Pineville Mayor Bishop spent time in Washington, D.C., this week meeting with members of the state’s congressional delegation and federal grant-writing partners to advocate for key projects benefiting the city.

During a full day of meetings on Capitol Hill, Bishop focused on securing discretionary funding to support redevelopment of the former Central State Hospital site. City officials aim to transform the historic property into a central hub for future growth and community use.

In addition to the hospital project, the mayor also sought federal grant funding for several infrastructure initiatives designed to improve neighborhoods and enhance local services.

City officials said the efforts are part of an ongoing push to secure federal resources needed to advance major projects and support long-term growth in Pineville. Further updates are expected as discussions continue.

March 22

John E. Clark, 59, Pineville – OWI first offense, $1,000 bail;

Austin Kane Hull, Effie – OWI second offense, driving under suspension, careless operation of a vehicle, $1,700 bail;

Bryan Chayce Iles, 27, New Orleans – OWI first offense, multiple beam lighting distribution, expired MVI sticker, $1,200 bail;

Jennifer Phillips, 36, N/A – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, $1,100 bail;

Justin Glenn Skeeles, 24, Otis – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, $1,100 bail;

Christopher O’Brian Sumbler, 35, Alexandria – OWI first offense, disturbing the peace, improper parking, no child restraint system, $1,700 bail.

March 21

Joshua Taylor Emerson, 25, Pineville – three counts domestic abuse battery with child present, simple assault, $8,000 bail;

John Earl Green II, 26, Alexandria – illegal use of weapons/dangerous instrumentalities, domestic abuse battery, no bail data;

Jennifer Rosa Jackson, 46, Alexandria – simple burglary, no bail data;

Smajl Jusufovic, 25, Ball – OWI first offense, stopping parking standing on shoulder, $1,100 bail;

Larry Knight, 60, Pineville – OWI first offense, turning at intersections, failure to change driver license and address, $1,200 bail;

Krysten Mykenzie-Shelby Moorman, 24, Alexandria – OWI second offense, improper turn, driving under suspension, $1,700 bail;

Taryton Demound Price, 47, Pineville – OWI first offense, speeding, $1,100 bail;

Henry Julius Pryor Jr., 33, Alexandria – possession of marijuana, violation of protective order, $1,250 bail;

Jamie Nicole Thatcher, 43, Pineville – OWI first offense, speeding, $1,100 bail;

William Ray Watson, 60, Pineville – eight counts contempt of court, $702,000 bail;

Fuderica Sherell Monique White, 38, Alexandria – burglary inhabited dwelling, $3,000 bail;

Steve Thornton Young, 76, Pineville – two counts cruelty to the infirm, no bail data.

March 20

Joseph Brandon Dodd, 48, Alexandria – Louisiana fugitive, three counts producing manufacturing distributing fentanyl, possession of drug paraphernalia, illegal carry firearm with drugs, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, criminal conspiracy, $250,500 bail;

Donovan Paul Fruge, 35, Marksville – simple battery, parish probation violation, $10,000 bail;

Daniel Greer, 34, Jena – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, $1,100 bail;

Kaden Dentrell Johnson, 18, Pineville – attempted second degree murder, $500,000 bail;

Timarian Dewayne Logan, 23, Pineville – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, intentional littering, flight from an officer, $51,500 bail;

Randy Benedict Perry, 44, Alexandria – possession of CDS, theft, home invasion, violation of protective orders, $76,500 bail;

Sharad Rai, 47, Alexandria – 27 counts of creating distributing possessing counterfeit CDS with intent, $27,000 bail;

Derrick Dewayne Swafford, 31, Alexandria – second degree murder, two counts possession of CDS, two counts introducing contraband into correctional facility, producing manufacturing distributing CDS, criminal conspiracy, $181,000 bail;

Jordan Javante Veal, 18, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery strangulation, false imprisonment, two counts aggravated battery of police officer with force or violence, $500 bail;

Martin Wesley Whatley Jr., 29, Pollock – possession of CDS, $1,500 bail.

March 19

Paula Rena Barton, 44, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, two counts failure to appear, $2,500 bail;

Matthew Ryan Dupont Jr., 41, Alexandria – 10 counts contempt of court, $205,500 bail;

Jonavon D. Edwards, 22, Glenmora – two counts possession of marijuana, criminal damage to property, Louisiana fugitive, $1,500 bail;

Almerie Latalijae Gunter, 23, Alexandria – criminal trespass, disturbing the peace, three counts contempt of court, $15,750 bail;

Angela Lashawn McCoy, 44, Alexandria – second degree battery, $1,000 bail;

Eric Lemon McNeal, 44, Pineville – simple burglary, $1,000 bail;

Jessica Gayle Murphy, 38, Pineville – contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Elivia Nicole Ryan, 26, Georgetown – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, Louisiana fugitive, $1,000 bail;

Marvin Dewayne Stanley, 27, Alexandria – aggravated battery, two counts simple assault, $500 bail;

Kristen Elizabeth Suire, 36, Alexandria – 11 counts contempt of court, $29,000 bail.

March 18

Alexis M. Cole, 27, Pineville – possession of CDS, $1,500 bail;

Desinty Ilyassa Cole, 23, Alexandria – two counts attempted manslaughter, contributing to the delinquency of juveniles, failure to appear, $11,500 bail;

John Dalton Dauzat Jr., 42, Pineville – possession of CDS, bicycle lamps, improper bicycle operation, $1,200 bail;

James Derrick Dyess Jr, 30, Lecompte – possession of CDS, possession of CDS, $2,000 bail;

Brad Dwayne Goode, 44, Pineville – domestic abuse battery, criminal damage to property, contempt of court, $4,500 bail;

Daquavious D. Hall, 31, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery with child present, two counts contempt of court, $9,000 bail;

Timothy Mathew Johnson, 33, Center Point – OWI first offense, driving under suspension, driving on shoulder, $825 bail;

Kimberly Rochelle Keys, 47, Pineville – insurance fraud, $1,000 bail;

Charles Lee Kieel Jr., 33, Alexandria – theft, parole violations, $25,000 bail;

Raymond Jake Lasyone Jr, 27, Ball – issuing worthless checks, $5,000 bail;

Blaine Paul Leonard, 23, Ball – illegal possession of a stolen firearm, $1,000 bail;

Jeffery Mark Nichols, 62, Lecompte – bicycle lamps required, improper bicycle operation, resisting an officer, three counts contempt of court, $7,700 bail.

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Services for J.P. James, Jr. will be at 11AM, Monday, March 23, 2026, at First Baptist Church, Lecompte, LA with Bro. Jimmy Koonce and Bro. Stewart Holloway officiating. Visitation will be at 9AM until time of service at 11AM at the church. Interment will be at Alexandria Memorial Gardens, Alexandria, LA under the direction of Magnolia Funeral Home, Alexandria, LA.

J.P. James, Jr., 91, of Lecompte, LA, passed away March 19, 2026, at Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital with his family by his side.

J.P. was baptized at Cedar Grove Baptist Church at the age of 12, in 1957. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Lecompte, LA. J.P. was born November 15, 1934, to Jimmy and Delia James. He graduated from Lecompte High School in 1952 and farmed for 4 years until enlisting in the U.S. Air Force from 1956-1960. He then worked for the U.S. Government Federal Aviation on radar maintenance in San Antonio, TX for 2 years. J.P.’s dad was badly burned, so he returned home and began farming. He met the love of his life Marilyn James, and they were married in 1970. J.P. farmed until his retirement in 1998. He helped Walter Vanderlick after he retired in 1998. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Love you “Honey”! I miss you!

He was preceded in death by his parents, J.P. “Jimmy” James and Delia James, and sister Frances Mayeaux.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 55 years Marilyn James, daughter DeeDee Gremillion, son Kevin James (Traci), niece Toni Poole (Larry), grandchildren Morgan Gremillion, Cole Gremillion, Brent Huff, Lauren Huff, and Jace James, and many other family and friends.

Pallbearers are Brent Huff, Cole Gremillion, John Chop, Zach Willeford, Brad Youngblood, Britt Harvey, and honorary pallbearer will be Chad Knight.

Graveside services for Richard Wayne Lemoine will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, March 27, 2026 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park under the direction of Gallagher Funeral Home and Crematory, Ball, Louisiana.

Richard Wayne Lemoine, age 75, of Bunkie, Louisiana, passed away suddenly at home on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. He was born in Alexandria, Louisiana, on June 12, 1950.

Wayne was a very friendly person and loved to talk to people. He was always saying things to make others smile and laugh. He loved watching classic television shows like “Leave It to Beaver” and “The Beverly Hillbillies.” He was always willing to help you if you needed it and sharing food or other things he had purchased. He was a very loving brother, uncle, son and friend.

Wayne worked at Pinebluff Sand and Gravel for many years and retired in 2018.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Earl Lemoine; his mother, Marion C. Lemoine; his step-mother, Ressie C. Lemoine.

Those left to cherish his memory include his brother, David E. Lemoine (Shirley) of Ballwin, Missouri; his sister, Susan L. Wagers (Gary) of Alexandria, Louisiana; his step-sister, Debbie Sparks (Randy) of Avondale, Arizona; 2 nephews; 2 nieces; beloved close friend, Robert Crotwell.

Authorities continue to search for a reported downed aircraft after it was located in a densely vegetative and swampy area near the west side of CLECO Lake on Sunday evening.

Officials said the aircraft was identified around 5 p.m., but search and rescue personnel have not yet reached the crash site due to difficult terrain. As a result, no information is currently available regarding the plane or any संभाव passengers.

Multiple agencies are assisting in the search effort, including the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police, Pineville Fire and Rescue, Alexandria Fire Department, Rapides Fire District 2, Cotile Volunteer Fire, Flatwoods Volunteer Fire, Pafford Ambulance Service, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The Rapides Parish 911 Center is also supporting the operation.

The National Transportation Safety Board is expected to arrive on scene, and officials said any further updates will be released through that agency.

The search began earlier in the afternoon after dispatch received a report around 2:33 p.m. of a possible downed aircraft near Cotile Lake in Boyce. Deputies initially responded to that area but were later redirected to the Red Store Hill Road area based on information from local residents.

Search crews continued working through the afternoon but had not located the aircraft as of 4 p.m. before its eventual discovery later in the day.

Authorities say the situation remains active and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

House measure directs state agency to prioritize recruitment, retention and expansion of facilities that generate hundreds of millions in annual exports

BATON ROUGE — A bill moving through the Louisiana Legislature would formally direct the state’s primary economic development agency to prioritize the wood pellet manufacturing industry — a sector that has grown from near obscurity into one of the state’s most significant rural export industries in less than a decade.

House Bill 670, authored by state Rep. Charles Owen, R-Rosepine, passed the House Commerce Committee 13-0 on March 17 and was recommitted to the House Appropriations Committee on March 18 after being amended and ordered engrossed. The legislation would add two new sections to Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 51, directing Louisiana Economic Development to support the recruitment, retention and expansion of wood pellet manufacturing facilities across the state.

What the Bill Does

The measure instructs Louisiana Economic Development — the cabinet-level agency responsible for attracting and retaining businesses in the state — to treat wood pellet manufacturing as a priority sector within its existing statutory authority and subject to available funding.

Under the bill, LED would be directed to prioritize and enhance job creation incentives for wood pellet facilities, establish workforce development and training initiatives, coordinate with Louisiana ports regarding infrastructure needs tied to wood pellet cargo, develop site readiness criteria for new facilities, and provide clear regulatory pathways for facility development statewide.¹

The legislation defines “wood pellet manufacturing” within state law and establishes findings and legislative intent, giving the industry a formal policy footing it previously lacked. Importantly, the bill does not create new spending programs or mandate rulemaking. Committee amendments adopted in Commerce softened the original language, changing directives from mandates to permissions and replacing requirements to promulgate rules with authority to develop policies, guidance or program criteria consistent with existing economic development programs.

Why Wood Pellets Matter to Louisiana

Wood pellets are compressed cylinders of dried wood fiber — manufactured from sawmill residues, logging byproducts, wood chips and low-grade roundwood — that are used as fuel in industrial power plants as a substitute for coal. The value of Louisiana’s wood pellet exports grew from nearly nothing in 2018 to over $800 million in 2023, according to data from the LSU Agricultural Center, driven by European Union mandates requiring member nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Louisiana’s wood biomass facilities are capable of producing 1.26 million tons of biomass wood pellets per year, representing approximately 9.4% of total U.S. pellet production.² The state’s multiple deepwater ports serve as gateways for those exports, with the Port of Greater Baton Rouge functioning as the primary shipping hub, where Drax Biomass operates a dedicated storage and loading facility.

The industry is deeply rooted in rural North and Central Louisiana. Drax Biomass, headquartered in Monroe, operates three compressed wood pellet plants — including Morehouse Bioenergy in Bastrop and LaSalle Bioenergy in Urania — and employs more than 125 workers in Northeast Louisiana and approximately 190 statewide.³

The economic ripple effect extends well beyond plant employment. In LaSalle Parish alone, Drax’s total annual economic impact — direct, indirect and induced — was estimated at $197.4 million in 2023, contributing $69.4 million to parish GDP and generating $5.6 million in state and local tax revenue per year.⁴

The industry also provides a vital market for Louisiana’s timber landowners. The state’s timber industry provides a reliable supply of wood feedstocks such as logging residues, sawdust and wood chips, and the biomass sector provides a market incentive to clear brush and dead trees that otherwise have little or no value.²

Statewide Significance

Biomass wood pellets sourced from Louisiana forests are creating economic opportunities in rural communities and investment opportunities for energy innovation, with the state’s multiple ports offering a gateway to international commerce hubs.² “Forestry is the historic cornerstone for Central Louisiana’s economy,” said Jim Clinton, president and CEO of the Central Louisiana Economic Development Alliance. “During the past few years, we have experienced significant growth in wood-based manufacturing.”⁵

Louisiana’s broader forestry sector carries considerable weight. LED Secretary Don Pierson has noted the sector’s $12 billion annual impact in Louisiana, with economic development efforts touching everything from paper, pulp and sawmills to port, rail and road infrastructure, as well as international commerce.⁵

Global demand for wood pellets continues to grow. Since 2012, U.S. wood pellet exports have grown from $258 million to $1.5 billion — an increase of nearly 500% — with Louisiana, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia and Florida among the leading producing states, according to USDA data.⁶ Total U.S. exports reached a record 10 million metric tons in 2024, according to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service.⁷

The availability of wood fibers, along with proximity to ports that facilitate access to European markets, have been major factors in the concentration of industrial wood pellet manufacturing along the southeastern U.S. coast.⁸ Louisiana sits at the heart of that competitive advantage.

Industry Footprint and Momentum

Beyond Drax, other energy companies are moving into Louisiana’s wood-based fuel sector. Louisiana Green Fuels has announced plans to open a refinery in Caldwell Parish producing up to 32 million gallons of diesel and naphtha annually from forestry byproducts, while Beaver Lake Renewables is set to convert a former International Paper mill in Rapides Parish into a green methanol plant using wood waste as feedstock.²

Wood pellet producers have been offered incentives under the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption and Quality Jobs programs, with LED working to attract prospects who value Louisiana’s wood basket for international commerce.⁹ After initially targeting 47 jobs in Morehouse Parish, Drax exceeded state employment goals and grew to 159 workers across Morehouse and LaSalle parishes, while also relocating its corporate headquarters from Atlanta to Monroe, adding 59 additional positions.⁵

Status

HB 670 remains pending before the House Appropriations Committee as of March 20, 2026. The bill carries a fiscal note indicating a potential general fund expenditure, which prompted the referral to Appropriations following its unanimous Commerce Committee approval. No companion Senate legislation has been introduced.

SOURCES

¹ Louisiana Legislature, HB 670 Engrossed Digest, 2026 Regular Session. legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?i=250532
² Louisiana Economic Development, Bio Energy — Energy Diversity. opportunitylouisiana.gov/key-industry/energy/energy-diversity/bio-energy
³ Grow NELA, Our Economy. grownela.com/economy/
⁴ Drax US, LaSalle — Louisiana. drax.com/us/about-us/lasalle-louisiana/
⁵ Louisiana Forestry Association, “Economic Developers Undergird Top Crop,” Dec. 18, 2020. laforestry.com/single-post/economic-developers-undergird-top-crop
⁶ Andrew Muhammad, “U.S. Wood Pellet Exports Continue to Reach Record Levels,” Southern Ag Today, March 9, 2023. southernagtoday.org/2023/03/09/u-s-wood-pellets-exports-continue-to-reach-record-levels/
⁷ Biomass Magazine, “USDA: US Wood Pellet Exports Top 10 Million Metric Tons in 2024.” biomassmagazine.com
⁸ Dwivedi et al., “Ecological and Economic Implications of the US Wood Pellet Industry,” Resources for the Future. resources.org/common-resources/ecological-and-economic-implications-us-wood-pellet-industry/
⁹ HuffPost / Louisiana Economic Development, “Louisiana Wood Pellet Plants Will Cater to Europe’s Energy Needs.” huffpost.com/entry/louisiana-wood-pellet-pla_b_6245666

A former Louisiana State Police trooper with a history of domestic violence convictions was sentenced Wednesday to 10 years at hard labor after being found guilty on four felony charges by the 9th Judicial District Court in Alexandria.

Michael L. Satcher II, 40, of Alexandria, was convicted of second-degree kidnapping, home invasion, domestic abuse by strangulation, and possession of a firearm by a felon. The sentence, handed down March 18 by District Judge Greg Beard, was prosecuted by the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office after the Rapides Parish District Attorney recused himself due to a personal friendship with Satcher.

Satcher’s 10-year sentence will run concurrently with a separate three-year sentence at hard labor on a felony charge of domestic abuse with child endangerment. Prosecutors elected not to file a Habitual Offender Bill on the child endangerment charge.

The case stems from Satcher’s December 2023 arrest — just 89 days into probation received following a prior 2019 domestic violence offense — when Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a domestic disturbance on Amanda Lane in Alexandria. Investigators determined Satcher had forcibly removed a victim from the residence and transported her to a home on Robinson Road, where both were located by deputies.

Satcher, first commissioned as a state trooper in 2009, resigned from the Louisiana State Police in December 2020 following his initial 2019 arrest on domestic abuse-related charges. That case was resolved in September 2023 with a no-contest plea and a probationary sentence.

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit conducted the underlying investigation.

Source: Louisiana Attorney General’s Office statement, March 19, 2026; Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office arrest report, December 2023; 9th Judicial District Court, Alexandria.

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The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office recently celebrated the graduation of its 60th Session of the RPSO Correction Academy during a ceremony held at the Cenla Shrine Club.

Over the course of 11 weeks and more than 330 hours of training, cadets from multiple agencies—including the Allen Parish, Beauregard Parish, Caldwell Parish, Grant Parish, Sabine Parish, Vernon Parish, Winn Parish, and Rapides Parish sheriff’s offices—received instruction in areas such as criminal law, first aid and CPR, bloodborne pathogens, de-escalation techniques, use of electronic control devices, high-risk prisoner transport, firearms, and defensive tactics.

Following graduation, the new deputies will return to their respective agencies to complete field training before beginning their careers in law enforcement.

Warden Julie Sasser, a 20-year veteran and former RPSO graduate, served as guest speaker for the ceremony. She encouraged graduates to continue learning, emphasized the importance of integrity, and reminded them to take pride in their appearance and professionalism while representing their agencies.

Class President Matthew Gaines earned Top Firearms and Top Scholastic Honors.

A Rapides Parish law enforcement leader has earned national recognition after completing advanced training through the FBI National Academy.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Capt. John Volentine, a resident of Cheneyville, graduated from the 297th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, on March 18. He was among 253 law enforcement officers selected from across the United States and around the world to participate in the program.

Volentine, who serves as captain over enforcement operations in a multi-parish region that includes Rapides Parish, has been with the LDWF Enforcement Division since 2005. In his current role, he oversees patrol agents in Sabine, Natchitoches, Vernon, Winn, Grant, Rapides, LaSalle, Catahoula, Avoyelles and Concordia parishes.

The FBI National Academy is widely recognized for its rigorous 10-week program focused on leadership, communication, and physical training. Participants are selected based on their professional achievements and leadership potential within their agencies.

Throughout his career, Volentine has been recognized for his service during major emergency response efforts, including hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav, Ike, and Harvey. He has also received multiple honors for his work in wildlife enforcement, including being named Waterfowl Officer of the Year in 2013 and 2014.

In addition to his law enforcement duties, Volentine contributes to the local community through education, serving as an adjunct instructor at LSU of Alexandria where he teaches criminal justice courses.

Officials say his graduation from the FBI National Academy reflects both his commitment to professional development and the strength of leadership within the region’s law enforcement community.

LSUA’s softball team, unbeaten in Red River Conference play and ranked 20^th in the NAIA, plays host to another RRAC undefeated team, Texas A&M-Texarkana, in a three-game series beginning this afternoon with a 4 p.m. single game at Generals Softball Field.

The teams play a noon doubleheader Saturday.

LSUA enters the weekend riding momentum after a conference sweep over Xavier, making its overall record 17-8 and 9-0 in RRAC play.

No. 21 Texas A&M-Texarkana (21-5) also enters the weekend 9-0 in conference. The Eagles are hitting .366 as a team with a .452 on-base percentage and a .538 slugging percentage through 25 games overall this season.

Our Lady of the Lake (21-4) is the third RRAC co-leader at 9-0.

The Generals have proven to have one of the most explosive offenses in the conference.  Kaetlyn Dunbar leads the way with a .437 average.  Last season’s RRAC Player of the Year, senior infielder Julia Kwakernaak, holds the team’s best .672 slugging percentage.  Sophia Romero continues to be a threat on the bases with 27 stolen bases.

In the circle, the Generals have had a steady pitching staff. Most recently, Rylee Guillot tossed a complete-game effort to secure the series sweep over Xavier. The staff holds a team ERA of 2.78 and an opponents’ batting average against of .236.

The Louisiana College Wildcats baseball team carries a No. 14 ranking in the NAIA on the road for four straight games, starting in Texarkana, Texas today in a Red River Athletic Conference series.

LCU (24-5 overall, 9-3 in the RRAC) visits Texas A&M-Texarkana (12-18, 3-9) with a noon doubleheader today and a noon single game wrapping up the series Saturday at George Dobson Field.

The Wildcats finished a dominant performance last weekend with a pair of 11-1 wins over the Xavier Gold Rush in a Saturday doubleheader at Billy Allgood Field.

Coach Mike Byrnes’ club is on a five-game win streak. The Wildcats are 18-1 at home, 3-3 on the road.

After the Texarkana series, LCU visits NCAA Division I McNeese next Wednesday, then comes home for a RRAC series next Friday and Saturday against Texas College.

Crews with the Pineville Fire Department spent the week honing their vehicle extrication skills, focusing on stabilization, extrication, and patient assessment during motor vehicle accident scenarios.

Firefighters practiced using specialized equipment such as hydraulic rams, cutters, and spreaders to safely and efficiently remove occupants from vehicles while maintaining safety for both responders and patients.

The department credited Auto Tech Pineville for providing the training vehicles used during the exercises, which allowed crews to simulate real-world rescue conditions and strengthen their response capabilities.

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office is alerting the public to a reported scam involving messages claiming to be from a “State Motor Vehicle Administration” demanding payment for unpaid traffic citations.

According to the agency, some deputies themselves received the fraudulent messages, which include a “final reminder” stating that enforcement action will begin on March 22, 2026, if payment is not made. The messages threaten consequences such as registration suspension, driver’s license restrictions, additional fees, and referral to collections. Recipients are prompted to reply “A” to reopen the message and access a payment link.

Officials emphasize that the messages are not legitimate. They note that the Department of Motor Vehicles does not collect traffic fines. In most cases, individuals who receive citations are contacted by the District Attorney’s Office with information about fines and payment procedures.

Authorities are urging residents to avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages requesting payment and to treat such communications as potential scams.

Jane Elizabeth Walker, born December 13, 1951, in Alexandria, Louisiana, passed away on March 12, 2026, at the age of 74.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents, 

Leslie Norton Walker Sr. and Hilda Rice Walker, as well as her siblings, Leslie Norton Walker Jr. and Wanda Gail Walker Upham.

A lifelong resident of Alexandria at heart, Jane attended Rosenthal Elementary School and Alexandria Junior High before proudly graduating from Bolton High School with the Class of 1969. 

Following high school, Jane pursued her passion for technology, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in computer programming and data management from DeAnza College Cupertino California. She built a successful career in this field, and loved living in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Jane returned to Alexandria to care for her aging mother and brother. She worked for Pinecrest Supports and Services until her retirement in 2016. She cherished the friendships she established during her years at Pinecrest.

An avid animal lover, Jane was a passionate advocate for animal rights and played an instrumental role in the local organization PAWS (P.A.W.S. of Central Louisiana), helping to promote spay/neuter initiatives, reduce shelter euthanasia, and improve the welfare of companion animals in the community. Those who knew and loved Jane have stories to tell of being recruited by Jane in her pursuit of justice for abused animals.

Jane also brought joy and connection to many through her work as a local Facebook administrator for the popular group “You Know You Are from Alexandria, LA if You Remember…,” Here she shared cherished memories of her baby boomer childhood in Alexandria, fostering nostalgia and community among residents past and present.

Jane will be remembered for her intelligence, her love of life, her warm spirit, her love of animals, her dedication to family and community, and her ability to bring people together through shared stories and memories.

She is survived by her cat, Little Man, and by extended family and a host of friends who will miss her dearly.

A graveside gathering will be held at Greenwood Memorial graveyard Pineville, Louisiana 11 AM on Saturday, March 21, 2026.

Mary Catherine Berry, lovingly known as “Cathy” was born in Pennsylvania and spent most of her youth in Lecompte, Louisiana. She most recently made her home in Pineville, Louisiana.

Cathy at 68 passed away peacefully on March 7, surrounded by her loving family.

She was the heart of her family – a loving wife, devoted mother, and proud grandmother whose greatest joy came from caring for those she loved. Her home was always filled with the smell of good cooking, warm laughter, and the kind of love that made everyone feel welcome. She created countless cherished memories around the table, in conversation, and through the simple acts of kindness that defined her life.

She is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband of 35 years, David Berry, her children, Jude Cox, Lisa Rollins, and Hannah Berry; and her cherished grandchildren, Landen and Collen Rollins. She is also survived by her brothers, Chris and Brad Bembenick, along with many other family members and friends who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts.

A memorial service celebrating Cathy’s life will be held on April 11 from 10 am to 12 pm, at Magnolia Funeral Home, 7357 Masonic Dr, Alexandria, Louisiana. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honor the beautiful life she lived.

Cathy’s love, warmth, and gentle spirit will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

Graveside services for Mrs. Irma Janice Kirstine Manzer will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Ball, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

Mrs. Manzer, 95, of Keller, Texas, passed away peacefully in her residence on Friday, March 13, 2026.

Born on July 21, 1930, in Pierce, Nebraska, Irma was the beloved daughter of Alfred and Wilma Kirstine. She dedicated her life to her family, her faith, and her community. On January 1, 1952, she married Glen Elsworth Manzer, and together they shared a lifetime of love, partnership, and family. She began her career as a dental assistant before becoming a devoted homemaker and the cherished matriarch of her family.

Irma was deeply involved in her church and found great joy in gardening, cooking, puzzles, and reading. She was known for her spunky personality, her warmth, and her zest for life. Irma will be remembered for her kindness, her lively spirit, and her unwavering dedication to her family and the community. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Wilma Kirstine; her husband, Glen Elsworth Manzer; and her daughter, Reneé Brister.

Irma was the proud mother of five children, Deborah Paul, Annette Proffitt (Vaughn), Robin Manzer (Cindy), Reneé Brister, and Craig Manzer (Cindi). She is survived by four of her children; twelve grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and her sister, Evelyn Dowling.

A time of visitation will be held at Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are: Nick Bishop, Matthew Brister, Jon Brister, Garrison Manzer, Dustin Schneider, and Evan Schneider.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to her favorite non-profit cat rescue, classycats.org.

Phonetic: /se·nes·cence/

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition