Mr. John Steven Jordan, age 73, of Winnfield, LA passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026, in Alexandria, LA. He was born on Wednesday, February 6, 1952, in Winnfield, LA.

Steve spent many years devoted to his work and his family. He was employed at Centurylink telephone company for 31 years. He was baptized at Zion Hill Baptist Church in Tennehill, LA. Steve found joy in laughing and joking with his family and friends, and cherishing times that he spent with his wife and grandchildren.

Steve looked forward to his yearly outings with his friends when they would go to places such as Broken Arrow, OK or Dallas, TX. These friends consisted of Earl Wright, Brett Flournoy, Mike Sullivan, Eddie Jenkins, Rich Hannah, Terry Skains, and James Kraft.

Steve was preceded in death by his father, Henry DeLoyce Jordan, mother, Ellen Maurine James; brother, James E. “Buddy” Jordan; and his cherished nephew, Phillip Allen.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Pamela Smith Jordan; daughters, Kristina Jordan and Brittany Jordan; stepchildren, Jared Little and Jenna Walsworth (Andy); and his grandchildren, Lillian, Maya, Ian, and Hudson.

A memorial service will be held in his honor at the 1st Assembly of God Church in Winnfield, LA on January 24, 2026, at 1:00 pm.

The Kiwanis Club of Alexandria hosted Mayor Jacques Roy and Chief of Police Chad Gremillion as guest speakers at its January meeting.

During the session, the officials discussed upcoming plans for the Masonic Drive area as well as issues related to crime and community engagement.

Club members said the presentation was informative and appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from city leadership about initiatives impacting the Alexandria community.

Rapides Parish is expected to experience a significant change in weather conditions later this week, with periods of rain followed by a sharp drop in temperatures and the potential for freezing rain heading into the weekend.

Rain chances will increase on Wednesday as cloudy skies dominate the area and showers become more likely through the afternoon. Rain is expected to continue into Wednesday night, with mild overnight temperatures remaining in the lower 50s. Showers may linger into Thursday, with highs reaching the mid-60s and rain chances gradually decreasing.

Cloudy conditions are expected to persist on Friday, with scattered showers possible during the afternoon. Daytime temperatures are forecast to remain near 60 degrees before cooling rapidly Friday night. Overnight lows are expected to fall into the mid-30s as rain becomes more widespread.

Saturday is expected to bring much cooler conditions, with highs only reaching the lower 40s. Rain showers are likely throughout the day, and by Saturday night, temperatures are forecast to fall into the lower 20s. As colder air settles in, rain may transition to freezing rain during the evening and overnight hours, increasing the risk of icy road conditions.

A lingering chance of freezing rain and rain showers is forecast for Sunday morning before conditions begin to improve later in the day. Afternoon highs are expected to reach the upper 30s. Cold but drier weather is expected to continue into Sunday night and Monday, with overnight lows around 20 degrees and daytime highs in the lower 40s.

Residents are encouraged to monitor local weather updates and prepare for potentially hazardous travel conditions this weekend as freezing temperatures and icy precipitation move into the area.

Rapides Parish Patrol Deputies and other First Responders responded to a report of an accidental shooting on Jan. 19 around 2:20 am that occurred in a vehicle traveling northbound on US-71 near US-167 south of Lecompte.

According to the initial information, a passenger in the vehicle was handling a firearm when they accidentally discharged it, fatally striking them in the head. The driver of the vehicle immediately called 911 for assistance and was instructed to meet the ambulance in the parking lot of Rapides High School as they were unfamiliar with the area.

Pafford Ambulance arrived on the scene and determined the subject was not breathing and not responsive. Sheriff’s Detectives and Crime Scene Unit responded to conduct their investigation. The Rapides Parish Coroner’s Office responded and pronounced the subject deceased.

Sheriff’s Detectives say their investigation is still ongoing. However, at this time, all evidence indicates this was an tragic accident and no foul play was involved.

If anyone has any information about this incident, they are asked to contact the Criminal Investigation Division – Main Office, at 318-473-6727 or RPSO Main Office at 318-473-6700.

After more than two decades of public service, District 5 City Councilman Nathan Martin has announced he will not seek another term. In a statement dated Jan. 20, 2026, Martin reflected on his time in office and shared the reasons behind his decision.

“Serving the City of Pineville for more than two decades has been one of the great honors of my life,” Martin wrote. “I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me and for the opportunity to work alongside dedicated public servants across our City, Parish, and State.”

Martin, who has served six terms representing District 5, expressed special appreciation for city employees, calling them “the real heroes of Pineville’s success” for their tireless work in making the community thrive. He also reflected on the progress the city has made and the relationships he has built during his tenure.

Turning 60 last year prompted Martin to consider his priorities. In his statement, he said he feels called to focus on family—particularly his grandchildren—and his pastoral ministry. “I remain committed to Pineville and will continue to support our city, its leadership, and its people through prayer, service, and meaningful community involvement,” he wrote.

Martin concluded his announcement by thanking citizens and supporters for their trust and partnership over the years. “I step away from this role with a clear conscience, a grateful heart, and confidence that the Lord orders our steps,” he said.

The City of Pineville has announced Erika E-LoVe as the winner of its 2026 Annual Mardi Gras Poster Contest.

City officials said E-LoVe’s design captured the spirit of Pineville’s “Community Heart,” incorporating decorative “Pineville” flourishes and a map of the historic downtown area into a colorful Mardi Gras-themed piece.

Official copies of the 2026 Mardi Gras poster will be available for purchase beginning Monday, Jan. 26, at the Pineville City Hall Utility Office. Posters are priced at $20 and will be sold Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

City leaders also thanked all artists who submitted entries, noting the strong participation and talent within the local arts community.

In a world of endless alerts and nonstop trends, the public’s attention rarely makes it past the loading screen before the next “new thing” drops.

By NICO VAN THYN, Journal Sports

The globetrotting man from Minden is making news … again.

Louis Dunbar, or as he has been known to the world of basketball for more than five decades, “Sweet Lou” Dunbar.

This is the 100^th-year anniversary of the Harlem Globetrotters — who were in Alexandria at Rapides Parish Coliseum on Monday night, beating their always hapless opponent — and the February issue of Sports Illustrated honors the occasion with a story titled, “Still Hot to Trot.”

The featured Globetrotter — as he has been for about half of their existence — is Sweet Lou Dunbar, who remains a legendary star.

The story by SI senior writer L. Jon Wertheim — who also is a regular television correspondent for CBS’s 60 Minutes — includes a three-page question-and-answer with Dunbar.

When Wertheim lists “familiar faces” with the ‘Trotters, he writes, “None more than Lou Dunbar. ‘Sweet Lou’ was a hell of a player in his day, a 6’9” forward named Mr. Basketball in his home state of Louisiana. He then played for the University of Houston shortly after the Elvin Hayes era, averaging more than 22 points a game. He was a fourth-round pick by the Sixers in the 1975 NBA draft, but when he wasn’t given enough minutes for his liking in NBA training camps, he decided to join Meadowlark Lemon, Geese Ausby, Curly Neal, et al., on the Globetrotters. He’d not only have more fun, he’d make more money.

“Marrying his basketball skills with an irrepressible smile, Dunbar would become a fixture for 27 seasons, one of only eight Globetrotters to have his jersey retired. (He’s also done turns on The Love Boat and Family Feud.)

“Almost a half century later, he’s still a front-facing figure. At age 72, he is currently the director of personnel and a coach of one of the teams, which sometimes includes overseeing his son, Lou Dunbar Jr., d/b/a Sweet Lou II, who wears his father’s No. 41 jersey.”

In this story, Wertheim asks Sweet Lou, “Where are we catching you?” The answer: London. Lately, though, the answer would be back in Louisiana as the Globetrotters makedd the rounds here.

But, of course, he’s been all over the world. He notes, deep into the Q-and-A, that he’s been to about 95 countries. But he’s still on the move, still traveling, although his home base has been Houston for decades.

It’s a long road from Minden, where he first drew notice as a high school star at old Webster High in the late 1960s/early 1970s. As he said to Wertheim, “I wasn’t bad.” He led his team to the LHSAA state title in the 1971 Top 20 at a jam-packed Rapides Coliseum.

Put together a short list of the greatest male basketball talent from across North Louisiana, and Dunbar has to be on it.  

In the Minden days is where his rivalry — but a very friendly one — began with Robert Parish. They were born 22 days apart in August 1953 (Dunbar is older) — and as players they were only three inches apart, Parish a 7-footer.

They faced each other in seven games, first in the all-black high school organization (LIALO) — Webster vs. Union High — and then in college — Houston vs. Centenary. 

And while Parish is a Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer, Dunbar also has many Hall of Fame honors, including the Globetrotters’ Hall and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame (Class of 2020). 

Dunbar for many years was the Globetrotters’ “clown prince,” the main source of entertainment on (and often off) the floor. 

As John James Marshall wrote in a 1992 Shreveport Times story, “the one thing that Dunbar has always had is the personality. That smile. That chatter.”

“It was probably meant for me,” Dunbar said then of his ‘Trotters’ role. “Performing has always come natural.”

In the current Sports Illustrated story, Sweet Lou provides a history of the Globetrotters and discusses the foundation of what keeps them popular.                                                                      

“… We’ve got the lights, we’ve got the glitter, and we still got the tradition running,” he said. “We’re still good, clean, wholesome entertainment, and that’s what kept us around 100 years.”

Contact Nico at nvanthyn@aol.com

Dan Quayle, whose place in U.S. vice presidential history is mostly remembered for things he said, then wished he didn’t.

“I have made good judgments in the past. I have made good judgments in the future.”

More recently, Mike Pence. Hero, or heel?

Both from Indiana, like Benjamin Harrison.

Who? One of the more obscure U.S. presidents, the 23^rd man to hold the office, for one term (1889-93).

Shifting to “who are celebrities born and raised in Indiana,” for $400 …

Larry Bird.

The Jacksons – Janet, Michael, Tito, et al.

John Mellencamp.

DAY-vid LETTERMAN.

No great Indy 500 drivers, but the Indy 500.

Tony Stewart, one of NASCAR’s all-time stars.

Colonel Sanders, who crossed the Ohio River and became the most famous chicken cooker ever.

Axl Rose and David Lee Roth.

The real “Hoosiers,” the 1954 Milan High School Indians, with a school enrollment of 154, the smallest school ever to capture the all-classifications Indiana state basketball title. You surely have seen the movie.

Jane Pauley. If you haven’t seen her CBS Sunday Morning package on her alma mater and home state, find it online.

(Me. Like Jane, born in Indianapolis, but unlike the esteemed TV journalist, I was shipped out to western Pennsylvania eight weeks later. It was really cold both places this time of year.)

Then let’s get to people who aren’t native Hoosiers, but are Indiana University icons.

Bob Knight, not Hoosier born, but definitely a Hoosier hero. A champion, and a world class chair tosser.

Mark Cuban, overjoyed alumnus/donor Monday night. A Shark.

The Six Million Dollar Man, Lee Majors, Kevin Kline and a bunch of actors.

Joe Buck. We just assumed he went to college at Busch Stadium.

Now, Fernando Mendoza and Curt Cignetti.

One won the Heisman Trophy and lived up to it leading IU to the College Football Playoff crown Monday night. He was the two-star high school quarterback born a mile from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, where the legend was sealed.

He’s a guy who the previous Hurricanes’ staff told no, thanks, there’s not a spot for you to walk on here.

Cignetti is the architect, chief builder and mad scientist who thought one of the country’s least successful programs could rule the college football universe. In just two years, his Hoosiers are 27-2 and in fact, do rule the CFP landscape.

Two years ago, Cignetti was coaching at James Madison. Mendoza was the freshman starting quarterback for the Cal Bears in the Independence Bowl.

All who encountered him for that week up in Shreveport have said this guy is that guy. He was every bit as charming, as humble and as magnetic as he has been this season.

Cignetti has told journalists and anyone else that the Hoosiers’ story is fit for a Hollywood script. He’s right.

It’s as if Indiana is the epicenter for unlikely epic sports accomplishments.

Milan is obvious. Bird leading Indiana State to the NCAA finals is another. Butler’s more recent run to the Final Four championship game fits. Rudy and Notre Dame football.

John Daly got in the 1991 PGA Championship as a last-minute alternate, and won, going wire-to-wire, in Crooked Stick, Indiana.

It happens there. Again, and again, and again.

As the TV talking heads scrambled to express their amazement, justifiably, Monday night, more than a few said Indiana may be the best college football team ever.

The 2019 LSU Tigers beg to differ.

Cignetti said as much later last night. His isn’t the most talented. Just the most unlikely rags-to-riches story ever – “the sum of our parts.”

The Hoosiers finished 16-0, the most wins by an unbeaten modern-day college team (2019 LSU was 15-0).

They did it in Miami, where the 1972 Dolphins went 17-0 in their perfect Super Bowl season, the only one in NFL history.

Wonder if the Hoosiers will have champagne toasts at the end of each season when no other college squad can do what they did.

They have earned the right. And with an average age of 23 on the team, they can already do it legally.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

On January 21, 1793, King Louis XVI of France was executed by guillotine in Paris, a moment that irrevocably altered the course of French and European history. The execution marked a dramatic escalation of the French Revolution and symbolized the collapse of centuries-old monarchy.

Louis XVI ascended the throne in 1774 during a time of economic strain and social inequality. France faced crushing debt, widespread poverty, and resentment toward an aristocracy seen as detached from the struggles of ordinary citizens. Revolutionary ideas gained momentum, fueled by Enlightenment philosophies advocating liberty, equality, and popular sovereignty.

Following the storming of the Bastille in 1789, the monarchy’s authority steadily eroded. Louis XVI was eventually arrested and charged with treason, accused of conspiring against the nation and attempting to undermine the revolution. His trial before the National Convention was unprecedented, placing a reigning monarch on trial by his own people.

The execution itself was swift but symbolic. As the guillotine blade fell in the Place de la Révolution, it sent shockwaves across Europe. Monarchies feared similar uprisings within their own borders, while revolutionaries viewed the act as a decisive break from tyranny. France soon found itself at war with several European powers determined to suppress revolutionary ideals.

Domestically, the execution intensified political divisions. The revolution entered its most violent phase, known as the Reign of Terror, as leaders sought to eliminate perceived enemies of the state. Thousands were executed in the name of protecting the revolution, leaving a legacy of both radical change and profound loss.

January 21 remains one of the most significant dates of the French Revolution. The death of Louis XVI transformed a reform movement into a full-scale revolution, redefining governance, citizenship, and the balance of power in modern societies.

Here’s my latest Q & A

About Ida

Beginnings are tricky, but here we are—fresh page, blinking cursor, and a head full of questions. I’m Ida B. Torn, a lifelong Southerner from Kenner, Louisiana, who’s spent years working in newsrooms, design studios, and public service. I’ve seen my share of life’s chaos and comedy—and learned that sometimes, folks just need straight answers and a little laughter along the way.

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Funeral services for Mr. Edwin Charles “Charlie” Moore will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, January 23, 2026, in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, with Dr. Philip Robertson officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Laurel Hill Cemetery, Hicks, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

Mr. Charlie Moore, 81, was born June 20, 1944, in LeCompte, LA, and entered eternal rest on Friday, January 16, 2026, in Pineville, LA.

Charlie was a very talented musician, having started his music career at the early age of sixteen, playing “Swamp Pop” in the local clubs of Lake Charles. His music career spanned sixty years, and he played with some of the finest musicians, including Merle Haggard, Ray Price, Gene Watson, Steve Wariner, Gene King, Avery Belguard, Peggy Forman, and many others. Charlie loved playing steel guitar, but was also skilled on the bass guitar and keyboard.

Charlie also loved racing cars at local tracks such as Forest Hill Speedway and Thunder Valley. It was a family affair when he was racing. Charlie drove 18-wheeler trucks most of his life, and hauled many loads all over the state. He was an owner-operator and had up to ten trucks when I-49 was built around Alexandria. He was a member of Philadelphia Baptist Church in Deville. He was also a member of the W.D. Fisher Masonic Lodge at Deville and Past Master at the Forest Hill Masonic Lodge.

He was preceded in death by one son, Charles Brian Moore; his parents, Edwin and Beulah Moore; two brothers, Danny Moore and Marc Moore; and one sister, Marilyn Clark.

Those left to mourn his loss and cherish his memory include his loving wife of forty-four years, Sue Moore; four daughters, Lisa Johnson (Randall) of Clearview, Florida, Monica Williams (Mark) of Lafayette, Heather O’Bannon (Trent) of Alexandria, and Katie Chatagnier of Pineville; one son, Randall Graham of Angola; one sister, Sharon Wright (Carroll) of Moss Bluff; one brother, Gary Moore (Sheila) of Mabank, Texas; nine grandchildren, Kris Johnson (Amanda), Jonathon Williams, Ryan Williams (Shelby), Cameron Johnson (Samantha), Madi Grace Williams (Cade Denais), Tayler Reeves, Patience Chatagnier (Chris Lengua), Ady Chatagnier and Deuce Chatagnier; and eight great grandchildren.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Trinity Health PACE of Alexandria and Allegiance Hospice for their excellent care during Charlie’s final days.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are: Gary Moore, Chris Steiner, Colt Steiner, Trent O’Bannon, Mark Williams, and Randy Graham. Honorary pallbearers will be Randall Johnson, Chuck Steiner, Kris Johnson, Jonathon Williams, Ryan Williams, Cameron Johnson, and Deuce Chatagnier.

Noland Joseph Marcantel, 79, of Alexandria, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026 at St Frances Cabrini Hospital.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday January 21, 2026 at Gallagher Funeral Home & Crematory with Military Honors. Visitation will take place Wednesday January 21, 2026 from 9:00a.m. until the service hour. Private Burial will follow in the Southwest Louisiana Veteran’s Cemetery in Jennings, Louisiana.

He is preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Lillie Buller, and his sister Brenda Marcantel Smith. He is survived by his wife, Marsha Stevens Marcantel; his four children, Mitzi Fairbanks (Todd), Joe DeKeyzer (Carrie, Denyse DeKeyzer, Christina Renard (Billy); his eleven grandchildren, Lexi McCall (Cory), William DeKeyzer (Scarlett), Elliot Fairbanks, Jansen Fairbanks, Ayden Miller, Makenzie Renard, Makaila Renard, Major Renard, Clinton Busby, Cody Busby (Paige), and Claire Baty (Will). and eight great grandchildren Ramsey, Ivey, Violet, Pierce, Dani, Weston, Atlee, and Myles

Noland was born on September 19, 1946. He grew up in Elton, Louisiana where he attended Elton High School. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1964 to 1968, where he was stationed in Pakistan. His service was a source of lifelong pride.

Following his military service, Noland spent over 60 years in the car business and was well known throughout the community for his strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. He was employed with Hixson Ford, Petron, Cajun Signs, and later became co-owner of HyperGraphics Screenprinting and Embroidery alongside his wife, Marsha. Together, they built not only a business, but a life rooted in dedication and partnership.Noland was a dedicated member of the Pineville First United Methodist Church for over 25 years where he sang in the church choir.

Noland was married to the love of his life, Marsha Stevens Marcantel, for 33 years. He cherished their adventures together, whether traveling, visiting garage sales, or simply enjoying coffee with friends. He had a deep love for rodeo, livestock shows, football, and spending time outdoors. Some of his greatest joys were taking field trips with his grandchildren and being present for their lives in big and small ways.
Noland will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, love of storytelling, loyalty to family and friends, and the countless memories he created with those who knew him.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make donations in Noland’s honor to the First United Methodist Church, Pineville, LA.

By JIM BUTLER

GAEDA commissioners will reconsider some actions taken at their December meeting at this morning’s January session.

The posted agenda calls for reconsidering four funding agreements approved by the Greater Alexandria Economic Development Authority, including reducing one award and increasing two.

The agenda, as is standard procedure for most public bodies, includes no references to reasons why.

Proposed reconsiderations:

Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Alexandria Museum of Art, $10,000; CEA with Rapides Symphony, $5,000, $10,000 approved last month; Grant to United Educational Missionary Baptist Association, $20,000 for meals, advertising, marketing for National Baptist Convention of America International Great Commission Church Summit February 23-25 Holiday Inn and Riverfront, $2,000 approved last month; Grant to St. Matthew Baptist Church $10,000 for meals, advertising, marketing for An Evening of Spirituals, HBCU guest choirs, February 12 Coughlin Saunders, $2,500 approved last month.

A new grant request to be considered is from Resonance Cultural Arts Initiative Inc. for $10,000 for advertising and marketing costs for the Black Brillance Art Show 2026, April 17, at Lagniappe Theatre.

GAEDA funding comes from an occupancy tax on hotel-motel rooms in the defined district.

Also on today’s agenda is approving a new contract for Executive Director Angela Varnado as well as the 2026 budget.

Details of one or the other or both are not included in the posting, standard public agency practice.

Strapping Alexandria Senior High sophomore Carter Rivet includes “an abundance of eggs” in his high-protein diet, according to his father Doug Rivet, who is also his discus and shot-put coach.

The many eggs come from an abundance of free-range chickens at the Rivet home in a rural area not far from LSUA.

“He consumes a lot of calories because he burns a lot of calories,” said Doug.

Joseph Carter Rivet, 16, burns a lot of calories because he throws the shot and discus for 2-2 ½ hours daily, five days a week, as the national age-group record holder in each event. At the AAU Junior Olympics Track & Field meet last summer in Humble, Texas, he hurled the discus 195 feet, 3 inches for the 15-16 age-group record, and he threw the 12-pound shot 58 feet, 3 inches for the age-group record in that event.

Carter, who goes by his middle name just as his older brother and fellow track star, Douglas Hunter Rivet, goes by his middle name, is involved now in the high school indoor season. At a meet at McNeese State in Lake Charles this past Saturday, he won the shot with a 56-2 throw – a little more than two feet better than the runner-up, junior Jack Torrance of Baton Rouge-Catholic. Torrance, incidentally, is the great-grandson of the 1930s shot-put word record holder and Olympian Jack Torrance of LSU.

Carter started throwing in the sixth grade, while he was learning from Hunter, who won the Class 5A state championship in the discus as a senior at ASH in 2024 with a throw of 179 feet.

“My brother got me into it,” Carter said during a break from practice at ASH Friday afternoon. “I’m really competitive, trying to be better than him but, mainly, I want to be the best I can be. We push each other and share ideas.”

As a freshman last year, Carter had a 187-foot discus throw to break the school discus record that Hunter held (179) – a record, incidentally, that broke the previous mark that had stood since the early 1980s.

Doug Rivet, the father of Hunter and Carter, was part of the dominant track and field teams at Pineville High School in the early and mid-1990s under coach Joe Moreau. Doug also was a tough linebacker for Pineville’s football team.

Carter’s mom, Olivia Smith Rivet, was a national powerlifting champion for coach Duane Urbina at ASH, setting a national deadlifting record of 335 pounds (since broken) in the 123-pound class in 1997.

The brotherly competitiveness goes back to his grandfather, Ross Rivet, who loved to play best ball tournament golf with his brother Joe, although Ross was better known as the band director at Buckeye High School for several years and for his work promoting class rings, graduation products and eventually owning the Grad Shop.

Like his mom, Carter is making a mark as a powerlifter. At 6-foot, 220 pounds, he has recorded an impressive 315-pound power clean and a 500-pound squat. Doug said Carter is one of the top two strongest students at ASH, if not the strongest, and he’s an offensive lineman on the football team.

“He’s seen his brother’s challenges and adversities,” said Doug, “and absorbed all the information (about shot and discus competition) he can. One of the supernatural powers he has is he can make miniscule adjustments in a few practices, where it takes several weeks to do that for some.”

Some of his work is at home in a garage that also serves as a weight room.

The work seems to be paying off. Earlier this month at the LSU Indoor High School Classic, Carter won the shot put with a throw of 59-8.25, which is about four feet better than the second-best throw in Louisiana during the first two weeks of the indoor season. It is also the best mark in the nation this season among sophomore boys.

Joe Moreau said Carter appears to project best as a discus thrower, and Carter has practiced some with Chile’s Claudio Romero of LSU, who had one of the more dominating outdoor seasons in collegiate history in 2024. Romero had the best discus performance in LSU history with a Chilean national record, NCAA leading mark for 2024 and No. 5 performance in collegiate history of 67.29 meters (220-9).

Aside from the special practices with Romero, Carter mostly works with his father along with ASH track and field coach Sedarrin Freeman.

Doug Rivet, whose primary job is a pharmaceutical rep, said there are two kinds of discus throws – “the glide” and rotational – and Carter is practicing the rotational discus (rotational movement before launch rather than a linear “glide”). The rotational, Doug said, has proven to have better success for world class male throwers. It takes about two years to master, he said, and Carter is in his third year working on that technique.

With all his achievement, it might seem understandable if Carter developed an ego to match his record numbers.

“It’s always about him vs. him,” said Doug. “It’s not about what anybody else is doing. He doesn’t put emphasis on what the noise is around him.”

Carter said he has no reason to be cocky.

“In everything I’ve done,” he said, ‘there’s still people out there who are better than me.”

The Gathering has returned to Wednesday evenings at First United Methodist Church of Alexandria, beginning with a Fellowship Dinner at 5pm, followed by a range of activities at 6pm. These include Wesley 2.0, Mahjong in the 50/50 Room, and Kid’s Zone in the Johnson Center Gym—offering meaningful connection for all ages and interests.

For those drawn to reflection and thoughtful conversation, Wesley 2.0, FUMCA’s AI-powered, Scripture-based discussion group, relaunched last week following a break for the Advent and Christmas season. Now is an ideal time to join. Led each week by FUMCA’s own Dr. Michael Polozola, 18th-century sermons of Rev. John Wesley serve as prompts for reflective, interactive discussion, explored with an innovative “AI twist.” Participants deeplly engage the Gospel message and Wesleyan theology, gaining a practical introduction to the Wesleyan Way; marked by thoughtful faith, spiritual discipline, and lived theology.

John Wesley (1703–1791), founder of the Methodist movement, believed Christian faith was meant to be lived, examined, and practiced in community. His early struggles in ministry, particularly during his mission to the Georgia colony, helped shape the theological vision that would later spark a renewal movement within the Church of England. Wesley 2.0 continues with that spirit of disciplined reflection and communal discernment, bringing historic teachings into meaningful conversation with the present. No registration is required to attend, and all are welcome.

Looking ahead to next month, those who feel drawn to spiritual reflection through creative practice are invited to participate in a faith-based art and prayer retreat on the first weekend of February.

Led by Rev. Jean Sanders and Beth Ferguson Moore, the retreat begins Friday evening, February 6, from 5:30–7:30PM with Visions, a guided vision-board-making session facilitated by Moore. This practice is designed to help participants remain attentive to direction and intention as the early momentum of New Year resolutions gives way to deeper reflection.

Saturday’s session, Dreams & Schemes, runs from 9AM to 3PM and explores themes of identity, spiritual discernment, recurring dreams, and the meaning of planning within a faith context. Through mixed-media artmaking interwoven with Scripture, prayer, and meditation, participants are invited into a reflective, creative process oriented toward personal renewal.

The cost of the retreat is $30. Registration is available online at bit.ly/FUMCAVisions.

Opinion submitted by a Journal reader

Save My Louisiana (SML) has been called “radicals” by the CCS industry and CCS-supporting politicians. But is that true? Are the people who make up SML the radicals? Let’s examine who the “radicals” really are.

The CCS industry finds its beginnings in the radical ideology of climate change. Climate change is a political ideology masquerading as a response to a manufactured environmental emergency. The theory claims that the earth’s temperature is warming at an accelerated rate due to man-made greenhouse gases. The most offending greenhouse gas is man-made carbon dioxide (CO2) which is a byproduct of burning hydrocarbons such as fossil fuels. The claim is that these CO2 emissions have reached such dangerous levels that, unless we either reduce or eliminate the emissions through “renewable alternatives” or “sequestration”, life on the planet will end. For historical context, this claim has been around since the 70s with numerous predictions of impending doom. Fifty years later, we’re still here. But the policies driven by the radical climate change agenda have destroyed actual environmental ecosystems and multiple economies. 

CCS operations is a vital part of the climate change hoax. This is not an unfounded accusation, the industry itself tells us that it is capturing and storing CO2 in order to “reduce greenhouse gas emissions”. “Reducing greenhouse gas emissions” is THE stated agenda of the climate change hoax. 

So I ask you, who are the actual radicals? Are the radicals the people of SML who discovered that the Legislature gave the power of eminent domain to private CCS companies in order to take surface and subsurface property rights to achieve the stated climate change goals? Are the radicals SML who filed a suit challenging the unconstitutionality of these laws that have empowered the radical climate change agenda with the force of law while undermining your right to “own and control” your property as secured in our state constitution (Article 1, Sec 4(A))? No, the real radicals are those who have pushed and continue to support the radical climate change agenda hoax on Louisianaianas through the force of perverted law. 

The real radicals in this story are the Legislators of Louisiana who for five years created law after law enabling and empowering the radical climate change agenda. Forcing an environment killing and economy crushing agenda down our throats using the force of law. Your legislature passed into law, RS:1102(A)(1) declaring that, “geological storage of carbon dioxide will benefit the citizens of the state and the state’s environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.” As noted above, this is THE stated agenda of the radical climate change agenda hoax.

Men like state representatives Mike Johnson, Bret Geymann, Chuck Owens and quite literally the entire legislature started passing these laws years ago and have piled more laws on the books to strengthen them. Mike Johnson and Chuck Owens voted FOR Act 61 which became law RS:1108(A)(1) subverting our constitutionally guaranteed property rights to the private CCS industry. “Any storage operator is herby authorized the power of eminent domain and expropriate needed property to acquire surface and subsurface rights and property…”.

Only after SML called them out on their advocacy by and through the force of perverted law to enable the radical climate change agenda did they suddenly start claiming to be concerned about property rights. Mike Johnson was quoted a few days ago discussing his commitment to private property rights, a commitment he evidently has recently discovered since he obviously wasn’t too bothered about property rights when he voted FOR Act 61 in 2020 which stripped you of your property rights for the climate change agenda!

Mike Johnson and his group of climate radicals are the arsonists, not the firemen! Their repeated passing of laws over multiple years to empower the climate change agenda is the irrefutable proof that they are the radicals. Real “conservatives” ferociously guard the basic rights of LIFE, LIBERTY and PROPERTY. Conservatives like SML who have taken concrete action to STOP the destruction of these basic rights. Real conservatives do not betray these rights by perverting law. These men ENABLED the radical climate change hoax by empowering it with eminent domain authority to take your property and in so doing, take your independence.

Now, Mike Johnson has filed HB 7 which he says will extinguish the inferno he created but there is some very questionable language in that bill that looks rather deceptive. We’re going to point out the problems we see with HB 7 just like we pointed out their egregious mistakes of Act 61. Let’s see what they do.

So I ask you, who are the radicals? The organization SML which is suing to strike down laws that undermine your constitutional right to property? Or the legislators like Mike Johnson, Brett Geymann, and Chuck Owen who created laws which legalized the radical climate change agenda hoax against you? 

The LA Constitution and all laws (Revised Statutes) are found at https://legis.la.gov/legis/LawSearch.aspx 

Col(r) Mark T. Guillory