James Normand, 30, Pineville – possession of CDS, Louisiana fugitive, $1,500 bail;

Destiny Shyla Roy, 27, Pineville – OWI, open container, driving under suspension, improper lane usage, $2,300 bail;

Terrie Sue Smith, 58, Ball – criminal trespass, trespassing after forbidden, $1,000 bail;

Arthur Jamall Wallace, 36, Alexandria – first degree murder, second degree murder, attempted first degree murder, attempted second degree murder, $3 million bail;

Jarvis Dontay White, 31, Alexandria – second degree murder, four counts second degree battery, possession of a firearm by convicted felon, simple battery, resisting an officer, probation violation, $2.2 million bail.

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October 6, 1940 – December 27, 2025

Edith “Enell” Nell McLawchlin Robison, born on October 6, 1940, in Harrisonburg, Louisiana, lived a life defined by love, generosity, and dedication to her family and community. 

She moved to Alexandria to attend Louisiana College, where she met the love of her life, Tucker Robison. The two were married on July 15, 1961, and shared a deep and joyful partnership throughout their lives. Though given the name Edith, she preferred to be called Enell, or simply “E,” as she was affectionately known by many.

Enell is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tucker Robison; her sister, Allie Rose Fuglaar; and her parents, John Tilden McLawchlin and Laura Scott McLawchlin.

She is survived by her children, Kenneth Robison (Camille), Scott Robison (Val), and Kristie Robison (Michael). She also leaves behind five cherished grandchildren, Katy Robison (Matt), Mikey Robison (Lucky), Jackson Robison (Chryslyn), Chloe Kress, and Calleigh Kress, as well as her nephew James Fuglaar (Rita) and their two children.

A gifted student, Enell majored in mathematics and began her career teaching at Brame Junior High and later at Nachman. After choosing to stay home with her children for several years, she returned to the workforce as a loan officer with Hibernia Bank, where she found great joy in helping people in her community achieve their goals. Her commitment to service extended beyond her career, she was active in the Kiwanis Club and involved in numerous community organizations. After retiring from Hibernia, she remained engaged through her investment club and her book club, both of which brought her continued friendship and fulfillment.

Enell will also be remembered for her remarkable talent for cooking and entertaining. Her home was a place of warmth, welcome, and celebration. Her Christmas gatherings were legendary—filled with laughter, generosity, and the traditions she lovingly created—and this year was no exception.

On December 27, 2025, Enell passed peacefully at Rapides General Hospital as the sun set, surrounded by her family.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Deepak Sharma and the staff at Premier Urgent Care for their devoted care, to the doctors and nurses at Rapides for their compassion during her final days, as well as Wanel Lewis and all the wonderful staff at Direct Care Services for excellent care at home when it was needed.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Montessori Educational Center, 4209 North Bolton Ave., Alexandria, Louisiana 71303 or to a charity of your choice.

A celebration of Enell’s life will be held at a later date.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Maxine Price Grass will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral Catholic Church with Msgr. James A. Ferguson, JCL officiating. Interment will follow at Alexandria Memorial Gardens under the direction of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until time of service on Friday, January 9, 2026, at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. Maxine Price Grass, 96, of Alexandria, passed away Thursday, December 26, 2025, at Serenades Memory Care in The Villages, Florida.

Maxine is preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Colonel (Ret) Lucian Joseph Grass; daughter Ellen Grass Stoltz; son Garland Anthony Grass; son-in-law, Kelly Pace; her parents; one sister, and two brothers.

Maxine was born on December 25, 1929, in Shreveport to Blanchard Price and Afay Slade Price. Maxine and her husband, Lucian (Bert), were married while stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia. After discharge, they returned to Alexandria and started a family with 4 children. Maxine was an excellent designer and seamstress, not only sewing our clothes, but making Halloween costumes, theatrical costumes for plays, blue ties for boosters, and designed many cheerleader outfits. Her three girls had the greatest barbie doll clothes in town.

After all the children were in school, she enrolled in The Trade School and graduated as an LPN.
After retirement, she and Lucian traveled extensively in their motor home and visited each of the lower 48 states. In her later life, Maxine began to cross-stitch and became a master at that.

Maxine is survived by her daughters, Nancy Grass Ferguson and husband Michael, and Sally Grass Pace; son-in-law David Stoltz; grandchildren Eric Stoltz and wife, Lisa, Kevin Stoltz and wife Hallie, Gail Grass, Jerrad Grass and wife, Ashley; 9 great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Karen Price and Laverne Parrish and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers honored to serve will be Michael Ferguson, David Stoltz, Eric Stoltz, Kevin Stoltz, Chris Johnson, Zakk Grass, and Austin Tammen.

In lieu of flowers, offers can be made to St. Francis Xavier Cathedral Restoration Fund, 626 4th Street, Alexandria, LA 71301, or the Manna House, P.O. Box 6011, Alexandria, LA 71307.

The Grass Family would like to thank those who helped Maxine throughout her later life, especially Dr. Buckalew and staff, Msgr. James Ferguson, Father Dan Cook, staff at Regency House, and most recently at Serenades Memory Care assisted by Cornerstone Hospice.

Special thanks to Debra Bryant, owner of Unlimited Senior Care and all the sitters who cared for Maxine.

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

Funeral services for Mrs. Lila Marie Beaubouef Brooks will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Big Island Baptist Church Cemetery, Deville, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

Mrs. Brooks, 68, of Deville, entered eternal rest on Friday, January 2, 2026, in her residence surrounded by her loving family.

Lila was born in Alexandria and grew up in Deville, where she graduated from Buckeye High School. She dedicated thirty-seven years of service to Angola, Louisiana State Penitentiary, beginning her career in the pharmacy and working her way up to security, with a rank of Major. During her years of service, she also served on the fire department and chase team and was a certified EMT. Lila was a proud LSU Tigers fan wearing purple and gold until the very end. Above all else, she was immensely proud of her son, daughter-in-law, and her grandchildren, who were the greatest joy of her life. Lila ultimately lost her battle with cancer, and passed away peacefully at home, wrapped in the arms of her son, Bruce Allen.

Special thanks are extended to her sister, Myra, and her husband, David, as well as her daughter-in-law and grandchildren, for their unwavering love and support throughout it all. Lila now rests in the glory of heaven, rocking her grandbabies, surrounded by the love of family and, most importantly, her Savior, Jesus Christ.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bruce and Mary Addlean Beaubouef; one infant brother, Elton Lamare Beaubouef; one sister, Reba Kathlene Beaubouef Hamilton-Roark; one infant grandson, Trace Allen Brooks; and one infant granddaughter, Railey Marie Brooks.

Those left to mourn her loss and cherish her memory include one son, Bruce Allen Brooks (Crystal) of Deville; two grandchildren, Ryland Mason Brooks of Deville, and Weston Drake Brooks of Deville; one sister, Myra S. Saucier (David) of Lake Charles; her best friend, Rachel Diane Parks of St. Francisville; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends.

In her last 48 hours, her son asked her the question, “Who do you want to see, when you get to heaven?” Lila’s immediate reply was “I wanna see Jesus!” In her last hour, she spoke her final words, which were “I Love You Too!” to her son, Bruce Allen.

Dolores Reech Odom, born September 5, 1935, peacefully left earth to walk with Jesus on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

A celebration of her life will take place at the church on Monday, January 5, 2025, at 10:00 am with Brothers Kevin Smith and Jerry Crise officiating. Interment will take place immediately following the service at Greenwood Memorial Park Cemetery. The family asks since this is a celebration of her life to please refrain from wearing black.

Pallbearers honored to serve are Rip Tullos, Mark McKee, Kelly Cooper, Ethan Hemphill, David Hemphill, and George Kirby Reech, II.

Dolores is preceded in death by her husband, Isaac Odom; parents, Kirby and Beatrice Reech; brother, George Reech; sister, Marion Viola Reech; great grandson, Kirby Blaylock; and nephew, Kirby Shipp.

Those left to celebrate her memories are her children, Judy Hemphill Howard (Danny), Joey Hemphill (Mary), and David Hemphill (Karen); grandchildren, Amy Howard (Brad), Danny Howard, Jr., Danielle Schrock (Ray), David “DJ” Hemphill (Brooklynn), Ashley Wood (Reagan), Cary Ann Howard, and Ethan Hemphill (Megan); great grandchildren, Maddie Schrock, Abby Hemphill, Emily Schrock, Lillian Wood, Lane Hemphill, Sam Wood, Ellie Blaylock, River Hemphill, Colt Hemphill, and Hayden Hemphill, that will be born in January; one sister, Marie Reech; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends, and her Bridge ladies.

Dolores was gracious in every aspect. She lived her life by her own personal brand of decorum and selflessly served the lord. She was cherished by close friends and family. She was a true matriarch and loved fiercely.

Dolores raised three children independently with unwavering tact. She loved her kids and she adored her grandkids and great grandkids. She exuded pure love for them. Her love was unconditional and she never failed.

After retiring she filled her time with creating, painting, sewing, singing, and serving. She was a beautiful artist. She had a way of taking a blank canvas and making it into something so extraordinary. Dolores also sang in church choirs. She loved singing for the Lord, so much so, that at one point she sang in two different church choirs.

Those who knew Dolores will remember her for her wit and humor. She will be remembered for her unwavering faith and her steadfast love. She was selfless in all aspects.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dolores, please visit our floral store.

Phonetic: /avərdəˈpoiz,ˈävərdəˌpoiz/
Part of Speech: Noun

Definition