Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies responded to the 5000 block of Benjamin Street in the Grundy Cooper subdivision on Aug. 31 around 3:15 pm in reference to a welfare concern. Sheriff’s detectives said the incident is an active investigation and no further details will be released at this time.
There is currently no indication of a risk to public safety at this point in the investigation.
The sheriff’s office said it will update the release as more information becomes available.
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.
The Rapides Parish Journal’s annual High School Football Pick ’Em contest is now underway, giving local fans a chance to test their gridiron knowledge and win cash.
Each week, the contest features 10 selected matchups highlighting Rapides Parish high schools and key regional games. This week’s round concludes Friday, Sept. 4, so there is still time to make your picks and 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.
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Contest Rules & Details
Where are the flying cars that engineers began promising us as early as the 1940s? In 1946, Popular Mechanics magazine predicted that flying cars would become commonplace soon. Nearly 40 years later, Doctor Emmett Brown in the Hollywood film Back to the Future told Marty as they were preparing to hit 88 miles per hour, “Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads.” That was in 1985 and flying cars are still not commonplace. What happened to the flying cars that we have been promised for generations?
During World War II, Theodore “Ted” Hall proposed a flying car that could be used in commando-type raids but he was unable to convince the military of its practicality. Following World War II, Ted worked with Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation to build flying cars for the masses. They began with the Convair Model 116, a two-seater crude car body with detachable wings and tail. Test pilots completed more than 65 flights in the Model 116 before Ted began working on a more marketable model called the Model 118 (see photo above).
The Model 118 had a more refined plastic car body, a 26½ horsepower car engine, a more powerful Lycoming airplane engine, and could comfortably transport four people. Convair planned to produce 160,000 of the Model 118s and expected to sell many of them to airports to use as rental vehicles.
On November 15, 1947, test pilot Reuben Snodgrass flew the prototype Model 118 for the first time, and it performed splendidly. Three days later, pilot Snodgrass and flight researcher Lawrence Phillips flew the flying car over San Diego, California, on what was supposed to be a one-hour flight to test the engine’s calibration. A few minutes into the flight as they were enjoying what had been a flawless test, the engine sputtered and died. All attempts to restart the engine failed. Pilot Snodgrass was familiar with the area and glided the flying car toward the hard-caked mud flats near South Bay. It was a textbook landing for the first 200 feet, but pilot Snodgrass did not see the four-foot-high embankment until it was too late. In the crash, pilot Snodgrass suffered only minor bruises, but Phillips suffered a fractured shoulder. The car portion was destroyed, but the wing and airplane engine were repaired and used on further test flights. Although public interest in the flying car was initially high, it was not high enough. The company cancelled the flying car.
The reason the Model 118 flying automobile was never made available to the public was not because of a design flaw, not because of something the pilot did, but something he did not do. On that cool November day, the Convair flying car crashed because… it ran out of gas. Pilot Snodgrass was a careful pilot who always used a preflight checklist to avoid accidents such as this. After the crash, Pilot Snodgrass went over the checklist more carefully one item at a time. He remembered vividly checking the fuel gauge which showed to be full. Then, he realized his mistake. It was a simple mistake that anyone could make. Pilot Snodgrass had checked the fuel gauge, the car’s fuel gauge. He had not checked the airplane’s fuel gauge.
Sources:
1. The Fresno Bee, November 12, 1947, p.1.
2. The Los Angeles Times, November 19, 1947, p.14.
3. Holdenville Daily News, November 20, 1947, p.4.
Pineville Park Baptist Church members participated in a “Faith in Action” service day, serving at Pineville Elementary School, Pineville Junior High School and a local home.
Members did yard work, painting, praying and beautification projects for teachers and students.
The church described the event as a day of service and fellowship.
Northwestern State University’s Transition to RN pathway provides experienced allied health professionals an opportunity to pursue an Associate of Science in Nursing degree and registered nursing licensure while building on their previous health care education and experience.
Offered at NSU’s Shreveport, Cenla and Leesville campuses, the Transition to RN pathway is designed for licensed or certified health care professionals, including licensed practical nurses, paramedics, military medics, respiratory therapists, occupational therapy assistants and physical therapy assistants. Students complete the pathway in three consecutive semesters through a combination of online coursework and in-person laboratory and clinical experiences.
Krystyna Tabor, MSN, RN, director of the Transition to RN pathway, said the pathway provides a more direct route for allied health professionals such as LPNs, medics, paramedics, occupational therapy assistants, physical therapy assistants and respiratory therapists to pursue nursing education.
To qualify, students must have completed an allied health or nursing certificate or degree program, worked full time for at least one year in that health care field and hold a current, unencumbered certificate or license to practice.
Tabor said students entering the pathway bring valuable health care experience, including caring for patients and responding to challenging situations.
“Those medical professionals tend to deal with the pressure a little bit better,” Tabor said.
After completing the pathway, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, or NCLEX-RN. Passing the examination allows graduates to become licensed registered nurses.
“They can work in any environment that any other registered nurse can work in,” Tabor said.
Jackson Taylor of Bossier City is a paramedic enrolled in the Transition to RN pathway. Taylor plans to continue working as a paramedic after becoming a registered nurse and eventually hopes to attend graduate school and pursue training to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist.
Taylor said his experience as a paramedic gives him a foundation he can carry into nursing while the nursing pathway can broaden the knowledge and skills he brings to emergency medical services.
“Paramedics are trained to a high level and nursing is also trained to a high level, and I feel like we can benefit from that,” Taylor said. “I feel like a nurse wanting to be a paramedic would be able to take care of their patients better, and a paramedic wanting to be a nurse would be able to take better care of their patients.”
“This is going to be a good program to have in the area because our paramedics in Shreveport-Bossier are really well trained, and this will be a good way to learn to take care of patients better on the ground and in the air as well,” Taylor said.
Tabor said the Transition to RN pathway expands access to nursing education for health care professionals whose previous education and experience can provide a foundation for registered nursing practice.
Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, beloved singer, songwriter, actress, philanthropist, and one of the most treasured figures in American music and culture, passed away on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 80.
Born on January 19, 1946, in rural East Tennessee, Dolly was the fourth of twelve children and grew up in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. From those humble beginnings came a voice, a talent, and a spirit that would eventually reach nearly every corner of the world.
Over a remarkable career spanning more than six decades, Dolly became one of country music’s most recognizable and influential artists. Her extraordinary gift for storytelling gave the world songs that became part of the American soundtrack, including Jolene, Coat of Many Colors, 9 to 5, and I Will Always Love You. Her unmistakable voice, quick wit, larger-than-life style, and genuine warmth allowed her to connect with generations of people far beyond the boundaries of country music.
Her talents extended well beyond the stage. Dolly became a celebrated actress, author, businesswoman, and entrepreneur while remaining deeply connected to the Tennessee mountains and the people who helped shape her. Yet among her greatest accomplishments was the generosity she showed to others.
Through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, founded in honor of her father, millions of books have been placed into the hands of children around the world. Her philanthropy also supported education, disaster relief, healthcare, and countless communities and individuals throughout her lifetime.
For all the awards, records, rhinestones, and worldwide recognition, Dolly’s greatest legacy may be the way she made people feel. She encouraged people to dream bigger, laugh at themselves, remain true to who they were, and extend kindness wherever possible. She never seemed to forget where she came from—and because of that, people from every walk of life felt as though they knew a little piece of her.
Dolly was preceded in death by her beloved husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Thomas Dean, who passed away in March 2025. Their famously private and enduring marriage remained one of the most cherished parts of her life.
The little girl from the mountains of Tennessee grew up to become an American icon, but she never lost the heart that made the world fall in love with her in the first place. Her songs will continue to be sung, her stories will continue to be told, and the kindness she put into the world will continue through generations of lives she touched.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Dolly’s extraordinary legacy of generosity and her lifelong commitment to children and literacy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Through the program, books are provided each month at no cost to children from birth to age five, helping Dolly’s love of reading and learning continue to reach future generations.
Memorial donations may be made directly to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: Click here to Make a Donation in Memory of Dolly Parton
A message from the family of Dolly Parton: Click here to watch video
Memorial services for Mr. Paul Michael “Mikey” Lewis will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026, in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, with Pastor Larry Otwell officiating. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m.
Mr. Lewis, age 38, of Shreveport, formerly of Pineville, passed away Monday, August 24, 2026, following a brief illness. Mikey was born January 2, 1988, in Tioga, Louisiana.
Mikey spent his childhood and early adult life filling our lives with joy and giving us gray hair, usually at the same time. There were stitches, road rash, and broken bones along the way, but Mikey pursued life wholeheartedly.
Music, family, and community were among his greatest passions. He gave the best hugs. Mikey was compassionate, and if you came to him with your problems, even when he couldn’t fix them, you knew you were heard and that he was there for you. He never held back; he lived fully in every moment of his life, through both the good and the bad.
When Mikey needed help the most, he met Pastor Larry Otwell at the Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission. He graduated from the New Beginnings Program and became Paul. He dedicated his life to Jesus and went on to become a full-time kitchen manager. He faced every challenge with the same passion and determination that had always defined him.
Paul’s life touched so many people. He brought laughter, love, compassion, and unforgettable memories to those around him. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but the mark he left on our hearts will remain forever.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Thomas Lewis.
He is survived by his parents, Paul and Melissa Norris; his siblings, Allison Lofton and Lisa Hayes (Charles); three nieces, Ariss Lofton, Vivian Hayes, and Macy Jo Hayes; two nephews, Terran Lofton and Kai Hayes; his grandmother, Pamela Lewis; his godparents, Joseph and Donna Mahfouz; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and other loving family members.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission, P.0. Box 3949, Shreveport, LA 71133-3949
William “Bill” Sullivan Fairbanks III, 91, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2026.
Bill was born in 1934, to Clifton Alexander Fairbanks and Grace Bradford Fairbanks of Pineville, Louisiana. He graduated from Bolton High School, served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany, and later attended Louisiana State University.
Golf was Bill’s passion. He first learned to play at the age of 12 on the old Rapides Golf and Country Club course, located next to Greenwood Memorial Park Cemetery, formerly owned by his parents, Cliff and Grace. Some of his fondest memories were made there playing with his uncle, brother, and cousins. Bill became a scratch golfer and continued to play the game he loved in Baton Rouge into his 70’s.
Hunting was his other great passion. He treasured the time spent hunting with his father, brothers, cousins, nephews, and friends at the family camp. His love of hunting also took him on two memorable big-game hunting trips to Africa.
Bill was preceded in death by his son, William Sullivan Fairbanks IV; his daughter, Amanda Louise Fairbanks; his father, Clifton Alexander Fairbanks Sr.; his mother, Grace Bradford Fairbanks; his brothers, Brad Fairbanks, Pete Fairbanks, and Glenn Douglas Fairbanks; and his sister, Frances Fairbanks Crawford.
He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Ann Fairbanks Ezell of Santa Fe, NM; his grandchildren, Alexandra Noel Shepherd Ahlers and husband, Pete of Encinitas, CA; Avery Elise Shepherd of Austin, TX; Benjamin Lee Shepherd of Chicago, IL; and his new baby great granddaughter, Nora Grace Ahlers of Encinitas, CA.
Bill also held a special place in his heart for his beloved nephews, niece, and several close cousins.
He was never short on stories to tell about his time growing up, his family, and adventures. Some learned not to ask too many questions and others, especially his nephews, loved to hear them.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 1:00 pm at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, 2701 Military Highway, Pineville, followed by internment in Greenwood Memorial Park Cemetery, Pineville.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to woundedwarriorproject.org, a charity he supported for many years.
Phonetic: /pe·nu·ri·ous/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition
marked by or suffering from penury
penurious peasants and fisherfolk
given to or marked by extreme stinting frugality
Ethel Mae Evans Price
March 13, 1945 – August 27, 2026
Service: Sunday, September 6, 2026, 3pm at Mount Triumph Missionary Baptist Church, Boyce.
Billie Joyce Massey Bordelon
November 14, 1942 – August 26, 2026
Service: Tuesday, September 1, 2026, 1pm at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball.
Egedio Gilbert Cicardo
January 26, 1939 – August 24, 2026
Service: Friday, September 4, 2026, 10am at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church, Alexandria.
Paul Michael Lewis
January 2, 1988 – August 24, 2026
Service: Friday, September 4, 2026, 4pm at Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.
William “Bill” Sullivan Fairbanks, III
November 6, 1934 – August 23, 2026
Service: Saturday, September 5, 2026, 1pm at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville.
Jean Haasch Lohrey
March 30, 1929 – August 18, 2026
Service: Sunday, September 6, 2026, 3pm at First United Methodist Church, Alexandria.
he Rapides Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.
