Oakdale Police Officer Arrested for Planting Drugs, Coercing Victim into Sexual Activity
Louisiana State Police detectives arrested Oakdale Police Department Officer Jalen Melbert, 33, on Monday after a criminal complaint investigation that began August 19. Detectives allege Melbert attempted to use his position as a law enforcement officer to influence a victim into sexual activity and, in a separate incident, coordinated with another individual to plant illegal narcotics at a residence, leading to the wrongful arrest of an unsuspecting person. Melbert faces charges of abuse of office and malfeasance in office and was booked into the Allen Parish Jail.
Four More Arrested for Drug Smuggling at FCC Pollock — 2026 Total Reaches 24
The Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested four more individuals for attempting to smuggle drugs into the Federal Correctional Complex in Pollock, bringing the 2026 total to 24. Grant Parish Sheriff Steven McCain said arrests involve individuals from across the United States being paid to bring contraband into the facility. The sheriff’s office made 99 similar arrests in all of 2025.
Pineville High School to Cut Ribbon on New Turf and Track Friday
Pineville High School will hold a ribbon cutting for its new synthetic turf field and resurfaced track at 6:30 p.m. Friday, September 4, at 1511 Line St., Pineville, timed to coincide with the school’s season opener home game. The improvements were funded by a bond approved by District 52 voters in May 2025.
L.S. Rugg Elementary Ribbon Cutting — Friday, September 4
L.S. Rugg Elementary School will hold a ribbon cutting at 1:30 p.m. Friday, September 4, at 1319 Bush Ave., Alexandria, celebrating a new permanent classroom wing replacing temporary portable buildings. The project, funded by Alexandria District 62 voters in 2022, also includes a newly installed elevator and window upgrades improving safety and energy efficiency.
LSUA Children’s Center Director Named Louisiana Early Childhood Leader of the Year
September 1, 2026 | Louisiana State University of Alexandria
Sarah Corley, Director of the LSUA Children’s Center, has been named the Louisiana Early Childhood Leader of the Year by the Louisiana Department of Education in partnership with Dream Teachers. Corley was selected from five finalists statewide for her commitment to intentional early learning and her leadership in creating supportive environments for children, educators, and families.
Tackle Stroke at Tioga vs. Pineville — September 11
September 6, 2026 trigger | Rapides Regional Medical Center
Rapides Regional Medical Center’s Tackle Stroke program will be at Tioga High School on Friday, September 11, when the Tigers host rival Pineville in their home opener. RRMC staff will distribute stroke awareness fans listing the BE FAST warning signs — Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Time — along with key stroke risk factors.
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.