The Alexandria Police Department honored Captain Debra Blackwood on Feb. 3 following her retirement from a distinguished career that spanned several decades of service to the community. Blackwood officially retired on Feb. 1 after serving most recently as the commander of the Detective Division.

Captain Blackwood first joined the Alexandria Police Department in 1989 and returned to the agency in 1995. Throughout her remarkable tenure, she built a diverse professional legacy, serving as a patrol officer, a longtime K9 officer and sergeant, and a patrol shift supervisor.

Her leadership extended into various administrative and command roles as she rose through the department’s ranks. Before taking over as the Detective Division Commander, she served as the commander of the Records Division.

The Alexandria Police Department expressed its gratitude for Blackwood’s years of service, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to the city. Department officials wished her a well-earned and happy retirement as she concludes her lengthy career in law enforcement.

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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Services for Darryl Kyles will be at 11:00a.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at St. Matthew Baptist Church Cemetery, 5505 Old Boyce Road, Boyce, LA.

Mr. Kyles, 63, of Alexandria, LA, passed away on January 27, 2026, at Rapides Regional Medical Center. He is preceded in death by his daughter: Da’Shauna Kyles.

He leaves to cherish his memories – life partner: Shannon Tate, daughter: DeJuana Thomas and bonus daughters: Courtney Tate and Gabrielle Tate.

Mark Allen Sutton, 78, passed away on February 1, 2026. Born September 15, 1947 to Norman and Dorothy Sutton, he grew up in Hot Springs, Arkansas. At age 18, Mark surrendered his life to Christ, a decision that shaped every chapter of his faith and ministry.

While attending Louisiana College, Mark formed the singing group We Three Kings, traveling throughout the United States and abroad to lead revivals in more than 500 churches, including ministry in Korea. During this season, he met Susan Hill, whom he married on August 29, 1969.

Mark and Susan studied at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, where Mark earned a Master of Theology. He served his first pastorate at Simpson Baptist Church in Simpson, Louisiana. In 1976, following God’s call to missions, the family moved to France, where Mark served six years as a church planter and pastor of L’Eglise Évangélique Baptiste in Lyon, France. His love of the French language would stay with him for the rest of his life, and it was not unusual for him to strike up conversations with strangers when he heard French being spoken. This would be used by God repeatedly to form relationships and to glorify God.

The family returned to the U.S. in 1982, and Mark became the first pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church in Hammond, Louisiana. In 1989, Mark began a 21-year pastorate at Brookwood Baptist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana. Known as a compassionate pastor and wise counselor, he preached and taught with warmth, humor, and memorable stories. Mark also served as President of the Louisiana Baptist Convention from 1993 to 1995 and authored five books: 30 Days to a Better Marriage, Conquering Depression, Still God’s Man, Hope Again, and Pitfall.

In 2003, Mark experienced profound loss with the passing of his wife Susan after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. In God’s kindness, he was given renewed joy when, in 2004, Mark married Donna Osborne, whom he and his daughters considered a gracious gift from God.

Mark retired from Brookwood in 2010 and moved with Donna to Orlando, Florida. Although he “retired” from full-time ministry, he was still called by God to serve. He became the Legacy Adult Pastor at First Baptist Orlando Church, then interim pastor at South Orlando Baptist Church, while also serving as a seminary instructor through New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. His primary mission woven throughout all this was the ministry he and Donna founded, Mark Sutton Ministries, which supported pastoral training and ministry in Haiti. As of today, MSM is the primary supporter for two schools, two churches, and pastoral training for the Haitian island of La Gonave. In 2017, against all odds, God brought him through a successful lung transplant, and they moved to Daytona Beach, continuing faithful ministry through MSM and local churches. His most recent ministry was at Oasis Church of Ormond Beach, where he served on the Elder Board and taught a small group Bible study.

Outside the pulpit, Mark loved music, reading, and writing. He enjoyed playing the guitar, and his daughters treasure memories of him sitting outside their bedrooms at night, singing them to sleep. A gifted storyteller, he created countless stories for his daughters that they still cherish today. He also loved watching sports and traveling the world with Donna, enjoying cruises and adventures that allowed them to see new places, meet new people, and make lasting memories together.

Mark was preceded in death by his first wife, Susan Sutton; his parents, Norman and Dorothy Sutton; and daughter-in-law Diana Osborne. He is survived by his wife, Donna Sutton; daughters Amy Ricketts (Kris), Jennifer Sutton, and Sarah Sutton (Grant Guillory); stepchildren Nancy Osborne and Rick Osborne; brother Joel Sutton (Rhonda); grandchildren Alexandra English, Joshua Ricketts, Kristyn Ricketts, Jeremiah Gordo, and Audra King-Self; in-laws Martha “Mitzi” Lewis (“Buck”), Jeanne Vaughn (Eric), Lynda Shelton (“Hop”), and Sally Deaner (“Cay”); his beloved friends, Bruce and Sherry Hennigan; and many extended family members and cherished members of past congregations.

Mark will be remembered for his faithful evangelism, compassionate heart, steady wisdom, gentle humor, love of music and words, and for being a devoted husband, father, and beloved Poppee.

Florida: A memorial service for Mark’s Florida friends and family will be held on Saturday, February 7, at Oasis Church in Ormond Beach, Florida, with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. and the service to follow at 2:00 p.m.

Louisiana: For his Louisiana friends and family, visitation and a memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 22, at Brookwood Baptist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana, with visitation beginning at 3:00 p.m. and the service to follow at 4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Mark Sutton Ministries at marksuttonministries.org/content/view/partner.

By JIM BUTLER 

The Zoning Commission is asked to reclassify a tract in Alexandria’s fast-developing Versailles Boulevard corridor to allow townhomes construction. 

Triangle Med LLC, represented by Rod Noles, proposes building 47 townhomes on 4.103 acres fronting on Ansley Boulevard in the Lakes District. 

The property is currently designated C-2 General Business. The developers are asking that be changed to MF-3 Multi-family District. 

Commissioners will hear the matter, and from citizens for or against, on February 16 at 4 p.m. in the City Council meeting room.

A good surprise is always nice, and I learned something recently that took me by surprise.

Frank Brame Jr., Frank III’s father who died at age 73 in 1992, was a fine golfer in his day. I knew that. For years covering the Deep South Four Ball, I was reminded that he and Bill Furlow, who was in the sporting goods business in Alexandria, won the inaugural Four Ball in 1948.

What I was surprised to find out last week – and which Frank Brame Jr.’s  nephew, Jack Brame, didn’t find out until a day or two before – was another terrific feat Frank Brame Jr. and Bill Furlow accomplished a few weeks after their triumph at the inaugural Deep South Four Ball.

You can look it up. In a September 1948 Exchange Club sponsored exhibition match at the Alexandria Golf and Country Club, Brame and Furlow stunned legendary pro golfer Byron Nelson and AGCC club pro Morton Braswell. And it wasn’t even close. They won the 18-hole match-play competition by four holes, even with Nelson shooting a 4-under-par 68.

Understand, Byron Nelson compiled 52 PGA Tour wins in his career, including five majors – two Masters, two PGA Championships and one U.S. Open. At the time of this local match, he was just three years out from a record-breaking season in 1945 in which he had 18 victories, including an unprecedented 11 in a row.

Granted, he had retired as a full-time pro golfer at just age 37 after the 1946 season, but in 1947 he helped the U.S. win the Ryder Cup. Undoubtedly, it was impressive how Brame, a local stockbroker, and Furlow took down the heavy favorites. Brame and Furlow each shot 1-under, but the beauty of match play is it’s about winning more holes than your opponent rather than having the best score overall.

“It was Furlow’s drives and steady playing, and the approaches, drives and just about everything of Brame’s which had the center of attention,” a story in The Town Talk without a byline reported.

The story also reported that Nelson, before making his putt on the 18^th, said, “It looks like the local Four-Ball champs are still the champs.”

The locals were impressive from the start. They had Nelson and Braswell down three on the first five holes and were 5-up after nine.

The amateurs didn’t lose a hole until No. 11.

After the competition, Nelson reportedly complimented the condition of the course and said the entire club was one of the nicest he had ever seen for the city the size of Alexandria. He also complimented Brame and Furlow for the game they played.

Incidentally, exhibition matches of this sort happened more than once at Alexandria Golf and Country Club in that era. In 1950, Furlow and former LSU Southeastern Conference champ Henry Castillo took on PGA Tour stars Jimmy Demaret and Freddie Haas Jr., and lost by six holes.

Demaret, one of the top money winners in pro golf at the time, earlier that season became the first person to win three Masters titles (1940, ’47 and ’50). He had 31 PGA Tour wins during his career, and he and Jack Burke Jr. started the 36-hole Champions Club course in Houston in the late 1950s.

Haas’s part in the lopsided exhibition win in Alexandria in 1950 atoned somewhat for the Nelson-Braswell setback to Brame and Furlow in ’48. A bit ironic, too, since Haas, as an amateur, snapped Nelson’s streak of 11 consecutive PGA victories in 1945 at the Memphis Invitational. With that triumph, he decided to become a professional golfer. He went on to win five PGA Tour events and played a pivotal role in helping the U.S. win the 1953 Ryder Cup.

It’s too bad the big names of today’s PGA Tour don’t engage in such exhibition matches with local amateurs. Back then, though, there wasn’t the kind of chasm between amateurs and pros that exists today.

By Rich Dupree

How many times have you heard the marketing slogan “Shop Local”?  Just a few months ago on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and the day after Black Friday, we all were encouraged to shop locally on “Small Business Saturday”.

But do we really “Love the Locals” when it comes to our shopping carts? Even with the recent wintery mix of weather that shut down schools and businesses for a few days, it was locally owned businesses who suffered the most from being closed and from directives for us to stay off the roads.

The recent opening of Olive Garden also prompted some social media chatter about supporting Verona’s, a longtime locally owned Italian restaurant versus the new Italian kid on the block in Olive Garden. I would hope there are enough hungry mouths locally to support both – but more importantly, now having Olive Garden in Alexandria hopefully means you have one less reason to go “out of town” to eat and shop.

Loving the Locals and keeping that money circulating here in Central Louisiana is important for so many reasons.

1) Stimulates Local Economies: When you shop locally, more money stays right here in our community. For every $100.00 spent with a locally owned business, approximately $73.00 remains in the local economy. That compares to only $43.00 when spent at non-locally owned businesses. When you spend money at locally owned businesses, you also support local jobs and services – and in some cases, you are helping local suppliers who source products for our local businesses. 

2) Job Creation: Locally owned small businesses are also significant job creators. They account for 47.3% of the private workforce in the U.S. – and added another 1.8 million net new jobs in recent years. So, loving your local businesses contributes to job stability and growth in our community.

3) Tax Revenue: It may sound elementary, but local businesses are leading contributors to the local tax base, which funds essential services like public safety, roads and our local schools. A significant part of most Municipal budgets is attributed to the sales taxes you pay when you shop locally.

So “Loving the Locals” should be more than just a campaign the Chamber emphasizes or something you think about just during the holidays – especially for our locally owned small business owners, who are there for us year-round.

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF DEADLINES TO FILE CLAIMS

DIOCESE OF ALEXANDRIA – CHAPTER 11 BANKRUPTCY

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Roman Catholic Diocese of Alexandria (the “Diocese”) filed for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code on October 31, 2025, in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Louisiana.

By order of the Court, the following deadlines (the “Bar Dates”) have been established for filing claims against the Diocese:

• Governmental Unit Claims Bar Date: April 29, 2026

• General Claims Bar Date: June 8, 2026

• Sexual Abuse Survivor Claims Bar Date: June 8, 2026

Any person or entity that holds a claim against the Diocese that arose before October 31, 2025—including individuals alleging sexual abuse by clergy or other persons affiliated with the Diocese—must file a proof of claim by the applicable Bar Date or risk losing the right to receive any recovery.

Sexual Abuse Survivor Claims

Individuals who allege sexual abuse in connection with any parish, school, charitable institution, or other entity or activity associated with the Diocese are required to file a claim, regardless of when the alleged abuse occurred, whether the abuse was previously reported, or whether a lawsuit was previously filed.

The Bankruptcy Court has approved a confidential and sealed claim form for abuse survivors, and all information submitted using that form will be protected from public disclosure.

How to File a Claim

Claims may be filed:

• Electronically:
  https://cases.stretto.com/dioceseofalexandria

• By Mail or Delivery:
  Diocese of Alexandria Claims Processing
  c/o Stretto
  410 Exchange, Suite 100
  Irvine, CA 92602

Claims must be received by the Claims Agent by the applicable deadline. Mailing alone does not satisfy the requirement.

Claims cannot be filed by email or facsimile.

Additional Information

Claim forms, instructions, and additional information are available at
https://cases.stretto.com/dioceseofalexandria

Questions regarding the claims process may be directed to the Court-appointed Claims Agent, Stretto, toll-free at (855) 655-5795.

Important Notice

Failure to file a claim by the applicable Bar Date may result in the loss of any right to receive compensation from the Diocese through the bankruptcy process.

This notice is provided pursuant to an order entered by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Louisiana in In re: Diocese of Alexandria, Case No. 25-31257.

On Sunday, March 1 at 2 pm, the Jewish Temple will host a concert featuring the Afro-Semitic Experience, a musical group featuring David Chevan (upright bass) and Warren Byrd (keyboard and vocals).  David is from Connecticut and Warren will be traveling here from Amsterdam. The Afro-Semitic Experience blends African American and Jewish musical traditions into something soulful and joyful, while simultaneously genre-defying. Their partnership started with a simple idea: to bring together spirituals, gospel, and Jewish liturgical music and use a jazz lens to interpret and meld those traditions. The Temple brought them here for a concert 20 years ago and it was very well received.  We are delighted to be able to have them perform here again.

This concert is free and open to the community. A reception will follow the concert.  The concert will be held in the Temple sanctuary.  You can enter from the glass doors on Turner Street.  The concert is made possible by the Bindursky-Fuhrer Fund.

Community members gathered early on the morning of Jan. 31 for Pineville’s Annual March for Life, showing strong turnout despite cold weather conditions.

The event began at Louisiana Christian University, where Pineville Mayor Bishop welcomed participants before the march commenced. Residents, families, and students assembled on campus, demonstrating unity and support for the sanctity of life.

City officials expressed appreciation for those who participated, noting the community’s willingness to come together even in challenging weather. Organizers said the turnout reflected Pineville’s continued commitment to civic engagement and shared values.

The Annual March for Life is held each year to bring community members together in peaceful demonstration and reflection.

Louisiana Christian University congratulates three alumni who were recently recognized by the Rapides Parish School Board as administrators of the year for outstanding work at their schools and for the district.

Ben Arrington, principal of Tioga High School
Sheri Dardar, assistant principal of Tioga Junior High School
Jennifer Tyler, assistant principal of Alma Redwine Elementary School

“LCU is proud of these award-winning administrators who are dedicated educators in Rapides Parish. Our education undergraduate and graduate programs continue to produce students of exceptional quality,” said Vice-President of Academic Affairs Dr. Henry Robertson.

Arrington earned his Bachelor of Arts in Education from LCU in 1999 and has worked for Rapides Parish Schools for 27 years. He has been principal at Tioga High School for three years, following seven years as an assistant principal at the school.

Arrington said he was humbled and honored by his recognition and feels fortunate to have been taught by some great faculty members at LCU.

“I was fortunate to learn from outstanding professors such as Dr. Simpson, Dr. Jones, Dr. Hankins, and Dr. Howell—educators whose passion, depth of knowledge, and high expectations left a lasting impression on me,” he said. “They didn’t just teach history; they taught me how to think critically, ask better questions, and develop a lifelong love of learning. Beyond the classroom, my time at LCU helped shape my character and worldview. Being able to play baseball while pursuing my degree was a meaningful part of my experience, especially knowing my parents and grandparents were able to watch and share in that journey. I learned the value of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance—lessons that have stayed with me throughout my career in education and leadership. LCU provided me with both the academic foundation and personal experiences that continue to influence how I lead, teach, and serve others today.”

Arrington said his beloved alma mater played a significant role in shaping his worldview as well as the educator and leader he has become.

Tyler has also been with the RPSB for her entire 21-year career in education. The last three as assistant principal. She earned her master’s at LCU.

“I have had the opportunity to grow from a classroom teacher into a school leader, and each roll has strengthened my commitment to building strong relationships, supporting effective instruction, and helping both students and educators succeed,” she said.

Tyler said she is honored and grateful to have been recognized with this honor.

She said she chose to attend LCU because of its strong emphasis on leadership, reflective practice and real-world application.

Another appealing quality of the master’s program at LCU, Tyler said, was that it was taught by administrators. “This gave me valuable, real-world insight into the district I hoped to one day lead and serve,” she said. 

Jeff Powell, superintendent of Rapides Parish Schools, said the district is incredibly fortunate to have Arrington, Tyler and Dardar leading in RPSB.

“Their perseverance through challenges and strong knowledge of instructional methods and data-driven decision making have been instrumental in raising student achievement levels,” Powell said. “I commend LCU for building the skills these leaders need to navigate the full scope of school leadership—not just the administrative tasks, but the ability to focus on people. Their students and staff respect them, and these leaders consistently demonstrate genuine care. That combination of skill and heart differentiates them, and our schools and families are better for it.”

LCU provides both undergraduate and graduate degrees in education:

Bachelor of Arts in Education (with Elementary Concentration)
Bachelor of Arts in Education (with Content Concentration)

These are part of the 3 + 1 Graduate Certification Track for complete information visit
lcuniversity.edu/academics/undergraduate-education.

Master of Arts in Teaching
Master of Education in Educational Leadership
Master of Education with Special Education Concentration

For complete information, see lcuniversity.edu/academics/graduate-education.

Also, candidates can earn teaching certification in just one year. This 100% online program is the most teacher-friendly program in the state and among the oldest in Central Louisiana. It is embedded in the 3+1 undergraduate certification track, and all credit hours can be applied toward LCU’s MAT degree.

The TEACH program offers certifications for:
Early Childhood
Elementary Education
Middle School Education
Secondary Education
Special Education

For more information about the TEACH program, visit cuniversity.edu/academics/graduate-programs/teach-program or contact Dean of Education Victory Lemons at 318 487-7179 for more information about LCU education programs.

Local authorities are warning residents about a scam involving a so-called “target letter” that has recently been reported in Rapides Parish.

According to officials, multiple citizens have reported receiving letters claiming they were identified as potential witnesses in a federal investigation allegedly being conducted in the Eastern District of New York. The letters cite numerous federal crimes and statutes and accuse recipients of directly or indirectly purchasing counterfeit pharmaceutical or chemical products through the internet. The correspondence then urges recipients to contact an investigator by email or phone.

Law enforcement officials have confirmed the letter is fraudulent. After contacting the Drug Enforcement Administration field office in Salt Lake City, authorities were advised that the letter did not originate from the DEA and is a scam.

Officials said the purpose of the letter is to intimidate recipients and pressure them into making contact, often leading to demands for money. Residents are advised not to respond to the letter, not to call the phone number listed, and not to email the address provided.

Authorities also cautioned against emailing unknown addresses, noting that scammers may attempt to gain access to personal email accounts and contact lists.

Residents who receive similar correspondence are encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious letters or communications to local law enforcement.

J.D. was born in 1924 near Annona, Texas.  He was the eldest of seven children.  His father, Edgar, named him J.D. after the character in a book.  The initials stood for nothing.  According to his family, J.D. was “a prankster, and a cutup, and a ham.  He always loved being with folks who he could cutup with; people who understood his humor, and all his inside jokes.”  When he was about 15 years old, J.D. quit school to help his father run the family farm.  When the United States entered World War II, J.D. wanted to do his part, but he felt his duty was to help his father provide for the family.  From 1941 until July 1944, J.D.’s family could tell that his decision was bothering him.  J.D.’s sister Joyce remembered that J.D. had “been acting like he had something on his mind and he was real edgy, which wasn’t like him because he was a pretty carefree, happy-go-lucky kind of guy.”  Later that day, July 21, 1944, J.D. enlisted in the Army where he became a paratrooper.  J.D. spent months in heavy combat.  In January 1945, he was injured while fighting in the Rhine Valley, the final major barrier between the Allies and Germany.  When he learned he was to be awarded the Purple Heart, he refused it.  The Army ultimately awarded him the Bronze Star for his combat duty. 

Following the war, J.D. returned to farming alongside his father.  In December 1946, J.D. married his high school sweetheart and moved to Dallas for better employment opportunities, along with other creature comforts such as electricity and indoor plumbing.  J.D. worked at the Dearborn Stove Company followed by Sears, Roebuck & Company.  After getting laid off from Sears and a failed stint at farming, J.D. decided to become a police officer.  In June 1952, he joined the Dallas Police Department where he was assigned to the Oak Cliff area of Dallas. 

J.D. had several notable incidents while a police officer.  On April 28, 1956, J.D. and his partner Daniel Smith responded to a call in which a man was threatening to kill his wife with an ice pick.  J.D. and Daniel arrived and confronted the man.  While trying to subdue the man, Daniel was stabbed in the shoulder and J.D. in the stomach and right kneecap.  Despite their injuries, they arrested the man and received treatment at a nearby hospital.  Five months later, on September 2, 1956, J.D. and officer Dale Hankins stopped at a bar called Club 80 for a routine check.  While there, J.D. recognized a man from a wanted poster and asked him to step outside.  The man stood, pulled a pistol, pointed it at J.D.’s face, and pulled the trigger.  Snap!  J.D. and Dale pulled their pistols, fired multiple shots, and killed the man.  Luckily for J.D., the man had failed to take his pistol off safety.  J.D. received the Meritorious Award and a commendation for his “outstanding judgment and quick thinking.”

Seven years later, J.D. was on patrol in the Oak Cliff area when a police dispatcher provided the details of a shooting suspect.  At about 1:15 p.m., J.D. saw someone who fit the provided description near East 10^th and North Patton streets.  Based on eyewitness accounts, J.D. spoke to the suspect through his passenger side window briefly and exited his car.  The suspect pulled a pistol, shot J.D. four times, and fled the scene.  A passerby used J.D.’s own police radio to call for help, but there was nothing anyone could do.  After 11 years as a police officer, J.D. Tippit’s final shift ended at that intersection where a memorial plaque now stands, but it led to the arrest of the man who killed him, the same man who, just 45 minutes earlier, had killed President John F. Kennedy.

Source: “J.D. Tippit, Brother, Husband, Father, Friend,” JDTippit.com, accessed January 18, 2026, https://www.jdtippit.com/happen_nov.htm.              

Funeral services for Mrs. Nellie Evonne Smiley King will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Lake Cove Baptist Church, with Reverend Ervin Goodman officiating. Interment will follow in McCormick Cemetery, Turkey Creek, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Oakdale.

Mrs. King, 64, of Glenmora, entered eternal rest on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Rapides Regional Medical Center, Alexandria, LA.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. She was a devoted homemaker and a Baptist by faith. She cherished every moment spent with her family, especially her grandchildren who were her pride and joy. Her favorite holiday was Christmas where she loved being elf, “Nona Sparkles” for her grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Oria Smiley; two brothers, Edmond Dale Thomas Smiley, Sr. and Arthur Thomas Smiley; and one sister, Karen Clark.

Those left to mourn her loss and cherish her memory include her loving husband of forty-four years, Charles Glenn King of Glenmora; four daughters, Kayla King (John) of Glenmora, Lisa King (Josh) of LeCompte, Sara King of Glenmora, and Ashley King (Joe) of Glenmora; one sister, Arlene Hatfield (Elton) of West Monroe; eleven grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A time of visitation will be held at Lake Cove Baptist Church on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Visitation will resume at the church on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. until time of service.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are: Joe Coker, Josh Hawkins, John Turner, Owen Coker, Jaden Guillory, and Edmond Dale Thomas Smiley, Jr.

Funeral services for Mrs. Doris Parker Deville will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, with Reverends Joey Rudisill and Stephen Richardson officiating. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Lone Pine Cemetery, Bentley, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

Mrs. Deville, 84, of Boyce, passed away peacefully in Alexandria on Sunday, February 1, 2026. She was a life-long resident of the Central Louisiana area.

Doris was born on July 16, 1941. She was a devoted wife, mother to seven daughters, sister, grandmother, and friend whose life was defined by her love for family, her caring heart, and her enduring strength and “fixing” skills (her email was “mrsfixit@”). Those who knew her will remember her warmth, resilience, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. Doris was a faithful member of Wilda Baptist Church.

Doris leaves behind a legacy of love, family, cherished memories, sewing, and cooking that will be carried forward by those who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Barto and Lessie Mae Parker; her husbands, Ansley Guynes, John Riley, and Clyde Nichols; nine brothers and sisters; her grandson, Brent; her great-grandchildren, Madeline, Annette, Elliott, and Bradley; and her son-in-law, Roger D. Simmons.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Jack Deville; her children, Wanda Campo (Jerry), Judy Brimer (Sam), Vicki Amaro (Robert), Anita Grimes (Floyd), Tammy Guynes, Lori Simmons (Roger, deceased), and Shawna Butler; fifteen grandchildren; thirty-six great grandchildren; and five great-great grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense joy and for whom she never missed a chance to talk to or gather with and also to regale others with their accomplishments at every opportunity. She is also survived by her two sisters, Estelle Burke and Pat Templeton, both of Houston, Texas.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are: Scott Bynog, Bravid Bynog, Alan Chandler, James Marshall, Christian Collister, and Aaron Butler.

By JIM BUTLER 

Notice of intention to seek a permit to operate a landfill on Williams Lake Road raises questions. 

Revolution Aluminum Propco announced its plans in legal advertising last week. 

The Rapides Parish Journal’s report of that on Friday raises more questions than it provides answers. 

Propco formed in the wake of Revolution Aluminum’s forced bankruptcy a decade ago after financial finagling in a venture to create an industrial park at the former International Paper site on Williams Lake Road. 

After the bankruptcy was resolved and discharged, the late Thomas Tucker in April 2O24 paid $5 million for the 1,500 acres in play. 

According to records, four landfills were on the property. DEQ records note Revolution in 2023 initially requested a permit to reopen a site. 

Whether that was for the purpose of consolidating the operations, then closing the one, as records seem to indicate, isn’t clear. 

After the filing Beaver Lake Renewables or Environmental Resource Management asked to communicate with DEQ on behalf of Revolution. 

Two years later (July 2025) DEQ sent the petitioners a notice of deficiency concerning the renewal application. 

According to information provided through State Rep. Mike Johnson, who inquired of DEQ after the story publication last Thursday, a third extension on responding to that notice was given Revolution on January 30 (last Friday). 

Whether the notice posted last week refers to the previously filed paperwork or refers to intentions to file anew awaits clarification.

Bezashalom Logistics LLC, headquartered in Alexandria, LA, is seeking a full-time Senior Multi-Country Transportation & Fleet Optimization Driver to operate commercial tractor-trailer vehicles to transport freight on local, regional, and interstate routes originating from Louisiana. Duties include:

• Execute international and interstate transportation of goods with a focus on wave time optimization, RGU (Resource Grid Utilization) prioritization, and stem time implementation. 

• Use advanced fleet analytics platforms (e.g., Geotab, Samsara) to manage routing, performance metrics, and daily logistics. 

• Ensure full compliance with DOT and international regulations. 

• Collaborate on fleet strategy, maintenance scheduling, and scale planning. 

• Maintain delivery logs and performance reports.
  
  

Minimum Requirements: 

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Logistics, Transportation, or related field with a focus on fleet operations, and 24 months of experience in the offered position or in a closely related occupation.

This position further requires: 

1. Experience using fleet management systems such as Geotab or Samsara 

2. Expert Fluency in English language 

3. Must pass DOT physical and drug/alcohol screenings
   
   

Work Location: Boyce, Louisiana.

Work Schedule:  Full-time. Schedule may vary and may include nights, weekends, and holidays based on operational needs.

Wage: $55,224.00 per year. 

How to Apply:

Interested applicants may submit a resume to:
Bezashalom Logistics LLC: Email: Bezashalom@outlook.com.

Members of the Pineville Lions Club and Alexandria Lions Club recently partnered on a service project benefiting children receiving care at St. Jude Children’s Cancer Center in Shreveport, highlighting inter-club collaboration and youth involvement in community service.

The project included the donation of 24 handmade hats crocheted by Pineville Lions Club member JoAnn Eznack. The hats, described as a labor of love, were created specifically for children undergoing cancer treatment and will be delivered to St. Jude as part of the Alexandria Lions Cub Club’s February service initiative.

The Alexandria Lions Cub Club, a complimentary program open to children ages 4 to 12, focuses on teaching leadership skills, building confidence, and introducing young participants to the value of volunteering and community service. Through the Cub Club, children are encouraged to develop and lead their own service projects while working alongside adult Lions members.

Officials noted that the joint effort reflects the strength of collaboration within Lions Clubs across Rapides Parish, emphasizing a shared mission of service and support for those in need. Members from both clubs expressed appreciation for the opportunity to work together on the St. Jude project and for the role youth involvement plays in sustaining a culture of service.

The Lions Clubs’ long-standing motto, “Where there is a need, there is a Lion,” was reflected throughout the initiative, underscoring the commitment of members across the parish to serve their communities through compassion, teamwork, and hands-on support.