The City of Alexandria celebrated the completion of renovations at Frank O. Hunter Park with a ribbon cutting.

The improvements are part of the REIGNITE park renovation project, an ongoing effort to invest in Alexandria’s neighborhood parks and create updated spaces for families, friends and neighbors to enjoy.

At Frank O. Hunter Park, the renovations include more than 3,000 square feet of poured-in-place rubber safety surfacing for a safer, more durable and ADA-accessible play environment, along with approximately 4,600 square feet of new concrete sidewalks to improve accessibility and circulation throughout the playground area.

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Revenge was a dish served with crustless pimento cheese sandwiches and chicken tenders on Saturday night in Oxford, Mississippi.

The most anticipated college football game of the season thus far, between LSU and Ole Miss, lived up to its billing. Depending on which team you were rooting for, the heroes and villains are up for debate, but the drama was palpable both pregame and throughout Lane Kiffin’s first trip back to Ole Miss and Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.

The Ole Miss fans were more cordial during the weekend than I was expected, practically killing my friends and I with kindness to possibly buy some karmic goodwill for the gridiron contest. It worked. The Rebels topped the Tigers in a classic, thrilling Southeastern Conference battle, sealing a 32-24 win by intercepting LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt in the end zone during the final minute of play.

The animosity for Kiffin in Oxford was unlike anything I’ve ever seen. From consistent profanity laced chants to signs in every tent in the Grove to buttons donned by sorority girls, vitriol was being hurled at LSU’s current head coach from every direction. I was on LSU’s campus for Nick Saban’s first game back in Baton Rouge as the head coach of Alabama. Saturday’s environment in Oxford topped that 2008 experience. 

The loathing for Kiffin even extended beyond Rebel fans. I ran into a dozen Tennessee fans, donning orange, who drove down to Oxford specifically to hate watch Kiffin, joining the Ole Miss faithful to root against him. Kiffin coached Tennessee for one season in 2009 before leaving to become the head coach of Southern California. Those Volunteer fans told me they hate Kiffin so much they wanted to watch him lose in person twice this season. LSU plays at Tennessee in late November.

Ole Miss manhandled LSU the entire first half, largely by wreaking havoc on the Tigers’ offensive line. The LSU offense struggled to find any consistent rhythm in the first two quarters, trailing 24-7 at halftime.

The Tigers looked lost, overwhelmed, and not ready for the bright lights of SEC football. Whether it was the emotion of the moment or the lack of experience playing in hostile SEC road game environments, some of the lackluster play could be expected in hindsight.

Kiffin and the Tigers, however, did not go quietly into the Oxford night. The Tigers rallied back in the second half, eventually tying the game 24-24 in the fourth quarter, as the Ole Miss fans in the stadium became more tense with each passing series. There was an air of inevitability during the second half, as LSU fans hoped, and Ole Miss fans feared, the Tigers would complete the comeback. Then the pendulum of fortune swung back in the Rebels’ favor. 

In a Heisman Trophy moment performance, Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss led the Rebels down the field, capping the drive with a 14-yard touchdown run. Chambliss was sensational all night, completing 33 passes for 363 yards and three touchdowns. Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding then out-Kiffined Lane Kiffin by converting the two-point conversion, putting the Rebels up eight points.

The Tigers fell short of the comeback, as the Ole Miss defense intercepted Leavitt in the end zone in the final minute of the game.

The interception triggered one of the largest cathartic releases I’ve witnessed, as the collective souls of the entire Ole Miss fanbase were liberated by defeating Kiffin. The Rebel fans cheered, hugged, howled, and stayed in the stadium for half an hour after the final second ticked off the clock, soaking in the most satisfying Rebel victory in most of their lifetimes. That’s why it just means more.

My favorite play of the game

Quarterback Sam Leavitt’s third-quarter touchdown pass to wide receiver Winner Watkins was an absolute dime and pulled the Tigers within three points of the Rebels. Leavitt has been rightfully criticized for his passing game deficiencies so far this season, but that throw flashed his arm talent.

By the numbers

16 – Completed passes by LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt.

33 – Completed passes by Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss.

363 – Passing yards by Chambliss.

852  – Number of times I heard “Are You Ready?” yelled out by an Ole Miss fan, followed by the subsequent “HYDR” chant.

13 – The number of corndogs I was offered while tailgating in the Grove.

3  – The number of corndogs I consumed while tailgating in the Grove.

Looking ahead

LSU returns to Tiger Stadium to battle No. 23 Texas A&M, as both teams try to regroup from losses last Saturday. The Aggies were pummeled by unranked Kentucky 31-21 at home. 

The Aggies ended the Brian Kelly era at LSU last season, thrashing the Tigers 49-25 in Death Valley. Next Saturday is a de facto playoff game in some respects, with either the Tigers or Aggies suffering a second loss before October. Next week’s winner rights their season, while the loser must likely be perfect the final eight games of the year to have a shot at making the College Football Playoff.

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BATON ROUGE — Louisiana Christian’s no longer unbeaten but you can’t blame the Wildcats if they’re going into the rest of the season undaunted.

Playing their second NCAA Division I opponent in four games, the Wildcats produced almost 350 yards of total offense and created tension in the fourth quarter, but an early deficit was too much to overcome in a 50-31 loss to the Southern Jaguars Saturday night at A.W. Mumford Stadium.

Louisiana Christian (3-1, ranked in both NAIA Top 25 polls) answered an early touchdown by Southern (2-2) by getting one of its own as Bryce Perkins connected with Darius Washington on a 47-yard touchdown strike.

Southern scored the next 20 points before LCU kicker Preston Baker connected from 39 yards out to cut the deficit to 27-10. The Jaguars responded with a field goal right before halftime.

The Wildcats rallied within 37-24, answering a quick Jaguars TD with a 30-yard connection between Phillip Jones II and Leyton Faul three plays later, then scoring early in the fourth quarter on a 2-yard Datlan Cunningham run.

LCU successfully executed an onside kick, but the Jaguars defense locked down and stopped the visitors on a three-and-out.

Southern responded by putting it away, scoring twice in just over three minutes midway through the quarter for a 50-24 advantage.

Third-team quarterback Matthew Cates, Jr. capped LCU’s when he busted loose for a 69-yard touchdown.

Perkins was 12-of-19 for 145 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

Jermarian Jackson led the defense with 10 total tackles, 2.5 of which were behind the line of scrimmage for a loss of yardage.

The Wildcats begin a three-game homestand next Saturday as Oklahoma Panhandle State comes to Pineville for a Sooner Athletic Conference matchup. Kickoff against the Aggies (2-2, 0-1 SAC) is 6 p.m. at Wildcat Field.

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Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

Sept. 20

Carlito Williams Beauregard, 44, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, tunning a stop sign, contempt failure to pay fine, $100 bail;

Derek Clifton Bell, 40, Alexandria – concealed negligent carry handgun, criminal trespass, resisting an officer, contempt of court, $4,500 bail;

Kenderrick Jacoby Bell, 32, Alexandria – possession of firearm by convicted felon, concealed negligent carry of handgun, resisting an officer, criminal trespass, $1,500 bail;

Gariauna S Bryant, 21, Lecompte – criminal trespass, criminal court, $3,000 bail;

Chad Kendery Bush, 45, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia, two counts contempt of court, $4,000 bail;

Donovan Darnell Ford, 36, Portland, Ore. – OWI first offense, open container, $1,100 bail;

Jessie Lee Goodman, 50, Alexandria – aggravated assault with a firearm, domestic abuse battery, no bail data;

Jebrealyne Renard McGaskey, 22, Lecompte – concealed negligent carry handgun, possession of marijuana, criminal trespass, three counts contempt of court, $4,500 bail;

Jose Miguel Medin-Duran, 25, Houston, Texas – possession of CDS, bicycle reflectors required, paraphernalia, contempt of court, $2,600 bail;

Adam Wayne Thomas, 40, Alexandria – possession of CDS, no bail data.

Sept. 19

Parker Edward Bruce, 23, Pineville – DWI first offense, improper lane usage, $774 bail;

Tyshaela Tashion Davison, 27, Alexandria – aggravated assault domestic abuse, disturbing the peace, resisting an officer, parole violations, two counts contempt of court, $28,500 bail;

Audra Celesti Knapp, 38, Pineville – possession of drug paraphernalia, six counts contempt of court, $11,500 bail;

Charles Edwards Seals, 59, Alexandria – home invasion, parole violations, contempt of court, $105,000 bail;

Askia Waheed Jr., 41, Alexandria – theft, obstruction of justice, resisting an officer, contempt of court, $3,000 bail;

Sean Tyler White, 31, Pineville – domestic abuse battery, driving under suspension, reckless operation, violation of protective orders, $150,600 bail.

Sept. 18

Tonya Chadwick Angel, 50, Ball – aggravated arson, $1,000 bail;

Dusty Dauzart, 43, Pineville – three counts theft, $15,000 bail;

Christopher Mark Keeler, 30, Pineville – DWI second offense, improper lane usage, $855 bail;

Quinterrell Rishawn Mills, 36, Pineville – two counts possession of CDS, obstruction of justice, intentional littering, failure to appear, probation violation, $3,500 bail;

Joshua Todd Perkins, 42, Pineville – two counts possession of CDS, obstruction of justice, intentional littering, two counts contempt of court, $204,000 bail;

Sarita Ann Ford, 51, Alexandria – speeding, no driver’s license, two counts contempt of court, $3,200 bail;

Michael Carroll Guillory, 44, Pineville – cyber stalking email, contempt of court, $11,000 bail;

Christopher Mark Keeer, 30, Pineville – DWI second offense, improper lane usage, $855 bail;

Damon Kade Lee, 27, Alexandria – OWI first offense, unlawful sales of model glue to a minor, probation violation, $1,300 bail;

Quninterrell Rishawn Mills, 36, Pineville – possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, obstruction of justice, intentional littering, failure to appear, probation violation, $3,500 bail;

Caleb Christian Nicholas-Gary, 26, Lafayette – OWI first offense, aggravated resisting police officer with force or violence, $16,000 bail;

Amber Norris, 45, Jena – theft, criminal damage to property, four counts contempt of court, $38,500 bail;

Joshua Todd Perkins, 42, Pineville – possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, obstruction of justice, intentional littering, two counts contempt of court, $204,000 bail;

Juelze Z’imir Waheed, 18, Alexandria – attempted second degree murder, $1 million bail;

Aaron Earl Walker, 66, Alexandria – seven counts contempt of court, $70,000 bail.

Sept. 17

Shoniqua Shontrice Dixon, 33, Pineville – simple battery, theft, $1,500 bail;

Casey Darlene Martin, 26, Mora – unauthorized use of a movable, $5,000 bail;

Emmanuel James McGhee, 36, Alexandria – aggravated assault with a firearm, simple kidnapping, simple battery, $250,500 bail;

Caleb Christian Nicholas, 26, Pineville – OWI first offense, aggravated resisting police with force or violence, $16,000 bail;

Charvick Contrell Rachal, 35, Alexandria – possession of CDS, $1,500 bail;

Gabrielle Russell, 47, Alexandria – second degree battery, $15,000 bail.

Sept. 16

Andreas Banks, 25, Alexandria – illegal possession of a stolen firearm, Louisiana fugitive, improper turn, safety belt violation, $5,200 bail;

Sarah Elizabeth Baudoin, 31, Alexandria – possession of fentanyl, $5,000 bail;

Kenneth Wayne Bell Sr., 64, Alexandria – theft, contempt of court, $2,500 bail;

Terry Carl Blessing, 65, Youngsville – possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, speeding, $15,100 bail;

Albert Blue, 46, Lecompte – possession of CDS, contempt of court, $6,500 bail;

Michael Monty Craig-Olano, 22, Pineville – aggravated assault domestic abuse, domestic abuse battery strangulation, two counts violation of protective orders, $17,500 bail;

Patrick Dewayne Fells, 51, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery strangulation, interfering with emergency communication, $25,000 bail;

Patrick D. Harding, 19, Pineville – possession of marijuana, domestic abuse battery, failure to appear, $6,000 bail;

Alonzo Laartha Hunter, 45, Natchitoches – criminal damage to property, obstruction of public passage, four counts contempt of court, $18,000 bail;

Daniel Louis McElwee, 37, Alexandria – two counts molestation of a juvenile, two counts cruelty to juveniles, $800,000 bail;

Jshaun Jadarious Parker, 24, Alexandria – unauthorized use of motor vehicle, driving under suspension, reckless operation, no head light, speeding, two counts running a stop sign, concealed negligent carry, two counts improper turn, two counts intentional littering, criminal damage to property, resisting an officer, driving around barricades, two counts running a yellow light, flight from an officer, two counts contempt of court, $11,100 bail;

Brandon Patrick Ray, 44, Alexandria – three counts contempt of court, resisting an officer, $104,500 bail.

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Over 1000 students from each high school in the parish convened at LCU’s Granberry Conference Center Sept. 17-18 for the Rapides Parish College and Career Fair. Hometown institutions LCU and LSUA were joined by colleges and universities from throughout Louisiana and Arkansas. The event was sponsored by Beyond Graduation, an initiative of the Rapides Foundation.

The parish’s high school juniors and seniors were able to speak one on one with college representatives and learn about the opportunities offered by our state’s higher educational institutions.

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Funeral services for Seth Michael Lane Degley will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at Canaan Baptist Church with Reverends Jason Nolde and Kenneth Hodges officiating. The burial will follow in Canaan Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Serving as pallbearers will be Hunter Smith, Kerry Smith, Tyler Jordan, Moss Kay, Aven Kay, and Austin Leger. A visitation will be held at Canaan Baptist Church on Monday, September 21st from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Seth was born July 24, 1998, in Alexandria, Louisiana and passed away September 19, 2026, in Leesville, Louisiana at the age of 28. After graduating from Evans High School in 2017, he began working on Fort Polk as a fire marker and MILES tech. Just recently, he started working for V2X. Seth spent many hours outdoors pursuing his passion for all types of hunting. He especially enjoyed hunting deer and hogs. He was also athletic and played more than one kind of sport. Seth was a member of Canaan Baptist Church, and his family was dear to his heart. They have many wonderful memories of his playful, mischievous personality. Seth was quick witted, full of life, and loved aggravating people to see their reaction. He was looking forward to becoming a father in a few months.

Seth was preceded in death by his grandparents, Delayne Hendrix, Jo Lynn Gilley, and Debra Fox Stacey and great-grandparents, Johnnie Fox and Ambrose Fox.

Those left to cherish his memory are his father, Jason Degley (Amanda) and mother, Amber Kay; stepfather, Randy Kay; brothers, Moss Kay (Ashley), Aven Kay, and Logan Seavey; sisters, Bailee Wisby (Michael) and Lauren Fowler (Colton); grandparents, Scotty & Carol Hendrix, Derrel & Nancy Kay, and Paul Stacey; fiancée, Kyla Shipp; Momma K, Kristi Paddy; and a host of extended family members and friends.

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Funeral services for Mrs. Shirley Ann Aucoin will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026, in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, with Reverend Don Wayne Duplechian officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in Restland Memorial Gardens, Pollock, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

Mrs. Aucoin, 89, of Pineville, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at Rapides Regional Medical Center, Alexandria, LA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Minus and Myrtle Aucoin; one brother, Quinton Ralph Aucoin; one sister, Joyce Inell Aucoin Cole; two grand paw babies, Cloe and Cassidy; and one niece.

Those left to mourn her loss and cherish her memory include two daughters, Donna Jean Darbonne and Carla Deniese Ouber; one grandson, Jason Jean Diamond; two sisters, Judy Jo Aucoin and Diane Trevino (Al); one sister-in-law, Laura Gardner Aucoin; two nieces; two nephews; one grand paw baby, Tinkerbell; and friends and church members.

Friends may post online messages of condolences for the Aucoin family by visiting http://www.rushfh.com

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Phonetic: /cal·​um·​ny/

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition

a misrepresentation intended to harm another’s reputation
denounced his opponent for his defamatory insinuations and calumny

the act of uttering false charges or misrepresentations maliciously calculated to harm another’s reputation
He was the target of calumny for his unpopular beliefs.

Faye Evelyn Martin
July 28, 1926 – September 18, 2026
Service: Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 1pm at Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

Shirley Ann Aucoin
May 27, 1937 – September 16, 2026
Service: Monday, September 21, 2026, 11am at Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

Thomas Roger Gibbs, Jr.
February 26, 1970 – September 10, 2026
Service: Saturday, September 26, 2026, 2pm at Mt. Triumph Baptist Church, Alexandria.

Rosa Lee Johnson Winn
February 23, 1940 – September 10, 2026
Service: Thursday, September 24, 2026, 11am at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses–Landmark, Alexandria.

Anna Jones
April 13, 1948 – September 1, 2026
Service: Saturday, September 26, 2026, 10am at Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, Lena.

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

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On July 17, 2025, a complaint was filed in St. Mary Parish in reference to criminal sexual conduct allegations involving a juvenile (s).  The initial report identified Daniel Lewis McElwee, 37, as the suspect. According to the initial report, McElwee allegedly was accused of inappropriate touching of two juveniles.  The St. Mary Sheriff’s Office immediately scheduled forensic interviews for the juvenile victims and during the investigation, it was learned the alleged incidents occurred in Rapides Parish.  RPSO was contacted and the investigation was turned over to the Criminal Investigations Division.

As the investigation continued, Sheriff’s Detectives determined that McElwee was allegedly responsible for sexually assaulting two juveniles and physically assaulting another juvenile for several years. 

After the investigation was complete, Sheriff’s Detectives obtained an arrest warrant on McElwee for two counts Cruelty to Juveniles (Felony) and two counts Molestation of Juveniles (Felony). The warrant was signed and returned to be served on December 8, 2025. 

While attempting to locate McElwee and effect the arrest, detectives learned that McElwee fled Rapides Parish to relocate somewhere Arkansas. Several attempts were made by law enforcement to locate McElwee, but he was unable to be found.

On August 19, 2026, Detectives with the Ashley County Arkansas Sheriff’s Office obtained an arrest warrant on McElwee for Sexual Solicitation of a Child in their jurisdiction. Through their investigation, Ashley County detectives learned of the outstanding warrants through Rapides Parish.  

 By this time, McElwee had fled back to Rapides Parish and Deputies and RPSO Task Force Officers with the United States Marshals Service Violent Offenders Task Force were contacted and asked for assistance in locating McElwee. 

The USMS Violent Offenders Task Force, in conjunction with the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Unit and the original Detectives assigned to the initial investigation, located and apprehended McElwee on September 16, 2026. McElwee was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center for the active warrants through RPSO and the Ashley County Arkansas Sheriff’s Office. 

McElwee remains in jail at the time of this release being held on an $800,000.00 bond as well as a detainer pending extradition to Ashley County in Arkansas.

Sheriff’s Detectives would like to thank the USMS Violent Offenders Task Force for their assistance in this apprehension as well as the Ashley County Arkansas Sheriff’s Office.

Arrestee: Daniel Lewis McElwee, 37

132 Holdman Drive, Pineville, LA 

Charges: two Counts Cruelty to Juveniles (Felony), two Counts Molestation of Juveniles (Felony), LA Fugitive (Felony NCIC, Arkansas)

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Louisiana State Fire Marshal investigators arrested Tanya Angel, 50 of Ball, on Sept. 18 for aggravated arson after she set a fire that destroyed a residence and spread to a neighboring home on September 5, 2026.

The Ball Fire Department responded to the 10 block of Eva Lane in Ball around 2 a.m. on September 5, 2026, and requested assistance from the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal (SFM).

SFM Investigators determined Angel intentionally set the fire. The fire spread to a neighboring home and forced the evacuation of the people inside. No one was injured.

The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds the public that anyone with information regarding fire-related crimes is encouraged to submit an anonymous tip by visiting lasfm.org and selecting the “Arson Fires” icon.

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From several years back. The digital guru has since moved on to telemarketing and I out to pasture ….

Friday the 13th — it figures.

My day started with an advisory from the one-who-knows-all that our newsroom effort at regular Facebook posting has gone well, though the content essentially sucks.

As the company prepares to launch its new web platform, the expert says, it needs posting that drives people to respond and participate, rather than reporting, musing and reflection about things people don’t care about.

Well excuse me, I thought, but didn’t say. After all, the expert has months of digital journalism experience.

So while still thinking no one gives a hoot about what I think the Middle East, the West Wing, the federal budget or other such serious things, I will try to be broader in my approach to cyberworld.

On that note:

Isn’t it astounding that Voyager 1 has reached 11.7 BILLION miles out in space? It takes 17 hours for a signal from the spacecraft to reach Earth, which the craft left 36 years ago.

Voyager still limps along at 38,000 mph sending data back with a 23-watt transmitter (about the wattage of a refrigerator light bulb).

2026 Update – Voyager 1 is now more than 16 billion miles away, almost silently sailing on.

Closer to home: St. Bernard Parish, near New Orleans, has issued a warning after brain-eating amoeba were found in the water supply.

One cynic noted there is no public danger. The germs will starve to death.

2026 Update – CDC cautioned this summer against swimming in certain areas after cases reported. Symptoms include stiff neck, leading some to suggest ailment is quite widespread.

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The Kiwanis Club of Alexandria learned about powerlifting from Duane Urbina, a coach and official who has dedicated 41 years to the sport, from 1986-2026.

Urbina currently coaches Sacred Heart Convent School and has coached two World Champions during his career. His lifters have achieved more than four World Records, 30 National Records, more than 50 State Records and 30 Louisiana State Championships.

He is also known for coaching successful powerlifting programs at ASH and Sacred Heart.

The club met several Sacred Heart team members, including Elisa LaHaye, a senior and 123-pound team captain and four-year lifter; Aubrey Launey, a junior and 97-pound three-year lifter and 2026 State Champion; Gavin Patin, a senior and 148-pound four-year lifter, 2025 State Champion and 2026 State Runner-Up; and Liam Kincanon, a junior and 165-pound three-year lifter, 2026 State Champion and two-time North American Champion.

The students demonstrated proper techniques and positions for squats, bench press and deadlifts. Urbina also discussed the rules and details involved in competitive powerlifting.

The girls’ powerlifting program began in 1992, while the boys’ program began in 1983 and originally focused around the football team.

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Dana Cox retired from the Rapides Parish Library Board of Control after 10 years of dedicated service.

The Rapides Parish Library recognized Cox for her love for the libraries, commitment to serving the community and support of RPL.

The library thanked Cox for a decade of service, leadership and support of the Rapides Parish community.

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PAR Hosting 5th Congressional District Candidate Forum — September 21
Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana

The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana will host its 5th Congressional District Candidate Forum on Monday, Sept. 21, at 2 p.m. at the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. The forum is free and open to the public.

CenLa Chamber Congressional Candidates Luncheon Cancelled
CenLa Chamber of Commerce

The Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce has cancelled its Congressional Candidates Luncheon that had been scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 22. The event was to feature candidates seeking the 5th Congressional District seat. No reason for the cancellation was provided.

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LSU of Alexandria has received accreditation approval for its new 90-credit-hour accelerated bachelor’s (AccB) degrees in bioinformatics and information technology, clearing the way for LSUA to launch two first-of-their-kind programs designed to reduce the time and cost required to earn a bachelor’s degree while preparing graduates for rapidly growing technology careers.

The approval from The Commission on Colleges and Universities marks a significant milestone for LSUA and a new model for public higher education. LSUA is the first public institution in the Commission’s membership to receive approval for a program under its new accelerated bachelor’s degree framework, which allows institutions to demonstrate that rigorous undergraduate learning outcomes can be achieved through thoughtfully designed programs requiring fewer than the traditional 120 credit hours.

“Louisiana State University of Alexandria is the first public institution in our membership to receive approval for a program under our new framework,” said Stephen L. Pruitt, Ph.D., President of The Commission on Colleges and Universities. “Being first is not a small thing. It means making the case without a template to follow. We ask institutions to justify program length against the outcomes they promise students, and LSUA did that with evidence. Congratulations to Chancellor Beard and to the faculty who built a bioinformatics pathway that is shorter without being thinner.”

The accreditation represents the culmination of an ambitious academic development process that began when LSUA faculty identified an opportunity to rethink how a bachelor’s degree could be structured for high-demand, rapidly evolving STEM fields. Faculty developed focused curricula that preserve the full 39-credit-hour general education core and provide 51 credit hours of intensive major coursework while removing electives that are not essential to degree outcomes.

“These are not shortened degrees. They are intentionally designed, academically rigorous bachelor’s degrees focused on the knowledge and competencies students need to succeed,” said LSUA Chancellor Liz Beard, Ph.D. “This approval validates the work of our faculty and their willingness to challenge traditional assumptions about how undergraduate education must be structured. More importantly, it gives students another pathway to earn a high-quality LSU degree in less time and at a lower total cost.”

The AccB in information technology will prepare students for careers in systems administration, networking, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Coursework has been aligned with industry credentials from CompTIA, AWS, and Cisco, allowing students to develop applied skills and pursue certifications valued by employers while completing their degree.

The AccB in bioinformatics will combine biology, data science, and computational analysis to prepare graduates for careers in biotechnology, health informatics, genomic research, and other data-intensive life sciences. Students will study genomics, programming, machine learning, and applied artificial intelligence as part of a curriculum built around the increasing role of computational tools in healthcare and biological research.

The LSUA accelerated bachelor’s degrees are also the first approved in the state of Louisiana by the Board of Regents. Working closely with the campus, Regents supported the development of the accelerated programs and adopted a statewide policy to support the development of three-year (90 credit hour) degrees at other institutions. 

“With these new ‘tall, skinny’ 90-hour degrees, students can now spend more of their time dedicated on that specific area of concentration,” said Dr. Tristan Denley, Deputy Commissioner for Academic Affairs and Innovation for the Louisiana Board of Regents. “It is important that higher education is able to provide the workforce demand that Louisiana needs, and these accelerated degree programs provide campuses with the flexibility and nimbleness they need to meet those demands.”

Nathan Sammons, Ph.D., Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, helped champion the accelerated degree model and led faculty efforts to develop the new curricula.

“Particularly in STEM fields, innovation moves quickly,” Sammons said. “Our responsibility is to make sure the education we provide evolves with it. Our faculty have identified the knowledge, technical skills, and applied experiences students need, then built these degrees deliberately around those outcomes. The result is a rigorous pathway that reduces time to degree without reducing what graduates are prepared to do.”

LSUA developed the programs as students, families, and employers increasingly place greater emphasis on affordability, career relevance, and demonstrable outcomes from a college education. The accelerated structure provides an additional option alongside LSUA’s traditional bachelor’s programs rather than replacing them, allowing students to select the pathway that best fits their academic and career goals.

Written by Adam Lord (LSUA) and Chris Yandle (Louisiana Board of Regents)

Photo by Mira Alvarado

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A season-opening shocker has helped Louisiana Christian’s football team crack both NAIA Top 25 polls while off to an unexpected 3-0 start.

But if the Wildcats can pull off another stunner Saturday in Baton Rouge, it will stagger the college football universe to an even greater degree.

LCU visits the Southern Jaguars (1-2) at Mumford Stadium in a 6 p.m. contest. The game is available to watch via streaming at SWAC TV.

The Wildcats come in after entering the NAIA Coaches Poll for the first time this season while moving up in the recent Victory Sports Network Top 25 on Monday.
 
Louisiana Christian tied for the 19^th spot in coaches’ voting, while moving to 17^th in the Victory Sports Network NAIA Top 25.

 
LCU made headlines to start the season by beating NCAA DI FCS Northwestern State, 42-37. The Demons are rebuilding a program under third-year coach Blaine McCorkle.

The Jags are rebuilding as well, with Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk as the new head coach. Faulk’s team was clubbed 77-6 last Saturday by the unbeaten Houston Cougars.

Southern opened with a 30-17 neutral site loss to SWAC foe Alabama State, then beat Kentucky State 34-15 at home before going to UH. The Jaguars feature former LSU running back Trey Holly, who set the Louisiana state career rushing record while starring at Union Parish High School.

 
LCU has won its first two games in SAC play, taking down the Langston Lions at Wildcat Field, 70-14, before knocking off Wayland Baptist, 44-27, last Saturday on the road.

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Louisiana Christian University will hold its annual fall revival Sept. 22-24 at 11 a.m. in Guinn Auditorium.

The Rev. Jordy McKaskle, executive pastor at North Monroe Baptist Church in Monroe, will be the speaker. 

McKaskle graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, then earned a Master of Theological Studies from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Master of Applied Theology and a Doctor of Ministry in Leadership from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

The revival is open to the public. 

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Pineville First United Methodist Church delivered its Backpack Blessing Offering to the Food Bank of Central Louisiana. The faithful generosity of Pineville First means 69 children in the area will have food over the weekend for an entire year.

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Cleco was named a recipient of the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) Emergency Response Award. Presented annually to EEI member companies, the award recognizes heroic efforts by electric companies following service disruptions caused by extreme weather or other natural events.  

Cleco received the Emergency Recovery Award, which recognizes an EEI member company’s efforts to safely and efficiently restore service to its customers following a major event. Cleco was honored for its response to Winter Storm Fern which impacted parts of Cleco’s service territory in January 2026. 

“Winter Storm Fern brought ice, snow, sleet, and multiple days of below freezing temperatures to Cleco’s service territory,” said Clint Robichaux, Cleco’s director of distribution operations and reliability. “Despite challenges from impassable roads and downed limbs, Cleco crews worked tirelessly to restore power in a safe and efficient manner.” 

Winners were selected by a panel of judges through a nomination process. The awards were presented during EEI’s September Board of Directors and Chief Executives Meeting.  

“When severe weather strikes, our member companies mobilize around the clock to restore power safely and as quickly as possible for the customers they serve,” said Drew Maloney, president and CEO of EEI. “EEI is proud to recognize Cleco with the Emergency Recovery Award for its outstanding response following Winter Storm Fern. This honor reflects the skill and determination of Cleco’s workforce, who prepare year-round—practicing, planning, and investing in resilience—so they’re ready to face the toughest conditions and get the lights back on for communities who depend on them.”  

“Awards like this are earned through countless hours of preparation, coordination, training and hard work. Cleco’s employees always rise to the occasion when an emergency response is needed,” said Andre Guillory, chief customer officer of Cleco Power. 

EEI has recognized Cleco with 32 awards since the program’s inception in 1998, earning 20 Recovery awards and 12 Assistance awards. 

Cleco Corporate Holdings LLC is a regional energy holding company that conducts its business operations through Cleco Power LLC, a regulated electric utility company that owns eight generating units with a rated capacity of 2,676 MWs and serves approximately 298,000 customers in Louisiana through its retail business and supplies wholesale power in Louisiana. For more information about Cleco, visit cleco.com.

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Funeral services for Mrs. Patsy Ann Pierce O’Quin will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026, in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Oakdale. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Resthaven Cemetery, Oakdale, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Oakdale.

Mrs. O’Quin of Glenmora, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Belle Grande Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Alexandria, LA. She was born on July 4, 1938, to Hardie W. and MaeBell Pierce in Louisiana.

Patsy will be lovingly remembered for her warmth, strength, love, and unwavering devotion to her family, especially her children. Her family was the center of her life, and she cherished every moment spent with those she loved.

Patsy was also a longtime and devoted member of Harmony Baptist Church in Glenmora. Her faith in God was an important part of her life, and she found great joy in serving her church and her Lord. She was deeply loved and appreciated by many within her church family. Patsy leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, strength, and devotion that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by one son, Harvey Wayne O’Quin of Baton Rouge; her parents, Hardie W. Pierce and MaeBell Pierce of Varnado; and two sisters, Dorothy Guice of Hineston, and Jackie Speights of Alexandria.

She is survived by her children, Shirley Bruce of Cypress, Texas, Barbara Ritchie (Ed) of Glendale, Arizona, James Wiley O’Quin of Isabel, and Brenda O’Quin of Glenmora; her daughter-in-law, Gwen O’Quin of Baton Rouge; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Friends may post online messages of condolences for the O’Quin family by visiting http://www.rushfh.com

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