The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, Louisiana State Police, and former co-workers of Retired Louisiana State Police Master Trooper James G. Ryder, who passed away on Feb. 16.

Trooper Ryder, known as E-28, proudly served the citizens of Louisiana with honor, integrity, and professionalism throughout his distinguished career.

While assigned to this area, for over 20-years, he worked alongside and was always there to assist and support Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, no matter the circumstance or call for service. He even allowed some of the deputies to ride with him to train them in traffic law enforcement. His steady presence, experience, and willingness to help exemplified the true meaning of teamwork in law enforcement.

He earned the respect of parish residents and made many lasting friendships while serving in Natchitoches Parish. Many times, you could see him networking with deputies at the NPSO South Sub-Station. Trooper Ryder’s dedication to public safety, his commitment to his fellow officers, and his compassion for the community will not be forgotten.

We are grateful for his years of service and the positive impact he made on our agency and our parish. Please keep his family, friends, and the men and women of the Louisiana State Police in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Thank You E-28 Trooper James Ryder. We salute you for your dedicated service to the Citizens of the State of Louisiana.

James Gordon Ryder Obituary

Funeral services for James Gordon Ryder will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 19, 2026, in the Chapel of Hixson Brothers, Alexandria, with Reverend Dwayne Davis and Reverend Benji Rhame officiating. Entombment will be in Greenwood Memorial Park.

The family requests that visitation be held at Hixson Brothers, Alexandria, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

James was born on July 7, 1947, and peacefully departed this life on February 16, 2026, at the age of 78.
James graduated from Boyce High School in 1965 and attended Louisiana College. He began his career with the Alexandria Police Department. James left APD to become the Acting Chief of Police in Boyce, where he was elected to serve two terms. During James’ second term as Police Chief, he pursued his dream of becoming a Louisiana State Trooper with Troop E. He dedicated twenty-six years of service to the Louisiana State Police and the citizens of Louisiana, serving many of those years in Natchitoches Parish, where he made lifelong friends. He retired on September 21, 2001, at the rank of Master Trooper.

Following his retirement from the Louisiana State Police, he worked for the U. S. Marshal Service within the JPATS Division. James then began employment as a School Resource Officer at the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office. Upon his final retirement from RPSO, James spent time enjoying beekeeping, hunting, and fishing, as well as woodworking, serving as President of the Red River Arts Guild. He also attended Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Pollock, Louisiana, and enjoyed spending time with his fellow Parkinson Group at B-22 in Dry Prong, Louisiana. James loved his horses and his dogs, but his favorite was his Pomeranian, “Princess”.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Edna Ford Ryder; brothers, Thomas Ryder, Harold Ryder (Rita), CC “Sonny” Ryder (Betty), Richard Ryder (Margaret); and sisters, Suzian Teske and Jewel Dean Miller (Marlin). He was also preceded by his dearest and closest friends, E.C. Spurgeon and Grundy James.

Surviving James are his beloved wife of 59 years, Gwen Davis Ryder; his sons, Keith (Misty), and Chris (Kim). James was a proud grandfather to Kassady (Ryan), Kessler (Hailey), Chelsea, and Matthew, and a most proud great-grandfather to Jesse James Ryder. He is also survived by his sister, Linda Thomas (Roland), and his brother, Bill Ryder (Shirley).

Pallbearers will be Kessler Ryder, Matthew Ryder, Brandon Thomas, Cole Ryder, Cody Ryder, and Jesse Davis. Honorary pallbearers will be Joel Davis, Bryan Ryder, Jeff Scallan, Derek Ray, and Ryan Culhane.

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By JIM BUTLER

Once, twice, three times and the lady is done.

It’s official – Pineville City Council member Christy Frederic is completing her third, and final, term.

In a chance courthouse chat Friday, closing day for candidate qualifying for the May 16 primary, Frederic said she felt it time for someone else to represent District 3 and for her to do other things.

Long-time District 5 incumbent Nathan Martin announced his retirement decision earlier.

Four of the five Council seats are being contested, as is the mayor’s post.

A combination of resignations and retirements results in voters having an opportunity to affirm or reject three interim opponents.

Only Kevin Dorn, District 2, is without a challenger.

The lineup:

Mayor – Joe Bishop, incumbent, interim appointment; Chris Camp; Rusty Murdock, (all registered Republican);

District 1 – Randy O’Neal, incumbent, interim appointment, No Party; Greg Aaron, Democrat ; Dann Eudy Jr., NP;

District 3 – Peter Ford, R; Hugh Halle, NP;

District 4 – John Marcase, interim appointment, R; Celeste Mobley, NP;

District 5 – Mark Mertens, R; Tom Murphy, R; Samantha Stanley, NP.

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Ida Wells Road in Ward 11, District C will be closed to through traffic beginning Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, due to culvert replacement.

The closure will be in effect daily from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. while work is underway.

The notice was issued by the Rapides Parish Police Jury. Motorists are advised to plan alternate routes during the scheduled work hours.

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The Alexandria Lions Club announced that members Rachel Hazelton and Susan Porterfield Ballard recently graduated from the Regional Lions Leadership Institute.

The institute brought together Lions from across MD8 for leadership development and training. Club officials said the two members enjoyed connecting with fellow Lions while strengthening skills to better serve their community.

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announces a $2 million project to provide a number of gateway enhancements along LA 498 just south of I-49 near the Alexandria International Airport in Rapides Parish.

Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, Feb. 16 at approximately 7 a.m., and includes clearing and grubbing, grading, drainage structure installation, asphalt concrete paving, concrete sidewalks and driveways, safety rails, landscaping, and related work.

Alternating lane closures on LA 498 between England Drive and LA 1 will be necessary to allow construction to progress safely and efficiently. Motorists should drive with extreme caution through the work zone, paying attention to advance warning signage and posted speed limits.

All work is anticipated to be completed by Summer 2026, with progress dependent on weather conditions and other factors that can impact construction timelines.

The contract was awarded to Progressive Construction Co., LLC.

Permit/Detour section
There are no detour’s associated with this project.

Safety Reminder
All construction activity is weather-dependent and may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. DOTD appreciates the motoring public’s patience and reminds drivers to please exercise caution when traveling through work zone areas and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.

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

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) advises the public that on Monday, Feb. 16 at approximately 7 a.m., emergency bridge repairs will begin on the portion of I-49 northbound over the Diversion Canal near mile marker 62 in Rapides Parish. This bridge was struck by an 18-wheeler in December 2025.

In conjunction with these repairs and the current northbound left lane closure, the southbound left lane of I-49 at this location will have intermittent lane closures for the duration of this project.

This emergency repair project consists of pile replacement and related work.

This contract was awarded to C.E.C., Inc. in the estimated amount of $587,000.

Permit/Detour section
There are no detours at this time associated with these lane closures.

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

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

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Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

Feb. 15

Lauren Hunnictt, 20, Anacoco – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, following too close, open container, $1,300 bail;

Denzel J. Washington, 32, Glenmora – simple assault, false imprisonment, $1,000 bail.

Feb. 14

Kurt Anthony Bouie Jr., 35, Alexandria – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, open container, $1,200 bail;

Gina Lynn Brouillette, 54, Covington – possession of CDS, aggravated assault with a motor vehicle on peace officer, reckless operation of a vehicle, aggravated obstruction of highway, possession of paraphernalia, two counts possession of CDS, OWI first offense, flight from an officer, $6,500 bail;

Armando Rubio Carreon, 24, Forest Hill – OWI first offense, no driver’s license, open container, headlamps required on motor vehicles, two counts contempt of court, $51,300 bail;

Darnell Edward Crowe, 34, Alexandria – criminal trespass, two counts simple battery, simple assault, parole violations, contempt of court, $101,750 bail;

Teaija Alaya Marie Dotson, 22, Alexandria – OWI first offense, no head light, $1,100 bail;

Elijah Aaron Dunbar, 24, Alexandria – theft of a firearm, simple battery, $500 bail;

Joemarko Daniel James, 40, Alexandria – aggravated assault with a firearm, flight from an officer, $20,000 bail;

Christopher Ray Johnson, 26, Alexandria – five counts simple burglary, contempt of court, $5,000 bail;

Garret Joseph Lofton, 24, Deville – OWI first offense, speeding, $1,100 bail;

Logan Painter, 28, Dry Prong – OWI second offense, speeding, $1,600 bail;

Eric James Parker Jr., 30, Alexandria – four counts contempt of court, $100,000 bail;

Willie Ray Sanders Jr., 30, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, resisting an officer, switch MVI, no driver’s license, canceled plate violation, possession of paraphernalia, $1,800 bail;

Roberto Soto, 43, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, simple assault, $1,750 bail.

Feb. 13

Charles Rainey Augustus, 27, Alexandria – five counts simple battery, criminal damage to property, three counts possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, resisting an officer, $166,000 bail;

Troy Cummings, 50, Pineville – theft (second or subsequent conviction), two counts contempt of court, $55,000 bail;

Nathan Kirkwood, 44, Glenmora – possession of CDS, possession of fentanyl, resisting an officer, probation violation, illegal carry firearm with drugs, possession of a firearm by convicted felon, $21,500 bail;

Edward Ray Rayner Sr., 27, Pineville – possession of CDS, parole violations, $1,500 bail;

Adeana D. Reeves, 45, N/A – simple burglary, two counts contempt of court, $20,000 bail;

Georgette Robertson, 63, Alexandria – OWI second offense, two counts resisting an officer, remaining on premises, $2,750 bail;

Caleb Vanantwerpen, 16, Pineville – first degree rape, $1 million bail.

Feb. 12

Roosevelt Adams Jr., 64, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, illegal carry firearm with drugs, possession of firearm by convicted felon, driving under suspension, improper lane usage, $17,200 bail;

Byron Jason Allen, 43, Cheneyville – possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, obstructing public passages, $2,500 bail;

Van Brown, 27, Robeline – two counts simple assault, domestic abuse battery, violation of protective order, false imprisonment, $4,750 bail;

Shania Tranija County, 22, Pineville – producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, producing manufacturing distributing CDS, attempt or conspire to distribute CDS, taking contraband to and from penal institution, two counts contempt of court, $100,000 bail;

Tyrhonda Coutee, 41, Alexandria – nine counts contempt of court, $86,000 bail;

Lilli Alexis Kittinger, 30, Pineville – theft, $5,000 bail;

Raymond Paul Piazza, 47, Mansura – possession of drug paraphernalia, turn signals required, four counts contempt of court, $20,600 bail;

Daniel Aubrey Rister Sr., 33, Mora – simple burglary, resisting an officer, probation violation, $10,500 bail;

Michael Roy Short, 58, Ball – OWI fourth offense, no head light, open container, $50,200 bail;

James Daren Treadwell, 21, Pineville – possession of stolen vehicle, two counts aggravated obstruction of highway, flight from an officer, reckless operation of vehicle, criminal conspiracy, two counts no driver’s license, resisting an officer, running a red light, two counts criminal damage to property, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, Louisiana fugitive, flight from an officer, illegal possession of stolen things, parole violations, $75,100 bail.

Feb. 11

Heather Nicole Ashley, 41, Alexandria – OWI with child endangerment, simple obstruction of highway, possession of CDS, $3,500 bail;

Mortorean LeFrank Bell, 34, Alexandria – unlawful use of social networking site, probation violation, $10,000 bail;

Timothy Demetrius Kennedy, 57, Alexandria – three counts possession of CDS, theft, criminal conspiracy, $55,000 bail;

Teres Trenise Mason, 52, Alexandria – Louisiana fugitive, possession of CDS, $1,500 bail;

Rhonda Blackburn Myers, 55, Lena – aggravated battery, $5,000 bail;

Amy Vidrine Parker, 50, Glenmora – issuing worthless checks, $3,000 bail;

Terricke Jerome Payne, 46, Alexandria – three counts theft, criminal conspiracy, contempt of court, probation violation, $110,000 bail.

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Funeral services for Miss Becky Rose Butter LaPrairie will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Oakdale. Interment will follow in Butter Cemetery, Forest Hill, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Oakdale.

Miss LaPrairie, 66, of Glenmora, entered eternal rest on Friday, February 13, 2026.

Her family was her greatest joy. She loved music and singing in competitions, sharing her beautiful voice with others. She adored her dogs and always kept God first in her life. She was well-known for her beautiful, award-winning poems and for the several cookbooks she lovingly wrote and shared. When she was able, she enjoyed dancing and celebrating life’s happy moments. She also had a special love for roses, which reflected her grace, beauty, and gentle spirit. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by one son, Richard “Bubba” Rosier; one daughter, Angie Rose Rosier; her parents, Ira Butter, Jr. and Elizabeth Ann Butter; one brother, Joseph Butter, Sr.; and one sister, Donna J. Butter-Dane.

Those left to mourn her loss and cherish her memory include one son, Kevin Bass, Jr. (Angela); two granddaughters, Sarah Bass and Adyson Bass; one great granddaughter, Everleigh Bass; one brother, Arthur Butter (Kayla); one sister, Velda Long (Glen); one niece, Shyanna Bordelon; and her long-time companion, Larry Deville.

A time of visitation will be held at Rush Funeral Home, Oakdale, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Visitation will resume in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Oakdale, on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until time of service.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are: A.J. Butter, Shane Butter, Justin Butter, Joe Butter, Jr., Larry Deville, and Joseph Gros.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Rush Funeral Home, to help cover funeral expenses.

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By JIM BUTLER 

From apartments to artwork,  chapel to canteen, Belle Grande seems as much a community as nursing and rehabilitation center. 

The 139-bed facility on Versailles Boulevard opened its doors for public tour Thursday and, to put it mildly, wowed its visitors. 

Situated on 15 acres dressed with pond, fountains and fauna, the Central Management Co. structure seemingly sets a new regional bar for such enterprises. 

Central COO Jamie Shelton said it culminates more than 30 years of planning by one of the state’s largest owners/operators of long-term care facilities. 

Ted Price Jr., president , CEO and owner of Central, was beaming as the crowd and well-wishers swelled Thursday, likely thinking about how far the industry has come since his late father and others made Rapides/Central Louisiana the heart of the state nursing home industry 50 or so years ago. 

Residents and staff at Central’s Naomi Heights home on East Texas Avenue will move to Belle Grande. 

The conversion process will take some time, meanwhile a waiting list grows, Shelton noted. 

Belle Grande will offer a warm and friendly atmosphere and a tradition of quality care begun long ago by F. C. & Annie Mae Matthews, and a tradition based on the belief that what counts most in a long-term care facility is resident care. 

The facility has all private rooms, several private apartments and a Renaissance Rehabilitation Wing that offers private suites with kitchenettes. 

Other amenities include Naomi’s Chapel, complete with stained glass windows, the “Bombshells” Beauty Salon, “The Greatest” Movie Theater, Arts and Crafts Center and a variety of planned activities and social events. 

Residents will also enjoy beautifully decorated atriums and day rooms, with original art created by New Orleans artist Becky Fos found throughout the building; as well as landscaped courtyards with a gazebo, fountains and elevated gardens – along with a large pavilion just inside the property’s entrance where resident families can enjoy a scenic pond view. 

Belle Grande offers a complete “rehab to home” program with inpatient and outpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy as well as skilled nursing care, an in-house nurse practitioner and state-of-the-art medical care for all residents.

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By Rich Dupree

The groundhog may have seen his shadow last week and the Super Bowl will be remembered more for a Bad Bunny than a victorious Seahawk – but hope springs eternal again as America’s Favorite Pastime is BACK!!

Major League Baseball pitchers and catchers report this week – and I for one can’t wait for Opening Day! No matter what major league team you follow, baseball is the ultimate team sport – and young and old alike long for the crack of the bat and to buy some peanuts and cracker jacks.

The LSU Tigers, the defending NCAA World Series Champions, open defense of their title today in Baton Rouge. With two championships in their last three seasons, baseball has been just what Tiger fans have needed to survive the football and basketball blues,

Louisiana Christian University hit the diamond on January 22^nd and are already 10-2 on the young season in what is the 26^th year at the helm for the ageless legend Mike Byrnes, who has over 550 career wins, most in program history.  The Wildcats are home today and tomorrow for Valentine’s weekend – and if diamonds are a girl’s best friend, take her to a big one at Allgood Field.

Locally, Louisiana State University of Alexandria baseball team is also back home this Valentine’s weekend playing 5 games against 4 opponents in a round robin affair that is good pre-conference warm up for all involved. The Generals are putting up double digit runs through their first 12 games and look to be a force again when Red River Athletic Conference play begins in a couple of weeks.

High School Baseball and Softball is also underway locally with jamborees – and youth league signup and tryouts are also taking place. There’s just something about baseball that is good for the soul of everyone who plays and watches.

When you think about it, baseball has pulled America through some of its hardest times. From the end of World Wars, to 9/11, to the most recent challenges of the COVID pandemic, the one thing I remember bringing America back together was the therapeutic game of baseball.

Baseball is not just a sport; it is a cultural gift that keeps on giving to generations past, present and future. So, root, root, root for the home team. If they don’t win, it’s a shame. For it’s one, two, three strikes, you’re out…at the old ball game.

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Catholic churches across Rapides Parish will begin operating under a new structure July 1, 2026, as the Roman Catholic Diocese of Alexandria implements its “Together as One Church” pastoral plan.

In a Dec. 3 letter to parishioners, Robert W. Marshall Jr. announced the completion of the nearly two-year planning process. The first visible step will come June 1, 2026, when new clergy assignments are announced. From that point, pastors will have up to one year to carry out the required adjustments in their parishes.

For many congregations in Rapides Parish, the changes will mean new leadership structures, possible Mass schedule adjustments and, in some cases, the closing of long-standing chapels or missions.

What is changing in Rapides Parish

According to diocesan documents, the following locations in the parish are scheduled to close within one year of implementation:

• St. Cyril Chapel in Flatwoods

• St. Jude Mission in Sieper

• St. Winifred Chapel in Effie

One community will see an elevation in status: Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission in Forest Hill will become a canonical Parish with a resident pastor. Additionally, St. Edward Church in Fishville will begin the process of becoming a canonical parish and will initially operate in a shared pastorate with St. Mary in Jena.

Several churches will remain open but will share pastors or operate as missions:

• St. Margaret Church (Boyce) and St. Rita Church (Alexandria) will operate in a shared pastorate.

• St. Martin Church (Lecompte) and St. Joseph Church (Cheneyville) will operate in a shared pastorate.

• St. John the Baptist Church in Deville will serve the Mission of St. John the Baptist in Moncla.

• St. Louis Church in Glenmora will serve the Mission of St. Peter in Elmer.

• St. Joseph Church in Colfax will serve the St. Patrick Mission in Montgomery.

A number of larger parishes will continue with a resident pastor, though some are contingent on clergy availability:

• Alexandria: Our Lady of Prompt Succor, St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, and St. Juliana Church.

• Tioga: Immaculate Heart of Mary Church (as long as sufficient priests are available).

• Pineville: Sacred Heart of Jesus Church (as long as sufficient priests are available).

• Alexandria: St. Frances Cabrini Church and St. James Memorial Church (as long as sufficient priests are available).

• Woodworth: Mary, Mother of Jesus Church.

• Kolin: Sts. Francis and Anne Church (as long as sufficient priests are available).

What “closing,” “amalgamating,” and “suppressing” mean

Diocesan leaders emphasized that these terms have specific meanings in church law but may feel very personal to parishioners.

• A closure means the church building will no longer be used regularly for Mass or parish activities. The final decision about what happens to the building — whether it becomes a chapel used occasionally, is sold, repurposed, or demolished — will be made following church procedures.

• Suppression means a parish’s legal identity within the Church is extinguished. The parish no longer exists as its own entity, and its territory becomes part of another parish.

• Amalgamation is a merger. One parish remains active while another is suppressed and folded into it. Assets, debts, and sacramental records transfer to the receiving parish.

Diocesan officials stressed that baptisms, marriages, confirmations, and other sacraments remain fully valid. Parish records will be transferred to the designated parish and remain accessible for certified copies and genealogical requests.

What a shared pastor means

In shared pastorates, one priest or pastoral team oversees more than one parish. Each parish keeps its own finance and pastoral councils, bank accounts, and sacramental records. However, Mass schedules may be coordinated so the priest can travel between churches.

Priest salaries, benefits, and living expenses are shared among the participating parishes, and the pastor typically resides at one rectory. For parishioners, this could mean changes in Mass times or combined ministries such as religious education and adult faith formation.

Why the changes are happening

The diocese cited several factors behind the restructuring, including declining population and Mass attendance in some areas, a shortage of priests, financial challenges, and the cost of maintaining multiple facilities within small geographic areas.

Bishop Marshall acknowledged that the changes may be difficult, especially where churches serve as community gathering spaces. The goal of the plan is to strengthen parish life, ensure long-term sustainability, and maintain vibrant sacramental care.

As July 1 approaches, parishioners can expect continued communication from pastors regarding specific timelines and local details.

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Rapides Parish School Board officials confirmed that a vehicle struck the front fencing of Bolton Academy at the intersection of Vance Avenue and Rensselaer Street. Emergency personnel responded immediately and are currently on scene.

The incident was contained to the front corner of the campus and did not affect ongoing activities. All students and fans attending basketball games at the time are reported safe.

The school board expressed appreciation for the swift response of emergency personnel and stated that updates will be provided as they become available.

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The Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for Catholic Charities of Central Louisiana during the grand opening of their new social entrepreneurship project, Second Blessings Thrift Store.

Second Blessings Thrift Store will be open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations are accepted on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon, or donors can place items in the covered plastic deck boxes located to the right of the store.

Location:
Second Blessings Thrift Store
4409 A Coliseum Blvd.
Alexandria, Louisiana

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Louisiana Christian University Assistant Professor of Art Hanna Fulton unveiled her artpiece Thursday, February 12 at a ceremony in Natchitoches’ Susan Harling Robinson Memorial Park. The artwork is the third of a series of five sculptures depicting flowers associated with the city, its culture, and history.

The sculpture unveiled today is of a Magnolia and is a tribute to the iconic Natchitoches movie “Steel Magnolias” and its protagonist Susan Harling Robinson. The piece is a collaboration between NSU Associate Professor of Art Corbin Covher and 2016 NSU alumna and Louisiana Christian University Asst Professor of Art Hannah Fulton who was chosen from a group of local artists to paint and complete the steel magnolia sculpture.

Professor Fulton stated that she drew inspiration for her painting of the sculpture from the stained glass windows of the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. That inspiration can be seen in the artwork’s colorful pieces separated by borders as in a stained glass window. The result is a welcome addition to the city’s charm.

Professor Covher said of the project: “I want to help create a set of sculptures that tell the story of our city better than what one type of flower could say. The sculptures will all belong to the series, but instead of one repetitive sculpture, each flower will be one of a kind and add to the narrative of Natchitoches.

The Natchitoches in Bloom public art project was created by the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission and the Cane River National Heritage Area. 

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The Louisiana Christian University baseball team picked up its fifth win over a team that at least received votes in the NAIA Preseason Top 25 to start the 2026 season, this time knocking off No. 15 Arizona Christian 7-1 Thursday evening at Billy Allgood Field.

Last weekend, LCU prevailed 5-3 over 25^th-ranked Central Methodist and notched a dominant 7-1 win over Science and Arts of Oklahoma, a team receiving Top 25 votes.

Thursday, Louisiana Christian (11-2) took a 3-0 second-inning lead and Braden McLin’s three-run home run in the sixth inning pushed LCU up 6-1. He was 2-for-5 at the plate after slugging his third homer this spring.

Six Wildcat pitchers, nobody throwing more than two innings, scattered five hits and struck out 11 Firestorm batters.

The Wildcats look to extend their fast start this weekend when they host the Texas Roadhouse Red River Classic at Billy Allgood Field. The first game of the Classic will be at 11 a.m. today against the Midland Warriors (0-4).

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Private Graveside services for Mrs. Rose Ellen Jones Franklin will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Restland Memorial Gardens, Pollock, with Reverend Anthony Mangun officiating, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

Rose, 89, was raised in Trout, Louisiana. She was the only girl and the middle child, a role she filled with grit, determination, and a spark of spitfire that stayed with her throughout her life. Though small in stature, she was mighty in force.

At just sixteen years old, Rose married Richard, beginning a partnership rooted in commitment and love. Together, they built a beautiful life together centered on faith and family.

Rose devoted her life to caring for and serving others. During her career, she worked in education as a special needs teacher’s aide, diligently with heart and patience. She carried that same dedication into her faith, remaining deeply loyal to her church family through service. For years, she faithfully taught Sunday school, cooked for hundreds of ministers, and served in many other capacities at The Pentecostals of Alexandria.

Her hospitality was an extension of her faith, and many were nourished not only by her meals, but by her kindness and generosity. Her home was often referred to as a “revolving door” because she had company in and out on a daily basis.

Rose treasured her mall walks and coffee gatherings with friends, and she had a special talent for ceramics, creating pieces that will be cherished for years to come.

Selfless to the core, Rose loved with her whole heart, always placing the needs of others before her own. Family was her greatest joy, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she affectionately called her “grands and greats.” They were her pride, her joy, and the light of her life.

She was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-seven years, Richard Franklin; her parents, Albert and Ethel Jones; and her brother, R.B. Jones.

Those left behind to miss her are her twin sons, Ronald Franklin and Donald Franklin; her son, Glen Franklin; one brother, Paul Jones; grands, Chad Franklin (Kelly), Clint Franklin, Ryan Franklin (Angie), Kevin Franklin, and Avery Thiels (Tommy); greats, Kloe Wright (Chris), Cooper Franklin, Haleigh Franklin, Caleb Franklin, Olivia Franklin, Neil Franklin, Janie Franklin, Anna Franklin, and Taylon Thiels; and one great-great grandchild, Caspen Wright.

Rose’s faith, strength, and fiery spirit leaves a lasting imprint on all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by the family she helped build, along with her many nieces, nephews, and friends she served so faithfully. The loss is immeasurable, but so is the love left behind.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are: Taylon Thiels, Neil Franklin, Cooper Franklin, Clint Franklin, Todd Durham, and Brent Croom. Honorary pallbearers will be Kim Owens and Tommy Thiels.

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Visitation for Peggy Friday Danielson, 85, of Pineville, LA will be held from 2 P.M. until 3 P.M., Friday, February 13, 2026 at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home, Coushatta, LA with graveside services immediately following at Wallace Cemetery in the Wallace Community.

Mrs. Danielson was born June 18, 1940 in Coushatta, LA and passed away February 11, 2026. After her retirement, Mrs. Danielson managed Four Seasons Bowling Center where she enjoyed bowling and made many friends. She also enjoyed the outdoors working with her flowers. She always had a yard full of beautiful blooming azaleas. She loved her family dearly and cherished the times spent and memories made with her children and grandchildren. Her pets, especially her dog, George W., were very special to her. She will be truly missed by all those who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, C.R. “Mike” and Hazel Friday; and one brother, Shelby Friday.

Mrs. Danielson is survived by her husband, Steve Danielson of Pineville, LA; children, Craig Danielson of Colfax, LA, Charles Danielson and wife, Charlet “Dinky” of Zachary, LA, Gary Danielson and wife, Louellan of Pineville, LA, and Lori Doyle and husband, Albie of Alexandria, LA; siblings, Randy Friday and wife, Becky and Paula Greer and husband, John; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Cory Danielson, Reed Danielson, Taylor Danielson, Mason Danielson, Logan Friday, and Kendall Friday. Honorary pallbearers will be Kerry Barrett and Trystan Leggett.

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Phonetic: /noo-dee-uhs-TUR-shuhn/

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition

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