Oliver Leicht McMickens
January 19, 1932 – April 25, 2026
Service: Friday, May 1, 2026, 10:30am at St. Rita Catholic Church, Alexandria. 

Hazel Donaldson Richey Scott
October 22, 1945 – April 25, 2026
Service: Saturday, May 2, 2026, 3pm at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville.

Rhonda Karol Edwards Mercer
December 1, 1959 – April 24, 2026
Service: Thursday, April 30, 2026, 11am at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball. 

Lavonne Walding Bond
August 21, 1941 – April 23, 2026
Service: Thursday, April 30, 2026, 3pm at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, Alexandria. 

Sharon White Dyer
December 11, 1953 – April 23, 2026
Service: Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 10am at Richey Baptist Church, Deville. 

Nancy Nanette Gordon
November 3, 1951 – April 23, 2026
Service: Friday, May 1, 2026, 1pm at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball. 

Bernadine Lachney Trumps
December 16, 1925 – April 20, 2026
Service: Thursday, April 30, 2026, 10am at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria. 

Dr. V. Vincent III
September 15, 1939 – April 20, 2026
Service: Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 10am at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, Alexandria.

Glen Austin Belgard
August 9, 1934 – April 11, 2026
Service: Saturday, May 2, 2026, 11am at Unity Baptist Church, Pineville. 

Concetta Sotile Fiorenza
July 21, 1924 – March 11, 2026
Service: Friday, May 15, 2026, 10am at Our Lady Of Prompt Succor Catholic Church, Alexandria.

The Rapides Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or RPJNewsla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to RPJNewsla@gmail.com.)

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By JIM BUTLER 

An incumbent prefers no election opponent but opposition with no campaign funds is not so bad. 

Pineville Mayor Joe Bishop is in that position as the May 16 primary approaches. 

According to his most recent report, filed as required by state law, Bishop’s campaign had about $55,000 on hand April 6. 

His opponents, Chris Camp and Rusty Murdoch, did not file for the January 1-April 6 period. Candidates raising or spending $5,000 or less are not required to report. 

Bishop took in $37,000 in the four months and spent about $17,000, about half to Captivate Minds Marketing for campaign work. 

Together with a balance on hand December 31 of about $35,000 his fund closed the period at $54,600. 

Contributors since January 1 included: 

$2,000 – Fontenot & Associates, Louisiana Preferred Properties, Ray Shrock Insurance Agency; 

$1,500 – Jeff Easley, Christopher Tyler; 

$1,000 – Meyer Meyer Lacroix & Hixson, Aurtech Contruction, Central Insurers LLC, Central Insurers of Pineville, ER Rapides Investments, Clarence Fields, Foster Construction, Tommie Granger, Hilborn Enterprises, LA Realtors PAC, Madac Construction, Williams McPherson, Clint Miller, Monkey Business Imports, Jeff Porter, Johnny Porter, Precision Drywall. 

Bishop, Police Jury president when he resigned to accept the appointment as mayor in October 2024 to fill an unexpired term, loaned his fund $500 in June 2025, laying framework for the election process. 

His 2025 year-end report shows fundraising began in earnest in the Fall. 

By year’s end Bishop had raised about $33,000, with expenses of $70. 

Contributors in 2025 included: 

$2,000 – Durand Builders, Fontenot & Associates, Damon Horieh, Jack Rabbit Nursery, KF Investments, Phillip Terrell Campaign, Matthew Ritchie; 

$1,500 – Central Management Company, Teddy T. Price; 

$1,000 – Dallas Acquisitions, Bill Fontenot, Daniel Lonsberry, Mark Wood for Sheriff Campaign Fund, McKay Farms, Pan American Engineers, Randy Tarver, William Vollman.

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A woman with Rapides roots is among the three finalists to succeed retiring LSU Alexandria Chancellor Paul Coreil. 

Elizabeth Milton Beard and two others will go through the next round of interviews and stakeholder engagement on the campus Thursday and Friday. 

She, Tammi Vacha-Haase and Jeff Langston were selected after a national search, according to System President Dr. Wade Rousse. 

Beard and Langston hold major positions at the school, Vaacha-Hasse at East Texas A&M. 

Some background on the three: 

• Vacha-Haase serves as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at East Texas A&M, where she has led academic affairs since joining the institution in 2022. She previously served as Dean of the Graduate College at Boise State University and Associate Dean of the Graduate School at Colorado State University. 

She holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Texas A&M University, an M.S. from Arizona State University-Tempe, and a B.S. from Arizona State University-Tempe. 

• Beard is LSUA’s Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, bringing 24 years of progressive leadership in faculty roles, academic administration, student success, accreditation, and institutional strategy. 

She previously served LSUA as Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Associate Professor of English, and has led major academic innovation and growth initiatives, including workforce-aligned program expansion, curriculum-to-career partnerships, LSU System pathways, and the development of LSUA’s Command Your Career Quality Enhancement Plan. 

She holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in English from Louisiana State University and a B.A. in English and Secondary Education from Spring Hill College. 

• Langston is LSUA’s first Vice Chancellor for Operations and Chief Operating Officer, following his service as Dean of the College of Health and Human Services.  He is former Vice President of Operations at Rapides Regional Medical Center, where he led major patient experience, technology, and operational initiatives. 

He holds a B.S. in Radiologic Technology from the University of Louisiana Monroe and both an MBA and MHA from LSU Shreveport. He is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Leadership Studies at LSU Shreveport. 

(information gathered from an LSUA press release)

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By JASON PUGH, NSU Sports Information Director

The numbers Sam Goodwin compiled walking the sidelines as Northwestern State’s football coach speak for themselves.

The 102 wins, the four conference championships, the 22 All-Americans and 38 NFL players produced in 17 seasons he coached are impressive, but they fail to encapsulate what Goodwin meant to the legion of Demon players who flourished on and off the field under his tutelage. He was celebrated in a stirring 90-minute memorial service Saturday morning at NSU’s Turpin Stadium, with an array of speakers sharing memories – some poignant, some powerful, some hilarious, but all compelling.

Former players, coaches, staff and colleagues along with hundreds of supporters and friends, and the 2026 NSU football team, attended the event.

“Coach was just a great human being, a great person,” said wide receiver Pat Palmer, a 2016 N-Club Hall of Fame inductee and a member of the Top 100 Demon Players of All-Time. “He loved his players. He proved that year after year. I gave coach a few problems during my time, but he loved me regardless. He was always there for me no matter what the situation. He influenced a lot of boys to be men.”

In 17 seasons as Northwestern’s head coach, Goodwin took the Demons to three Southland Conference championships and a Gulf Star Conference title.

Palmer was a key member of Northwestern’s 1997 SLC title team before playing professionally in the NFL (2000-02) and the CFL. He credited Goodwin’s influence for helping shape him as a player and as a person.

“I was leaving school one weekend, going home and got pulled over,” Palmer said. “I kind of got into a little debacle. Coach Goodwin didn’t have to do this, but coach came to court with me. Even though nothing came of it, it was the idea he showed up. He didn’t have to do that. He could have said, ‘I’m done with this player.’ He literally showed up.

“He would show up for you, no matter what it was. It wasn’t just about football. He was genuinely a good man.”

Goodwin’s impact was not limited to just his players or how it affected them in their playing career.

Former Northwestern head coach Brad Laird both played and coached for Goodwin as part of his Demon journey. Long before he set the school’s since-broken all-time passing yardage mark, Laird was a down-the-depth-chart option who was forced into his first start as a freshman at then-Southwest Texas State.

After an inauspicious beginning – Laird threw three interceptions in the first quarter – the quarterback learned what kind of man his head coach was.

“This is a memory I won’t forget,” said Laird, now the head coach at Natchitoches Central High School. “We’re sitting on the bus waiting for the long ride home. The last one to walk from the locker room to the bus was coach Goodwin. I vividly remember him walking to the bus and when he got on the bus it was like he had more confidence in me then he did prior to the game. That’s how I felt. That’s how he made people feel. That’s why he had the success he did. He turned those situations into opportunities to be successful. Him sticking with me is probably why I am where I am today.”

Laird, whose Demon playing career covered the 1991 through 1995 seasons, is the son of a football coach, but it wasn’t clear he would follow his father’s footsteps into the family business.

Goodwin helped see that the Laird coaching tree grew another branch.

“There are a few coaches that, outside of my mom and dad, had a big impact on my career, and Sam Goodwin is on top of that list,” said Laird, who served as a graduate assistant under Goodwin in 1996. “At that time, I didn’t know it, but looking back, he definitely saw something in me, not just as a player but also as a coach before anybody else did. That belief in me really changed the trajectory of my career. My first year playing football at Northwestern, I wasn’t going toward being a coach. I was going in a different direction. As I watched the way he impacted us, that was the biggest influence on where I am today.”

Goodwin’s final season at the helm of Northwestern was in 1999 – one year after taking the Demons to the FCS semifinals and a school-record-tying 11-win season.

Nearly three decades later, he could still be found around the Donald G. Kelly Athletic Complex, lending an open ear or an encouraging word for current Demon head coach Blaine McCorkle.

Much like Laird, McCorkle is the son of a football coach, having grown up around the game.

Upon Goodwin’s passing, McCorkle posted a moving tribute on social media focused on the encouragement Goodwin gave to the man who now occupies his former office, coaching until the very end.

“The origin of the word coach is a Hungarian term for a carriage that takes you somewhere you can’t go by yourself,” McCorkle said. “That’s what we need coaches for. That’s why I needed him. I couldn’t start the first two years without knowing he was in my corner. So, wherever we go in the future, it’s going to be because he helped carry me and our staff there to get us started.

“He is Northwestern State football. He did it as well as anybody here. He is the standard. I get the unique privilege to stand on the shoulders of a giant, and I don’t take that lightly.”

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The Alexandria Police Department reported four arrests April 23 in connection with an ongoing weapons violation investigation.

According to authorities, officers made the arrests at approximately 2 p.m. and seized three illegal firearms during the course of the investigation.

Arrested were Dolmoine Gold, 24, charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and accessory after the fact; Zactavious Mullins, 23, charged with illegal use of a weapon; Titto Thompson, 18, charged with illegal use of a weapon; and Derrick Charles, 21, also charged with illegal use of a weapon.

Police Chief Chad Gremillion said officers’ presence in neighborhoods is often part of proactive efforts to prevent crime, adding that partnerships with Louisiana State Police and Probation and Parole help strengthen enforcement efforts.

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional arrests may be possible.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Alexandria Police Detective Division or Crime Stoppers.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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The Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Unit concluded a months-long investigation April 16, 2026, into the distribution of crack cocaine in Alexandria, resulting in the arrest of a local man and the seizure of narcotics, cash, and firearms.

Agents identified the suspect as Freddie Lee Henton Jr., 50, of Alexandria, and obtained two arrest warrants as part of the investigation. Authorities also secured search warrants for two locations allegedly connected to Henton, including a residence on Rose Marie Street and a location on North Street believed to be used for drug distribution.

Searches of both locations led to the discovery of approximately 82 grams of crack cocaine, 1.04 pounds of powder cocaine, a semi-automatic AK-47-style pistol, about eight ounces of promethazine cough syrup, packaging materials, drug paraphernalia, and glassware commonly used in the production of crack cocaine. Investigators also seized more than $8,000 in cash.

Henton was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Rapides Parish Detention Center. He was booked on multiple charges, including possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substances with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, illegal carrying of a firearm with narcotics, possession of a legend drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, and transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses, along with two distribution warrants and a parole violation.

Authorities said Henton is currently on parole for a prior drug conviction from 2018 and is prohibited from possessing a firearm. He remains in custody on a parole violation, with bond on the additional charges set at $80,500. Civil asset forfeiture paperwork was also issued for the seized cash.

RADE officials noted the investigation remains ongoing and additional arrests are possible.

The RADE Unit is a multi-agency task force made up of local, parish, state, and federal law enforcement agencies working to combat narcotics trafficking in Central Louisiana.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

April 26

Kadin Wayne Bilbo, 23, Deville – OWI first offense, modified exhaust, disobey traffic device, $1,200 bail;

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

Douglas John Juneau II, 47, Pineville – possession of CDS, taking contraband to and from penal institutions, contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Terrence Leon Sidney, 61, Alexandria – OWI first offense, improper turn, obstruction of highway, $1,600 bail;

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

Brittany E. Tullis, 29, Lafayette – OWI first offense, improper headlight equipment, driving under suspension, $1,200 bail;

Brodarius Daishawn Washington, 29, Pineville – OWI first offense, open container, $1,100 bail.

April 25

Linsey Anderson, 43, Pineville – two counts possession of CDS, $3,000 bail;

Christopher Tyrone Bryant, 34, Alexandria – two counts producing manufacturing distributing CDS, use of CDS in presence of minors, open container, modified exhaust, safety belt violation, no driver’s license, three counts possession of CDS, obstruction of justice, $5,400 bail;

Blake Burnaman, 20, Boyce – carnal knowledge of a juvenile, indecent behavior with juveniles, crime against nature, no bail data;

Marquel Cortez Casson, 25, Pineville – illegal use of weapons/dangerous instrumentalities, no bail data;

Gregory Scott Harris, 52, Pineville – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, improper display vehicle license plate, $1,200 bail;

Troynequa Monae Harris, 26, Alexandria – four counts contempt of court, $15,000 bail;

Devin Dontrae Hinkston, 35, Alexandria – possession of CDS, producing manufacturing distributing CDS, driving under suspension, expired plate/registration, $1,700 bail;

Jessica Droddy Jenkins, 43, Sulphur – five counts contempt of court, $21,000 bail;

Ralph Robinson, 18, Alexandria – possession of marijuana, simple burglary, $500 bail;

Cartavious Sampson, 19, Alexandria – illegal use of weapons/dangerous instrumentalities, no bail data.

April 24

Nicholas Dewayne Baines, 43, Alexandria – OWI first offense, $1,000 bail;

Logan Earl Bonnette, 34, Alexandria – two counts theft, three counts criminal damage to property, $2,500 bail;

Teshawn Darnell Jackson, 35, Alexandria – four counts contempt of court, disturbing the peace, $100,500 bail;

Jed Rushing Sr., 59, Alexandria – two counts contempt of court, $20,000 bail;

Jennifer Lynn Edmondson, 48, Alexandria – contempt of court, $25,000 bail;

Crystal Mae Gordon, 37, Boyce – criminal damage to property, disturbing the peace, six counts contempt of court, $76,000 bail;

Lorenzo Jewitt, 36, Alexandria – aggravated assault, violation of protective orders, false imprisonment, criminal trespass, simple burglary, parole violations, three counts contempt of court, $78,500 bail;

Ashley Marie Johnson, 34, Alexandria – possession of CDS, two counts contempt of court, $9,500 bail;

Robert Dumon Smith Jr., 26, Pineville – aggravated second degree battery, discharging firearms, two counts possession of firearm by a convicted felon, two counts illegal possession of stolen firearms, battery second degree, parole violations, $1,000 bail;

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

Austin Nicholas Vidrine, 33, Ball – five counts domestic abuse battery, domestic abuse battery pregnant, two counts domestic abuse battery with child present, two counts cruelty to juveniles, $24,500 bail.

April 23

Gary Dewayne Baltazar, 41, Glenmora – monetary instrument abuse (counterfeit/forged monies), $1,000 bail;

Kelsey Lamont Blackwell, 37, Pineville – criminal damage to property, domestic abuse battery with child present, $5,500 bail;

Tequila Brou, 31, Ball – aggravated second degree battery, $25,000 bail;

Ladarrius Dajon Bush, 23, Alexandria – two counts carnal knowledge of a juvenile, three counts contributing to the delinquency of juveniles, indecent behavior with juveniles, $400,000 bail;

Derrick Charles, 21, Alexandria – illegal use of weapons/dangerous instrumentalities, $50,000 bail;

William Jerald Cook, 60, Alexandria – simple escape, possession of CDS, paraphernalia, flight from an officer, resisting an officer, simple battery, sexual battery, simple kidnapping, criminal damage to property, 10 counts contempt of court, $41,000 bail;

Jamarria Furgerson, 21, Pineville – aggravated assault, $25,000 bail;

Dolmoine Joseph Gold, 24, Alexandria – accessory after the fact, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, probation violation, $100,000 bail;

Crystal Mae Gordon, 37, Boyce – criminal damage to property, disturbing the peace, six counts contempt of court, $76,000 bail;

Demoriya Javeon Harrell, 22, Batchelor – manufacture transfer possession of machine guns, possession of CDS, tail lamps red light, paraphernalia, $6,100 bail;

Dejuan Marcel Hooler, 54, Pineville – two counts contempt of court, $20,000 bail;

Michael Bryan Johnson Jr., 20, Batchelor – manufacture transfer or possession of machine guns, possession of drug paraphernalia, $5,500 bail;

Jordan Melbert, 22, Alexandria – aggravated battery, $5,000 bail;

Walter Gregory Monette Jr., 19, Alexandria – illegal possession of stolen firearm, possession of marijuana, $5,500 bail;

Zactavious Mullins, 23, Pineville – illegal use of weapons, dangerous instrumentalities, $50,000 bail;

Robert Earl Newman Jr., 45, Alexandria – switched license plate, speeding, driving under suspension, two counts contempt of court, $8,700 bail;

Jessica Kellen Peart, 31, Alexandria – illegal possession of stolen things, running a stop sign, possession of CDS, misuse of a temp tag, $10,200 bail;

Clifton Peter Prier III, 38, Alexandria – flight from an officer, resisting an officer, probation violation, $15,500 bail;

Jeremy Lamar Rice, 35, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, contempt of court, $3,500 bail;

Eric Cortez Sandifer, 31, Alexandria – possession of CDS, producing manufacturing distributing CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, possession of firearm by convicted felon, $32,000 bail;

Titto Demond Thompson Jr., 18, Pineville – illegal use of weapons/dangerous instrumentalities, $50,000 bail;

Heather D. Walker, 28, Marksville – theft, contempt of court, $2,500 bail.

April 22

Tony Jake Hicks, 48, Echo – two counts criminal damage to critical infrastructure, two counts theft, two counts criminal trespass, $121,000 bail;

Desmon Dashawn Jenkins, 29, Alexandria – four counts producing manufacturing distributing CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia, parole violations, $136,000 bail;

Addie Elizabeth Marron, 43, Pineville – theft, contempt of court, Louisiana fugitive, $20,000 bail;

Marco Marshall, 29, Pineville – OWI first offense, careless operation of a vehicle, $1,300 bail;

Justin Leamon Peart, 43, Pineville – four counts criminal trespass, contempt of court, $3,500 bail;

Danielle Leigh Rashall, 35, Alexandria – simple burglary, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, illegal carrying of weapons, $201,000 bail.

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It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beloved Sharon White Dyer, who left us on April 23, 2026, at the age of 72. Born on December 11, 1953, Sharon was not just a wonderful mother; she was also a cherished grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend to many.

Funeral services to celebrate Sharon’s life will be held at Richey Baptist Church in Deville, on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. with Brother Grady Dodge officiating. Burial will follow in Palmer Chapel Cemetery in Kolin.

Visitation will be held at Richey Baptist Church in Deville on Monday, April 27, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., where friends and family are encouraged to come and share their stories and memories of this incredible woman.

Pallbearers honored to serve will be Dalton Dyer, Lucas Dyer, Justin McDowell, Dustin Dodge, Nathan Thacker, and James Strother. Honorary pallbearers will be Cody Parker and Blake Gordon.

Sharon’s warmth and kindness touched everyone around her. She had a deep love for her family and was an active member of Richey Baptist Church, where she found a community that she considered family. Her laughter and spirit will be truly missed.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Donald J. Dyer, Jr. (Sonda), John Dyer (Lisa), Sarah Miller, and Wtissue Thacker; 15 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; brothers, Marvin White and Douglas White; and a host of other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin Alvis and Myrtis White; husband, Donald James Dyer, Sr., and brother, Vicky White.

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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James Snyder, who left us on April 25, 2026, at the age of 65. Born on October 23, 1960, James grew up in Lake Charles. After meeting the love of his life, Leeann Burnham Snyder, he moved to Pineville, Louisiana, his home, where they made lasting memories together. They were happily married for 34 years, sharing countless laughs, adventures, and a profound love.

James was not just a devoted husband; he was also a passionate high school football referee for 25 years, earning the respect of players and coaches alike. His dedication to the sport earned him roles officiating several championship games in the Superdome, highlighting his commitment. He was a die-hard LSU fan, and you could always find him cheering on his team with unwavering enthusiasm.

Fitness was a huge part of James’s life. He made it a point to work out every day at the gym, embodying the spirit of health and wellness. Sundays were reserved for family time, especially for watching golf and football with his dad. Those moments were dear to his heart, filled with laughter and camaraderie.

James had an enormous love for his fur babies: Sammie and Peewee, his loyal dogs, and Monkey, the mischievous cat. They brought him endless joy and comfort, especially during his downtime.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, LeeAnn Snyder; father, Gary Lamar Snyder; brother, Craig Snyder; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Pauline Kolich Snyder; brother, Blaine Snyder; and stepmother, Lillian Elizabeth Snyder.

In honor of James’s life and legacy, a memorial service will be held at a later date.

James will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Rest in peace, dear friend.

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Hazel Donaldson Richey Scott
October 22, 1945 – April 25, 2026
Service: Saturday, May 2, 2026, 3pm at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville.

Lavonne Walding Bond
August 21, 1941 – April 23, 2026
Service: Thursday, April 30, 2026, 3pm at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, Alexandria. 

Sharon White Dyer
December 11, 1953 – April 23, 2026
Service: Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 10am at Richey Baptist Church, Deville. 

Nancy Nanette Gordon
November 3, 1951 – April 23, 2026
Service: Friday, May 1, 2026, 1pm at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball. 

Gene Thornhill
November 17, 1935 – April 21, 2026
Service: Monday, April 27, 2026, 1pm at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball. 

Bernadine Lachney Trumps
December 16, 1925 – April 20, 2026
Service: Thursday, April 30, 2026, 10am at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria. 

Dr. V. Vincent III
September 15, 1939 – April 20, 2026
Service: Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 10am at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, Alexandria.

Glen Austin Belgard
August 9, 1934 – April 11, 2026
Service: Saturday, May 2, 2026, 11am at Unity Baptist Church, Pineville. 

Concetta Sotile Fiorenza
July 21, 1924 – March 11, 2026
Service: Friday, May 15, 2026, 10am at Our Lady Of Prompt Succor Catholic Church, Alexandria.

The Rapides Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or RPJNewsla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to RPJNewsla@gmail.com.)

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Readings from this week’s Alexandria City Council meeting:

– – –

If Malcolm Larvadain is not running for mayor in the fall he sure sounds like a candidate. Paraphrasing:

On GAEDA, new council doesn’t agree with some votes of the past; On W&G building, he’d love to see it developed but not by the city, there are other things more pressing.

(Rescission of GAEDA agreement passed 4-1, Chuck Fowler the one and Jim Villard and Lizzie Felter abstaining.

Villard and Felter GAEDA appointments are open, though Felter seems leaning toward one soon. Both their council posts on Fall ballot.) On proposed budget and payroll, except for two council employees, Larvadain notes,  mayor calls the shots and sets the tone.

Larvadain does not have to relinquish his seat if he chooses to run.

– – –

After all said and done budget ordinance adopted, Larvadain and Jules Green voting no.

Questions and gripes about proposed allocations but no amendments offered and it moves forward as proposed by administration.

Mayor Jacques Roy could under charter veto any such without voiding document ordinance, or let changes stand. But no amendments.

Same for GAEDA move, which some of his adversaries seem to be counting on even though the mayor says GAEDA is council’s creature, not his.

– – –

Johnny Downs Complex is designated fall guy for deteriorating condition of Cheatham Park despite dollars plowed into city economy by host of baseball, softball, soccer and golf visitors at the rec area weekly.

– – –

Council President Cynthia Perry walks on line between proper public comment on subject at hand and allowing opinions far afield.

Outbursts from audience still interrupt at times but president seems in control, and patient.

– – –

Utility rate structure remains verboten topic.

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By JIM BUTLER

Visions of dollar bills, hundreds of millions of them, danced through heads like sugar-plums on Christmas Eve at Thursday’s England Authority meeting.

And why not? What could be an historic, parish-changing story was about to move to the next chapter. No Scrooge was detected among those on hand representing various public entities.

After thorough discussion and review the Authority unanimously signed off on a Payment in Lieu of Taxes agreement with Applied Digital for its data center targeted for the Boyce area. (Commissioner Charles Weems abstained because his law firm has done some work for Applied Digital.) The now-$7 billion project is not a fait accompli but the PILOT allows moving to a next stage.

Ultimately a voluminous Cooperative Endeavor Agreement in which the fine print is detailed will come before the Authority, assuming Applied Digital lands a tenant and terms are reached.

In other business, an update from UCore put its first rare earth processing unit in operation at the Airpark by year’s end with about 40 employees hired.

By 2028 the company plans 21 machines for the $75 million, 120 jobs project.

The Authority also raised Executive Director Ralph Hennessy’s pay to $240,000, effective May 1. 

Commissioner Joe McPherson voted no, saying he thought it too high considering comparable salaries for public employees or public officials in the parish.

Zeb Winstead asked where the recommended figure came from and was told the Finance Committee felt it a median figure based on information gathered by Myron Lawson Jr., which indicated Hennessy appeared to be overpaid on the aviation side and underpaid on the economic development front.

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has announced the substantial completion of a $4.8 million overlay project on LA 1200 in Rapides Parish.

The work covered approximately four miles of roadway from LA 1 in the Town of Boyce to LA 121. Improvements included full-depth patching to repair the roadway base, drainage structure work, installation of fiberglass paving mat, milling of existing asphalt, new asphalt paving, and updated striping and signage.

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The Transportation Policy Committee for the Alexandria-Pineville Metropolitan Planning Organization (APMPO) will hold a formal meeting on Wednesday, May 6 at 10 a.m. to deliberate on significant regional infrastructure updates.

The meeting will be held at the Rapides Area Planning Commission (RAPC) office and concurrently online via Zoom. The committee is scheduled to take formal action on updates to the current Transportation Improvement Program for 2023-2026, the future 2027-2030 program, and the 2026-2027 Unified Planning Work Program.

The committee is comprised of local leaders, including Pineville Mayor Joe Bishop, Alexandria Mayor Jacques Roy, Ball Mayor L. Gail Wilkinson, and representatives from the Rapides Parish Police Jury, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LaDOTD), and the Regional Port Authority. Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration officials also serve on the board.

The meeting agenda and specific participation instructions are available on the RAPC website. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the commission offers auxiliary aids and services for effective communication upon request. Those requiring such modifications are encouraged to contact the ADA Coordinator at 318-487-5401 at least three days prior to the session.

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As the spring breeze carries the smoky aroma of world-class BBQ and the rhythmic pulse of Zydeco across the historic downtown bricks, Alexandria prepares to transform its riverfront into a three-day kaleidoscope of culture, craft, and community connection.

Thursday, April 30: Dinner on the Bricks

The transformation begins on Thursday evening. As the sun dips low over the Red River, Third Street turns into a massive outdoor dining room for Dinner on the Bricks (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM). There is a specific kind of magic in seeing the historic downtown streets lined with long tables, neighbors sharing local flavors, and the first notes of live music drifting through the air. It’s the “calm before the storm”—a sophisticated, community-focused kickoff that sets the stage for the high energy to follow.

Friday, May 1: Lights, Smoke, and Zydeco

By Friday afternoon, the pace quickens. The scent of hickory and oak begins to dominate the air as the Que’in on the Red BBQ competition heats up. Pitmasters from across the region battle it out, and the “smoke-filled” atmosphere is the perfect backdrop for a Friday night out.

As evening falls, the Main Stage comes alive. This year’s Friday night is heavy on rhythm and soul, featuring:

Mariachi Jarabe Tapatio (4:00 PM) bringing vibrant energy.

Keith Frank and the Soileau Zydeco Band (7:30 PM), ensuring no one stays in their seat.

Shinyribs (9:00 PM) closing out the night with their signature swamp-pop and funk.

Don’t miss the Luminary Procession at 8:00 PM—a glowing parade of hand-crafted, life-sized art pieces that turn the streets into a moving gallery.

Saturday, May 2: The Grand Finale

Saturday is the heart of the Fête, with events running from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. It’s a day of discovery:

ArtFete & Indie Village: Walk through rows of local artisans, where you can find everything from handmade jewelry to fine paintings.

Classic Car Fete: For the gearheads, the gleam of polished chrome under the Louisiana sun is a must-see.

KidsFete & Petting Zoo: The little ones have their own kingdom of inflatables, games, and animals.

The Battle of the Bands: Starting at noon, catch the raw energy of rising local talent.

As the festival winds down Saturday night, you’ll likely find yourself leaning against the railing at the riverfront, listening to the final echoes of a brass band, with a belly full of BBQ and a bag of handmade crafts.

Quick Guide for Your Visit:

Admission: Entirely FREE.

Pets: You can bring your furry friends! Just keep them on a leash.

Must-Eats: Hit “Food Truck Alley” for classic festival fare and the BBQ competition area for world-class brisket.

Parking: Downtown parking is available, but arrive early on Saturday as the streets fill up fast!

Alex River Fête isn’t just an event; it’s the moment Alexandria shows off its heart. See you on the bricks!

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By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

NATCHITOCHES – Former LSU football coach Ed Orgeron, who played his senior season for Sam Goodwin then began his coaching career on Goodwin’s Northwestern State staff, is among speakers honoring the late coach Saturday morning at 10 in NSU’s Turpin Stadium.

Goodwin, a Pineville native, passed away at home March 20 at age 82 after a brief illness. As a junior offensive lineman, he helped the 1960 Pineville Rebels win the Class AA state football championship.

The memorial service is open to anyone. Casual attire is welcomed, with NSU fans encouraged to wear football game day gear. Entrance is through the stadium’s west (press box) side.

Three of Goodwin’s greatest players – future NFL veterans Kevin Lewis and Marcus Spears, both of whom had no other college offers – and record-breaking quarterback Brad Laird are also on the roster of speakers.

Former NSU assistant coaches Dr. Fitz Hill, later a head coach at San Jose State, and Bradley Dale Peveto, who became head coach at Northwestern from 2009-12, will also talk about Goodwin.

His granddaughter Jaycee Goodwin, who last year completed her college softball career at Georgia State, will share her thoughts. She now is on the administrative staff at the University of Georgia.

Shreveport state Senator Rick Edmonds, a close Goodwin friend, will speak. Former state Senator Gerald Long, who with his late wife Rose was the longtime Fellowship of Christian Athletes huddle leader at Northwestern during Goodwin’s 17 seasons, will offer an invocation.

Resolutions from Congressman Cleo Fields, and the state houses in Louisiana and Arkansas, will be presented. Goodwin won five state championships in nine years as head coach in the 1970s at Little Rock-Parkview High School, and also was an assistant coach on Lou Holtz’ Arkansas staff for two seasons.

The celebration of Goodwin’s life will lead into the annual Joe Delaney Bowl spring game that caps Northwestern’s spring practice. Goodwin launched the Delaney Bowl tradition and also inaugurated the Joe Delaney Memorial Leadership Awards for permanent team captains after Delaney’s heroic drowning death in 1983.

Following Saturday’s Delaney Bowl, the Demon Brothers Booster Club, an association of former players, most who played for Goodwin, are hosting the Crawfest festival and music show on the NSU practice fields. Tickets are available at the DemonBrothers.org website.

Goodwin won a school-record 102 games in 17 seasons at the helm of the Demon program, turning it into a perennial Southland Conference championship contender while setting the Southland Conference wins record.

Goodwin led the Demons to four conference championships – the 1984 Gulf Star crown and the 1988, 1997 and 1998 Southland titles. He twice was named Southland Conference Coach of the Year.

His 1998 Demon team reached the FCS semifinals where it fell to eventual national champion UMass. That 1998 team equaled the school single-season record of 11 wins and featured four of the 22 All-Americans Goodwin coached at Northwestern.

His 1988 squad advanced to the FCS quarterfinals and is the only Northwestern team to go unbeaten in Southland play. That season, Goodwin’s “Road Warriors” picked up five straight conference or playoff wins away from Turpin Stadium, including a regular-season-ending 20-17 victory at Stephen F. Austin, which had previously been ranked No. 1 in the nation. Two weeks ahead of the win at SFA, the Demons took down another top-ranked team, North Texas, on the road.

In addition to the 20 on-field All-Americans he produced, Goodwin also coached two Academic All-Americans, a National Football Foundation Scholar-Athletes, 42 first-team All-Southland Conference selections and 38 players who reached the NFL – several whose only Division I scholarship offer was from Goodwin.

Among many standout central Louisiana players Goodwin recruited to become stars for the Demons included Robbie Martin, Tony Taylor, Guy Hedrick, Carlos Treadway, Jerry Roberson and Scott Stoker. Stoker, an assistant coach at UL-Lafayette, will be working in the Ragin’ Cajuns spring game Saturday and cannot attend the service.

Goodwin earned induction into the N-Club Hall of Fame – the highest honor the university awards to student-athletes and athletic staff members – in 1999, a year after his alma mater, Henderson State, enshrined him in its athletic hall of fame. He was a NAIA All-America lineman for the Reddies and a three-time Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference discus champion who served 10 years as the HSU athletics director after retiring from Northwestern in June 2000.

He was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame and the Southland Conference’s Hall of Honor in 2007. Two years ago, he was presented the “Contributions to Amateur Football Award” by the S.M. McNaughton Chapter of the National Football Foundation encompassing north Louisiana.

Complimentary bottled water will be available for those seated in the west stands at Turpin Stadium. The Goodwin family and speakers will greet well-wishers after the service at the south end of the field, next to the Jack Clayton Plaza.

Orgeron became one of the country’s top recruiters in major college football, served as interim head coach at USC, and after being promoted out of the same role in Baton Rouge following the 2016 season, led LSU to the 2019 national championship in an historic unbeaten run. His senior season at Northwestern, 1983, was Goodwin’s first in Natchitoches.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

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Rapides Parish Schools has released an update to the Bolton Academy parents regarding football this fall at Bolton Academy. 

The school district’s media director, Mary Helen Downey, shared the statement with Rapides Parish Journal columnist Bob Tompkins Thursday. On Tuesday, Tompkins’ weekly column focused on social media reports that the school’s century-old football program was being shuttered, at least for the 2026 season.

Last week, the school notified its already-scheduled 2026 opponents that Bolton would not be playing football this fall, casting into doubt the future of the Bears’ football. Tompkins’ column concluded by reporting Bolton was considering a junior high feeder program that could gauge interest in the sustainability of the sport at a varsity level.

Statement regarding Bolton Academy varsity football

Bolton Academy seeks to develop the whole child, and that means nurturing not just academic excellence, but strength in athletics and the arts, as well.

After careful evaluation of current participation levels, we have determined that interest in varsity football is insufficient to safely and responsibly field a competitive team this fall. As a result, we have notified the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) that Bolton Academy will not participate in varsity football during the 2026 season.

This decision was not made lightly, and it does not reflect a retreat from football. It reflects our commitment to developing a stronger football program that sustains itself for years to come.

Our focus now turns to where our momentum is strongest: our middle school program. We have student-athletes at that level who are eager, enthusiastic, and ready to become the next generation of Bolton Academy football. By investing our energy and resources there, we are laying the foundation for a junior varsity and varsity program that is built to last.

We also recognize that our school has navigated a significant period of transition. The consolidation and reclassification process required by the LHSAA spans two years, and weathering those adjustments has taken patience and perseverance from our entire community. We are grateful for that perseverance.

Looking ahead, we are optimistic. We believe in our student-athletes, their coaches, and the Bolton Academy community.

(Statement provided by Rapides Parish Schools)

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Any game in any sport is intense when Tioga and Pineville meet. Their softball teams square off today at 5:30 with a berth in next weekend’s Select Division I state tournament on the line.

The second-seeded Lady Rebels are hosting the No. 7 Lady Indians, assuring Rapides Parish will have a team in Sulphur next Friday.

The ASH and Plainview softball teams narrowly missed pulling upsets in quarterfinal games on the road Thursday, each falling by one run as their seasons ended.

In baseball Thursday, Buckeye was cruising with a 4-0 lead in the sixth inning of Game 1 of its homefield Select Division II series against St. Michael’s, but the visitors roared to life. A grand slam in the top of the seventh pushed the Warriors up 5-4, before the Panthers rallied in the bottom half to force extra innings.

Ninth-seeded St. Michael’s pushed across two go-ahead runs in the top of the eighth and held on to stun the eighth-seeded hosts. Game 2 is today at 5 and if No. 8 Buckeye wins, a decisive Game 3 will follow.

Menard dropped a 3-2 Game 1 decision at Catholic-New Iberia Thursday while Pineville was run-ruled in its series opener top-seeded Brother Martin.

ASH is home today to begin its series with Captain Shreve. Tioga goes to New Orleans to play Jesuit.

Baseball regional round series

Select Division I

Thursday’s score: Brother Martin 12, Pineville 0 (5 innings, Game 1 of best-of-3;  Game 2 – today, 4:00; if necessary, Game 3, Saturday 11 a.m.

Captain Shreve (9) at ASH (8) – today 6:00, Saturday 2:00, if necessary Game 3 follows

Tioga (11) at Jesuit (6) – today 6:00, Saturday noon, if necessary Game 3, 3:00

Select Division II

Thursday’s score: St. Michael 7, Buckeye 5, 8 innings (Game 1 of best-of-3; Game 2– today, 5:00, if necessary Game 3 follows

Select Division III

Thursday’s score: Catholic-New Iberia 3, Menard 2 (Game 1 of best-of-3; Game 2 – today, 6:00; if necessary, Game 3, Saturday 11:00

Softball quarterfinal games

Select Division I

Tioga (7) at Pineville (2), today, 5:30

Mt. Carmel 3, ASH 2 (Thursday)

Select Division II

Buckeye (6) at Archbishop Hannan (3), today, 6:00

Select Division IV

Menard (7) at Glenbrook (2), Saturday, 1:00

Class C

Claiborne Christian 8, Plainview 7 (Thursday)

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The April meeting of the Rapides Parish School Board opened with recognition of student groups and teams from across the district who have recently earned honors in academics, leadership, and competition.

Keep Alexandria Beautiful, an affiliate of Keep Louisiana Beautiful, partnered with RPSB, CleanAlex, Keep Louisiana Beautiful, and the Coca-Cola Company on a “Team Up to Clean Up” poster contest for K–8 students focused on community cleanup and beautification. District officials recognized winning entries from several schools.

The Arthur F. Smith robotics team made history at the VEX IQ State Championship, finishing first overall in qualification matches and earning both the Teamwork Champion Award and the Excellence Award, the highest honor in VEX IQ competition. Their performance secured a spot at the VEX IQ World Championship in St. Louis, Missouri, where they will compete against top teams from around the world.

The Tioga Archery Team was also recognized for a series of championship performances, including first-place finishes in high school team competition at the South Louisiana State Qualifier, the State 3D Tournament in both 2025 and 2026, and the State Bullseye Tournament. The team will advance to the Eastern National Tournament in Louisville, Kentucky, this summer.

Special recognition was given to Tayler M. of Glenmora High School for her leadership on and off campus.

Cheer teams from Tioga High School and Pineville High School were also acknowledged after weather conditions from Winter Storm Fern prevented travel to a national competition in Dallas, Texas. Despite competing virtually, the teams earned multiple NCA National Championship titles in their divisions.

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Visitation for Barry Lane Paulk will be held from 11AM until 1PM on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Magnolia Funeral 2026 with interment to follow at Craig Cemetery, Deville, LA.

Barry Lane Paulk, 65, of Pineville, Louisiana passed away on April 9, 2026. He was born on May 4, 1960, and grew up on Denny Road in Deville, Louisiana. He graduated from Buckeye High School and went on to study Chemical Engineering at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston before discovering his true calling in the skies above. Barry earned his pilot’s license at the Ruston Airport and never looked back. What began as flying privately for others grew into a distinguished career in aviation. He flew commercially for Atlantic Southeast Airlines, served as a private pilot for Rayford Enterprises and a private ministry, and ultimately became Chief Pilot and Head of Flight Operations for Crest Industries — a role that defined much of his professional life. He also owned his own aircraft, which he rented to aspiring pilots seeking their type ratings. In his later years he continued doing what he loved, ferrying aircraft internationally for buyers overseas. He was a man of remarkable skill and quiet intelligence who found his greatest freedom at altitude. Beyond the cockpit, Barry loved the Louisiana outdoors — hunting and fishing were lifelong passions. He was known by those who loved him as a smart, talented man with a warm and caring heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Huey Leon Paulk and Glenda Mae Denny Paulk, and his brothers Thomas Leon Paulk and Rex Owen Paulk.

He leaves behind his loving family to cherish his memory: his wife, Frankie Catherine Staton Paulk; his children, Dustin Paulk, Jena Paulk, Natalie Miller, and Joshua Paulk; his grandchildren, Brittney, Braden, Preston, Audistine, Eesha, Adonias, Zaniah, Jasper, Sapphire, Galton, and Sky; his brothers and sister, Shane (Wanda) Paulk, Stanley (Jackie) Paulk, Kevin Paulk, Judy (Chad) Luke, and Virgil (Shannon) Paulk; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

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