Alexandria Bicyclist Glenda Fletcher Dies Following MacArthur Drive Crash
Glenda Fletcher, 62, of Alexandria, has died from injuries sustained in a crash at the intersection of Sterkx Road and MacArthur Drive on the afternoon of August 26. According to the Alexandria Police Department, Fletcher was riding a bicycle and entered the northbound lanes of MacArthur Drive from Sterkx Road without stopping at the traffic control device when she was struck by a northbound pickup truck. She was transported to a local hospital in critical condition and later succumbed to her injuries. The crash remains under investigation. Routine toxicology results are pending. Anyone with information is asked to contact the APD Detective Division at (318) 441-6416 or Crime Stoppers of CenLa at (318) 443-7867.
RPSO Citizens Academy Begins Today
The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office is hosting its Citizens Academy beginning today, September 1, running through October 6, 2026. The program gives community members an inside look at law enforcement operations. Contact RPSO directly at (318) 473-6700 for information on the application process, meeting schedule, and location.
Rapides Regional Unveils Community Heart Sculpture Outside Alexandria’s Oldest Hospital
Rapides Regional Medical Center unveiled a new Community Heart sculpture on August 31 as part of the Explore Alexandria Pineville Community Heart Project, joining nearly 40 artistic heart installations displayed throughout the Alexandria and Pineville area. The piece was designed by Pineville artist Tammy Hromadka, whose design draws on Rapides Regional’s Sun and River logo — the sun representing beginning and end, the river representing life and acknowledging the hospital’s Red River neighbor. The Community Heart Program launched in February 2025, with approximately 20 additional hearts still in the creative stage.
Tackle Stroke Returns to CenLa Football This Week — Sept. 4 Events
Rapides Regional Medical Center’s Tackle Stroke program makes its 11th-year return to the football sidelines this Friday, September 4, when RRMC staff will distribute stroke awareness fans at home openers for Alexandria Senior High School and Holy Savior Menard. Fans list the BE FAST warning signs of stroke — Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Time — along with key risk factors. Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death in Louisiana, and the state’s stroke death rate ranks third-highest in the nation. The program continues throughout the fall football season at Tioga High School on September 11.
CleanAlex to Host Hynson Bayou Cleanup — September 26
August 2026 | CleanAlex — Keep Alexandria Beautiful
CleanAlex – Keep Alexandria Beautiful will host a Hynson Bayou Cleanup event on Friday, September 26, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The event is open to community volunteers who want to help improve Alexandria’s waterways. Confirm exact location and volunteer registration details through CleanAlex before publishing.
TRAFFIC REMINDER — Nightly Lane Closures on US 165 North in Pineville
Through September 2026 | Louisiana DOTD
Drivers on U.S. 165 North in Pineville should expect nightly alternating lane closures near Lowe’s and the U.S. 167 northbound off-ramp. Work runs Monday nights through Friday mornings, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., weather permitting, through the end of September 2026. DOTD advises drivers to reduce speed, use caution around construction workers and equipment, and allow extra travel time.