Company cites market conditions, regulatory uncertainty and financing challenges in decision to halt proposed Central Louisiana facility.
La. — SunGas Renewables announced Friday that it is ending further development of the proposed Beaver Lake Biofuels project, bringing an apparent end to what had been one of the largest economic development projects planned for Central Louisiana.
The Houston-based company said a combination of market, regulatory and financing challenges led to the decision to cease development of the project, which was planned near Alexandria on the former International Paper mill site.
According to the company, Beaver Lake was designed to convert sustainably sourced wood fiber into approximately 553,000 metric tons of low-carbon methanol annually while capturing and permanently storing approximately 1.1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide each year. The project was expected to utilize three SunGas S1000 syngas production systems and was promoted as a large-scale renewable fuels facility serving growing global demand for lower-carbon energy products.
SunGas officials said slower-than-anticipated adoption of low-carbon marine fuels, uncertainty surrounding carbon capture and storage pathways, and unresolved regulatory and financing conditions prevented the project from advancing on the required timeline.
The Beaver Lake project had been projected to represent an investment exceeding $2 billion and was expected to create hundreds of construction jobs and more than 100 permanent positions in Rapides Parish. State and local officials had frequently cited the development as a transformative economic opportunity for Central Louisiana.
In a statement, SunGas Chief Executive Officer Robert Rigdon said the company continues to believe low-carbon methanol can play an important role in reducing emissions in the maritime, aviation and chemical industries but that current market and regulatory conditions do not support moving forward with the project at this time.
The company expressed appreciation to federal, state and local officials, as well as community stakeholders, who supported the project during its development phase. SunGas said the experience demonstrated both the potential of biomass-to-methanol technology and the economic development opportunities such projects could bring to rural communities.
Although Beaver Lake will not proceed, SunGas said it will continue marketing its S1000 gasification technology to third-party developers and remains engaged in renewable fuels projects involving green methanol, renewable natural gas, hydrogen and other low-carbon energy products.
The announcement marks the latest setback for large-scale alternative energy developments seeking to balance environmental goals with evolving market demand, infrastructure requirements and financing realities.
Clandarius Means went from the shallow water to the deep, judicially speaking, in a short time.
Means, 20, was jailed May 6 on allegations of battery on a dating partner and criminal damage.
He bonded out on the misdemeanors for $1,750.
Wednesday he was booked on new charges — aggravated battery and aggravated assault with a firearm, charges carrying up to 5 and 10-year sentencing options.
Among familiar names booked this week:
Alfred Rue IV, 27 -accused of 2023 murder of De’Asia Mullins. Trial began last year, but in October paused until this year;
Marckeeyse Dorsey, 25 – booked for pre-trial proceedings. DOC custody. Current charges parole violation, distribution, battery second degree.
Known by some on street at time as Yay-O Head Hunter, booked February 2021 on murder, attempted murder, illegal weapons, distribution, armed robbery in Detroit Street incident.
Pleaded guilty to robbery, sentenced to five years;
Kam’Ryn Parker, 22 – DOC, first booked June 2022 distribution, firearms, assault with firearm, battery;
October 2022, murder second degree, illegal carry, resisting; January 2024 battery second degree; August 2024 criminal conspiracy, contraband, distribution.
The Rapides Parish School Board has appointed Dr. Alysia Tolbert-Nelson as the new principal of Horseshoe Drive Elementary.
Dr. Nelson returns to the school where she began her career in Rapides Parish as a lead teacher in 2019. She brings 15 years of experience in education to the position, including nine years of service within the Rapides Parish School District.
Throughout her career, Dr. Nelson has served in several leadership roles, including Transformation Zone Math and Science Curriculum Specialist, assistant principal at L.S. Rugg Elementary, and most recently as the district’s Science Instructional Supervisor.
In announcing her appointment, district officials highlighted her commitment to student achievement and instructional excellence.
Dr. Nelson said her goal is to foster a collaborative culture focused on academic success and student growth.
She will assume leadership of Horseshoe Drive Elementary as the school prepares for the upcoming academic year. School officials expressed confidence in her ability to lead the campus and continue supporting students, faculty, and staff.
Mayor Joe Bishop recognized three members of the Pineville City Council with the Pineville Proud Award during a recent City Council meeting, honoring their service and contributions to the community.
The awards were presented to Councilman Randy O’Neal, Councilwoman Christy Frederic, and Councilman Nathan Martin for their dedication and leadership in serving the City of Pineville.
O’Neal was recognized for his service during the past year and a half after stepping in to fill a mid-term vacancy on the council. City officials said his willingness to complete the unexpired term provided stability and continuity for the city.
Frederic was honored for 12 years of service on the council. During her tenure, she has worked on behalf of residents and supported numerous initiatives aimed at improving the community.
Martin received recognition for 22 years of continuous service to the city. Officials noted his long-standing role in helping guide Pineville through years of growth and development.
Mayor Bishop said the three council members exemplify the spirit of public service and commitment that the Pineville Proud Award is intended to recognize.
The city thanked O’Neal, Frederic, and Martin for their leadership and contributions to the community.
Lifelong Rapides Parish resident Kathy Holloway was the first woman president of the state and national high school coaching associations. (Photo courtesy Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame)
By BOB TOMPKINS, Written for the LSWA
Kathy Stewart Holloway’s life has been marked by unprecedented achievement as a woman in high school sports once ruled by men.
Yet, she points with love to two men who, behind the scenes, helped her along the way.
Her father, Jack Stewart, a car salesman, put up her first basketball goal on the side of a building on the family property in Lecompte when she was a tyke. It was a target, set then at a lower achievable height, but she always aimed high at whatever goal she pursued. That attitude was motivated by her father’s constant encouragement to “do your best.”
Her husband, Charles, who was the director of business affairs and comptroller at LSUA for 35 years before his death 19 years ago, was the other most influential man in her life. She turned to him for advice before any big decision in an extraordinary career as a coach and administrator.
A string of prestigious honors stands as testimony to her many local, statewide and national accomplishments, the latest of which is being among 12 elected to the 2026 class to be inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches.
Holloway is going into the LSHOF among a 12-person Class of 2026 celebrated during three days of festivities Thursday, June 25-Saturday, June 27, with seven events (six in Natchitoches, bowling in Alexandria). For participation information, visit LaSportsHall.com or call 318-238-4255.
She is the 25th recipient of the Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award and will be enshrined in the Hall as the fourth female Dixon winner.
She joins Pineville native Sue Donohoe (2017), an NCAA basketball administrator; Alexandria native Marie Gagnard (2019), a pioneer as a women’s pro tennis official; and Opelousas native Joan Cronan (2020), the women’s athletic director during the Pat Summitt era at Tennessee, in the subset of women who have been honored.
The Dixon Award is presented annually by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s 35-member Hall of Fame selection committee to an individual who has played a decisive role as a sports leader or administrator benefiting Louisiana and/or bringing credit to Louisiana on the national and international level.
The classic story of Holloway’s disciplined but quiet push into a male-dominated hierarchy at the Louisiana High School Coaches Association came during an All-Star weekend in Baton Rouge in 1982 when, as she said, “football coaches controlled everything.”
Yet, some of the iconic coaches of the day like Charlie Brown of Neville and Red Franklin of Haynesville (both since elected to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame) asked her when she was going to run for president (of the LHSCA).
“At a Friday night barbecue before a Saturday All-Star football game, I was standing by myself and this guy said, ‘Are you going to vote for me tomorrow (for president)?’ I said, ‘Yeah, if you vote for me when I run.’
“He said, ‘There ain’t ever going to be a woman president of this association.’”
One year later, at the suggestion of then LHSAA commissioner Frank Spruiell, Holloway ran for second vice-president (which virtually assures automatic succession to first vice president then president). No one ran against her. So, she was the first female to ever to hold each office, being the first LHSCA female president in 1986.
In 1992, she made history becoming the first female president of the National High School Athletic Coaches Association. In 1998, she was elected to the Louisiana High School Sports Hall of Fame and in 2012 was inducted into the NHSACA Hall of Fame.
In 2021 Holloway was honored by the NHSACA, becoming the first winner of an award named in her honor, the “Kathy Holloway Women of Inspiration Award” given annually to females promoting high school athletics.
Her road to prestigious positions and honors started at her home in her youth.
The oldest of three children of Jack and Edith Harrison Holloway, Kathy started shooting and dribbling a basketball as soon as she could walk, and from the start, her father, set the bar high.
“For him,” said Holloway, “everything we did, it was ‘do your best.’”
Young Kathy took that message to heart and has lived by it to the present day.
She enjoyed a stellar playing career at Poland High School, leading her team to the Class C state championship in 1965 and being named the most valuable offensive player of the tournament. She coached girls’ basketball at Tioga for 23 years (1969-92), mentoring four high school All-Americans, 13 all-state players, 5 LHSCA all-stars and achieving 10 playoff appearances, two Sweet 16 appearances and two state runner-up finishes. Fifteen of her players got college athletic scholarships.
In the 1990s, when Ocean Spray launched a sponsorship and scholarship initiative for the NHSACA, Holloway was on the initial selection committee with the two previous NHSACA presidents and Ocean Spray representatives to pick the national winners.
One of the team managers during Holloway’s time as Tioga’s girls’ basketball coach is Dr. Joan Brunson, a family medicine physician who is the president of the medical staff at Rapides Regional.
“It doesn’t surprise me that she went on to accomplish the things she did,” Brunson said of Holloway.
“Kathy is a person that would never give up,” Brunson said. “She would think of ways to do things more efficiently. She was good at restoring confidence in her players when they were having a difficult time.”
The 78-year-old Holloway, who was a math major at LSU, wasn’t only skilled in basketball. In the same year she led Poland to the state title, she became the district president of the Future Homemakers Association of America, which, undoubtedly made her mother proud. Her mother, who lived to age 96, was a homemaker who made all the clothes for her children, cooked all the meals and did the gardening around the house.
“Mom would call me to supper,” Holloway recalled, “and I had to make 10 in a row before coming in. I don’t think I ever coached anybody that practiced shooting as much as I did.”
That includes four All-Americans: Jan Nugent (1969-72), Kay Ford (1972-75), Julie Wilkerson (1976-79) and Tara Curtis (1984-88). Ford and Wilkerson played for Louisiana Tech and Curtis played for LSU.
For the first nine years of the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters basketball program, at least one player from Tioga was on the team, be it Marilyn Robinson, Ford or Wilkerson.
Wilkerson, a local attorney, remembers Holloway’s innovation as a coach.
“She started a ‘jump’ layup,” said Wilkerson, “getting us to do a jump shot as our layup. She didn’t need to holler; she just looked at you with the kind of look that you knew you were not doing what you needed to be doing. And it was never about individual honors with her. She stressed team.”
Tara Curtis, her only player to play for LSU, said Holloway was “literally an angel, God-sent from heaven” in her life.
“I come from humble beginnings,” said the 56-year-old Curtis, who manages records and classifications for the women’s state prison in St. Gabriel. Despite being a talented player, she said she didn’t have confidence. “She always told me I was going to be somebody and do great things.”
That was a message she wasn’t getting at home with a single mother, she said, noting Holloway was “somewhat of a mother figure” who made sacrifices for her. “She’d pick me up, drive me to practice, brought me to games. She enhanced the skills I had to enable me to get a scholarship to go to college. She and her husband both took an interest in me, as would parents.”
Holloway had her own support group as a youth. In addition to her parents, her best friend while playing for Poland was a defensive player, Carolyn Beauregard, who was tougher guarding her than any opponent. One of the ways she gave her moral support when she was upset was to snap, “Don’t start crying!”
And, now, her son, Stewart Holloway, the pastor of First Baptist Church of Pineville, is supporting her as she is the director of his church’s “Upwards Basketball” K-6 program. It’s part of Upward Sports, founded in 1995, and the world’s largest Christian youth sports provider. It lists its mission as “promoting the discovery of Jesus through sports.”
Kathy is in her 15th year as the program director, and the participation has mushroomed from around 90 players to 300.
Holloway thinks back to her first job as a math teacher at Brame Junior High, when then Tioga principal Philip White hired her as a physical education teacher. He asked her to be a hostess for the Sweet 16 tournament in 1969-70, and she did. Impressed with her work there along with her basketball credentials, White hired her the next year as basketball coach.
Her teaching career later came full circle when, after she left Tioga, Bolton principal Ron Akins hired her as a PE teacher. The summer before what was to be her last year, Bolton girls’ basketball coach Danny Dotherow asked her to be his assistant.
“He had won district and wanted to win the next year,” she said. “I had to ask Charles. He said OK.”
And Holloway helped Dotherow guide a talented group to not only another district title but four straight district championships and playoff appearances, including the state semifinals in 2002-03.
“Looking back, sometimes I think, ‘How did this happen?’” Holloway said. “I think of Robert Frost’s The Road Not Taken. Itook the road to Tioga. God just takes care of you and opens doors. If I hadn’t been here, it wouldn’t have gone this way, I guess. I’m thankful for being available to do the things I love to do. I like people. I like getting everybody to work together.”
Former two-time LSU All-American Sam Burns made eight birdies Thursday in the first round of the RBC Canadian Open. (Photo courtesy PGA Tour)
By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports
Sam Burns is on his game.
He shares the first-round lead at the RBC Canadian Open after an opening 6-under-par 64, after battling for the win into the final hole last week at The Memorial, finishing in fourth.
The 29-year-old Shreveport native, a Calvary Baptist graduate, was firing at the flags all afternoon at TPC Toronto and needed just 27 feet of putts, while his ball striking was almost flawless. He found 12 of 14 fairways and hit 14 of 18 greens in regulation.
Thursday’s afternoon tee time gets swapped for an early start today: at 6:44 a.m. CT with Wyndham Clark and Kristoffer Reitan — who have wins on Tour over the last six weeks.
“The morning has different challenges. I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily easier or harder,” Burns said. “Typically, in the morning there’s moisture on the golf ball, which is a different challenge in itself. The golf course plays a little bit longer. The rough is thicker usually just with the moisture. Sometimes it can play easier, sometimes more difficult.”
A morning rain Thursday made the course demanding more from the short game, which plays into Burns’ strength. The PGA Tour’s putting leader last season, Burns ranks fourth this season.
“There’s always a few kind of key putts you have throughout a round, whether it’s to keep the momentum going or save a shot here or there,” he said in a media session afterward.
He is atop the leader board with Brooks Koepka, Eric Cole, Sahith Theegala, and Emiliano Grillo beginning today’s second round, which will be covered on Golf Channel in the afternoon. Burns’ round today will be available at ESPN+. Weekend TV coverage is split between Golf Channel (noon-2 p.m.) followed by CBS.
Burns nearly won on this course last year, falling in a four-hole playoff to Ryan Fox. A week later, he held the U.S. Open lead through most of the final two rounds and into the back nine on a rain-soaked Sunday.
He began Thursday’s round with three birdies on the first six holes. He carded five birdies on the back nine, overcoming one bogey on each side.
The Choudrant resident, about to turn 30 and welcome he and wife Caroline’s second child next month, downplayed an affinity for the course based on his play a year ago and Thursday.
“At the end of the day, regardless of where you’re playing, I think you just have to go execute,” Burns said. “It’s nice to have some good memories maybe before the tournament starts, but you know, when you tee it up, you have to be able to execute and hit the shots that the golf course requires.”
The former two-time LSU All-American, who plays out of Squire Creek Country Club in Choudrant, said his playoff loss to Fox wasn’t on his mind.
“Honestly for me, there wasn’t really any negative,” Burns said. “I started the day pretty far back and played a really good round of golf and was able to sneak into a playoff. I had a chance to hole that putt (a 5-footer to win) and didn’t, but that’s the way it goes sometimes. So I really just kind of took the positives. I feel like my game was in a good spot, and try to do the same again this year.”
The Rapides Parish Police Jury has announced that several committee meetings will be held Monday, July 6, beginning at 3 p.m. in the meeting room of the Police Jury Office.
Committees scheduled to meet include the Finance Committee; Public Works, Watershed and Agricultural Affairs Committee; Workforce Development and Grants Committee; and the Tourism and Economic Planning and Development Committee.
Officials said the agenda for the committee meetings will be posted at 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, on the meeting room door.
The Police Jury also announced that its regular meeting will be held Monday, July 13, at 3 p.m. at the Rapides Parish Courthouse in Alexandria. The agenda for that meeting is scheduled to be posted at 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 9.
Both the committee meetings and the regular meeting will be streamed live online.
A Pineville man was arrested June 9 following an investigation by the Pineville Police Department and has been charged with molestation of a juvenile and indecent behavior with juveniles.
According to police, officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Hudson Street in reference to an investigation. As a result of that investigation, Michael Haftmann was arrested and booked on one count of molestation of a juvenile and one count of indecent behavior with juveniles.
Police later announced that Haftmann’s bond was set at $200,000.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Investigators said they continue to gather evidence, and additional charges could be filed as the case develops.
The Pineville Police Department stated that if further evidence results in additional charges, updated information will be released.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
BOM Bank was proud to support the Family Justice Center of Central Louisiana at their 5th Annual Bayou Boil for Justice! This incredible organization provides life-changing, free services including advocacy, counseling, emergency assistance, and legal support for individuals and families seeking safety and shelter. Their work brings hope, healing, and strength to our community every day. We are honored to stand behind such a meaningful cause and the difference they make across Central Louisiana. Pictured left to right: BOM’s Anna Lee, Wendy Powell, and Emma Givens.
Funeral services for Gerald David Bordelon, Sr. will be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in the chapel of Melancon Funeral Home in Bunkie with Msgr. Stephen Scott Chemino officiating. Burial will follow in the Pythian Cemetery under the direction of Melancon Funeral Home, Bunkie.
The family requests that visitation will be held at Melancon Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 16 beginning at 8:30 a.m. with a Rosary service at 10:00.
Gerald Bordelon Sr., age 81, of Alexandria, Louisiana, passed away on June 10, 2026. Born on June 15, 1944, he was the son of the late Elliott David Bordelon Sr. and Eunice Rachal Bordelon. A lifelong resident of the area, Gerald retired from Bodemuller Print Shop in Opelousas after many years of dedicated service. He found great joy in outdoor cooking, carpentry, and mechanics, often spending his free time working on projects around the house or sharing a meal from the grill with family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elliott David Bordelon Sr. and Eunice Rachal Bordelon; his son, Robbie Paul Bordelon; his brother, Elliott David Bordelon Jr.; and his sisters, Jeanette Roy and Linda Gauthier.
He is survived by his loving wife of many decades, Judy Ann Normand Bordelon of Alexandria; his sons, Glenn Bordelon of Thief River Falls, MN, and his former wife, Lisa Bordelon; and Gerald “Jerry” Bordelon, Jr. of Baker, LA; his granddaughters, Sarah Junghans and Shaila Bordelon; and his great-grandsons, James Bordelon and Elijah Bordelon. .
Graveside services for Mrs. Arlene Thacker Sandell will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Peniel Cemetery, Glenmora, with Reverend Jody Stokes officiating. A time of visitation will be held at Rush Funeral Home, Hineston, from 12:30 p.m. until time of departure to the cemetery. All services are under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Oakdale.
Mrs. Sandell, 89, of Glenmora, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, in CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital, Alexandria, LA.
Arlene was a loving mother, grandmother, and friend who cherished spending time with her family. She enjoyed gardening, tending to her flowers, especially her beloved roses, crocheting, and shopping at Goodwill. Arlene was a true character whose feisty spirit could be matched by none. Her love, laughter, and unique personality will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd Sandell; her parents, Wilbur Riley Thacker, Sr. and Ira Gertrude Thacker; two sons, Grady Lynn Sandell and Gary Lee Sandell, Sr.; one granddaughter, Amanda Sandell; and one great granddaughter, Leah Abby Marie “Little Abby” Fails.
Those left to mourn her loss and cherish her memory include one daughter, Brenda Thompson (Clayton) of Glenmora; one daughter-in-law, Maggie Sandell of Elmer; four granddaughters, Leann Moak (Brandon), Krystal Guillot, Brandy Landrum (Ricky), and Lacey Johnson; two grandsons, Jason Fails (Kendra) and Gary Lee Sandell, Jr. (Jessica); fifteen great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Honored to serve as pallbearers are: Jason Fails, Brandon Moak, Gary Lee Sandler, Jr., Jacob Fails, Hunter Holt, and Braden Moak. Honorary pallbearers will be Keaton Sandell, Gavin Sandell, Jase Guillot, Colby Fails, and Corbin Sandell.
Arlene Sandell December 18, 1936 – June 10, 2026 Service: Friday, June 12, 2026, 2pm at Peniel Cemetery, Glenmora.
Shirley “Sid” Wayne Ford February 10, 1946 – June 7, 2026 Service: Friday, June 12, 2026, 10am at Holloway Baptist Church Cemetery, Deville.
Delma Ann Clark September 20, 1938 – June 6, 2026 Service: Friday, June 12, 2026, 3pm at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville.
Donte’ Jamarl Harrison August 5, 1988 – June 5, 2026 Service: Saturday, June 13, 2026, 1pm at Winnfield Funeral Home, Alexandria.
Stanley Jewel Dickson January 21, 1930 – June 4, 2026 Service: Saturday, June 13, 2026, 12pm at Calvary Baptist Church, Alexandria.
Maudrey DeCuir Lavalais August 17, 1940 – June 3, 2026 Services: Saturday, June 13, 2026, 1pm at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Alexandria.
Timothy Scott Francis October 23, 1959 – June 2, 2026 Service: Sunday, June 14, 2026, 4pm at Smith’s Landing, Lecompte.
David Anderson November 7, 1955 – May 29, 2026 Service: Saturday, June 13, 2026, 10am at Servants of Christ Church, Alexandria.
Belinda Jo Hamilton Johnson May 13, 1952 – May 27, 2026 Service: Saturday, June 13, 2026, 12pm at Second Evening Star Baptist Church, Alexandria.
Virginia “Jenny” McCartney January 31, 1951 – May 13, 2026 Service: Saturday, June 20, 2026, 10am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Alexandria.
The Rapides Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.
As best can be determined legislators representing portions of Rapides have not indicated how they voted or plan to vote on Governor Landry’s teacher pay proposal.
They have until June 23 to electronically return ballots issued to them Monday.
The governor wants to take $168 million from non-instructional funding to retain this year the stipend school employees have been receiving in lieu of a permanent pay raise, $2,000 for degreed personnel, $1,000 for others.
That is $30 million less than the most-recent appropriation, with principals, assistant principals, administrators and staff, counselors, therapists and nurses dropped from the recipient list.
A plan to fund a permanent raise fell apart when voters this Spring for the second time rejected a constitutional amendment to allow funding shifts to finance a raise.
The governor believes school systems are overloaded with non-classroom costs.
The education establishment disagrees, pointing to support necessary to achieve classroom success as well to startling cost jumps for health insurance and other budget necessities.
Rapides Supt. Jeff Powell, president of the state superintendents association, responding to a request for comment, said earlier this week it is unrealistic to expect such proposed cuts to not impact classroom achievement.
The Rapides system’s General Fund current budget projects $77.3 million in support services costs, with student transportation at $18.3 million. Instruction costs are set at $164 million.
The system retains a reserve fund required by board vote years ago to guard against unexpected shortfalls, extraordinary calamities and natural disaster.
A legislator with what could be a unique situation is Rapides’ Mike Johnson.
He is House Speaker Pro Tempore and also legal counsel of record to the School Board.
Early voting begins Friday for the U.S. Senate party primaries, a Pineville council contest and several tax renewal requests in Rapides.
Registrar of Voters Sandra Bonnette and staff will receive voters through June 20.
Voting can be done at the Registrar’s office at 701 Murray, Alexandria, or at the Kees Park Center, Hwy. 28 East Pineville.
Days and hours are Friday and Saturday 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. and June 15-20 same hours.
Proper photo identification should be in your possession.
Persons early voting by mail are receiving ballots this week.
On the ballot:
U.S. Senator – Democratic Party
Gary Crockett
“Jamie” Davis
U.S. Senator – Republican Party
John Fleming
Julia Letlow
Council Member — District 5, City of Pineville
Mark A. Mertens (REP)
Samantha Stanley (NOPTY)
PW Law Enforcement District — 9.60 Mills Renewal – Sheriff – 15 Yrs.
“Shall the Law Enforcement District of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana (the “District”), continue to levy a special tax of 9.60 mills on all property subject to taxation in the District (an estimated $11,390,800 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for a period of 15 years, beginning with the year 2030 and ending with the year 2044, for the purpose of continuing to fund the Office of the Sheriff of Rapides Parish?”
Parishwide School Board Proposition (Millage Renewal)
“Shall the Rapides Parish School Board, Rapides Parish, Louisiana, continue to levy a special tax of 12.06 mills on all property subject to taxation in the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana (the “Parish”) (an estimated $14,310,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for a period of 10 years, beginning with the year 2027 and ending with the year 2036, for the purpose of giving additional support for the maintenance and operating of the public school system in the Parish?”
Consolidated School District Number 62 Proposition No. 1 of 2 (Millage Renewal)
“Shall Consolidated School District Number 62 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana (the “District”), continue to levy a special tax of 4.27 mills on all property subject to taxation in the District (an estimated $2,312,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for a period of 10 years, beginning with the year 2027 and ending with the year 2036, for the purpose of constructing, improving, maintaining and/or operating the public schools and public school system in the District?”
Consolidated School District Number 62 Proposition No. 2 of 2 (Millage Renewal)
“Shall Consolidated School District Number 62 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana (the “District”), continue to levy a special tax of 4.25 mills on all property subject to taxation in the District (an estimated $2,301,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for a period of 10 years, beginning with the year 2027 and ending with the year 2036, for the purpose of constructing, acquiring, extending, improving, maintaining and/or operating the public schools and public school system in the District?”
Pineville School District No. 52 Proposition (Millage Renewal)
“Shall Pineville School District Number 52 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana (the “District”), continue to levy a special tax of 6.96 mills on all property subject to taxation in the District (an estimated $687,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for a period of 10 years, beginning with the year 2027 and ending with the year 2036, for the purpose of constructing, improving, maintaining and/or operating the public schools and public school system in the District?”
Poland School District Number 55 Proposition No. 1 of 3 (Millage Renewal)
“Shall Poland School District Number 55 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana (the “District”), continue to levy a special tax of 4.71 mills on all property subject to taxation in the District (an estimated $76,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for a period of 10 years, beginning with the year 2027 and ending with the year 2036, for the purpose of constructing, improving, maintaining and/or operating the Food Preservation Laboratory and programs in connection therewith in the District, including the payment of salaries therefor?”
Poland School District Number 55 Proposition No. 2 of 3 (Millage Renewal)
“Shall Poland School District Number 55 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana (the “District”), continue to levy a special tax of 4.17 mills on all property subject to taxation in the District (an estimated $67,100 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for a period of 10 years, beginning with the year 2027 and ending with the year 2036, for the purpose of constructing, improving, maintaining and/or operating schools in the District and facilities and programs in connection therewith?”
Poland School District Number 55 Proposition No. 3 of 3 (Millage Renewal)
“Shall Poland School District No. 55 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana (the “District”), continue to levy a special tax of 2.09 mills on all property subject to taxation in the District (an estimated $34,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for a period of 10 years, beginning with the year 2027 and ending with the year 2036, for the purpose of constructing, improving, maintaining and/or operating the Food Preservation Laboratory and programs in connection therewith in the District, including payment of salaries therefor?”
Gravity Drainage District No. 2 Proposition (Millage Renewal)
“Shall Gravity Drainage District No. 2 of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana (the “District”), continue to levy a special tax of 10 mills on all the property subject to taxation within the District (an estimated $1,263,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for a period of 10 years, beginning with the year 2029 and ending with the year 2038, for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, improving, maintaining and operating gravity drainage and other flood prevention works permitted by law?”
Louisiana motorists will no longer be required to display vehicle inspection stickers on personal, non-commercial vehicles beginning Jan. 1, 2027, under a new state law approved during the 2026 Regular Legislative Session.
House Bill 1085 was passed by the Louisiana Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Jeff Landry. The law eliminates the inspection sticker requirement for personal, non-commercial vehicles registered in Louisiana starting Jan. 1, 2027.
The law also creates a transition period beginning June 30, 2026. From June 30, 2026, through Jan. 1, 2027, law enforcement officers may not issue citations solely for failing to display or produce a certificate of inspection.
As a result, Louisiana State Police announced that it has immediately stopped enforcing inspection sticker violations.
Even though inspection sticker enforcement has ended, other traffic and vehicle laws remain in effect. Drivers are still responsible for ensuring their vehicles are safe and properly maintained, including working lights, brakes, tires and other required equipment.
Louisiana State Police said its focus during the transition period will be on educating motorists and helping the public understand how the new law affects them moving forward.
June 30, 2026: Officers can no longer issue citations solely for missing inspection stickers or certificates.
Jan. 1, 2027: Personal, non-commercial vehicles in Louisiana are no longer required to display inspection stickers.
If you drive a personal, non-commercial vehicle in Louisiana, you do not need to worry about receiving a ticket for an expired or missing inspection sticker during the transition period, and the sticker requirement will officially end on Jan. 1, 2027. However, your vehicle must still meet all other safety and equipment laws on Louisiana roadways.
LSUA welcomes Mary Anne Hilton as the university’s new Director of AI Innovation and Technology Compliance, a new position created to help guide the responsible, practical, and strategic use of artificial intelligence across the institution.
In her new role, Hilton will serve as LSUA’s designated AI Officer, leading the university’s coordinated approach to artificial intelligence while ensuring that emerging technologies are implemented responsibly, ethically, and in compliance with institutional, state, and LSU System policies. Working across academic and administrative units, she will help identify opportunities where AI can strengthen student success, improve operational effectiveness, and enhance the work of faculty and staff while maintaining appropriate safeguards for privacy, security, and data stewardship. The role will also help position LSUA as a regional resource for AI literacy and workforce readiness by engaging employers, educators, and community partners in conversations about the future of technology and work.
Hilton brings 17 years of experience in education, including the last nine years in school leadership roles. Most recently, she served as principal of Glenmora High School, where she focused on student achievement, organizational leadership, and helping students and educators realize their full potential. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in social studies education from Louisiana Tech University and a Master of Education in leadership from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Hilton is a Louisiana-certified teacher, principal, and education leader who has built her career around empowering others to grow, adapt, and succeed in changing environments.
“Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how organizations operate, but successful adoption requires more than technology,” said Jeff Langston, LSUA Vice Chancellor for Operations and COO. “It requires leadership, collaboration, and a commitment to helping people understand how these tools can be used responsibly. Mary Anne’s background as an education leader positions her to guide these conversations and help LSUA continue serving our students and community in innovative ways.”
Hilton said she was drawn to the opportunity because of LSUA’s commitment to serving the region and its willingness to embrace forward-thinking solutions.
“What excites me most about this role is the opportunity to bring people together,” Hilton said. “Artificial intelligence is creating new possibilities in every field, but there is no one-size-fits-all approach. I look forward to listening, learning, and helping faculty, staff, and community partners navigate this new landscape in ways that are thoughtful, practical, and beneficial to the students and communities we serve.”
In the months ahead, Hilton will work with faculty, staff, and administrators across campus to identify practical applications for artificial intelligence, develop training opportunities, and establish guidelines that help ensure new technologies are used effectively and responsibly. Her work will focus on helping people navigate change, solve problems, and use emerging tools to achieve better outcomes.
The state champion Pineville Lady Rebels softball team.
State championship produces All-State prizes for Pineville softball
By BRET MCCORMICK, Written for the LSWA
Pineville High’s Allison Frye brought the first state softball championship home to her alma mater in almost three decades.
Frye, who was a three-time All-State infielder for Pineville from 2003-06, guided the Lady Rebels (29-9) to their first championship since 1998. They steamrolled their way to the Division I Select title, run-ruling all four of their playoff opponents, outscoring four playoff foes 52-5, and posting at least 12 runs in each game.
That resulted in three Pineville standouts earning first-team All-State status, and three more getting honorable mention on the Class 5A All-State Softball Team announced Wednesday.
Frye was an obvious pick as Coach of the Year as chosen by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association.
Pineville’s first-team All-State trio was all juniors – pitcher Chelsie Simpson, who won all but three of the Lady Rebels’ games to post a 26-9 record ; infielder Briley Byrnes, a .642 hitter, and outfielder Jadin Basco, who batted .444.
Honorable mention recognition went to Lady Rebels Berkley Byrnes, Annaliese Holmes and Ava Moore.
It’s the first state Coach of the Year honor for Frye, who previously led Holy Savior Menard to the Class 2A title in 2015. She came home to Pineville in 2018.
No Rapides Parish baseball players made the 5A first-team All-State roster, but five received honorable mention – four from Alexandria Senior High along with Pineville’s Austyn Taylor.
The Trojans honored were Clayton Doyal, Trent Hennesey, Bryson Phoenix and Jaxson Ross. They led ASH to a Select Division I state quarterfinal appearance.
Class 5A All-State Softball Roster
Position – Player, School, Class, Stat
P – London Lambert, Hahnville, Fr., 22-8
P – Bayleigh Moniz, Benton, So., 16-15
P – Paige Reuther, Mount Carmel, Jr., 16-3
P – Chelsie Simpson, Pineville, Jr., 26-9
C- Layla Landry, Sam Houston, Jr., .580
INF – Briley Byrnes, Pineville, Jr., .642
INF – Gabby Fabacher, John Curtis, Jr., .514
INF – Aubrey Portie, Sam Houston, Sr., .500
INF – Ava West, West Monroe, Jr., .463
OF – Jadin Basco, Pineville, Jr., .444
OF – Molly Latham, Live Oak, Sr., .504
OF – Maggie Massia, Natchitoches Central, Jr., .508
UT – Kelsie Schmidt, Archbishop Chapell, Sr., .440
The Louisiana Folklife Center at Northwestern State University will present “A Life Spent Singing the Blues: A Music Informance with the Wayne ‘Blue’ Burns Band” on Saturday, June 20 at 2 p.m. at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum at 800 Front St. in Natchitoches. The event is free and open to the public.
Dr. Shane Rasmussen, professor of English and director of the Louisiana Folklife Center at Northwestern State, will interview the band about the cultural significance of blues music in Louisiana. Their discussion will include songs performed by the band which will also perform at the 46th annual Natchitoches-NSU Louisiana Folklife Festival, to be held July 18 in air-conditioned Prather Coliseum on the NSU campus.
Burns has been playing music all his life. He is a world-famous bassist, but the blues guitar is his thing. A native of Lafayette, Burns credits Stanley Clarke and Marcus Miller as two of his favorite musical influences. He has performed with many artists but is most famous for nearly 20 years as bassist for Clifton Chenier, the King of Zydeco. He has also performed with Ernie K-Doe, The Larks, Betty Wright, Buckwheat and the Hitchhikers, Lil Buck Senegal, Jude Taylor, Nathan and the Zydeco Cha-Chas, Walter Junior, The RoadDoctor and a decade with C.J. Chenier, Clifton Chenier’s son. In his life-long career, Burns has performed in all 50 United States and around the world, including in South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, and is one of the first African Americans to perform in East Berlin after the Wall came down. Burns’ proudest moment came in 1982 when he played bass on Clifton Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band’s Grammy-winning album, “I’m Here!”
The event is sponsored by the Louisiana Folklife Center and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest History Museum and is in partnership with the City of Natchitoches. Support for the Festival is provided by grants from the Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc., the Louisiana Division of the Arts Decentralized Arts Fund Program, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission, the Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, the Shreveport Regional Arts Council and the State of Louisiana.
The views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities.
Louisiana State Police Troop E recently welcomed LSU President Wade Rousse and his wife, Angela Rousse, along with leadership, faculty and staff from Louisiana State University of Alexandria for a visit to the troop’s Alexandria headquarters.
During the visit, the group met with troopers and administrative personnel who are graduates of Louisiana State University of Alexandria, highlighting the connection between higher education and public service.
State Police officials said partnerships with institutions such as LSUA help develop future leaders and provide opportunities for students interested in careers that serve their communities.
Troop E representatives emphasized the importance of strong relationships between law enforcement agencies and educational institutions in strengthening communities across Louisiana.
Louisiana State Police expressed appreciation to President Wade Rousse, Angela Rousse and the LSUA delegation for visiting Troop E and learning more about the agency’s mission, values and commitment to public service.
