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The alleged suspect from the Community Lane shooting on Monday turned himself in to RPSO deputies late last night.

Dataevious Deonte Taylor was taken into custody without incident and booked on the outstanding  warrants.   Taylor remains in jail at the time of this release as no bond has been set.

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By JIM BUTLER

It doesn’t take a firefighter to realize where there’s smoke there’s fire. The hard part sometimes is finding the source and putting it out.

The Pineville City Council at its monthly meeting today is expected to take a step in that direction.

A proposed resolution will authorize the Municipal Fire & Police Civil Service Board to hire a lawyer for advice and counsel in its conflict with acting Fire Chief Kenneth Kessler.

The board ruled in July that Kessler did not meet the high school graduate qualification when applying for work three decades ago and is ineligible to return to his previous post when the acting chief appointment ends.

Mayor Joe Bishop, responding in May to a board notification, said no disciplinary action is planned due to the age of the disputed application and difficulty in determining information regarding it.

The board then moved to a formal evidentiary process, issuing its order in July.

Disputed information includes who wrote on the application that Kessler, who joined the department in 1997, was a 1996 Pineville High graduate, which turns out not to be the case.

It subsequently notes, the  board says, he graduated from an unaccredited online school in Florida, two years before it began operating.

The Civil Service board did not explore the who, just the what.

Its July findings and order do not address the pension, compensation and benefits questions raised by the invalidated hiring.

Kessler is the third member of his immediate family to run a fire department.

His older brother Scott was Pineville chief from 2015 through Spring 2023, having joined the force in 1990.

The brothers’ late father George headed the then relatively new Holiday Village Volunteer Fire Department for some time.

Kenneth Kessler has said in published interviews that working with area volunteer departments maybe be something he will pursue.

He also cast doubts on whether the diploma requirement made much difference in his firefighter abilities along the way.

Do high school graduates, for instance, know any more about clove hitch or half hitch knots than non-grads, or between pumpers and tankers?

The eligibility issue developed after a complaint filed in February by recently retired Captain Marcus Washington. 

Whether he had just learned of the issue is not known.

Another matter on the Council agenda today relates indirectly to fire service protection.

A petition seeks annexation of four acres at 3419 Hwy 165 with C-1 Commercial zoning. It will be sent to the Zoning Commission.

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My texting friend, Alphonse, was on a roll over the Labor Day Weekend, messaging me about whatever was on his mind.

I met Alphonse several years ago before an LSU game. We hit it off and exchanged phone numbers. He “attended” LSU but never claimed to be from a particular graduating class. 

We touch base with each other now and then. He’s passionate about LSU sports but when the majority share similar sentiments about a coach or an athlete or an issue, he sometimes leans in the opposite direction. 

Unlike me, he was in Baton Rouge for the much-hyped season opening game Saturday against Clemson. He was there all day, hanging around for ESPN’s College GameDay festivities and all through the night to around midnight. It was that late because the game was postponed about two hours because of a rain and lightning delay.  

“Stayed to the bitter end,” he texted after LSU’s blowout 51-10 victory.

“Bitter end?” I responded. “What was the problem?”

“Underwhelmed by the quarterback,” he said. “Except maybe for his footwork.”

Sam Leavitt, the junior LSU transfer with the No. 10 jersey, did showcase fine “footwork,” I agreed. “He sure proved his (previously injured right) ankle was OK with those runs.”

Leavitt injured the ankle last season while playing for Arizona State. He needed season-ending surgery in late 2025, followed by a minor follow-up procedure in April 2026, after transferring to LSU, to remove surgical pins and screws from his right foot. Thus, it was a something of a question mark, despite assurances he was OK. Yet, in his debut for the Tigers he rushed 12 times for 113 yards and two touchdowns. He made a hard cut on that right ankle on that first TD run.

“I’ll give him that,” Sam said. “But his passing left something to be desired.”

“He was 16-of-28 for 230 yards passing with a touchdown,” I said. “But I do recall some opposing linemen getting their hands on a ball or two to disrupt.”

“What about that interception? Awful.”

Leavitt’s first pass of the game was intercepted on a ball that arguably should’ve been caught, bouncing off a receiver, slowing to try to snag it. The turnover led to a Clemson field goal.

“Cher, he didn’t lead him correctly,” snapped Alphonse. “Then he rushed some of his passes. And when he was pressured or his footwork was out of rhythm, he tended to sail his passes too high. He just had some poorly thrown passes.”

“Pretty rough on him,” I said. “He did better in his first start for LSU than either Joe Burrow or Jayden Daniels did in theirs.”

Burrow, in his first start on Sept. 2 in 2018 against Miami in Arlington, Texas, was 11-of-24 for 140 yards with no TDs and no interceptions. He finished with minus-6 yards rushing on 10 carries in a game LSU won, 33-17. Daniels, in his first LSU start in 2022 against Florida State in New Orleans (23-21 loss), was 25-of-34 for 209 yards passing with two TDs and 0 interceptions. He added 114 yards on 16 carries with no touchdowns.

“What about Dilin Jones?” I asked about the sophomore transfer from Wisconsin who rushed for 113 yards and two touchdowns – the first time LSU has had two 100-yard rushing games in one game in three years (Daniels and Logan Diggs in ’23 vs. Missouri). 

“Wish he could’ve kept his pants on,” he said, referring to an occasion when a defender pulled down Jones’ pants on one run. “He looked good running the ball, though.”

Charlie Alexander, the former All-American running back and Heisman Trophy finalist for the Tigers whose number 4 was retired last season, described Jones on Facebook during the contest as a “beast,” noting, “He runs angry.”  

One thing we agreed on was disapproval of the “Neck” song. It’s a tradition for close to two decades that LSU fans (mostly students) shout a vulgar chant to accompany the song “Neck.” The full title of the song is “Talking Out the Side of Your Neck” by the funk band Cameo, first released in 1984. Texas Southern University’s band started playing it in the 2000s, and the LSU band started playing it around 2006, but it didn’t get vulgar until 2009 or ’10. 

“What’s the vulgar part,” I asked Alphonse.

“Mais la, I don’t think you can print it in the Journal,” he said. “It’s not the song as much as the crude lyric that fans later added.”   

“So you can’t print it in the Journal, but thousands can shout it at a game or at a rally before a game, and it’s fine?”

“Speaking of fines, they don’t help either,” said Alphonse, “They just happily pay off the fine. Coach Kiffin said he’d pay off any fine relating to the chant.  If momma heard me say something like that, she’d have washed my mouth out with soap!” 

“What does all this portend for the 2026 season” I asked.

“One thing’s for sure,” he said. “It’s going to be an ongoing soap opera.”

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Rugg Elementary cut the ribbon on a new classroom wing during an afternoon ceremony.

Students who spent previous years in portable buildings are starting this school year in permanent classrooms inside the main building.

The new classroom wing was built with funds from the District 62 bond voters approved in 2022.

The campus also has a new elevator serving every floor and upgraded windows throughout.

The Rapides Parish School Board thanked the voters of the city of Alexandria for making the improvements possible.

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RPSO Seeks Suspect in Two Alexandria-Area Shootings Within 24 Hours
Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office has named Dataevious Deontae Taylor, 18, of Alexandria, as a suspect in two separate shootings that occurred within 24 hours of each other and has secured warrants for his arrest. The first incident occurred in the Kelley Land area on the morning of September 6. The second occurred around 3:29 a.m. on September 7 in the 1800 block of Community Lane, where two homes were struck by gunfire with no injuries reported and multiple shell casings were found in the street. Detectives say it is still early in both investigations to determine whether the incidents are connected. Taylor faces three counts of aggravated assault with a firearm and one count of attempted second-degree murder. He is described as a Black male, 6’1″, 170 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair, and should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information is asked to contact RPSO at (318) 473-6700 or Crime Stoppers of CenLa at (318) 443-7867.

Alexandria Senior High School Reopens Today for In-Person Instruction
Rapides Parish School Board

Alexandria Senior High School students return to campus today, Monday, September 8, for in-person instruction following more than a month of virtual learning necessitated by the accidental release of asbestos fibers during summer construction. The school completed remediation in coordination with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.

L.S. Rugg Elementary Students Move Out of Portables and Into New Permanent Classrooms
Rapides Parish School Board

Students at L.S. Rugg Elementary School in Alexandria are now learning in permanent classrooms inside the main campus following a ribbon cutting that marked the completion of a new classroom wing. The wing fulfills a commitment made in 2022, when voters in Alexandria’s District 62 approved a bond to replace the school’s aging portable buildings with a permanent structure. The campus also received a newly installed elevator making every floor accessible, along with window upgrades improving safety and energy efficiency. Principal Alisa Brown, School Board Member Sandra Franklin of District I, and Superintendent Jeff Powell attended the ceremony. Photos and videos are available through the Rapides Parish School Board.

Pineville High School Opens New Turf Field, Resurfaced Track and Paved Parking Lot
Rapides Parish School Board

Pineville High School officially opened its new synthetic turf field, resurfaced track, and paved parking lot with a ribbon cutting at D.C. Bill Bates Stadium on Friday, September 4, held before the football team’s season opener home game. The improvements were funded by a bond approved by District 52 voters in May 2025. Principal John Neal and Athletic Director Justin Charles were joined at center field by school board members Steve Berry, Marie Ashmore, and George Johnson, along with Director of Secondary Education Matt Byrnes. Distinguished guests included Louisiana Speaker Pro Tempore Mike Johnson and Pineville City Councilman Hugh Halle. Bond-funded work continues at other Pineville schools.

Nine New Officers Commissioned at Camp Beauregard in Pineville
Louisiana National Guard, Camp Beauregard

Families, friends, and fellow service members filled the Post Theater at Camp Beauregard in Pineville to watch nine officer candidates complete their commissioning ceremony. Confirm ceremony date and individual names through the Louisiana National Guard public affairs office before publishing a standalone article.

Cleco Employees Volunteer at Pineville Animal Shelter
Cleco Power

Cleco employees spent a morning volunteering at the Pineville Animal Shelter as part of the company’s Done in a Day program, which partners Cleco with charitable organizations across its service territory for single-day volunteer projects. Volunteers cleaned animal kennels, washed animals, organized supplies, and cleaned the facility. The Pineville Animal Shelter provides housing and care for homeless animals, coordinates adoptions, and works to educate the community on responsible pet ownership and wildlife care.

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month at Rapides Parish Library
Rapides Parish Library

The Rapides Parish Library is joining libraries across the country in celebrating Library Card Sign-Up Month throughout September. The library is encouraging all residents who do not yet have a library card to sign up and take advantage of the wide range of resources available at RPL branches throughout the parish.

TRAFFIC REMINDER — Nightly Lane Closures on US 165 North in Pineville

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.

Week 2 of the Rapides Parish Journal’s annual High School Football Pick ’Em contest is underway, giving local fans another chance to test their gridiron knowledge and win cash.

Each week, the contest features 10 selected matchups highlighting Rapides Parish high schools and marquee regional games. The second round of competition concludes Friday, Sept. 11, so make your selections before kickoff to get in the game.

Each weekly winner will take home $100 and be featured with a photo in the Journal.

Participants can submit their picks online through the RPJ platform throughout the season to see who truly reigns as the top football prognosticator in Rapides Parish.

Contest Rules & Details

• Anyone is eligible to participate for free, and each week’s winning participant will win a $100 prize. Each week, the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 10 selected high school football games. Ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two designated weekly contests. The picker with the closest score, without going over, is the winner. All decisions by Management/RPJ are final. The contest can be modified and/or cancelled without notice to the public.
  
  The only persons not eligible to participate are the publisher, the publisher’s immediate family, and regular content contributors to the Journal as determined by Management/RPJ.
  
• There is no entry fee. All contest decisions by Journal management are final. Weekly winners will be notified on Mondays and must agree to have their photo published in the Journal.
  
• Every participant receives a free subscription to the Journal, delivered directly to their inbox daily at 6:55 a.m.

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Pineville High School opened its new synthetic turf field and resurfaced track at D.C. Bill Bates Stadium before Friday’s season opener.

Both projects were funded by the bond District 52 voters approved in May 2025.

“On behalf of the Pineville High community, we would like to thank all Pineville voters for the ability to make this dream come true,” Principal John Neal said.

School board members, elected officials and community partners joined the school at center field to celebrate the opening.

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By RICHARD THIBERVILLE JR., LSU Sports Information Director

Stormy weather stalled kickoff of Louisiana Christian’s home and Sooner Athletic Conference opener Saturday night, but it was worth the wait as the Wildcats blasted Langston for nearly 400 yards rushing and 10 total touchdowns in a 70-14 win over the Lions at Wildcat Field in Pineville.

LCU (2-0, 1-0 in SAC) topped Langston 31-24 last season, but there was little drama in this year’s meeting, the sixth straight Wildcats win in the series. Louisiana Christian scored on its first four chances. The first possession required only three running plays to move 37 yards, the last a 5-yard Datlan Cunningham TD for a 7-0 lead.
 
It took just two plays for the Wildcats to get into the end zone again. Bryce Perkins found E.J. Scott  behind the Langston defense for a 66-yard touchdown strike and a 14-0 lead.

Langston used a long kick return and one big pass play to cut the Wildcat lead down to 14-7.

LCU answered on its next drive with some Lion help as a Langston running into the punter penalty extended the drive. Two plays after the penalty, Perkins found Omarius Davis  behind the defense for a 47-yard scoring strike.

Following another Langston punt, the Wildcats again motored right down the field and Jaterrius Johnson punched the ball in from seven yards out to make it 28-7 early in the second quarter.

The Wildcat offense hit a bit of a snag to end the first half as a couple of turnovers stopped promising drives, one of which Langston took advantage of to get its only other score of the game to make it 28-14 LCU at halftime.

But the second half was all Wildcats as LCU blanked Langston over the last 30 minutes, outscoring the Lions 42-0. That included Amir Franklin-Sanders’ 38-yard interception return for a touchdown, the fourth consecutive game dating back to the 2025 season in which the Wildcat defense picked off the opposing team’s quarterback and brought it back for a score.

Perkins was efficient in the win, going 12-of-18 for 250 yards and three touchdowns and an interception. He also ran four times for 25 yards.

His favorite target was Scott who had four catches for 102 yards and a score. Davis had three catches for 96 yards and a touchdown.

Cunningham and Johnson were almost equal on the ground. Cunningham had 115 yards on 19 carries with two scores while Johnson also got to the end zone twice, picking up 114 yards on 13 carries.

LCU had 640 yards of total offense while holding Langston to just 230 total.

The Wildcats go on the road for two straight games, starting with the trip to Plainview, Texas for a date with Wayland Baptist. Kickoff of next Saturday’s contest against the Pioneers (1-1, 0-1 SAC) is set for 6 p.m. at Greg Sherwood Memorial Bulldog Stadium.

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Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

Sept. 7

Zoe M. Adams, 20, Boyce – OWI first offense, producing manufacturing distributing CDS, possession of CDS, improper lane usage, paraphernalia, $1,600 bail.

Sept. 6

Sarah Lee Blocker, 36, Alexandria – OWI first offense, careless operation of vehicle, $1,100 bail;

Logan Earl Bonnette, 34, Alexandria —  six counts contempt of court, $162,500 bail;

James Darrell Dearborne Jr, 34, Alexandria – driving under suspension, improper window tint, running a yellow light, no registration in vehicle, no evidence of insurance, driver’s license not in possession, five counts contempt of court, $17,600 bail;

Charles Ray Jackson, 51, Alexandria – two counts contempt of court, $100,000 bail;

Jeremy Glenn Johnson, 44, Tioga – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, no bail data;

Clifford McClure, 64, Deville – domestic abuse battery serious injury, trespassing, two counts simple battery, resisting an officer, $2,000 bail;

Delvon Jermaine Polk, 31, Alexandria – DWI second offense, display of temporary registration license plates, open container, contempt of court, no driver’s license, $1,555 bail.

Sept. 5

Richard Lance Billingsley, 34, Pineville – flight from an officer, theft, speeding, improper driving on left, disobey traffic device, $25,800 bail;

Jerome Cortez Boyd, 38, Pineville – battery of a dating partner, no bail data;

Keon Dameachel Bush, 17, Colfax – attempted second degree murder, illegal use of weapons, legend drug possession, possession of CDS, resisting an officer, $1,500 bail;

Alexis Samone Keys, 31, Pineville – domestic abuse battery, theft of identity, $2,500 bail;

Amanda Marie Kowatz, 46, Pineville – DWI first offense, improper turn, driving under suspension, $870 bail;

Melvisha Tyronesha Michael, 26, Alexandria – domestic abuse aggravated assault with child endangerment, $10,000 bail;

Willie Ray Mims, 49, Alexandria – illegal possession of a stolen firearm, $2,000 bail;

Antonio D’Wight Simon, 48, Alexandria – possession of CDS, two counts contempt of court, $3,000 bail.

Sept. 4

Jennifer Ann East, 48, Sulphur – possession of DDS, contempt of court, parole violations, no bail data;

Micahel Shane Eversull, 50, Pineville – aggravated assault, two counts contempt of court, $202,000 bail;

Kristopher Kirts, 31, Alexandria – three counts contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Justin Dewayne Matthews, 38, Pineville – OWI first offense, careless operation of vehicle, $1,100 bail;

Rickie Jontavis Morlte Jr., 23, Alexandria – theft of a motor vehicle, theft of identity, $10,000 bail;

Noah Tyrell Shaver, 44, Alexandria – possession of CDS, possession of paraphernalia, two counts Louisiana fugitive, two counts contempt of court, $8,500 bail;

Bobbi Anne Stewart, 49, Glenmora – possession of CDS, theft, $2,000 bail;

Chad Michael Travis, 54, Alexandria – simple burglary, simple escape, $10,000 bail;

Jessie Taylor White, 28, Pollock – possession of CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, possession of marijuana, improper window tint, tail lamps red, $5,200 bail.

Sept. 3

Jessica Lynn Pace, 39, Pineville – theft, possession of CDS, $1,500 bail;

Askia Waheed Jr., 41, Alexandria – possession of CDS, two counts resisting an officer, $2,000 bail;

James Daniel Williams, 46, Alexandria – driving under suspension, possession of CDS, possession of paraphernalia, riding or hauling on levees, contempt of court, Louisiana fugitive, $3,600 bail.

Sept. 2

Michael De-Anthony Dotson, 44, Alexandria – theft, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, $16,000 bail;

James Derrick Dyess Jr., 31, Lecompte – driving under suspension, resisting an officer, reckless operation, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, $1,100 bail;

Caitlyn K. Folse, 26, Pineville – simple burglary, no bail data;

Kathryn Elizabeth King, 31, Pineville – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, Louisiana fugitive, $1,000 bail;

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

Raven Adonis Roberts, 34, Pineville – possession of CDS, Louisiana fugitive, no bail data;

Danielle M. Saizan, 28, Pineville – OWI first offense, open container, no bail data;

Michael Wayne Smith Jr., 27, Pineville – illegal use of weapons, $100,000 bail;

Joshua Andrew Walker, 38, Alexandria – theft, two counts contempt of court, $4,000 bail;

Gavin Wallace, 20, Alexandria – aggravated second degree battery, $25,000 bail;

Jacob Wilson, 38, Alexandria – two counts sexual battery, two counts indecent behavior with juveniles, $20,000 bail.

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Jimmie Ruth Coleman came into this world on October 5, 1929, weighing 3lbs 4oz with doctors giving her little chance to survive. God had other plans for Jimmie, allowing her to live a few weeks short of 97 years.

Jimmie Ruth was the last of five children born to Edward Lee “Ed” and Ollie Virginia Chandler Coleman. Her siblings were Fred Coleman, Evie Mae Coleman Smith, Edna Lea Coleman LaCroix, Jessie Alvira Coleman Corley, who all preceded her in death.

Jimmie attended Prospect School, then graduated from Dry Prong High School, going on to work at Kress Department Store, Brown Roberts and Dresser Industries.

She lived her entire life in the house her daddy built. As her parents and dear Uncle Columbus “Clum” Coleman who live with them aged, she helped take care of them until their deaths.

Jimmie loved reading, writing, poems, and short stories. She was a very talented writer, having one story published in a local paper. She was a charter member of New Prospect Baptist Church and their Church Historian. In earlier years, she taught Sunday School, then in her 80’s taught a class for the older ladies, which she loved.

Jimmie Ruth is survived by five nieces, Edwina Roberts, Mary Coleman, Betty Ross, Virginia DeFord, Sue Rodriguez; one nephew, Jeryl Corley, and numerous great and great great nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at Gallagher Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. with Bishop David Roberts officiating. The Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m.

A special thanks you to her nephew Jeryl and great nieces Holly and Shannon for all the love and c are they gave to her. Also to her niece, Edwina and her husband Bishop David Roberts for all they have done to care for her in her last days.

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With broken hearts, we announce the passing of our beautiful son Matthew Heaton, who left this world far too soon on September 2, 2026, at the tender age of 16. Born on January 18, 2010, Matthew was a beacon of light to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He leaves behind his loving parents, John and Mariana Heaton, and his cherished brother, Andrew Heaton, who will forever carry his spirit within their hearts.

Matthew was a unique soul, endowed with a gentle spirit and kind heart that touched the lives of many. He was a dedicated student, immersing himself deeply in school activities such as speech & debate, robotics, STEM, and archery. His enthusiasm and curiosity shone brightly and inspired both peers and mentors alike.

A lover of the outdoors, Matthew found solace in nature, whether it was reading in a hammock or hunting with his family, savoring each moment spent under the vast sky.

He had a natural affinity for adventure-whether it was cruising in his Jeep with the top & doors off and wind in his hair, cooking exotic dishes, or sharing laughter while gaming with friends. A true heart of gold, he was known for his kindness and compassion, traits that endeared him to many. His circle of friends was his treasure, and he cherished the time spent with them, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Matthew was also an avid reader, a gamer, and a passionate music lover, with the Red Hot Chili Peppers holding a special place in his heart. He found joy in movies and travel, always ready for the next great discovery that life had to offer. His boundless curiosity and adventurous spirit will be sorely missed, but his legacy of love and friendship will live on in those who knew him.

Matthew is survived by his paternal grandparents, Ronald and Joyce Heaton, and his maternal grandmother, Elva Valenzuela. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Enrique “Henry” Valenzuela, who surely welcomed him with open arms.

In honor of Matthew’s life and the joy he so generously shared with us, a celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Hixson Brothers, Alexandria, with visitation from 3:00 pm until the time of the service at 5:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance, sharing stories and laughter to honor the vivacious spirit of a boy who embraced life with open arms and an open heart. The family asks for guests to dress comfortably, whether that means sweatpants and a T-shirt or a suit.

As we navigate the profound sorrow of his absence, let us reflect on the beautiful moments we shared with Matthew, whose gentle presence will continue to resonate in our hearts. We invite all who knew him to come together in remembrance, to celebrate his spirit, and to affirm the bonds of love that he fostered so effortlessly.

Rest in peace, dear Matthew. You were a brilliant star, and you will forever shine brightly in our memories.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Matthew Heaton Scholarship Fund being established at Red River Bank.

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In 1863, the United States of America and the Confederate States of America were in the midst of what we now call the Civil War.  On June 1, 1863, nineteen-year-old Willis Meadows of Lanott, Alabama, joined Company G of the 37^th Alabama Regiment.  Willis was a fierce hunter who realized early on that missing a shot at wild game meant that he and his family would not have any meat on the table.  Within days of his enlistment, his superiors recognized his shooting skills and made him a sharpshooter.  One month to the day after his enlistment, July 1, Willis was helping defend Vicksburg from the Union army.  Through a small hole in a sheet of boiler plate, Willis took careful aim and fired a single shot at a time at Union soldiers so as not to give his position away.  He waited several minutes before firing again so the enemy could not pinpoint his position.  Every few minutes, Willis took down another soldier.  

21-year-old Peter Knapp and three other members of the 5^th Iowa volunteers were ordered to eliminate the sniper.  They slowly scanned the area while they awaited another shot.  Finally, Peter saw a flash come from the small hole in the boiler plate.  Peter was a crack shot as well.  As Willis peeked through the hole in search of another target, Peter fired.  The one-ounce cone-shaped bullet went through the same hole Willis had been firing through and struck him, Willis, in his right eye.  Peter saw Willis collapse and knew he was either dead or dying.  Peter and the other three reported that they had eliminated the sharpshooter and were sent on another assignment.

A short while later, a Union soldier found Willis and realized that he was still alive.  He and other Union soldiers took Willis to their surgeon who transferred the wounded sharpshooter to a federal hospital.  Doctors operated on Willis and concluded that it would be too dangerous to try to remove the bullet.  They stopped the bleeding and hoped for the best.  Despite the doctors’ grim prognosis, Willis’s condition slowly improved.  Except for the loss of his right eye, Willis regained his health.  Willis was eventually paroled and returned to Alabama.

58 years later, Peter was reading the newspaper when he read Willis’s incredible story.  He soon realized that Willis was the man he shot and whom he thought he had killed.  Peter wrote to Willis and they began corresponding back and forth for the remainder of Willis’s life.  The newspaper article which turned former enemies into friends was published on March 22, 1921.  On the day before, Willis, then 78 years old, was in his kitchen when he began coughing.  His coughing progressed into a coughing fit.  Willis held his handkerchief over his mouth, but nothing he tried would ease his coughing.  After several long minutes, Willis’s coughing ended abruptly when something struck his handkerchief.  He lowered the handkerchief from his mouth and stared in amazement.  58 years after being shot through the eye and left for dead, Willis coughed up Peter’s bullet.         

Sources:

1.     The Wellston News (Wellston, Oklahoma), April 1, 1921, p.2. 

2.     Phillips County News (Malta, Montana), September 8, 1921, p.1.

3.     “March 14, 1921 Coughing up Bullets,” Cape Cod Curmudgeon, March 24, 2018, Accessed August 30, 2026, https://todayinhistory.blog/2018/03/24/march-24-1921-coughing-up-bullets/.

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Phonetic: /bon·​ho·​mie/

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition

good-natured easy friendliness

exuded an aura of cheerful bonhomie.
—Alistair MacLean

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JoAnn Deen Bordelon
July 19, 1947 – September 5, 2026
Service: Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 11am at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville.

James Crawford “Jam” Downs
October 7, 1940 – September 5, 2026
Service: Saturday, September 12, 2026, 10am at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria.

Jimmie Ruth Coleman
October 5, 1929 – September 2, 2026
Service: Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 1pm at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball.

Matthew Heaton
January 18, 2010 – September 2, 2026
Service: Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 5pm at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Alexandria.

Donald Patton Martin
March 16, 1945 – September 1, 2026
Service: Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 1pm at Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

Lionel Elie
August 10, 1949 – August 28, 2026
Service: Friday, September 11, 2026, 11am at Mt. Calvary Baptist Baptist Church, Alexandria.

Travis Sentell “Doc” Edwards, Sr.
October 30, 1984 – August 27, 2026
Service: Saturday, September 12, 2026, 12pm at First Evening Star Baptist Church, Alexandria.

Aubrey Layne Sanders
September 28, 1961 – August 27, 2026
Service: Wednesday, September 9, 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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Alexandria Police Department officers located a stolen vehicle from Montgomery County, Texas on Sept. 7 around 7:10 pm that had been the subject of a law enforcement BOLO (Be On the Lookout).

While actively patrolling, APD officers identified the vehicle based on information provided in the BOLO and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The driver refused to stop, and a brief pursuit ensued.

The pursuit ended when the stolen vehicle was involved in a traffic crash at the intersection of Coliseum Boulevard and MacArthur Drive. The driver, a 16-year-old juvenile, was injured in the crash and transported to a local hospital for treatment. No officers or members of the public were injured during the incident.

Chief Chad Gremillion emphasized that the incident demonstrates the importance of officers remaining alert and aware of information being shared among law enforcement agencies. The officers’ attentiveness to the BOLO allowed them to quickly identify and locate a stolen vehicle from another jurisdiction as it traveled through Alexandria.

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.

If anyone has any information about this incident or any other type of crime in the Alexandria area, please contact the Alexandria Police Detective Division at the phone number (318) 441-6416, or APD Dispatch (318) 441-6559. You may also email information to detectives at: APDDetectives@cityofalex.com.

For a cash reward, call Crime Stoppers of CenLa at (318) 443-7867. The Crime Stoppers P3 Tipster App can also be downloaded to leave tips and get a claim number for a cash reward at www.p3tips.com/community/mobile.

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Alexandria City Park will temporarily close beginning Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, for approximately six to eight weeks.

The temporary closure will restrict all public access to the park pavilion and public restrooms, play areas and splash pad, and the main parking lot.

The project is part of the citywide park improvements and the Reignite Corridor initiative, bringing long-term updates and enhanced recreational spaces to the community.

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JoAnn Deen Bordelon
July 19, 1947 – September 5, 2026
Service: Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 11am at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville.

Jimmie Ruth Coleman
October 5, 1929 – September 2, 2026
Service: Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 1pm at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball.

Matthew Heaton
January 18, 2010 – September 2, 2026
Service: Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 5pm at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Alexandria.

Donald Patton Martin
March 16, 1945 – September 1, 2026
Service: Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 1pm at Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

Lionel Elie
August 10, 1949 – August 28, 2026
Service: Friday, September 11, 2026, 11am at Mt. Calvary Baptist Baptist Church, Alexandria.

Travis Sentell “Doc” Edwards, Sr.
October 30, 1984 – August 27, 2026
Service: Saturday, September 12, 2026, 12pm at First Evening Star Baptist Church, Alexandria.

Aubrey Layne Sanders
September 28, 1961 – August 27, 2026
Service: Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 11am at Calvary Baptist Church, Alexandria.

Brenda Smith
August 13, 1954 – August 26, 2026
Service: Monday, September 7, 2026, 10am at The Citadel Church of God in Christ, Alexandria.

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

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Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a one-vehicle crash on Sept. 5 around 12:15 am on Louisiana Highway 488 at Valentine Lake Road.  This crash claimed the life of 24-year-old Kalob Bennett of Hineston.

The initial investigation revealed that a 2001 Toyota Tundra, driven by Bennett, was eastbound on Louisiana Highway 488. For reasons still under investigation, Bennett’s vehicle left the roadway, entered the ditch, overturned and struck a tree.

Bennett, who was not restrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead on the scene. Routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. Impairment is a suspected factor. This crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Police would like to remind all motorists that if you feel differently, you drive differently. Alcohol, prescription drugs, and other drugs have many effects on the body that negatively affect driving skills. These drugs can impair visual ability, alter the sense of time and space, impair fine motor skills needed to operate a motor vehicle, and decrease reaction times. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and designate a sober driver. Not doing so can have deadly consequences.

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By JIM BUTLER

Football season is just starting but significant punts have already been made.

An England Authority special meeting to review details of the ICE family deportation staging center has been cancelled as a result.

Two of seven commissioners who last week called for a September 8 special meeting have recanted. At least six of the 10 commissioners are required for such a call under Authority rules.

Vice Chairman Jamar Gailes, a City of Alexandra appointment, and Trey Crump, City of Pineville-appointed, changed their minds, according to normally reliable sources, evidently convinced a meeting would serve no point other than exacerbating the matter.

Persons who’ve spoken on the issue at Authority sessions previous have made their position quite clear and in some cases it’s been quite personal.

The increasing intemperance is a concern among commissioners and staff and, sources say, was among topics raised by those urging the two to change their stance.

Absent in the hearings appearance record is any person speaking in favor of the staging center and any comment from often-vocal locals such as public figures,  politicians and pastors.

The current count indicates official discussion of the project is done, as it is not likely to again be on an Authority agenda barring unexpected change.

Adding it to the agenda during a meeting would require unanimous vote. That is as unlikely as Lane Kiffin being invited to the SEC Christmas party.

That then leaves officially unanswered some questions, with or without foundation, raised by various parties, both at the Authority meetings, on social media and in published articles. Examples include:

• Who is liable if something goes wrong – the Authority or LaSalle Family Foundation?

• Is the agreement with ICE available for public reading? If not, why not?

• Does federal Freedom of Information process overrule state public records provisions?

• Same for Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with LaSalle?

• How many jobs of various categories are envisioned in this project? Payroll?

• When did discussion of family center begin?

• What are health and medical provisions?

As pitched at last week’s gathering, the special meeting was to explore such.

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