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The Rapides Parish Police Jury has announced the election of its leadership for 2026, with Craig Smith selected as Police Jury President and Oliver “Ollie” Overton, Jr. elected as Vice-President.

The leadership elections were held as part of the Police Jury’s organizational proceedings, setting the governing body’s direction for the upcoming year. As president, Smith will preside over Police Jury meetings and represent the body in official matters, while Overton will serve as vice-president, assisting in leadership duties and acting in the president’s absence when needed.

Police Jury leadership plays a key role in guiding parish operations, overseeing policy decisions, and working with parish departments and community partners on issues affecting Rapides Parish residents.

The Rapides Parish Police Jury extended congratulations to Smith and Overton as they begin their terms in the 2026 leadership roles.

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The Rapides Parish Police Jury has officially lifted the parishwide burn ban following recent rainfall that has reduced dry conditions across the area.

The burn ban was rescinded effective 1 p.m. on Jan. 12. Parish officials are encouraging residents to continue using caution when conducting any outdoor burning. Citizens are reminded not to leave fires unattended and to keep a water source nearby to help contain and control flames if necessary.

Officials also thanked residents for their cooperation and restraint during the period of dry weather when the burn ban was in effect, noting that community compliance played an important role in reducing wildfire risk.

Residents seeking additional information are encouraged to contact the Rapides Parish Police Jury at (318) 473-6660.

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Richard “”Dick” Madeo  was born April 19, 1942 in Brooklyn, New York. He attended St. Mary’s High School and graduated from Seton Hall with a degree in Business Administration. He died January 10, 2026 in Alexandria.

Dick was first employed by Spode China but moved to Louisiana in 1974 to work for Dresser Industries. He worked there for over 30 years before retiring.

Dick was an active member  of the ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out), the Knights of Columbus, a CASA volunteer, and for many years served on the Parent Teacher Organization at St. Rita’s School.

He is survived by Judy, his wife of 58 years: his children Kathy Walther (Eric) and Rick Madeo (Kelly). He has eight grandchildren, Maddy (Billy), Parker (Lucy), Sami, Jesse, Jon, and Mason and one great-granddaughter, Wrenley. He is also survived by two sisters: Margie Kolomatis and Joan Mackey.

Dick was known by his friends to jump in his car and fix anything at any time. He is in heaven with his best buddies Michael McGehee, Tom Bordelon and his “brother” Dan Vermaelen.

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Geri Babin, affectionately known as “Aunt Lu” or “Lu” or Mom to those who loved her most, was received home on January 9, 2026, surrounded by her husband and close family members.

She was an amazing mom to two great kids, a grandmother to one sweet grandson, life’s most perfect partner and wife to her husband, Kenny Babin, and loved dearly by a host of nieces and nephews and friends.

Aunt Lu was a firecracker in every sense-amazingly strong, full of personality, quick with a joke, and famous for a laugh that could lift a whole room. And what a Cook she was known to be She was well known as someone that would whip up the most unbelievable meals to share with friends and family
In one of her final acts on earth, just before Christmas, she played a massive role in saving the life of a dear friend-an example of the courage and heart she carried every day. Tragically, shortly after, she was struck by a vehicle and passed away.

For more than 40 years, Geri passionately chased after God’s own heart, convinced that the only true path is through His Son, Jesus. Her faith and relationship with the Lord were unshakable-an enduring example for all who witnessed her walk.

While we wish we had more time, we have no doubt she was received personally by Jesus with the words, “Welcome home, good and faithful servant. I’m so proud of you.”

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Norris E. McDivitt, Sr., 93, of Owensboro, KY, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 8, 2026, at Cedarhurst Senior Living, under the guided care of Hospice.

He was born August 29, 1932, to Huey Otto and Alsie Oane (Gray) McDivitt in the Piljerk area, near Covington, in Tipton County, TN, who preceded him in death. Siblings who also preceded him are brother Jimmy Darrel and sister-in-law Dolores McDivitt, sister Peggy Sue and brother-in-law Haskin Davis, brother Gary Jo McDivitt, sister Janice McDivitt, and brother-in-law Jere H. Hadley.

Norris began a long career with Texas Gas Transmission Corporation in 1950, with a job that saw him rise from a temporary worker digging a footer for the Covington Compressor Station, through the ranks to retire as Senior Vice-President of Operations and Engineering. His early work career was interrupted by the draft and subsequent orders to report to Korea for the Army during the Korean Conflict. With his return to the US and Texas Gas, his bride, Elise, met him with their firstborn son, with another son to follow a few years later.

While working for the pipeline, Norris earned a Bachelor’s degree from Louisiana College, now known as Louisiana Christian University, in Pineville, and later a Master’s degree from Northwestern State University, in Natchitoches. All this, after quitting school in the 8th grade to work to help provide for his family. From Covington, TN, to south Louisiana, to Owensboro and many points in-between, Texas Gas was wonderful for Norris, and he loved his work, especially the opportunities his work availed him and their family of four.

While he loved spending time with family and close friends, Norris found great joy in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. So upon his retirement in 1997, Norris never stopped working, moving his skills from a desk for the pipeline to farms in both Kentucky and Tennessee. The farm work provided him with opportunities to teach his grandchildren the humble yet rewarding accomplishments of working on the tree farm. In return, cherished, lasting memories were created.

Norris has left a legacy rich in love for his family and in gratitude for the abundant blessings bestowed upon him and his family from his Lord and Savior. He and Elise were longtime members of Lewis Lane Baptist Church in Owensboro, where he served as Deacon for many years, as well as on numerous committees.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 73 years, Elise Hadley McDivitt, son Stan (Leah-Marie) McDivitt, and N. Edwin (Lily) McDivitt, Jr., both of Owensboro; grandchildren S. Curt (Sanghyun Lee) McDivitt II, of Dayton, OH, Nathan (Claudia) McDivitt of Acworth, GA, Patrick (Millie) McDivitt of Albany, CA, and Rachel McDivitt of Nashville, TN; and six great-grandchildren, Iona Go-eun, Etain Hiui, Norris Rhett, Zoe Margaret, Jean Bea, and Mae Elise McDivitt; sister, Rosemary Hadley, brother Sammy McDivitt, sisters-in-law Patsy McDivitt and Tanya McDivitt; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to the entire Cedarhurst Senior Living staff, particularly Beth, Cheyenne, and Emily; to his special caregivers, Brooklyn, Erica, and Veronica, for their outstanding care and dedication to his well-being; and to the Hospice nurses and assistants for his final days’ care.

The funeral service in Owensboro will be on Thursday, January 15, at 6:00 pm, at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory, with visitation from 2:00 until 5:30 pm.

Services will also be held in Covington, TN, on Saturday, January 17, at Maley-Yarbrough Funeral Home. Visitation in Covington is scheduled for 10:00 am until his Celebration of Life service at 12:00 pm, with burial to follow in the R.H. Munford Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to either of the following: Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Kentucky, 3419 Wathen’s Crossing, Owensboro, KY 42301; Lewis Lane Baptist Church, 2600 Lewis Lane, Owensboro, KY 42301; or Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church, 1868 Mt. Lebanon Road, Covington, TN 38019, Attn: Cemetery Fund.

Condolences and memories for the McDivitt family may be left at http://www.glenncares.com.

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By JIM BUTLER

The mid-year adjustment to the City of Alexandria 2025-26 General Fund budget adds $8.2 million to revenue projected last Spring.

At that time, the administration told the City Council its estimates were conservative due to economic uncertainty. Expenses budgets for the year beginning May 1 were correspondingly below what departments projected needing.

The Major Budget Amendment will be reviewed by the Finance Committee at 4 p.m. Tuesday, then forwarded to the full City Council’s 5 p.m. meeting.

Sales taxes account for $5.5 million of the revenue additions. Whether that revenue is due to more taxable activity or higher prices due to inflation is not reflected in the amendment.

The proposed amendment increases use of prior year earnings by $4.8 million, to a new total of $22.1 million.

Documents do not reflect how much is in the retained earnings fund, formally established years ago to avoid repetitive fiscal crises. The policy requires 10 percent of annual earnings be retained.

A major change is elimination of the initially proposed $3.2 million transfer from the Utilities Operating Fund to the General Fund.

Continuing annual use of utilities earnings to subsidize the General Fund is a topic yet to be addressed by the current Council membership.

General Fund spending changes proposed include:

Police – $1.6 million add, increasing overtime costs to $1.3 million; $2.3 million reduction in wages and fringe benefits due to unfilled slots; total budget $21.7 million; Fire – $670,000 add, doubling overtime costs; $500,000 add to vehicle repair and maintenance, increasing funding to $665,000; total budget $15.3 million;

Sanitation- $704,000 add, to $2.9 million; Zoo – $489,000 add, to $1.9 million; Golf course – $54,000 decrease, to $336,000; Machinery & equipment – $250,000 decrease, to $250,000; Street – $2.6 million add, to $6.4 million; Motor Pool – $1.5 million add, including $975,000 for contract labor, to $3.3 million.

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Cleco isn’t resting on 90 years of service as utility undergoing significant upgrades in its 90 years of service, Cleco Power has proven its status among the most reliable energy providers in Louisiana.
Cleco is the only energy utility to meet or exceed Louisiana Public Service Commission reliability standards for each of the last 26 years.

Serving 295,000 customers throughout a 24-parish area that includes large swaths of central, southwest and southeast Louisiana, Cleco’s impact is felt statewide.

What started as Louisiana Ice and Electric in 1935 is rapidly shifting to a modern energy utility as Cleco announced a five-year resiliency plan to harden grid infrastructure.

The 550 planned projects include undergrounding certain segments of the system for increased reliability, reinforcing utility poles, and elevating substations above flood plains.

“The grid resiliency investments will reduce outages and lead to faster restoration times,” said Andre Guillory, chief customer officer for Cleco, in a November news release. “Additionally, a portion of the projects are focused on critical customers, like hospitals and emergency services. This work will enhance and protect vulnerable communities, first responders and critical services which are essential during storms or times of crisis.”

In addition to the resiliency plan, Cleco is in the second year of a six-year process to nearly double the clearing of hazardous vegetation to reduce the occurrence and duration of power outages.
The efforts will further strengthen energy resilience and reduce storm-related costs that will lead to fewer outages and faster restoration times.

Cleco, headquartered in Pineville, estimates this will result in more than $400 million in value for customers.

This type of commitment to energy reliability is why the lights stayed on for 99.9 % of the time this past year.

Cleco isn’t just relying on Louisiana’s traditional sources of power generation.

The utility has been adding renewable and clean energy projects to its portfolio.

The latest is the Dolet Hills Solar Project in DeSoto Parish, a 240-megawatt energy generation facility that is expected to power 50,000 Louisiana homes with an expected completion date in 2027.

There are also major projects like carbon capture and sequestration aimed at reducing emissions and modernizing infrastructure at its eight power generation sites.

Cleco also encourages customers to use energy more efficiently through its Power Wise program.
The energy efficiency initiative has helped more than 100,000 customers reduce energy consumption since its inception in 2014.

Through energy-efficient offerings like home weatherization, lighting upgrades, HVAC change-outs and commercial kitchen equipment rebates, Cleco is ensuring that the power it generates goes further.

As a proud member of the Louisiana community for 90 years, Cleco is a key community partner.

Six hundred organizations received corporate donations this past year as Cleco strives to support STEM programs, education, youth programs, and health and wellness initiatives, particularly for low-income families.

Cleco’s 1,200 employees statewide volunteered more than 5,000 hours in 2025.

Cleco is making sure that Louisiana families have sustainable and affordable power for generations to come.

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Alexandria’s First United Methodist Church hosted an evening of superb vocal performance as the Centenary College Choir gave one of its 25-30 annual travelling performances Friday, January 10. The choir, 42 singers under the direction of Dr. David Hobson, delivered a truly eclectic selection of pieces ranging from a Swahili hymn to traditional Wesleyan hymns to Tenebrae Factae Sunt.

The performance was a bit of a homecoming for soprano Cora Wright. Ms. Wright is a 2024 alumna of Bolton high school and Alexandria’s Montessori Educational Center. She is currently a sophomore majoring in Biology at Centenary.

Founded in 1941, the Centenary College Choir has been a beacon of musical excellence for the past 85 years. The choir has performed in over 35 countries around the world and maintains a touring schedule of concerts and events throughout the area each year.

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has announced a temporary road closure that will affect access to England Airpark and Alexandria International Airport (AEX) next week.

According to DOTD, LA 498 (Airbase Road) in Alexandria will be closed at the Union Pacific Railroad crossing beginning Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at 7 a.m. The roadway is scheduled to reopen to traffic on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, at approximately 4 p.m.

The closure will take place at milepost 0.140 on control section 840-45 and is necessary to allow Union Pacific Railroad crews to replace cross ties through the railroad crossing.

A designated detour route will be in place during the closure. Motorists will be directed north on LA 498, west to LA 1 north, then to Rapides Station Road north, continuing to I-49 south, and returning to LA 498. DOTD officials noted the detour can accommodate oversized loads and will be clearly marked for the traveling public.

All emergency response agencies will be notified of the closure to ensure continued access to the area.
Travelers heading to England Airpark or AEX during this time are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra time for travel.

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Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

Jan. 11

James Brooks, 58, New Orleans – possession of CDS, disturbing the peace, criminal damage to property, simple burglary, criminal trespass, $3,000 bail;

Sara Ann Bryan, 20, Pineville – two counts contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Lloyd Wannie Burlew, 69, Deville – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, $1,100 bail;

Joseph Nelson Jr., 56, Alexandria – OWI second offense, running a stop sign, speeding, operating a vehicle while under suspension for certain prior offenses, $2,200 bail.

Jan. 10

Magdalene Denise Berry, 42, Alexandria – aggravated assault with a firearm, no bail data;

Marcus De’Angelos Brown, 37, Alexandria – no driver’s license, four counts resisting an officer, switched license plate, two counts criminal trespass, three counts contempt of court, $33,200 bail;

Delmar Dean Danek Jr., 68, Alexandria – OWI second offense, open container, improper lane usage, improper turn, possession of marijuana, $2,300 bail;

Leeland Drake Deal, 18, Pineville – OWI second offense, safety belt violation, driving under suspension, improper lane usage, $1,800 bail;

James Darnell Gullette Jr., 32, Alexandria – six counts contempt of court, theft, resisting an officer, criminal trespass, $22,500 bail;

Tdarius J. Hampton, 33, Alexandria – theft, possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, parole violations, contempt of court, $26,000 bail;

Jalen Juwan Harper, 31, Alexandria – possession of CDS, $1,000 bail;

Lorenzo Jewitt, 35, Alexandria – criminal trespass, false imprisonment, violation of protective orders, home invasion, three counts contempt of court, $16,000 bail;

Kentaye Darell Lair, 32, Pineville – second degree battery, simple assault, unlawful telephone communication, $1,000 bail;

David McGowan Jr., 43, Pineville – OWI first offense, running a stop sign, no driver’s license, open container, $1,300 bail;

Chad Dewayne Pruitt, 53, Pineville – contempt of court, $25,000 bail;

Garrett Lane Smith, 23, Deville – OWI first offense, careless operation of a vehicle, safety belt violation, $1,200 bail;

Jan. 9

Mary Arlenza Johnson, 42, Pineville – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, marijuana, $2,500 bail;

Lloyd Henry Paillett, 52, Shreveport – Louisiana fugitive, no bail data;

Demetrius Jerome Armstrong, 37, Alexandria – OWI third offense, failure to yield to emergency vehicle, driving under suspension, tail lamps red light, possession of marijuana, $800 bail;

Angelle Grace Dauzart, 17, Boyce – theft of a firearm, illegal possession of stolen firearms, $10,000 bail;

Kendrick Gilbert, 41, Alexandria – three counts contempt of court, $15,000 bail;

Kimble Lee Hunter, 35, Alexandria – illegal possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, resisting an officer, bicycle reflectors required, $20,600 bail;

Sammie J. Williams Jefferson, 72, Alexandria – theft, two counts contempt of court, $5,500 bail;

Mary Arlenza Johnson, 42, Pineville – possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, $2,500 bail;

Travis Johnson, 45, Alexandria – two counts possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, no head light, aggravated obstruction of highway, probation violation, battery on officer, $1,100 bail;

Emanye Marshall Keller, 20, Alexandria – aggravated battery, criminal damage to property, theft, $1,000 bail;

Brandi O’Brien, 40, St. Martinville – OWI first offense, careless operation of a vehicle, driving under suspension, $1,200 bail;

Lloyd Henry Paillet, 52, Shreveport – Louisiana fugitive, no bail data;

Kaleb Augustus Strother, 32, Elizabeth – simple burglary, three counts contempt of court, parole violations, $55,000 bail;

Marrison Isreal Wright, 39, Alexandria – OWI third offense, driving under suspension, $100 bail;

Alexis Brooke Wyllie, 32, Alexandria – two counts possession of CDS, contempt of court, possession of marijuana, $8,000 bail.

Jan. 8

Koron Harry Bordley, 20, Alexandria – burglary of an inhabited dwelling, $10,000 bail;

Hollie Ann Brooks, 31, Pineville – possession of CDS, five counts contempt of court, $5,000 bail;

Jeremy Coutee, 17, Alexandria – possession of handgun by juvenile, possession of stolen vehicle, two counts flight from an officer, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, hit and run driving, tail lamps red light, no driver’s license, careless operation of a vehicle, safety belt violation, criminal damage to property, $32,400 bail;

Mia C. Dipietro, 29, Boyce – Louisiana fugitive, possession of CDS, paraphernalia, safety belt violation, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, $10,600 bail;

Robert Drakes III, 22, Alexandria – possession of marijuana, possession of firearm by a convicted felon, $15,500 bail;

William Clayton Folse, 30, Pineville – theft, theft of a motor vehicle, $20,500 bail;

Andre Bernard Ford Jr., 29, Alexandria – simple escape, two counts resisting an officer, battery of a correctional facility employee, aggravated resisting police officer with force or violence, criminal trespass, $86,500 bail;

Jose Armando Garcia-Gonzalez, 38, Plainview – flight from an officer, unlawful operation of vehicle by illegal alien, no driver’s license, no insurance, off road vehicle on public road, $3,300 bail;

Kentavyon Gradney, 22, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing cannabinoids and marijuana, illegal carry firearm with drugs, resisting a police officer with force or violence, parole violations, $30,000 bail;

Unique Jalia Griffin, 25, Alexandria – theft, contempt of court, $5,500 bail;

Hannah R. Johnson, 19, Downsville – second degree battery, $25,000 bail;

Mary Helen Jordan, 40, Pineville – theft, criminal conspiracy, five counts contempt of court, $62,000 bail;

Joseph Paul Lirette, 37, Boyce – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, driving under suspension, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, $10,600 bail;

Evan Trimain Lotts, 40, Alexandria – turn signal lamp required, driving under suspension, four counts contempt of court, $3,700 bail;

James Cecil Morgan Jr., 43, Alexandria – OWI first offense, contempt of court, $1,000 bail;

Tammy Mai Mylott, 59, Alexandria – theft, contempt of court, Louisiana fugitive, $27,000 bail;

Renee Cornelia Nelson, 37, Pineville – theft, criminal conspiracy, criminal trespass, nine counts contempt of court, $171,500 bail;

Jessica Marsell Quick, 47, Pineville – two counts contempt of court, $28,000 bail;

Zahir Ammere Quinney, 40, Alexandria – three counts possession of CDS, possession of synthetic CDS, paraphernalia, two counts resisting an officer, improper bicycle operation, parish probation violation, criminal conspiracy, criminal damage to property, simple burglary, criminal trespass, $67,600 bail;

Jessica Brooke Shone, 40, Alexandria – possession of fentanyl, probation violation, $5,000 bail;

Laquitha J. Walker, 28, Many – OWI second offense, operating a vehicle while under suspension for certain prior offenses, speeding, $2,100 bail.

Jan. 7

Tyler Gage Belgard, 18, Deville – second degree battery, $25,000 bail;

Amanda Marie Blalock, 37, Hineston – carnal knowledge of a juvenile, indecent behavior with juveniles, aggravated sodomy – crime against nature, $750,000 bail;

Steve Blalock, 38, Calcasieu – Louisiana fugitive, no bail data;

Jacob Richey Boone, 36, Boyce – domestic abuse battery with child present, simple assault, $5,500 bail;

Malik Kortrell Daniels, 28, Alexandria – flight from an officer, OWI first offense, failure to register as a sex offender, concealed negligent carry handgun, possession of firearm by convicted felon, illegal carry firearm with drugs, possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, improper lane usage, $53,600 bail;

Tristen Ray Earnest, 20, Deville – second degree battery, $25,000 bail;

Timothy Wayne Free, 54, Pineville – two counts criminal damage to property, aggravated assault, simple burglary, criminal trespass, $41,500 bail;

James Edwards Hattaway, 62, Pineville – possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, $2,000 bail;

Troy Jermaine Jackson, 49, Pineville – possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, resisting an officer, bicycle reflectors required, running a stop sign, domestic abuse battery strangulation, $7,700 bail;

Randy Johnson, 36, Alexandria – bicycle reflectors required, two counts contempt of court, $25,600 bail;

Rodney Lane Malone Jr, 41, Glenmora – possession of CDS, OWI second offense, drug paraphernalia, $3,500 bail;

Derrick Dewayne Mason Jr., 20, Alexandria – possession of marijuana, two counts taking contraband to and from penal institutions, probation violation, $50,500 bail;

Nikolus Nabors, 26, Alexandria – three counts contempt of court, driving under suspension/revocation, no head light, no insurance, $75,300 bail;

Stepfone M. Perry, 31, Hessmer – stalking person with protective order, home invasion, violation of protective orders (second/subsequent), criminal damage to property, four counts contempt of court, $50,500 bail;

Troy Dunterious Price, 30, Alexandria – four counts contempt of court, reckless operation, driving under revocation, $9,910 bail;

Leon Lee Randle IV, 41, Alexandria – two counts simple battery, two counts contempt of court, probation violation, $4,000 bail;

Cody Roberts, 32, Deville – two counts contempt of court, $77,500 bail;

James Everett Smith, 34, Pineville – contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Jason Todd Smith, 51, Pineville – possession of CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, $1,500 bail;

Andrew J. Thompson, 36, Pineville – two counts possession of firearm by convicted felon, two counts contempt of court, $10,000 bail;

Elijah Eugene Turner, 23, Pineville – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, probation violation, paraphernalia, illegal carry firearm with drugs, improper display of vehicle license plate, operating an unsafe vehicle, $50,700 bail;

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

Jeffrey Allen Williams Jr., 37, Alexandria – possession of CDS, $1,500 bail.

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The Krewe of Hygieia will host its inaugural Mardi Gras Ball on Saturday, Feb. 14 inviting the public to take part in an evening of music, dancing and Mardi Gras celebration in the heart of Pineville.

The event will take place from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Pineville Community Center, located at 708 Main Street. Organizers emphasize that the ball is open to everyone, whether or not attendees are affiliated with a Mardi Gras krewe, making it a community-wide celebration of Louisiana tradition.

Guests can expect a festive night filled with entertainment, socializing and the spirit of Mardi Gras. Attendees are encouraged to dress up, bring friends and enjoy the atmosphere as the Krewe of Hygieia marks its inaugural ball.

A VIP cocktail reception will be held prior to the event from 6 to 7 p.m. Individual tickets are available for $25 per person. VIP tables seating eight are priced at $300 and include party favors and champagne.

Tickets and tables may be purchased through any Krewe of Hygieia member or online at kreweofhygieia.org. Additional information is available by contacting Phyllis at phyllis@kreweofhygieia.org or by phone at (318) 452-3427.

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The City of Pineville will host its annual “Night of Lights” Mardi Gras Parade on Friday, Feb. 6, bringing illuminated floats and festive energy to Main Street beginning at 7 p.m. The event is the only nighttime Mardi Gras parade in Rapides Parish.

City officials say the evening parade offers a unique experience as floats decorated with neon and lighting effects travel through downtown after sunset, creating a visually striking celebration of the Mardi Gras season.

The parade is designed as a family-friendly, community-focused event. Residents and visitors are encouraged to bring children, enjoy the atmosphere, and take part in the tradition of catching beads and throws along the route.

To ensure public safety, Main Street and all feeder streets along the parade route will close at 6:30 p.m. Officials recommend arriving early to allow time for parking and to secure viewing spots before the parade begins.

All Mardi Gras krewes are invited to participate in the parade. Those interested in joining can find registration information at buff.ly/CcnU5HT.

Additional details regarding the parade route and event logistics will be released closer to the event date.

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3/1/1934 – 1/7/2026

Philip Morris Laborde, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away peacefully on the evening of January 7, 2026. Philip lived a life filled with love, kindness, and cherished moments with his family.

Upon graduation from Tulane Medical School, Philip spent 36 years serving the Alexandria community in his practice as an opthamologist. He was an avid woodworker, loved sailing, golf, and especially travel. He was a committed supporter of the local arts community.

He is survived in loving memory by his devoted wife, Nelda Nalley Laborde, his children Michelle Laborde and Philip Laborde Jr., and his stepdaughter Lesli Wellan Montgomery (David). Philip will also be deeply missed by his grandchildren Sean Durbin, Kelsie Durbin, Manette Smith, Abby Yager Cheatham (Jake) , Elise Yager, and Trent Smith; and great-granddaughter Lillian Cheatham. Philip is also survived by his sister Sandra Laborde and his brother Gary Laborde (Louise), and nieces Lisa McKeithen (Duncan) and Sherrie Hlavenka (Mark). He is preceded in death by his daughter Debi Laborde Durbin and her husband David Durbin.

Philip’s warm smile, gentle demeanor, and sense of humor will never be forgotten. May Philip rest in peace surrounded by the love and memories he created during his lifetime.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the family home on Saturday January 24 from 4-6pm.

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Funeral services for Mrs. Kathy Deville Silvers will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, with Reverends David Guillot and Steve Speer officiating. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in Big Island Baptist Church Cemetery, Deville, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

Mrs. Silvers, 67, of Deville, entered eternal rest on Thursday, January 8, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Raised attending Big Island Baptist Church, her faith and family were always at the center of her life. She found great joy in making cakes, knitting, and crocheting, and especially loved watching her children and grandchildren play ball. She was a dedicated employee for the Rapides Parish School Board for over twenty years. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Timothy and Anita Deville; and her former husband, Steve Alwell.

Those left to mourn her loss and cherish her memory include her loving husband of twenty-two years, Wayne Silvers of Deville; one son, Chase Linzay (Lauren) of Deville; two daughters, Chrystal Mabou (Jeremy) of Pineville, and Ashley Linzay of Pineville; one stepson Keith Silvers (Emily) of Cartersville, Georgia; one stepdaughter, Amanda Silvers (Adam) of Port St. Lucie, Florida; one brother, Timmy Deville (Angelia); three sisters, Bonnie Smith (Bill), Joy Deville, and Katie O’ Bannon; thirteen grandchildren; and one great grandchild.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are: Bailey Mabou, Jeremy Mabou, Ryan Deville, Keith Silvers, Tyler Rutledge, and Matt Deville. Honorary pallbearers will be Karson Mabou, Lexton Linzay, and Paxton James “P.J.” Linzay.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Compassionate Care Hospice and Staff for their constant care and support, especially Tahnee Perry and Latoya Carter.

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Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office Dispatch received a call from a complainant on Jan. 8 around 9 pm reporting shots fired in the area of Benjamin Street and Cloverleaf Boulevard in the Grundy Copper Subdivision.

According to initial information, the victim reported three suspects, two black males and a black female dressed in all black, approached their vehicle while they were parked on the roadway as one of the male suspects allegedly fired shots in their direction, hitting their vehicle. The victim then drove to a safe location and called for assistance. The suspects fled the area.

Patrol Deputies, along with RPSO K-9 and Crime Suppression Unit, responded to the area but could not locate the suspects. Sheriff’s Detectives and Crime Scene Unit responded to conduct their investigation.

At this time, Detectives say their investigation is still ongoing and believe this is an isolated incident.

If anyone in Grundy Cooper Subdivision around the Benjamin Street, Cloverleaf Boulevard area may have security footage of three subjects walking down the roadway or have information about this incident, they are asked to contact the RPSO Criminal Investigation Division-Main Office at 318-473-6727, RPSO Main Office at 318-473-6700 or Crime Stoppers at 318-443-7867.

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By JIM BUTLER

Perhaps the School Board will be more successful than Littlechap.

While the world moves more and more away from cash transactions board members this week rescinded the system’s no-cash policy for school events.

Responding to constituent complaints voiced at the meeting and to members before hand, the board, at least for the time being, stopped the world and got off.

An underlying issue when no cash became the rule some months ago remains for the board to resolve. 

Auditors have taken the system to task for what could be termed sloppy accounting, or worse, at some schools for gate receipts, concession revenue, etc. 

Removing cash transactions was one means of addressing the criticism. And indications are the next audit report, due any day now, will indicate more of the same before the plastic system took effect.  

The no-cash rule remains in effect for school fees and the like. 

On another system-wide matter, the board learned about 1,100 of the system’s approximately 1,700 teachers will receive a special check this month. 

Those judged highly effective under the appraisal and review system will get about $1,200 each. 

The funding comes through a state grant and its use in this manner was approved by the board more than a year ago. 

And a collective sigh could be heard when members heard a $350,003 offer had been made for the abandoned North Bayou Rapides Elementary property. 

Quicker than Colonel Parker signed Elvis the board accepted Heavenly Child Care Development Center’s bid. 

The money goes to the General Fund. The property is in District 62.

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