LA 498 Airbase Road; Alexandria; Rapides Parish
Mile Post 0.1; Control Section 840-22
DOT # 443-701M

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) advise the public that LA 498, Airbase Road, Alexandria, Rapides Parish, will be closed at the Union Pacific Railroad track. The work is being done at milepost 0.140 and is on control section 840-45. The closure will be Tuesday, January 13, 2026 from 7:00 AM with a reopening to traffic on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 4:00 PM. The closure is for Union Pacific Railroad to replace the cross ties thru the crossing.

Permit/Detour section
The roadway will be closed completely to all traffic during this time.

Detour Route
The detour will be north LA 498 west to LA 1 north to Rapides Station Road north to I-49 south to LA 498. The detour can accept oversized loads and will be identified with proper markings for the general public. All emergency agencies will be notified of the road closure.

Safety reminder
DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.

Additional information
Call 511, visit http://www.511la.org, or download the Louisiana 511 mobile app for additional travel information. Out-of-state travelers may call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website at http://www.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MyDOTD, or by visiting the DOTD Facebook and X (Twitter) pages.

Red River Bank hosted a ground-breaking ceremony for its second banking center in the Acadiana market on January 7, 2026. Located at 1800 Camellia Boulevard in Lafayette, this banking center is expected to celebrate its grand opening during the first quarter of 2027 as Red River Bank’s 29th banking center in Louisiana.

Community leaders and bank representatives attended the groundbreaking ceremony. Red River Bank President and Chief Executive Officer, Blake Chatelain, and Acadiana Market President, Ben Smith, led the ceremony with participation from the One Acadiana Chamber and Triad Construction Services.

This ground-breaking ceremony comes less than four years after opening the bank’s first full-service banking center in the Acadiana market located at 1911 W. Pinhook Road in Lafayette. The new banking center will be a full-service branch and will also house the Acadiana region commercial, mortgage and private banking teams.

Red River Bank President and CEO Blake Chatelain stated, “This groundbreaking represents more than a new banking center – it’s a reflection of our vision for growth and our confidence in the Acadiana region. We’re proud to expand our footprint and look forward to deepening our roots and relationships with the people and businesses who call the Acadiana community home. This new banking center allows us to grow alongside the community, expand access to our services, and continue delivering the personalized experience our customers expect.”

Red River Bank’s Acadiana Market President, Ben Smith has led efforts to develop the Bank’s presence throughout Acadiana since joining the Bank in 2020. “Lafayette is a dynamic and growing market, and this expansion reinforces our dedication to building strong, lasting relationships here,” stated Smith. “We’re excited to welcome customers into a new space designed to serve them today and well into the future. Red River Bank is a Louisiana community bank, and we are thrilled to offer Lafayette its second Red River Bank location.”

“Today’s groundbreaking ceremony underscores Red River Bank’s dedication to the Acadiana region as they strengthen their ability to serve Acadiana through accessible, community-focused banking,” said One Acadiana Camber President & Chief Executive Officer Troy Wayman. “As a member of the One Acadiana Chamber, and now with the expansion of their footprint in Lafayette, Red River Bank continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to economic growth and community development. We are grateful for Red River Bank’s support and proud to celebrate this milestone alongside their team.”

LSUA Vice Chancellor for Enrollment and Student Engagement Abbey Bain, Ph.D., has been selected to participate in the 2026 class of Leadership Louisiana, a prestigious statewide program dedicated to developing informed, connected, and civic-minded leaders. For nearly 40 years, Leadership Louisiana has strengthened the state’s leadership capacity by bringing together professionals from across sectors to examine critical public issues and build lasting relationships that span communities and regions.

Leadership Louisiana participants make a one-year commitment to engage in immersive sessions focused on key topics shaping the state’s future, including education and workforce development, economic growth strategies, history and politics, media, arts and culture, criminal justice, healthcare, and poverty. With more than 1,600 graduates, the program has played a significant role in preparing leaders who help shape policy, industry, and community life throughout Louisiana.

In her application, Bain shared that Louisiana’s culture and people drew her to the state more than a decade ago and ultimately made it home. Now an executive leader at LSUA and the wife of a farmer from Bunkie, she views Leadership Louisiana as an opportunity to deepen her understanding of the interconnected cultural, economic, and social forces that define the state. Bain noted that the program will strengthen her ability to lead with a broader perspective while helping LSUA remain responsive to workforce needs across Louisiana.

Bain also emphasized educational attainment as the most significant challenge facing the state over the next five years. She pointed to Louisiana’s comparatively low percentage of adults holding bachelor’s degrees and highlighted education as a catalyst for improving economic prosperity, public health outcomes, and civic engagement. Through her work at LSUA, Bain has focused on expanding access to higher education and supporting students whose success can create generational change for families and communities.

Her selection to Leadership Louisiana reflects both her professional impact and her commitment to the state’s future. At LSUA, Bain has played a central role in record-setting enrollment growth, improved retention, and the expansion of student-centered initiatives that align education with workforce and community needs.

LSUA congratulates Abbey Bain on this achievement and looks forward to the continued impact of her leadership across central Louisiana and the state.

Written by Adam Lord
Photo credit – LSUA Strategic Communications

It was a Christmas Eve surprise presented in front of a couple hundred friends, and it shocked Tioga’s Kathy Holloway.

Her son, Rev. Stewart Holloway, briefly yielded the pulpit about 20 minutes into the Christmas Eve service at the First Baptist Church of Pineville, and her friend John Marcase, a deacon in the church, made an announcement that immediately sparked an extended round of applause in the chapel. 

Thursday, those who weren’t aware found out with an official media release. 

Tioga’s trailblazing now retired high school sports administrator and successful basketball coach, who became a national icon in prep sports, is the 2026 winner of the Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award presented by the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.

The first female president of the Louisiana High School Coaches Association and of the National High School Athletic Coaches Association, Holloway has retired but continues to serve her community, the LHSAA and national high school athletics in several capacities. 

Saturday, June 27 at the Hall of Fame’s 2026 Induction Ceremony in Natchitoches, she will become the 25^th recipient of the Dixon Award since its inception in 2005, and will be enshrined in the Hall as the fourth female Dixon winner.

Marcase, the president of the Louisiana Sports Writers Association, suggested to Hall of Fame chairman Doug Ireland that instead of waiting for the official announcement in January, sharing the news with her friends and family at her church would be a fabulous Christmas surprise for mother and her son. Rev. Holloway was, however, in on the secret, which produced prolonged applause from the congregation and a teary-eyed reaction from the woman in the spotlight.

“When John called me up to the pulpit, I thought it had something to do with the Upward Bound basketball program,” she said. “It was quite a surprise.”

She joins Pineville native Sue Donohoe (2017), an NCAA basketball administrator; Alexandria native Marie Gagnard (2019), a renowned pro tennis official; and Opelousas native Joan Cronan (2020), the venerable women’s athletic director during the Pat Summitt era at Tennessee, in the subset of women who have been honored.

The Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award has been presented annually by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s 35-member Hall of Fame selection committee to an individual who has played a decisive role as a sports leader or administrator benefiting Louisiana and/or bringing credit to Louisiana on the national and international level.

It is named in honor of the 1999 LSHOF inductee, an entrepreneur and innovator who is credited as the key figure in bringing an NFL franchise to New Orleans, and the development of the Caesars Superdome, highlighting an array of sports-related endeavors.

Holloway’s selection was formally announced Thursday morning by Marcase and Ireland, who said Holloway emerged from a ballot showcasing 27 noteworthy nominees for the Dixon Award.

She will be among a Cenla-heavy 12-member 2026 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class headlined by eight “competitive ballot” inductees announced in September.

The Class of ‘26 is headlined by that star-studded group:  Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame 2025 inductee Sylvia Fowles, NFL stars Joe Horn, Todd McClure and Pat Williams, Major League Baseball All-Star Jonathan Lucroy and legendary basketball coaches John Brady, Mike McConathy of Natchitoches and Dewain Strother, a Rapides Parish native and longtime Florien High girls basketball coach.

Alexandria native and LSU baseball hero Warren Morris will receive the Louisiana Sports Ambassador Award, earning enshrinement into the LSHOF.

Multi-faceted Shreveporter John James Marshall and LSU graduate and New Orleans native Gil LeBreton are going into the Hall, announced Wednesdsay as the 2026 winners of the LSWA’s Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism.

The 2026 Induction Class will be celebrated June 25-27 in Natchitoches. Opportunities to purchase admission for the four ticketed events are available at the LaSportsHall.com website through the www.LaSportsHall.com/induction26 link.

A 2012 National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame inductee, Holloway was elected to the Louisiana High School Sports Hall of Fame in 1998. 

In 2021, the NHSACA created the “Kathy Holloway Women of Inspiration Award” to be presented annually to a female “that has promoted female athletics by either coaching, serving, supporting or leading high school female athletic programs that focus on changing lives and inspiring women to strive for greatness.” The first recipient of the award was Holloway. 

A standout basketball player at Poland High in Rapides Parish, Kathy Stewart Holloway had a highly successful coaching career at Tioga High. She led THS to 10 playoff appearances and two trips to the Sweet 16, a pair of state runner-up finishes. 

She coached four high school All-Americans: Jan Nugent (1969-72), Kay Ford (1972-75), Julie Wilkerson (1976-79) and Tara Curtis (1984-88). Ford and Wilkerson played at Louisiana Tech and Curtis played at LSU. 

Holloway still serves on the LHSAA Hall of Fame selection committee and is the longtime director of the Upward Basketball program at her church, along other continuing roles of service. 

Rapides Parish Fire District No. 2 is asking for the public’s help in collecting clean, gently used or new stuffed animals to support children and individuals with disabilities during emergency responses.

Fire officials said the stuffed animals are used on calls involving young children and individuals with special needs to provide comfort during stressful or traumatic situations. The items are often given to patients at the scene to help calm nerves and offer reassurance while responders do their work.

Community members who wish to donate are encouraged to drop off stuffed animals at either of the district’s locations: 4220 Ellis Street or 5104 Ransbottom Drive in Alexandria.

District officials expressed appreciation for the continued support from the community, noting that small gestures like these donations can make a meaningful difference during emergencies.

Mr. John Walter “J.W.” Fox, age 88, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 7, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and craftsmanship that can be seen across much of the South.
Visitation for John will take place on Saturday, January 10, 2025, from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm at New Prospect Baptist Church in Dry Prong. Services will follow at 12:00 pm with Pastor Trey Lewis officiating.
John is preceded in death by his parents, Ferrel John and Clara Onie Slayter Fox; sisters, Marie Fox and Barbara Arnold; brother, Billy Ray Fox; and sons in law, David Edwards and Robert Simms.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife if 67 years, Helen Anderson Fox; daughters, Vivian Brazil (Travis), Nancy Simms, and Becky Edwards; son, John A. Fox (Sandra); sister, Patsy Fox; grandchildren, John Chris Oncay, Steven Oncay, Kristine Haralso, Heather Nugent, Danielle Edwards, Aubrey Brazil, Trent Brazil, Tanner Brazil, and Jonathan Fox; twelve great grandchildren; and four great great grandchildren.

For most of his life, John worked as a builder, constructing countless homes throughout Louisiana as well as in Houston, Dallas, and Corpus Christi, Texas. His work stood as a testament to his skill, pride, and commitment to doing things the right way. Many families made their memories in the houses he built, a lasting mark of his life’s work.

In addition to his years in construction, John also served as a bus driver for Continental Trailways. Through this role, he safely transported countless passengers, known for his reliability, professionalism, and steady presence behind the wheel.

John was a man who believed in honest labor, perseverance, and providing for his family. He was respected by coworkers, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for the solid foundations he built-both in homes and in the lives of those who loved him.

Alton John Cain, Jr. went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 7, 2026, at his home in Sieper, La. at the age of 97 surrounded by his family.

He is survived by three daughters, Diann Norris, Dena Parker (Larry) and Dee Ann Taylor (Joel), eight grandchildren, Katie Williams (Paul), Trent Parker (Mikaela), Jared Parker (Kira), Weston Parker (Reagan), Chase Taylor (Alexis), Ava, Anna Grace, and Emma Taylor, three great grandchildren, Emily, Anna, and Sadie Williams, and one brother, Burl Cain (Jonalyn). Alton is preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Anita Hinson Cain, his parents, Alton, Sr. and Mary Etta Thornton Cain, two brothers, William (Billy) Cain and James David Cain, and two sisters, Ethelyn Cain Branch and Mary Laverne Cain Clark.

Alton was born in Port Arthur, Texas, but grew up in Pitkin, La. He graduated Valedictorian of his senior class at Pitkin in 1945 at the age of 16. He loved riding his horse, Blue, all over the countryside and once rode 30 miles in one day to attend a church 15 miles away. Some of his best friends were older folks in the community and he would saddle up and go to their homes to visit. Alton worked with an older gentleman breaking horses. He was paid five dollars a horse to twist the horse’s ear while the older man got on. He made such an impression with his horsemanship that he was offered a job as a ranch hand in Oklahoma.

His mama said no and that was the end of that! He continued to work hard on his family farm and took care of his younger brothers, often taking them on the tractor as he plowed. The reward at the end of the day was going swimming in the “Old Ford.” His brothers always remembered the time he spent with them and admired his common sense and wisdom. From a baby he attended Pitkin Baptist Church with his family, either riding in a wagon or riding his horse. He gave his heart to the Lord during a revival service at the age of 9 and was baptized in Six Mile Creek. It was at church that he first noticed Anita. She was 10 and he was 13. He watched her until she became 18, and when he saw her sitting on the swing with another boy, he knew it was time to “make his move.” He worked at the Elizabeth Paper Mill for forty cents an hour to save for an engagement ring.

They married on September 4, 1950 and were inseparable for 72 years. In 1948 and 1949, Alton served in the Air Force as an airplane mechanic. He was proud that he worked on the largest aircraft made at that time. It was after his time in the Air Force that he declared countless times that when the Lord said, “Lo, I am with you always,” He meant everyone should stay low to the ground and he did, never flying again. He loved our country and proudly stood each Veteran’s Day. He believed voting was imperative for every American because choices were important. He often said, “I ain’t neutral on nothin’.” There was never any doubt about where he stood on all issues. He was a perpetual member of the Pitkin Masonic Lodge. Alton worked at Continental Oil Company in Westlake and later at Boise Southern Paper Mill in DeRidder. He worked as a five-craft mechanic, was an expert welder, and had a reputation among his peers as a smart problem solver and a common sense leader. He designed and made bridle bits, spurs for his daughters, and built the pipe arena where they practiced for rodeos. He was always willing to help his friends and neighbors when they needed welding work done and could build or fix anything.

Alton devoted his time and resources to his family. He often came in from a hard day’s work and then immediately went to the basketball gym or to rodeo arenas near and far to help his girls perfect their skills. He instilled a strong work ethic, set high standards, and was immensely proud of their achievements. He was never too tired to travel many hours on the road to basketball games and rodeos throughout Louisiana and the United States. He never missed a piano recital and rarely a basketball game or a rodeo. There was always time for fun, too, as he faithfully took the family on a summer vacation across America each year. Being a Grandpa was one of his greatest joys. He showed interest in everything that his grandchildren did, and he was a great encourager. He was an excellent teacher and taught them many old-fashioned life skills, how to use common sense, and the value of a good prank. He enjoyed sharing his love of guns and hunting, and trips to Angola were a highlight.

Alton John Cain will be remembered as a generous Christian man who liberally gave to others, whether it was his homemade jelly, watermelons, fudge, gold coins, time, or wise advice. He had an instinct for recognizing those in need and would quietly minister to them in his own unique way.

The family would like to thank Alton’s longtime friend and sidekick, Javier Lopez. They spent years farming, working in the okra patch, jelly making, eating hot tamales, laughing, and starting countless fires that they couldn’t put out.

The family would also like to thank Connie Ware, Kim Watson, Von Vallery, Dr. Blaine Broussard and staff, Malissa and Heather from Stat Home Health, and Toni and the Compassionate Care Team. Memorial gifts can be given to Shriners Children’s Hospital, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Pitkin First Baptist Church VBS.

Funeral services for Alton will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Pitkin. The burial will follow in Blue Branch Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service.

Serving as pallbearers will be James Cain, Marshall Cain, Jared Parker, Weston Parker, Chase Taylor, and Jeremy Lambright. The honorary pallbearers will be Javier Lopez, Jerry Inman, David James, and Tommy Reeves.

A visitation will be held at First Baptist Church of Pitkin on Friday, January 9th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and again on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Phonetic: /inˈso͞osēən(t)s,inˈso͞oSHən(t)s/

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition
casual lack of concern; indifference.
“an impression of boyish insouciance”

Similar: nonchalance, unconcern

By JIM BUTLER

The Diocese of Alexandria seeks a May 6 deadline for bankruptcy claims against it by creditors and alleged abuse victims.

Should objections be filed by Friday a hearing will be Monday in Shreveport. Otherwise the “bar date” is established.

The Diocese filed Chapter 11 pleadings on October 31, prompted by the growing number of claims of abuse by priests as far back as the 1970s.

The court is also asked to approve a Putative Abuse Survivor proof of claim form that in each instance would be sealed record.

It asks for the who, where, when, what and how often of the alleged abuse. Its confidentiality is standard in such cases across the country. 

Another motion by the Diocese’s counsel asks to allow the Diocese to continue enhanced services and extraordinary survivor support programs outside the ordinary course of business. 

It seeks court allocation of up to $40,000 for a specialized program implemented “in response to the clergy abuse crisis to support survivors, including trauma response, referral networks with secular mental health professionals and funding for therapeutic support.” 

Creditor claims to this point, according to court records, include Southern Heritage Bank, $1.65 million secured, Sabine State Bank, $626,000 general unsecured, and AIG Property Casualty, unliquidated amount.

The Louisiana State Bond Commission will consider four property tax propositions for Rapides Parish during its January 14, 2026, meeting.  The Elections to be held on March 16, 2026

The items, designated as L25-273, would authorize the Rapides Parish Police Jury to place millage renewals before district voters for fire protection services and road maintenance.

Fire Protection District No. 4

The Bond Commission will consider a 15.34-mill property tax renewal for a 10-year period from 2028 through 2037. Revenue from the millage would fund construction, operation and maintenance of fire protection and emergency medical service facilities, vehicles and equipment, as well as costs associated with obtaining water for fire protection purposes.

Fire Protection District No. 7

A 14.26-mill tax renewal is on the agenda for the same 10-year period, 2028-2037. Funds would be allocated for constructing, operating and maintaining fire protection and emergency medical service facilities, vehicles and equipment, and paying costs of obtaining water for fire protection purposes.

Fire Protection District No. 19

The commission will consider a 26.48-mill tax for 10 years, 2028-2037, to support acquiring, constructing, maintaining and operating fire protection and emergency medical service facilities, vehicles and equipment, and paying the cost of obtaining water for fire protection purposes.

Road District No. 2C

A 54.49-mill property tax renewal is scheduled for consideration for 10 years, 2028-2037, dedicated to constructing, maintaining, draining and keeping in repair public roads, highways and bridges within the district.

If approved by the State Bond Commission, all four measures would require voter approval in their respective districts before implementation. Election details would be announced by the Rapides Parish Police Jury following commission action.

Evangeline Marie Hilton, a fifth-grade student from Rapides Parish, was recognized as a nominee in the Louisiana Department of Education’s 2026 Students of the Year program, which honors students who exemplify excellence in academics, leadership, and service.

The Louisiana Department of Education, in partnership with the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), announced nominees for the 2026 Students of the Year program on Jan. 6. The statewide initiative recognizes outstanding fifth, eighth, and twelfth grade students for their leadership, academic performance, achievements, citizenship, and service to their schools and communities.

Students are selected through a competitive review process that includes public, charter, and nonpublic schools within each BESE region. From this group of nominees and regional honorees, finalists will be named later in the school year. Finalists will be recognized at a statewide awards ceremony, where one overall honoree per grade level will be selected.

The City of Alexandria will honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a series of interdenominational events on Sunday, January 18, and Monday, January 19, inviting the community to come together in remembrance, reflection, and unity.

The observances begin Sunday, January 18, with a Wreath Laying Ceremony at 4:00 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Memorial on Murray Street, hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha. Later that evening, attendees can enjoy the MLK Musical at 5:30 p.m. at the Alexandria Convention Hall.

On Monday, January 19, the schedule continues with a Prayer Breakfast at 6:30 a.m. at the Alexandria Convention Hall, featuring guest speaker Dr. C.E. McLain of Little Union Baptist Church. The MLK Parade begins at 10:00 a.m., following the route from Bolton Street to Jackson Street, then Third Street, and concluding at the Convention Hall. Grand Marshal for the parade is Pastor Tom Hamilton of Pilgrim Baptist Church.

The observances will conclude with a Noon Day Service at 12:00 p.m. at the Alexandria Convention Hall, featuring guest speaker Dr. Mark Johnson from Louisiana Christian University.

The city encourages residents of all ages and backgrounds to participate in these events to celebrate Dr. King’s contributions and reflect on his message of equality, service, and unity.

NATCHITOCHES — Vastly accomplished sportswriters John James Marshall of Shreveport and New Orleans native Gil LeBreton have been selected for the 2026 Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism from the Louisiana Sports Writers Association.

The duo will be inducted June 27 in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, LSWA president John Marcase, a Pineville resident, and Hall of Fame chairman Doug Ireland announced Wednesday.

Marshall has been a columnist and writer for the Shreveport-Bossier Journal since its founding in early 2022. He is also a popular sports talk show host daily from 5-6 on 1130 KWKH-AM in Shreveport.

Both LeBreton and Marshall have been broadly acclaimed by the LSWA and national organizations. LeBreton is the only person named by the National Sports Media Association as the top sportswriter in both Louisiana and Texas. Marshall has won a national award from Associated Press Sports Editors and a large collection of LSWA honors. Both have won the LSWA “Story of the Year” award.

Marshall, 66, continues to make wide-ranging impact primarily in the Shreveport-Bossier metro rea, and also around north Louisiana, for his coverage of sports from the professional level down to high school and amateur competition, and his long-running sports talk radio show.

LeBreton, 77, a distinguished LSU graduate, began his career as one of the state’s top young sportswriters in New Orleans and Baton Rouge before 37 years covering top-level sports events for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

The DSA honor, to be made official this summer in Natchitoches, means LeBreton and Marshall will be among an elite 12-person Class of 2026 being inducted in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. They were selected from a 25-person pool of outstanding nominees for the state’s top sports journalism honor.

The Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism recipients are chosen by the 35-member Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame selection committee based on nominees’ professional accomplishments in local, state, regional and even national circles, with leadership in the LSWA as a beneficial factor and three decades of work in the profession as a requirement.  

Distinguished Service Award winners are enshrined in the Hall of Fame along with the 503 current athletes, sports journalists, coaches and administrators chosen since 1959. Just 77 leading figures in the state’s sports media have been honored with the Distinguished Service Award since its inception 43 years ago in 1982.

“Gil and J.J. are two of the top sports journalists in the country and deserving of the Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism,” said Marcase.

“J.J. has been a trendsetter in many ways. There is little he has not done or accomplished in sports media, from sports information to sports reporting to sports commentating to being an innovative journalism instructor. Yet, in everything he has done and continues to do, he does so at the highest level possible,” Marcase said.

“Sports fans in Northwest Louisiana are fortunate that J.J. never left the region and that he continues to chronicle sports in print online and on the long-running and trailblazing radio show he hosts with his brother, Ben.

“Gil may have made his mark in Texas in the fiercely competitive Dallas/Fort Worth market, but his Louisiana roots run deep and he continues to return home on a regular basis. He has not forgotten his home state and he has been a welcome and familiar sight each June at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame festivities and Louisiana Sports Writers Association meetings held in conjunction with the Hall of Fame since retiring,” said Marcase.

“Gil’s versatility as a reporter and later a columnist served his readers well, and truly showcased his talents.”

Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame 2025 inductee Sylvia Fowles, NFL stars Joe Horn, Todd McClure and Pat Williams, Major League Baseball All-Star Jonathan Lucroy and legendary basketball coaches John Brady (LSU), Mike McConathy (NSU) and Dewain Strother (Florien HS, and a Rapides Parish-Fairview HS product) make up a star-studded eight-member group of competitors’ ballot inductees chosen for 2026 induction in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.

For the third time this decade, the Hall will present the Louisiana Sports Ambassador Award, this time inducting Warren Morris into the LSHOF. The Alexandria native and resident whose walk-off home run won the 1996 College World Series for LSU and resulted in the Bolton High School product becoming a lifelong spokesman for college baseball, the CWS and LSU.

The 2026 recipient of the Hall’s Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award will be announced Thursday and will also be enshrined in the LSHOF.

Rapides Parish Patrol Deputies responded to the 5100 block of Bonnie Loop in Alexandria on Jan. 7 around 6:30 am in reference to a request for assistance by a fellow deputy who had allegedly just been attacked.

According to initial information, upon arrival, deputies observed a Uniformed Deputy assigned to the School Resource Officer Division, holding a suspect at gunpoint in the yard of a residence. The suspect, later identified as Robert Joshua Ellis, 36, was taken into custody without further incident.

According to the deputy, as he was leaving for his duty assignment approaching his marked RPSO vehicle, Ellis allegedly threw an object at him. When the deputy turned to look in the direction where the item came from, Ellis was allegedly charging toward the deputy, armed with a 4’ long heavy duty floor scraper, swinging it at him. The deputy was able to side step Ellis just in time where the blade of the floor scraper cut his uniform jacket. The deputy then created distance from the suspect, drawing his duty weapon and ordering the suspect to the ground, in which the suspect complied.

When Patrol Deputies arrived, Ellis was placed under arrest for Aggravated Battery of a Police Officer. As Patrol Deputies continued their investigation, they located the item that was allegedly thrown at the deputy and discovered it was a glass bottle with a rag in the spout, filled with gasoline, otherwise known as a “Molotov Cocktail”. Sheriff’s Detectives and RPSO Bomb Squad responded to conduct their investigation. A search warrant was executed on the residence where other incendiary devices were located.

Sheriff’s Detectives continued their investigation and Ellis was transported and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center on various charges, including Attempted First Degree Murder of a Peace Officer. The incendiary devices were rendered safe by the RPSO Bomb Squad.

Ellis remains in the Rapides Parish Detention Center at the time of this release as bond has not been set.

“ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW OR ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION.”

Arrestee: Robert Joshua Ellis, 36
5124 Bonnie Loop, Alexandria, LA

Charges: Aggravated battery of a police officer
Criminal damage to property (warrant)
Criminal Trespass
Disturbing the peace by loud and offensive language
Attempted First Degree Murder of a Police Officer
Hate Crimes
Manufacture or Possession of an Incendiary Device

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

Jan. 7

Cyntoria Lynette Compton, 32, Alexandria – nine counts contempt of court, $28,000 bail;

Tristen Ray Earnest, 20, Deville – second degree battery, no bail data;

Robert Joshua Ellis, 36, Alexandria – attempted murder of a law officer, criminal damage to property, manufacture of an incendiary device, aggravated battery of a police officer, hate crimes, criminal trespass, disturbing the peace, no bail data;

Kenneth Keith Jones, 45, Ville Platte – possession of marijuana, two counts contempt of court, $28,500 bail;

Rodney Lane Malone Jr, 41, Glenmora – OWI second offense, possession of CDS, paraphernalia, $2,000 bail;

Cameron Allen McCormick, 20, Deville – second degree battery, $25,000 bail;

Dustin Pouncey, 29, Alexandria – three counts domestic abuse battery with child present, cruelty to juveniles, no bail data.

Jan. 6

Michael Brody Caine, 40, Monticello (Ark.) – possession of CDS, theft, $2,000 bail;

Corey Convington, 52, Alexandria – possession of firearm by convicted felon, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting an officer, aggravated assault upon peace officer, bicycle reflectors, $1,100 bail;

Lamariontae Xavier Ebarb, 18, Pineville – possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, reckless operation, $1,500 bail;

Terry Michael Floyd, 46, Gilbert – two counts possession of CDS, bicycle reflectors, $1,600 bail;

Justin Roth Hinton, 42, Pineville – producing manufacturing distributing CDS with intent, paraphernalia, criminal trespass, contempt of court, $13,000 bail;

Terence Matthew Lachney, 38, Deville – aggravated assault with a firearm, second degree battery, unauthorized use of motor vehicle, simple robbery, false imprisonment, no bail data;

Dhontri Markell Owens Jr., 26, Alexandria – simple burglary, criminal damage to property, criminal trespass, $6,000 bail;

Linzie Racca, 37, Deville – two counts cruelty to juveniles, no bail data;

Rocky Anthony Racca, 37, Deville – two counts cruelty to juveniles, no bail data;

Antione Latrel Raymond, 20, Alexandria – six counts aggravated assault with a firearm, illegal discharge of weapon in subdivision, illegal use of weapons, simple battery, $150,500 bail;

Brian Keith Rodriguez, 22, Oakdale – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, obstruction of driver’s view, $3,100 bail;

Burt Vecent Ryder, 48, Pineville – 10 counts contempt of court, possession of CDS, $22,000 bail;

Nathaniel Keith Thomas, 30, Alexandria – possession of fentanyl, two counts possession of CDS, paraphernalia, driving under suspension, no head light, probation violation, $7,700 bail;

Quincy Jerome Watson, 42, Pineville – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, driving under suspension, $1,200 bail;

Centerial Evon White, 36, Alexandria – violation of protective orders, $2,500 bail;

Reuben Darnal White III, 50, Alexandria – OWI first offense, open container, safety belt violation, expired MVI sticker, $1,300 bail;

Tawny Nicole Williams, 39, Ball – contempt of court, $15,000 bail.

Jan. 5

Curtis Ray Brown, 47, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, improper bicycle operation, two counts resisting an officer, failure to appear, contempt of court, $53,100 bail;

Patrick Allen Brown, 43, Woodworth – simple burglary, criminal trespass, criminal damage to property, $101,000 bail;

Courtney Elizabeth Guillot, 41, Alexandria – two counts possession of CDS, paraphernalia, three counts contempt of court, $13,000 bail;

Cowin Wayne Hall Jr., 43, Alexandria – possession of marijuana, criminal damage to property, car jacking, contempt of court, $51,500 bail;

Tony Jake Hicks, 47, Echo – two counts theft, two counts criminal damage to infrastructure, two counts criminal trespass, $121,000 bail;

Valinsky Shanidell Holmes, 56, Lake Charles – contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

John Oliver Perkins III, 28, Boyce – possession of fentanyl, Louisiana fugitive, three counts contempt of court, $80,000 bail;

Jonathan James Rusk, 24, Alexandria – reckless operation of vehicle, disturbing the peace, aggravated obstruction of highway, aggravated assault, simple littering, $2,500 bail.

Jan. 4

Leroy Gray Jr., 55, Lena – sex offender failure to renew registration, $5,000 bail;

Richard Matthew Riley Sr., 38, Pineville – three counts contempt of court, $75,000 bail.

Anthony “Tony” Larry Jr., 86 of Alexandria, Louisiana, passed from this life into the eternal presence and kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, January 4, 2026, surrounded by the love and adoration of his children.

Born in Sherman, Texas, to his mother, Amanda Wilson, and father, Anthony Insogna, Sr, in 1939. He attended Sherman High School where he participated in football and various other sports, before starting his long and successful military career. It was during this transition that he married the love of his life, Betty Joyce Anderson Larry, to whom he was married for more than 66 years, prior to her passing in 2024.

Tony enlisted in the United States Army in 1958, as a Military Policeman. During his career, he served many roles, including Military Police Investigator and as a Special Agent with the US Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID). He attained the rank of SFC/E-7 before his commission to Warrant Officer, and subsequent promotion to Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2). Tony served three tours in South Korea and two tours in Germany, along with assignments at various other posts in the states. He ended his career at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he commanded the Drug Suppression Team with vengeance. During his military career, Tony received many awards and commendations for his excellence in service. Post retirement, Tony took a civilian job that relocated the family to Alexandria. Tony served the community as a Deputy Sheriff with the Rapides Parish Sheriffs Office. He retired a second time.

Tony was an amazing man! He was a loving, committed, and faithful husband; a one-of-a-kind father to his children. He was generous to a fault and would literally have given the shirt off his back. He was patient and forgiving. He also had a very scary presence when he intended it. His large stature and heavy voice were very formidable and intimidating he was very protective of his family. Tony was a competitive shooter. He was a crack marksman and he passed that down to his son, having taught all of the skills and techniques of being a marksman. He was also a pool shark. He could dominate a table with his skill. He loved crafting leather holsters and gifting them. His gun fetish was nuts! He enjoyed collecting coins and memorabilia. He was a good man!

He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Amanda and Anthony, his wife, Betty, and eldest daughter, Shelley, and sister, Mary.

Surviving relatives include: Daughter, Cindy, daughter, Kristi, son, Tony, and son, Wayne, numerous grand-children, great grand-children, and even a great, great, grand.

Jay L. Barber, Jr., age 71, entered eternal rest on Tuesday, January 6, 2025, in Alexandria at Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

The Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at River Outreach Church in Pineville. Services will be held at the church on Monday at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Dennis Dunn, Phillip Terrell, and Mike Byrnes officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park under the direction of Gallagher Funeral Home.

He was preceded in death by his parents, J. L. Sr. and Connie Hancock; and brother, Kyle Hancock.
Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Jason Barber and wife Jessica, Dustin Barber and wife Chasity, and Courtney “Bug” McKee and husband Jacob; grandchildren, Austin Barber, Taylor Barber Camel and husband Michael Jr., Tyler Barber, Gabrielle Barber, Eden Barber, Elijah McKee, and Malachi McKee; step mother, Earline Grider; siblings, Karen Duke and husband Donald, Bill Barber, Bryan Barber, Melinda Keirsey, and Todd Hancock; his “bestest best friend”, Deborah Fay. Jay L. Barber was born on January 6, 1955, in Hobbs, New Mexico. He grew up working on ranches in southeastern New Mexico and Odessa, Texas, where he learned the values of hard work, discipline, and service that would guide his life.

Jay devoted his life to two great passions: law enforcement and coaching. He served more than 30 years in law enforcement and retired as Chief of Police for the City of Pineville. Throughout his career, he was a dedicated public servant and leader, serving as Past President of the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association and Past President of the Louisiana D.A.R.E. Officers Association. He also served as a D.A.R.E. officers’ class instructor for the State of Louisiana, was a member of the Louisiana State D.A.R.E. Council, supervised the Rapides Parish D.A.R.E. Unit, and was honored with the Louisiana Attorney General’s Community Champion Award. Jay also received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Louisiana D.A.R.E. Officers Association.

In addition to his law enforcement career, Jay had a lifelong love for coaching and mentoring young people. He began coaching youth sports at Ward 10, including football, basketball, baseball, and softball.

He later served as the softball coach at Tioga High School and at LCU, where he coached until retirement. After retiring, he returned to Tioga High School to continue coaching softball.

Jay was inducted into the Louisiana Softball Coaches Hall of Fame and received Distinguished Service recognition. His teams achieved numerous conference championships, regional appearances, and state championship appearances. While at LCU, he was part of the ASC coaching staff during multiple successful seasons, including a Division II College World Series appearance.

Above all else, Jay loved coaching softball, mentoring athletes, and helping young people grow both on and off the field. Even more, he deeply loved his family and was a devoted father and grandfather whose presence, guidance, and unwavering support shaped the lives of those closest to him. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched, both personally and professionally.

Pallbearers honored to serve are Tyler Barber, Austin Barber, Mike Byrnes, David Nunally, Harry Welch, and Phillip Terrell. Honorary are Wade Bynog, Jody Moreau, George Barrett, Dana Rachal, Keith Mclain, Elijah McKee, Malachi McKee, and the Tioga Softball Coaching Staff.