On April 15, 2026, a federal grand jury in Lafayette returned a four-count indictment charging Jane Frances Pierce, a 63-year-old Boyce resident, with mail fraud, filing false tax returns, corruptly interfering with an Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) investigation, and money laundering. Pierce faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for the mail fraud charge, up to 10 years in federal prison for the money laundering charge, three years in federal prison for the tax fraud and corrupt interference charges, and three years of supervised release for the mail fraud and money laundering counts.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars.  Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

According to court documents, Pierce filed false tax returns on behalf of a trust she controlled, claiming a total of almost $10 million in refunds.  Pierce obtained more than $1 million from the IRS and used the funds for personal expenses, including purchasing a house and vehicle for herself, repaying a personal loan, and paying her relatives’ mortgages.  When the IRS attempted to recover the refunds Pierce fraudulently obtained, she obstructed the agency’s efforts by filing a false amended tax return, mailing the IRS a fake check, and filing a false court document.

The IRS – Criminal Investigations investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Johnson of the Western District of Louisiana and Isaiah Boyd of the Criminal Division Tax Section with assistance from Legal Assistant Tanya Broussard.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

---

By Richard Searles, Contributor to the Journal

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled 6-3 that Louisiana’s congressional district map is an unconstitutional racial gerrymander, a decision that significantly narrows the application of the Voting Rights Act in future redistricting challenges.

The case, Louisiana v. Callais, No. 24-109, was argued Oct. 15, 2025, and decided April 29, 2026. It centered on whether Louisiana’s redrawn congressional map, known as SB8, violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Justice Samuel Alito wrote the majority opinion for the six-justice court, concluding that Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act did not require Louisiana to create an additional majority-Black district. Because no such requirement existed, the state had no compelling interest to justify the use of race in drawing the map, making it an unconstitutional racial gerrymander.

The case has its origins in 2022, when a federal judge found Louisiana’s original congressional map likely violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act because it did not include a second majority-Black district. The state subsequently drew a new map, SB8, containing such a district. That map was then challenged by a separate group of voters as a racial gerrymander, and a three-judge federal court agreed, finding SB8 violated the Fourteenth Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause.

The majority held that states can almost never consider race when drawing maps to comply with Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which was enacted to protect minority voters who historically faced discrimination in elections.

The ruling came as the court did not specify what should happen next, even as replacing Louisiana’s map before the 2026 midterms presents a logistical challenge. Louisiana’s primary election is scheduled for May 16, two weeks away.

Longer term, the ruling could lead to fewer majority-minority districts in Congress and in state and local governments, potentially reducing the number of non-white elected officials.

The decision is expected to benefit Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as his legislature considers a new map that would add additional Republican congressional seats. It appears unlikely that other states will pursue major map changes before the 2026 midterms, though significant redistricting changes could follow before the 2028 election, particularly in Southern states such as Georgia and Alabama.

Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who joined the court’s three liberal justices in a 2023 ruling that upheld a longstanding interpretation of the Voting Rights Act in an Alabama redistricting case, joined the majority Wednesday without issuing concurring opinions explaining the shift in their positions.

Louisiana has approximately 30% Black residents among its population and currently sends two Black members to Congress among its six-member House delegation.

Source: U.S. Supreme Court opinion, Louisiana v. Callais, No. 24-109 (April 29, 2026); NBC News; CNN.

Photo: Courtesy of Democracy Docket

---

By: Jason Pugh, Associate Athletic Director for External Relations

NATCHITOCHES – The Northwestern State athletic department and Rhodes Properties and Development have partnered to create a unique opportunity for fans and supporters of Demon athletics.

The two entities have combined to present the 2026 Rhodes Properties and Development Demon Dream Home giveaway – a raffle that will see the winner collect a brand-new Rhodes-built home in the Hidden Oak subdivision in Natchitoches, located along Louisiana Highway 3191.

Raffle tickets will be sold for $100 each beginning May 4 and can be purchased through Northwestern athletes or online through www.NSUDemons.com. The live drawing will take place Nov. 6 at Riverside Reserve in Natchitoches with additional prizes awarded at the event.

Proceeds from the raffle will go toward the Northwestern athletic department in support of its student-athletes.

“Working hand-in-hand with Rhodes Properties and Development to bring the Demon Dream Home to life was an easy decision,” Director of Athletics Kevin Bostian said. “Their support of Northwestern State athletics never has been in question, but it has reached another level with this partnership. We are far beyond grateful for Rhodes Properties and Development for their input and expertise in this process.”

The home, valued at $265,000, is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom, 1,450-square foot heated building in one of Natchitoches’ newest subdivisions that Rhodes Properties and Development and Rhodes Realty began developing in early 2026. Hidden Oak subdivision is located near Sibley Lake, west of Louisiana Highway 1 in Natchitoches.

“We at Rhodes Properties and Development, alongside Rhodes Realty, understand the importance of the Northwestern State athletic program to the Natchitoches community,” Rhodes Properties and Development owners and operators James and Justin Rhodes said. “We believe in the vision of Northwestern State athletics and where it is going. We presented this opportunity to Kevin as our way to support nearly 400 student-athletes as well as the coaches and staff members with whom we have developed relationships. The vendors who will help us bring this home to life share that same vision. Being involved in all facets of this project allows us to continue to demonstrate our commitment to Northwestern State and Natchitoches.”

Purchase Raffle Tickets: https://nsudemons.com/

---

Please vote Yes for Constitutional Amendment 5 on the ballot for May 16. The amendment raises the age of retirement for Judges in Louisiana to 75 years, from the current 70-year retirement mandate. The reasons are simple.

• The voters are best suited to decide if a candidate should continue to serve.
• Experienced, highly qualified Judges are being forced into retirement.
• People are living longer productive lives and working longer.
• No other political office has a mandatory retirement age.
• By Supreme Court oversight, incompetent Judges can already be removed.

While the amendment does not put an end to what can only be called age bias, it does soften its effect. Voting Yes to raise the age is simply the right thing to do. In this election cycle alone, some 60 Judges of the approximately 360 in the State are being forced to retire. While some are doing so voluntarily, many others have an earnest desire to continue to serve the people of this great state. They should have the opportunity to do so, and it should be up to the voters to decide if they can continue, not some arbitrary age limit.

Early voting starts May 2 and ends May 9.

For more information go to http://www.yeson5for75.com

Thank you for your consideration.

Judge Van H. Kyzar

---

The Menard tennis program produced a state boys team title, a boys doubles state championship and a girls state singles finalist at the LHSAA Tennis Championships this week in Monroe.

Senior Jude Meadaa and junior Nicholas Richmond won the Division IV boys doubles championship. Macie Myrick was a girls singles state finalist.

Meadeaa and Richmond prevailed 4-6, 7-6, 7-5 over the Catholic-New Iberia tandem of Lincoln Graves/Thomas Smith to capture the state title.

The Eagles duo posted four straight set wins to reach the final match Tuesday at ULM. Their triumph was the cornerstone of a performance that gave Menard the boys team championship.

Myrick, a sophomore, only lost three games in four straight set victories to reach her state championship match. She fell 6-3, 6-1 in the final to freshman McAllister Morrow of Ascension Episcopal, who also just dropped three games in her previous four wins in the tournament.

The Lady Eagles were runners-up along with Vermilion Catholic in the team standings.

Pineville and ASH begin their state tournament competition today, weather permitting, at ULM.

The ASH boys and both the Menard boys and girls were regional team champions.

Student-athletes from Rapides Parish who qualified to reach the final three rounds of the state tournament:

ASH —  Shreyas Rai, regional singles runner-up; Isaac Pool/William O’Quin, regional doubles champions; Munza Mansoor, regional singles champion; Bella Soulter; Caroline Melton/Claire Jackson; Madelyn Eskew/Sydney Isles.

PINEVILLE – Ian Gonzales, regional singles champion; Maddoz Troquille/Kamo Donoghey, regional doubles finalists; Carmine Dennis/Drew Clancy; Holland Bates; Lela Cosenza.

MENARD —  Jude Meadaa/Nicholas Richmond, regional doubles champions, state champions; Jack Myrick, regional singles finalist; David Gilchrist/Michael Whitehead, regional doubles finalist; Matthew Richmond; Christopher Mojica/August Fresh; Macie Myrick, regional singles champion, state finalist; Kate Gilchrist; Mallori Cole/Lily Richmond, regional doubles champions; Ava Grace Laroux/Ellie Dauzat.

GRACE CHRISTIAN — Colby Hawk.

---

Glenmora, Grace Christian and Plainview are hosting regional playoff games today and Friday while the Alexandria Senior High Trojans begin their Select Division I quarterfinal LHSAA baseball playoff series today in New Orleans.

The Trojans face top-seeded Brother Martin. ASH posted two shutouts over Captain Shreve last week while the Crusaders eliminated Pineville in the regional round.

Wednesday, Oak Hill was eliminated from the Class B playoff bracket.

Baseball playoff pairings

Select Division I quarterfinal series

ASH (8) at Brother Martin (1):  Game 1 today 6:30; Game 2, Friday 6:30; Game 3 (if necessary) Saturday, noon. At Kirsch-Rooney Stadium.

Class B (regional round, single-elimination)

Wednesday’s score

Holden 10, Oak Hill 0

Today’s game

Fairview (15) at Glenmora (2), 6:00

Friday’s game

Lacassine (19) at Grace Christian (3), 6:00

Class C (regional round, single-elimination) 

Today’s game

Calvin (10) at Plainview (7), 4:00

---

Louisiana Christian University’s esports team will be competing in the National Esports Collegiate Conference Tournament in San Antonio, Texas, in May.

The team will be competing against 19 other teams in the game Apex Legends. But there will be thousands of esports players who will be playing a variety of video games at the tournament. 

“Our LCU esports team is headed to nationals, and we couldn’t be more excited! This is what we love to see at LCU, students having fun, building community, sharpening their skills and growing together in a Christ-centered environment,” said LCU President Dr. Mark Johnson. “Proud of this team for representing us so well. Let’s go, Wildcats!”

The team members going to the conference are juniors Danny Cobb, Adan Wright, Bailey Simmons and sophomore Zander Smith.

Earlier this year, the team won the South Central Regional NECC tournament for the game Overwatch.

If you are asking yourself, “What is esports?”, you are definitely out of touch with the zeitgeist. Esports is the fastest-growing competitive activity on college campuses today. 

Esports, short for electronic sports, is organized, competitive video gaming. It is organized much like traditional sports teams with leagues, play-offs and tournaments. Many teams have corporate sponsorships. Esports teams are typically organized professionally or in colleges and high schools. 

Esports, which began on college campuses around 2009, began way back in 1972 when the first video game competition was played on minicomputers at Stanford University. Players competed in the game Spacewar! For the grand prize—a year’s subscription to Rolling Stone magazine, according to esportsinsider.com. 

Today, esports is a $1.6 billion industry, and it is growing. And college campuses are steadily fueling that growth.

“People really like video games,” said Wright, LCU esports club president. “People like sports, and they like to watch that, so people who like video games like to watch the best competitors. People like to see people do things better than they are.”

At tournaments, attendees will be watching players on large screens.

“People watch because they care about it,” Wright said. “They get into it like a world sports championship.”

Louisiana Christian University’s esports club began in 2023 and first competed in 2024 in Halo game matches, said Cobb, club vice-president.

Currently, the team has six members who compete regularly. The players will be competing for a $5000 grand prize at the NECC tournament in May.

But there is a lot more available in esports than many realize.

At some larger institutions, primarily Division One schools, esports players may earn athletic scholarships that range from a few hundred dollars to full tuition. 

Also, some college players have already turned professional and compete in tournaments where the prize money can be in the millions of dollars. 

“Many players are college-age and younger,” Cobb said. “Kids as young as 13 can play professionally and win professional money by being really good at video games.”

Brian Manuel, dean of the School of Media, Communication and Fine Arts, serves as the esports club sponsor. He said gamers have their own language, symbols and clothing that identify them. And they each play under a screen name.

Cobb’s gamer name is Giraffesensei. Wright is Rychus, and Manuel is Dubblewide.

“It’s a subculture and community,” Manuel said, explaining the growing popularity in a highly digitally connected world. “Many find a home there.”

Players can connect and compete with other players anywhere in the world. The game is the same across the globe.

Another reason for the rise in popularity, according to Wright, is that unlike athletic sports, esports is accessible to everyone regardless of physical ability. For those who can’t swing a bat or dunk a ball, for example, video games allow you to do those things. 

And getting good at a game, just like a sport, requires a lot of time and diligence.

“It takes as much time to manage as any other student athlete,” Wright said. 

Wright and Cobb both said they spend dozens of hours each week playing video games. They also spend time watching other teams play the games they compete in to learn their strategies and moves.

While there is still a stigma about video gamers being antisocial and lazy, it may become less so with the rise of esports, as more people realize the social and financial rewards that may come along with gaming.

“Different games teach different skills, including communication skills, and working with a team to achieve a common goal,” Wright said. 

Studies have found that gaming may lead to sharper fine motor skills, quicker reaction times, better memory and enhanced problem-solving capabilities. 

“The military does a ton of recruiting through these games,” Manuel said. 

Both Cobb and Wright expect the LCU esports club to grow, but said they need a sponsor to help pay the entry fees for the competitions. The members pay dues, Cobb said, but every tournament they play in has an entrance fee to compete, which can get pricey. 

A sponsor’s name will be proudly displayed on LCU’s team shirts and any other merchandise, Cobb said. Any local business interested in sponsoring the team may email brian.manuel@lcuniversity.edu.

For those interested in seeing the team in action, LCU streams its competitions on Twitch. Follow the team on Instagram @lcuniversityesports to find out where they will be playing next.

---

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited a subject for an alleged deer violation in Rapides Parish on April 26.

Agents cited Jiang Hua Zheng, 44, of Pineville, for possession of an illegally taken deer.

Agents were notified about Zheng cleaning a deer behind the China Queen restaurant off of Cottingham Expressway in Pineville on April 21. Agents arrived on the scene and found Zheng in possession of several containers of deer meat. Agents also found a deer hide and remaining deer parts in a box near a dumpster.

After visually inspecting the hide, agents determined the deer was hit by a vehicle. Agents informed Zheng that it is illegal to possess a deer that was hit by a vehicle unless proper authorities have been notified.

After investigating this further, agents determined that Zheng did not contact LDWF of his intentions of possessing the deer nor did he contact Pineville Police.

Agents returned to the restaurant on April 26 and issued Zheng his citation.

Possession of an illegally taken deer brings a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail.

Agents participating in this case are Lt. Derek Ware, Corporal Ryan Durand, Corporal Dustin Nash, and Senior Agent Callie Pitre.

---

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

April 29

Markeis Bradley, 31, Monroe – disturbing the peace, extradition proceedings, $250 bail;

Marrison Isreal Wright, 39, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, $1,500 bail.

April 28

Shelby Lincecum Chisenhall, 61, Boyce – possession of CDS, running a stop sign, obstruction of driver’s view, fenders and mudguards, tail lamps, $1,900 bail;

Terry Dewayne Cohen, 53, Alexandria – two counts producing manufacturing distributing CDS, two counts possession of firearm by convicted felon, no bail data;

Terry Dewayne Cohen Jr., 18, Alexandria – two counts producing manufacturing distributing CDS, two counts illegal carry firearm with drugs, $100,000 bail;

David Garrett Drerup, 67, Alexandria – possession of drug paraphernalia, two counts contempt of court, $100,500 bail;

Charnise Chardae Ellis, 22, Alexandria – two counts producing manufacturing distributing CDS, two counts illegal carry firearms with drugs, criminal conspiracy, $50,000 bail;

Darrell Lynn Gray, 59, Colfax – possession of CDS, drug paraphernalia, bicycle reflectors, $2,100 bail;

Dexter Demond Hall, 45, Lecompte – second degree rape, $500,000 bail;

Terry Hobbs, 41, Alexandria – two counts possession of CDS, safety belt violation, illegal carry firearm with drugs, possession of marijuana, $3,600 bail;

Cartavius D. King, 28, Alexandria – five counts first degree rape, five counts trafficking children for sexual purposes, five counts molestation of a juvenile 13-17 years old, two counts obstruction of justice, $1.42 million bail;

Emmanuel James Mcghee, 35, Alexandria – aggravated assault with a firearm, simple kidnapping, $250,000 bail;

Byron Wesley Nugent, 52, Deville – possession of CDS, probation violation, $1,500 bail;

Jason Lance Perkins, 25, Plainview – theft of a motor vehicle, illegal possession of stolen things, criminal damage to property, obstruction of justice, $3,500 bail;

Dianna Demetria Smith, 46, Alexandria – theft, possession of CDS, paraphernalia, $2,500 bail;

Dillon Wes Whatley, 18, Pineville – aggravated assault with a firearm, two counts indecent behavior with juveniles, simple battery, $15,500 bail;

Centerial Evon White, 36, Alexandria – violation of protective orders, $50,000 bail.

April 27

Anthony James Armstead Jr., 40, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, parole violations, $1,500 bail;

Ronald Bryan II, 54, Alexandria – issuing worthless checks, contempt of court, $25,500 bail;

Aubrey Scott Coutee, 37, Lecompte – possession of CDS, contempt of court, $6,000 bail;

Carolyn Juanita Griffin, 63, Pineville – OWI second offense, driving under suspension, possession of CDS, failure to secure registration, $2,200 bail;

Nolan Ray Laprairie, 54, Pineville – criminal damage to property, illegal discharge of weapon in zoned subdivision, $1,000 bail;

Thomas Brandon O’Quinn Jr., 27, Oakdale – OWI first offense, careless operation of a vehicle, illegal possession of stolen things, two counts Louisiana fugitive, hit and run, driving under suspension, three counts contempt of court, $10,700 bail;

Donald Lee Shirah, 66, Walker – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, illegal carry firearm with drugs, expired driver’s license, improper display vehicle license plate, improper lane usage, $3,300 bail;

Zachary Ethan Shuler, 20, Pineville – four counts attempted first degree murder, criminal conspiracy, $2.05 million bail;

Adam James Weston, 30, Alexandria – theft, contempt of court, probation violation, $10,500 bail.

April 26

Tony Ray Barker, 65, Haynesville – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, no bail data;

Solomon Dykes, 31, Bossier – home invasion, no bail data;

Melanie Ann Foster, 41, Pineville – two counts possession of CDS, legend drug possession, criminal damage to property, battery of a dating partner, $5,000 bail;

John Lil Wayne Goodlow, 25, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, criminal damage to property, $1,750 bail;

Kantral Denise Jenkins, 46, Jena – two counts Louisiana fugitive, three counts contempt of court, $20,500 bail;

Joel Anthony Stephens, 45, Pineville – driving under suspension, open container, careless operation of a vehicle, unlawful refusal to submit to chemical test, Louisiana fugitive, $800 bail;

Alan Wayne Utley, 62, Alexandria – two counts possession of CDS, improper turn, running a stop sign, $2,700 bail.

---

A Mass of Christian Burial for Dr. Mike Manuel will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church with Rev. Joy Antony and Rev. Brian Seiler officiating. Interment will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park under the direction of John Kramer and Son Funeral Home.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until the time of service on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the church.

Dr. Mike Manuel, 80, of Alexandria, passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at Lafayette General.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Ida Manuel and sister, Pris Ashford and her husband, Barry.

Dr. Mike Manuel had a deep love for travel, exploring destinations across the United States, Canada, Europe, and New Zealand. He was also an avid reader and a devoted fan of LSU football. Geaux Tigers!!

He earned a B.S. degree at LSU in Baton Rouge before attending pharmacy school at the University of Houston. He later earned a medical degree from LSU Medical School in New Orleans. Dr. Manuel worked in Alexandria and Eunice as a Family Practitioner before completing a pediatric residency at LSU. His family then moved to Alexandria, where he was a pediatrician for 40 years.

He was a devout Catholic and a member of the LSU School of Medicine Committee of 100. In retirement, he found great joy in bike riding, working out at his gym, and his twice weekly walks with neighborhood friends, Jeff, Jimmy, Kim, and Susan. He was lovingly known as “Papa Mike” to his grandchildren.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 58 years, Joan Guillory Manuel; two children, Dr. Nicholas Manuel and Leslie Manuel Worley and husband, Clay; two grandchildren, Gus Worley and Vivi Worley; and three nephews, Randy Ashford, Jerry Ashford, and Joey Ashford.

Pallbearers honored to serve include Dr. Nicholas Manuel, Clay Worley, Gus Worley, Jerry Ashford, Dr. Mike Guillory, Dr. Paul Guillory, and Neil Mendoza.

In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans through the LSU Health Foundation, 2000 Tulane Avenue, 4th Floor. New Orleans, LA, 70112.

---

Shelia Marie Allen Powell was born on December 27, 1961, in Pineville, Louisiana, to Betty Lee Allen and the late Wilbur Allen, Jr. She peacefully transitioned from this life to everlasting life on March 30, 2026.

At an early age, Shelia accepted Christ and was baptized at St. Lawrence Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor David Smith. She later continued her Christian journey at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Huey Lawson, where she remained a faithful and dedicated disciple.

Shelia was a proud graduate of Peabody High School, Class of 1979. Following graduation, she attended Northwestern State University, where she earned a degree in Criminal Justice in 1983.

She later relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where she began her career at Reeds Daycare. During this time, she met the love of her life, Luke Leon Powell. The two were united in holy matrimony on September 11, 1993. From this union, one beautiful daughter, Laurel Alexis Powell, was born.

Shelia also worked at Kroger, where she began on the front end and later advanced to a supervisory role in the pharmacy. She faithfully served for many years before retiring in 2017. Never one to sit idle, she later continued working at Hammond Glen Retirement Community until her passing.

Shelia had a heart of gold and a genuine love for helping others. She was known for her kindness, humility, and the warmth she extended to everyone she encountered. One of her greatest joys was making pecan candy for her classmates, friends, and family. Seeing the smiles on their faces brought her immense happiness. Her loving spirit and cherished memories will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Shelia was preceded in death by her father, Wilbur Allen, Jr.; her grandparents; her mother-in-law and father-in-law; and three brothers-in-law.

Those left to cherish and honor her legacy include her devoted husband, Luke Powell; her loving daughter, Laurel Powell; her mother, Betty L. Allen; her sister, Doris Allen; and her niece, Chelsey. She also leaves behind her aunt, Ruby (Eddie); her uncle, David Cleveland; and close family and friends Emma Green, Neil Sherman, Jenifer Green, Farneha Hobley, Brenda Neal Turner, Angela Neal, Carla Neal, and Ronald Neal. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Joyce Carroll (Eric) and Gloria Tate (Percy), along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

---

By JIM BUTLER 

When Phillip Terrell resigned as Pineville city judge to run for district attorney in 2014 he seeded his campaign with $30,000 of his own money. Successful, he took office with $400.62 remaining in the election fund that had reached about $150,000 during the race, according to annual reports. 

Things change. He entered this, the last year of his second six-year term with $340,000 in campaign funds. 

His recently filed report shows the campaign arm, beginning 2025 with $81,500 on hand, raised $297,500 during the year and spent $39,000. 

Over his first 11 years in the post, no funds were raised in four of them, less than $4,000 in three others, including 2024. 

Sums grow as elections near, whatever office is involved. 

For example, Terrell raised no money 2016-18, $188,000 in 2019 and $250,000 in election year 2020, reports show. 

A host of contributors gave to his fund in 2025. Expenses included $6,000 each to campaigns of Brian Cespiva, elected a 9th Judicial District judge and Jay McCallum, re-elected District 4 La. Supreme Court justice. 

Contributors included: 

$6,000 – Damon Hirieh, Samuel T. Mahfouz, Marler Ford, Barry L. Mitchell, National Waste Management-Deville, Neblett Beard & Arsenault, Pan American Engineers, Precision Paint & Drywall, Jeffrey Richardson, Cespiva Law Firm, Thomas O. Wells; 

$5,000 – C. Hugh Tarver Jr. & Associates, Gerald J. League Jr. MD, DJ Bail Bonds, Morris & Dewitt Injury Lawyers, Shelton Energy Solutions; 

$4,000 – Harold A. Murry Attorney, Sal’s Used Cars dba S Motors; 

$3,500 – Law Office of John R. Flynn; 

$3,000 – Central Management Winnfield, Durand Builders, ATL George Higgins III, Montasser Jabber, Ricky McMickens; 

$2,500 – Local 247 PAC, Mark Wood Campaign, Gracey Ponthie, TTY Properties Natchitoches.

---

A new Harbor Freight store officially opened its doors in Pineville, marking the addition of another retail business to the community.

Located at 2997 Cottingham Expressway Drive, the store welcomed its first customers earlier in the day. Pineville Mayor Joe Bishop visited the site to greet employees and show support for the new business.

City officials said the opening reflects continued growth in the area and provides residents with expanded options for tools and equipment.

---

---

The Gathering at First United Methodist Church of Alexandria meets Wednesday nights during the school year and features a fresh-cooked meal served from 5– 5:45 PM, followed by a time of fellowship and a variety of program options beginning at 6 PM. Designed as a midweek rhythm of connection and community, The Gathering offers something for all ages in a welcoming church setting including: Wesley 2.0, Mahjong in the 50/50 Room, and Kid’s Zone in the Johnson Center Gym.

Wednesday Night Meals
$6 Adults
$3 Children
$18 Family Maximum

As the school year winds down, The Gathering meets only for more times:

April 29
 Chicken Fried Steak
 Mashed Potatoes
 Milk Gravy
 Roasted Corn
 Salad
 French Bread
 Dessert

May 6
 Chicken Parmesan
 Spaghetti
 Green Beans
 Italian Salad
 Garlic Bread
 Dessert

May 13
 Chicken Enchiladas
 Spanish Rice
 Refried Beans
 Salad
 Taco Chips and Salsa
 Dessert

May 20 (Final Gathering of the School Year)
 Fried Fish
 Potato Salad
 Hush Puppies
 Coleslaw
 Dessert

Summer Offering: Grill & Chill

In the summer, families can continue the spirit of connection through Grill & Chill, a relaxed seasonal gathering held every other week. The series features cookouts, supervised swim time in the church pool, and plenty of time for fellowship in a laid-back setting. Designed as a continuation of The Gathering’s spirit of hospitality, Grill & Chill offers families and friends an easy, informal way to stay connected throughout the summer months.

2026 Grill & Chill Dates:
 June 9
 June 23
 July 7
 July 21
 August 4

---

Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a one-vehicle crash on April 28 around 7 am on Nation Road near Philadelphia Road.  This crash claimed the life of 55-year-old Bryan Barbat of Pineville. 

The initial investigation revealed that a 2011 Harley Davidson motorcycle, driven by Barbat, was southbound on Nation Road. For reasons still under investigation, Barbat exited the roadway, entered the ditch, and impacted a utility pole support cable which sequentially ejected Barbat from the vehicle.

Barbat sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene. Routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Troopers encourage all riders to take an approved motorcycle safety course. These courses teach safe riding practices and help you apply safe riding strategies that can help reduce your chance of injury should a crash occur.

---

A stretch of unsettled weather is expected across Rapides Parish beginning Wednesday, with showers and thunderstorms likely through the end of the workweek before drier and cooler conditions arrive for the weekend.

Rain chances will increase Wednesday, with thunderstorms becoming more likely in the afternoon and continuing into Wednesday night. Temperatures are expected to reach the upper 80s before a cooling trend begins.

By Thursday, cloud cover will remain in place with scattered showers and possible afternoon thunderstorms. Highs will drop into the mid-70s as a cooler air mass moves into the region.

Rain chances will peak Friday, with widespread showers and thunderstorms expected throughout the day. Daytime highs will fall further into the upper 60s, with overnight lows dipping into the lower 50s.

Conditions are expected to improve heading into the weekend. Saturday will start mostly cloudy before becoming partly sunny, with highs near 70 degrees.

Clearer skies are forecast from Saturday night through Sunday night, with cooler mornings in the upper 40s and afternoon highs in the mid-70s.

Looking ahead to early next week, dry weather will continue with mostly sunny skies. Temperatures will gradually warm, reaching the lower 80s by Monday and mid-80s by Tuesday.

Forecasters advise residents to remain aware of changing conditions during the midweek storms before a return to more comfortable spring weather.

---

The City of Pineville has implemented a new ordinance aimed at improving safety and preventing flooding by regulating how residents dispose of yard debris.

City officials said improperly handled grass clippings and leaves can create hazardous conditions on roadways, particularly for motorists, bicyclists and motorcyclists. In addition, debris that washes into storm drains during rain events can lead to blockages and localized street flooding.

Under the new ordinance, residents are encouraged to keep yard waste out of streets and follow approved disposal methods. These include blowing or raking clippings back onto lawns, bagging yard waste for regular collection, or placing larger branches and debris in neat piles at the curb for pickup.

Officials said the changes are designed to protect public safety and maintain the city’s infrastructure, while encouraging residents to take an active role in keeping Pineville clean.

Residents can find their sanitation pickup schedule at www.pineville.net or by contacting the city’s sanitation department at (318) 449-5668.

---

---