With heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life so richly lived, we announce the passing of Mr. Henry Durham, who departed this world on July 26, 2026, in Alexandria, Louisiana, at the age of 93. Born in Clarence, Louisiana, on September 25, 1932, Mr. Durham’s journey was one marked by love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to faith, family, and community.

From his earliest days in Clarence to his proud graduation from Winnfield Senior High School, Henry’s roots remained deep and steadfast. He was a man known for the warmth of his stories and the skill of his hands, a great storyteller and a talented handyman who could mend almost anything—except, perhaps, the ache we feel now at his absence.

Mr. Durham cherished his time as the assistant superintendent of Mt. Olive Baptist Church Sunday School and was a dedicated, long-time member of the church family at Mt. Olive. It was here that his steadfast faith and commitment touched the lives of many, always leading with humility, wisdom, and an easy sense of humor. Henry was particularly fond of sharing a few memorable sayings: “I’m gonna put some hurt on you boy,” always delivered with a twinkle in his eye, and “You don’t have to wear nice clothes just accessorize,” offering both wit and a nod to his reputation as a sharp dresser.

Henry approached life with passion and a boyish enthusiasm, particularly when it came to sports. A devoted fan of the Washington Redskins and Oakland Raiders, he followed every game and every season, weaving the highs and lows of the sporting world into the stories he so loved to tell.

Though much of his heart belonged to his church, another significant piece was forever given to his beloved wife, Earnestine Jackson Durham, who preceded him in death. Their marriage was a testament to devotion and partnership, and her memory remained a cherished presence in Henry’s life.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Wim Durham and Lucinda London; , and his 4 brothers and 3 sisters.

He leaves behind a loving family who will miss him dearly: his sons, Calvin Durham and Michael Woods; his daughter, Theresa Durham; his grandchildren, Chelsea Durham, Tiara Woods, Lavonda Craft, and Shelita Craft; his great-grandchildren, Demetrious Craft, Valencia Jefferson, Jadarrion Endsley, and Kayla Craft. Each carries forward a piece of his spirit—his humor, his heart, and his quiet strength.

To those who knew him, Henry Durham was more than these words can capture. He was a friendly face, a trusted friend, and a guiding presence. His legacy is found not just in his accomplishments, but in the gentle way he lifted others, the laughter he freely gave, and the wisdom he so effortlessly shared.

As we gather and remember, let us hold close the stories, the lessons, and the love that Mr. Henry Durham has left behind—a legacy that will live on in every heart he touched.

Visitation: Saturday, August 1 from 1-2 pm at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Winnfield
Funeral Service: Saturday, August 1 from 2-3 pm at Mt. Olive Baptist Church
Burial: Saturday, August 1 at 3 pm at Winnfield City Cemetery in Winnfield

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It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of Pulchra Busante Greineisen on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at her home in Alexandria. Pulchra was a giving, kindhearted person, who believed in helping others no matter what. Her strong will to help others made her a dedicated ICU nurse for 39 years at Mount Sinai Medical Center. This is where she met her love, George, while he was in the hospital recovering from bypass surgery.

Pulchra was a devout Catholic, and her faith was always important to her. She was generous to her family, helping multiple family members with their education. Pulchra was never considered an aunt but rather a “Second Mom”.

She will always be remembered for her work ethics, dedication and faith, helping others to her final breath.

Pulchra is preceded in death by her parents, Joel and Apolinaria Plaza Busante; and one brother, Raul Busante. She is survived by her loving husband of 33 years, George Greineisen; two brothers, Leo Busante and Alex Busante; one sister, Linda Busante Santos and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Frances Cabrini Church with Rev. Antony Joy officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at John Kramer & Son Funeral Home. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. in the Kramer Chapel. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date.

Pallbearers honored to serve will be James E. Campbell, Ian D. Kho, Ruben X. Kho, Fritz Garganta, Jeffrey Samillano, and Benjamin Kho.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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Phonetic: /in·​noc·​u·​ous/

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition

not likely to bother or offend : inoffensive

an innocuous comment/remark

The comedian’s jokes were innocuous enough.

newly aware that the behavior isn’t as innocuous as they imagined.
—Conor Friedersdorf

causing no injury or damage : harmless

an innocuous by-product of the process

What may seem innocuous at the time could lead to larger problems down the road.
—Marc Zalmanoff

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Joseph Paul Bordelon
November 19, 1980 – July 28, 2026
Service: Monday, August 3, 2026, 10am at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville.

Elnor “Honey” Myrtle Freels
July 19, 1937 – July 28, 2026
Service: Wednesday, August 5, 2026, 9am at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball.

Pulchra Busante Greineisen
November 2, 1952 – July 28, 2026
Service: Friday, July 31, 2026, 10:30am at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, Alexandria.

Bobbie Dillon Gray
December 30, 1933 – July 27, 2026
Service: Friday, July 31, 2026, 10am at Pine Ridge Cemetery, Melder.

Janet Marie Perkins
February 25, 1965 – July 27, 2026
Service: Thursday, July 30, 2026, 11am at Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

Jerry Mark Ussery, Sr.
March 6, 1943 – July 26, 2026
Service: Thursday, July 30, 2026, 2pm at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville.

Roy Wayne Mays
April 16, 1935 – July 25, 2026
Service: Thursday, July 30, 2026, 11am at Philadelphia Baptist Church, Deville.

Jackie Leon Smith Sr.
January 25, 1957 – July 25, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 1, 2026, 12pm at Magnolia Funeral Home, Alexandria.

Doris Elaine Swan
April 5, 1942 – July 24, 2026
Service: Friday, July 31, 2026, 10am at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball.

Brenda Sue White
December 14, 1958 – May 27, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 22, 2026, 11am at Calvary Baptist Church, Alexandria.

The Rapides Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.

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By JIM BUTLER

Kids who learned to read in Grade 1 return to class in early August to find second grade is where rubber meets the road.

They move from learning to read, “see the cat run” for instance, to reading to learn, why the cat is running, for instance.

Making the transition is critical, educators note, because from Grade 3 on students, even in the age of video and YouTube, are expected to learn and absorb through text. Reading Is Fundamental is not just a catchy slogan.

That is background for a significant change pending in the parish’s Pupil Progression Plan as it moves to identify struggling second-grade readers earlier.

The plan is a state-required document outlining how a system handles student placement, promotion, retention and graduation requirements.

Beginning this school year second-graders will be considered for retention if he/she scores at the lowest level on end-of-year screening.

The student will be given two additional tries to score higher before the next session begins. After three lowest-level results, the plan proposes, the student will be screened for dyslexia.

At that point the School Building Level Committee decides — retain or promote.

That is a team that focuses on helping students with academic, social, emotional or physical difficulties.

Under state regulations there are exceptions — students with limited English proficiency, those alternative assessment eligible, students with a special plan already retained in previous grade and those with intensive intervention history.

Promotion of students eligible to be retained is subject also to approval of parents, principal and superintendent.

The students must be provided an individualized academic support plan, 90 minutes of daily reading instruction and 30 minutes of daily reading intervention.

This year’s LEAP testing showed Rapides in the upper echelon of early-grades reading proficiency as concentration on early intervention begins to produce measurable results.

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Rapides Parish residents can expect hot and humid conditions throughout the week, with heat index values reaching up to 110 degrees and chances of afternoon showers and thunderstorms developing.

Wednesday is forecast to be mostly sunny with highs in the upper 90s. West winds around 5 mph are expected, with heat index values reaching up to 109. Wednesday night will be partly cloudy with lows in the upper 70s. Southwest winds around 5 mph are expected, with heat index values up to 106 early in the evening.

Thursday will be mostly sunny with a chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Conditions will remain humid, with highs in the mid 90s. West winds around 5 mph are expected, with a 40% chance of rain and heat index values reaching up to 109.

Thursday night will be mostly cloudy in the evening before becoming partly cloudy. Humid conditions will continue, with lows in the upper 70s. Light and variable winds are expected, becoming southwest around 5 mph after midnight.

Friday through Saturday will bring partly cloudy skies with highs in the mid 90s and lows in the upper 70s. Heat index values could reach up to 110.

Saturday night is expected to be mostly clear with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening before becoming partly cloudy after midnight. Lows will be in the mid 70s, with a 40% chance of rain.

Sunday and Sunday night will be partly cloudy, with highs in the lower 90s and lows in the mid 70s.

Monday will be mostly sunny with a chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Highs are expected in the mid 90s, with a 40% chance of rain. Monday night will be partly cloudy in the evening before becoming mostly clear, with lows in the mid 70s.

Tuesday is forecast to be mostly sunny with highs in the mid 90s. Heat index values could reach up to 105.

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Now into Week 4 of recovery from quadruple bypass surgery and I’m slowly getting some energy back. My appetite is also returning after losing close to 20 pounds. Quality, deep rem sleep is hard to come by, but the anxiety issues are getting better. 

Enough about all that, let’s talk about things to do during the dog days of summer. While health wise, I’m still a few weeks away from dropping my boat in the water and getting back to serious fishing, now is a great time to head into my fishing man cave and reorganize, clean and respool a few reels for some good fall use. 

After a busy spring tournament schedule my fishing man cave is a disaster. Bags of baits that should be on pegs are laying everywhere. I’ve got tackle boxes scattered all over the room that also need to be placed on a shelf. 

Some of my crankbait boxes need to be gone through to consider certain baits that might need to be replaced. It’s also a great time to check the hooks and replace those old treble hooks with new ones. This is one area anglers can sometimes overlook until they lose a few fish, and it costs them a high finish. 

Outside the fishing man cave, another thing anglers have to be conscious of this time of year, with temperatures reaching the mid to upper 90’s, is leaving soft plastic baits in your boat. Point being, high temperatures will melt soft plastic lures making not only a mess but costing you money. 

Hopefully you’re fortunate enough to park your boat under a carport or inside your garage. But even in the garage, temperatures can reach extreme highs. I have a large fan that I run daily in my garage to help keep the temperature down. 

If I know that I won’t be fishing for quite a while during those hot summer days, I’ll remove the soft plastic baits from my boat and store them in my air-conditioned fishing man cave. 

After reorganizing the man cave, next I’ll take a look at the fishing reels that I have used most of the spring; clean each one as well as drop a little oil on the gears and moving parts. High dollar fishing reels only act like high dollar reels if you take good care of them.

Once your fishing man cave is in order, now is the time to get into your boat and clean it out. I take everything out of my boat so I can clean all the lockers. It’s also the time to take my spring tackle out and put my fall tackle in. 

And while you’re at it, why not clean any major carpet stains? The best thing I have found to bring your boat carpet back to looking new is shaving crème. Take a small section at a time and apply the shaving crème then scrub with a soft brush or rag. 

Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then rise with water and you’ll be amazed at how good your carpet will look. It’s also great for the new marine deck foam flooring that has become so popular.

These are just a few things to add to your summer to-do list in order to make sure you’re ready for some great fall fishing. ‘Til next time, stay cool and avoid the summer heat. 

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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Looking for a creative way to escape the August heat? First United Methodist Church of Alexandria’s Art Ministry is inviting the community to enjoy two free opportunities this month that encourage creativity, connection, and artistic exploration for all experience levels.

The first event is the Art Ministry’s annual Pop-Up Art Party: Collage!, taking place on Sunday, August 9, at 12:15 p.m., immediately following the second worship service. The free event will be held in the 50-50 Room on the FUMCA campus at 2727 Jackson Street in Alexandria.

Open to adults, youth, and older children accompanied by an adult, the hands-on workshop introduces participants to the art of collage using a wide assortment of papers, textures, photographs, printed images, and found materials. Lunch will be provided for everyone attending. Like all of FUMCA’s Pop-Up Art Parties, the emphasis is on exploration rather than artistic expertise. Whether someone has years of creative experience or has never picked up art supplies before, participants are invited to experiment, create, and simply enjoy the process in a welcoming and encouraging environment. Advance registration is required to ensure enough art supplies and lunch for everyone. Register online through www.fumca.org/art or by contacting Rev. Jean Sanders or the church office at 318-443-5696.

Those looking for another opportunity to create can also join the Art Ministry’s Urban Sketching gathering on Saturday, August 15, at 10:00 a.m. on the FUMCA campus. Meeting on campus offers sketchers a comfortable way to enjoy the creative practice while staying close to shade and indoor spaces during the hottest part of the summer. No registration is required.

Urban sketching is the practice of drawing on location from direct observation, capturing the people, places, and moments that make each setting unique. The goal is not to create perfect artwork but to slow down, observe carefully, and tell the story of a place through drawing. Since launching in October 2025, FUMCA’s Urban Sketching ministry has welcomed artists and beginners alike at neighborhoods, museums, coffee shops, festivals, parks, and community events throughout Central Louisiana. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite sketching supplies, although newcomers are always welcome.

Both events are free and open to the public and reflect FUMCA’s commitment to making creativity accessible to everyone. Whether assembling a colorful collage or filling the pages of a sketchbook, participants are invited to discover that art is less about perfection and more about paying attention, expressing creativity, and building community together.

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Louisiana Christian University art professor Michael Williams and the ceramics program have received grant funds to refurbish a gas kiln. 

The Walker faculty development funds provided for the repair of the kiln for Williams’ development as an artist, but it is also a great opportunity for students studying ceramics.

The kiln was originally built in the mid-1990s by former ceramics professor Bob Howell.

“It’s exciting to see this piece of our department’s history come back to life,” said Assistant Professor of Art Michael Williams. “It’s a great piece of equipment, and I’m glad our students will finally get the chance to use it again.”

Dean of Media, Communication and Fine Arts Brian Manuel is equally excited to see what Williams and his students will create. 

“Professor Williams is a true artist,” Manuel said. “He approached me with the desire to restore our gas kiln, and all I could say was ‘Absolutely!’  Having this tool benefits our students as well as our community at large.  I cannot wait to see the art that Professor Williams will be able to create with his students.”

The kiln had been sitting unused for years and had fallen into disrepair. The burners had rusted out and were no longer usable. Thanks to the grant funding, local business Louisiana Fireplace was able to repair and restore the kiln so the university could put it back into service.

A kiln is essentially a large brick chamber used for firing ceramics. In ceramics, there are two fundamental firings. The first is the bisque firing and is generally a lower-temperature firing. We bisque to what is called cone 04, which is around 1,940° Fahrenheit. The second firing is called the glaze firing and takes place after the bisque. The glaze firing temperature ranges from cone 6–10 (2,232°–2,381° Fahrenheit). 

In this stage, the clay is covered in a material called glaze, which is made up of many different raw materials that determine the color and finish of the completed piece. 

As the temperature in the kiln increases, the clay changes both physically and chemically, Williams said. It transforms from porous “greenware” to vitrified ceramic, meaning that the clay particles are bonded together through the formation of glassy phases, primarily from silica, alumina, and fluxes within the clay body, resulting in increased density and making the clay waterproof. The glaze also contributes to the waterproof nature, as well as giving the piece a glassy or matte appearance. 

The difference between an electric kiln and a gas kiln includes two main factors: the heat source and the atmosphere. 

“In an electric kiln, the heat comes from electric elements, kind of like a toaster,” Williams said. “While in a gas kiln, the heat comes from either natural gas or propane burners (in our case, it is natural gas). The second factor is the atmosphere. The atmosphere of an electric kiln is considered an oxidation atmosphere, meaning that oxygen is available in the kiln and is not intentionally regulated, while in our gas kiln that is not the case. Our gas kiln is considered a reduction kiln, meaning that during the firing process, you reduce the amount of oxygen available in the firing chamber while simultaneously increasing the temperature.” 

This creates carbon monoxide, which pulls oxygen from metal oxides within the clay and glazes, resulting in interesting reactions in the glazes that are not replicable in an oxidation atmosphere, he said.

“Having a working gas kiln expands what we can offer in our ceramics program,” Williams said. “Most of our firing has been done in electric kilns, but this gas kiln will allow students to learn reduction firing, which creates different colors and surface effects than electric firing. It’s an important process for ceramics students to experience and gives them a broader understanding of the medium. We’re really excited to revitalize this kiln after so many years and to see the new creative possibilities it will bring to our students and our program.”

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The Pineville Downtown Development District recognized Cenla Professional Pharmacy as one of its newest Facade Grant recipients.

According to the Downtown Development District, the pharmacy recently completed a roof replacement after dealing with roof damage for several years. As part of the project, decorative metal detailing was added around the roof line.

Since 2020, the Facade Grant Program has reimbursed downtown businesses for 50% of eligible exterior improvements, up to $20,000 in project costs, to support improvements throughout the Downtown Development District.

The Pineville Downtown Development District thanked Cenla Professional Pharmacy for its investment in downtown Pineville and its continued efforts to enhance the community.

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The Pineville Police Department was dispatched to the 500 block of Riverside Drive this morning in reference to a report of a possibly deceased individual.

We can confirm that one adult male was found deceased at the scene.

At this time, no additional information is being released, as this remains an active and ongoing investigation. Additional information will be provided when it becomes available and appropriate to do so.

We want to remind the public to avoid jumping to conclusions or engaging in speculation while this investigation is ongoing. As with every case of this nature, our investigators will work diligently to conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation. We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we work to determine the facts.

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BOM Bank made a donation to the Pineville High School Cheer Team to support its athletes as they build teamwork, leadership, school spirit, and a tradition of excellence both on and off the sidelines. We are proud to invest in local students and programs that help young people develop confidence, discipline, and lifelong skills through extracurricular activities. Pictured left to right: Aubryi Adcock and BOM’s Jessica Brunson. At BOM Bank, we’re always cheering on the next generation of leaders!

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July 29 marks the anniversary of the death of Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh, whose life and work have become among the most recognized in art history.

Van Gogh died on July 29, 1890, at the age of 37, two days after suffering a gunshot wound in Auvers-sur-Oise, France. Although he created more than 2,000 works of art, including around 900 paintings, he sold very few during his lifetime and struggled financially while pursuing his passion for painting.

One of his most famous final works, Wheatfield with Crows, is often associated with the final weeks of his life. The painting’s dramatic sky and winding paths have led generations of art historians and viewers to interpret it as reflecting his emotional state, though scholars continue to debate its exact significance.

Van Gogh’s distinctive style, characterized by bold colors and expressive brushstrokes, later helped shape modern art. Today, masterpieces such as The Starry Night, Sunflowers and Irises attract millions of visitors to museums around the world and rank among the most recognizable paintings ever created.

Ironically, the artist who struggled to gain recognition during his lifetime is now considered one of history’s greatest painters, with some of his works selling for tens of millions of dollars at auction.

More than 135 years after his death, Vincent van Gogh’s legacy continues to inspire artists, historians and art lovers worldwide, making July 29 a day to remember one of history’s most influential creative figures.

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Mrs. Wanda Rae’ Johns Galligan, 83, of Oakdale, entered eternal rest on Monday, July 27, 2026, at St. Frances Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Oberlin, LA.

Wanda was a 1961 graduate of Bolton High School, and she attended Louisiana College on a tennis scholarship. She was the designated “chair” for Christmas Lights & Holiday Lighting for Allen Parish and the Louisiana Trail of Lights for many years. Wanda worked hard to make Christmas very special in Oakdale and Allen Parish. She served as the Executive Secretary at First Federal of Allen Parish in Oakdale and later at the Oakdale branch of First Federal Bank of Louisiana, retiring in 2004. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, W.P. Johns and Iree Mize Johns; two sisters, Flo King and Jacqueline Brandow; and twin brother, Eddie Ray Johns.

Those left to mourn her loss and cherish her memory include her loving husband of sixty-five years, Charles Galligan, Sr. of Oakdale; their children, Leslie Galligan of Oakdale, and Charles “Chuck” Galligan, Jr. (Jennifer) of Harvey; and one granddaughter, Lauren Galligan of Harvey.

A celebration of Wanda’s life will be held at a later date. Rush Funeral Home of Oakdale is honored to assist the family with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to her favorite church charity at Texas Avenue Baptist Church (The Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Box Benefit), P.O. Box 10, DeRidder, LA 70634.

The family would like to thank St. Frances Nursing Home and Brighton Bridge Hospice for their compassion and care for Wanda.

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Funeral services for Mrs. Janet Marie Franks Perkins will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2026, in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, with Brother Jimmy Koonce and Reverend Joey Rudisill officiating. Interment will follow in Alexandria Memorial Gardens, Woodworth, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Mrs. Janet Marie Franks Perkins, who passed away on July 27, 2026, at the age of 61. She was a devoted mother, loving grandmother, cherished sister, aunt, and loyal friend whose kindness and love touched the lives of many.

Janet was known for her strong work ethic, kind heart, and unwavering devotion to her family. Nothing brought her greater joy than being the mother of her three sons and the grandmother of seven grandchildren. Her family was the center of her world, and the memories she created with them will be treasured forever.

She found happiness in life’s simple pleasures, especially listening to country music and spending time with those she loved. Her warmth, generosity, and caring spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John David Franks, Jr. and Patsy Verzwyvelt Franks; her brother, Ronald Wayne Franks; her maternal grandparents, Henry “Sonny Boy” and Bena Verzwyvelt; and her paternal grandparents, John David and Ruth Franks.

Janet leaves behind her three sons, Mookie Perkins (Brittany), Christopher Perkins (LeAnn), and David Perkins (Alanis); seven beloved grandchildren, Dylan Sweat, Baylee Perkins, Layla Perkins, Kye Perkins, Carlo Perkins, Leland Perkins, and Lennon Perkins; her sister, Wanda Franks (Rickey McDaniel); her uncle, Jim Verzwyvelt (Gloria); her niece, Brandi Evans (Buck); her great-niece and great-nephew, Kennedi and Lane Evans; her nephew, Scott “Scooter” Marino; and her beloved and devoted pets, Bumper, Sparky, and Rip.

A time of visitation will be held at Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Visitation will resume in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until time of service.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Jimbo Verzwyvelt, Mike Verzwyvelt, Jamie Tyler, Kary Beebe Jr., Jared Beebe, Kenneth Roy Perkins, Joe Rachal, and J.T. Brawner.

Though Janet may no longer walk beside us, the love she gave and the memories she created will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Compassionate Care Hospice for the exceptional care, kindness, and compassion shown to Janet during her final weeks.

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Phonetic: /of·​fi·​cious/

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition

volunteering one’s services where they are neither asked nor needed : meddlesome
officious people who are always ready to offer unasked advice

informal, unofficial
officious conversations between foreign ministers

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Janet Marie Perkins
February 25, 1965 – July 27, 2026
Service: Thursday, July 30, 2026, 11am at Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

Larry Jerrel Afeman
February 27, 1946 – July 26, 2026
Service: Wednesday, July 29, 2026, 10am at Rush Funeral Home, Hineston.

Nelda Fawn Rush Ford
September 23, 1928 – July 26, 2026
Service: Wednesday, July 29, 2026, 10:30am at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Alexandria.

Jerry Mark Ussery, Sr.
March 6, 1943 – July 26, 2026
Service: Thursday, July 30, 2026, 2pm at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville.

Roy Wayne Mays
April 16, 1935 – July 25, 2026
Service: Thursday, July 30, 2026, 11am at Philadelphia Baptist Church, Deville.

Michael Duane Davis
October 18, 1966 – July 24, 2026
Service: Wednesday, July 29, 2026, 10:30am at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville.

Frances L. Paul
May 27, 1951 – July 24, 2026
Service: Wednesday, July 29, 2026, 10am at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball.

Doris Elaine Swan
April 5, 1942 – July 24, 2026
Service: Friday, July 31, 2026, 10am at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball.

Brenda Sue White
December 14, 1958 – May 27, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 22, 2026, 11am at Calvary Baptist Church, Alexandria.

The Rapides Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.

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By JIM BUTLER

The City Council is on the verge of amending city law to handle administrative adjudication of various Alexandria code violation citations.

An initial step was taken in May of last year when an Administrative Hearing Bureau, advocated by the administration, was established by a City Council-approved ordinance.

Its purpose is to handle cases of alleged code violations in a timely manner rather than crowding court dockets, though right of appeal is retained.

This May, the Legislature approved revisions to state law to streamline and clarify the city’s changes. Rep. Jason DeWitt’s bill became Act 612 if the session.

It adds building codes, zoning, vegetation and nuisance ordinances to the list of housing violations.

Also under the ordinance purview is regulation of sewerage and drainage systems.

Matters involving licensing and permits are included, as are other possible categories as determined by the City Council.

The revised ordinance will be introduced at this afternoon’s council meeting and held over for consideration after required public notice.

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