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Bruce Albert McClellan
January 25, 1955 – September 12, 2026
Service: Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 11am at Philadelphia Baptist Church, Deville.

Billie Jean Cammack
September 3, 1930 – September 10, 2026
Service: Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 10am at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville.

Shirlene Goodlow
February 29, 1968 – September 10, 2026
Service: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 3pm at Citadel Church of God in Christ, Alexandria.

Jimmy Ray “Coach” Robinson
December 28, 1953 – September 9, 2026
Service: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 3pm at Second Evergreen Baptist Church, Alexandria.

Joseph Welch, Sr.
April 15, 1943 – September 8, 2026
Service: Friday, September 18, 2026, 11am at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Alexandria.

Rede “Reida” Mae Russell Casey
October 6, 1947 – September 6, 2026
Service: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 11am at The Pentecostals, Alexandria.

Edward Mendel
September 29, 1930 – September 6, 2026
Service: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 1pm at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Ball.

Barbara Jean Driessen
August 20, 1941 – September 3, 2026
Service: Thursday, September 17, 2026, 10am at Pineville First United Methodist Church, Pineville.

Ronnie George Shinhoster
August 21, 1960 – August 31, 2026
Service: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 11am at Refuge Church-Apostolic Faith, Alexandria.

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

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By JIM BUTLER

Imagine about 900 football fields end to end and you have an idea of the scope of Omega, a proposed electric transmission line, as it snakes through Rapides toward a data center in Richland Parish.

The estimated 50-mile leg enters Rapides south of Cheneyville, works north and east to Latanier, crosses Red River, continues between Kolin and Ruby west of Centerpoint, eases through Deville-Holloway and exits into LaSalle in the vicinity of Catahoula Lake.

About 1,500 acres are required for the 250 feet wide right of way that stretch.

(We used 50 miles because it made math easier. For fewer or more miles, you do the math.) In some instances the path likely follows existing easements, requiring only a wider track, if that.

And that right of way is the meat of the coconut in objections raised by the newly formed Louisiana Landowners Coalition, whose members are not interested in parting with their property, and fear eminent domain and expropriation are on the horizon.

Entergy says the routing is still being worked on and that efforts are underway to reach a meeting of minds with property owners.

Omega would deliver energy from a new power plant in St. Charles Parish to the data behemoth in Richland, joining feed from six plants in that vicinity.

Long term, Entergy says, its other customers will save $2 billion because Meta is carrying the freight for expansion that will benefit all customers.

Fourth Public Service District Commissioner Mike Francis shared the routing data through The Jena Times. He is the only commissioner not signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement regarding Omega.

Francis says he has no issue with the data center or the utility but wants cards on the table.

He hopes to review those cards at a meeting with aroused property owners in the next few weeks.

The commission is scheduled to consider a final vote on Omega at its December meeting.

Francis and other commissioners and staff can be reached through the PSC website.

The coalition can be reached through 318-202-9094 or louisianalandownerscoalition@gmail.com

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Former Rapides Parish Sheriff William Earl Hilton was honored during the Ted Johnson Memorial Rodeo.

Hilton, a Hineston native and supporter of the rodeo, was remembered during the event with his riderless horse, “Yeller,” led by his son, Shane Hilton.

Members of Hilton’s family attended the tribute, including his wife, Billie Faye; son Shane Hilton and his wife, Laurie; grandson Slade Hilton; step-grandson Jaxson Fuller; step-daughter Hannah and her husband, Dylan; granddaughter Avah; grandson Wade; and step-daughter Halle and her fiancé, Corbin.

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office thanked the Ted Johnson Rodeo and owner Daleigha Pitt for their kindness and generosity.

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Rapides Parish Police Jury Meets Today at 3 p.m.
Rapides Parish Police Jury

The Rapides Parish Police Jury holds its regular monthly meeting today, Monday, September 14, at 3 p.m. in the Police Jury Meeting Room on the second floor of the Parish Courthouse, 701 Murray St., Alexandria. The agenda was posted Thursday, September 10, at 4 p.m. The meeting is open to the public and will be streamed live at rppj.com and on YouTube at @rppj-la.

Louisiana OMV Customer Service Centers Closed Today for System Modernization
Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles

Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles customer service centers statewide are closed today, Monday, September 14, for a system modernization upgrade. Residents needing OMV services are encouraged to use the online portal at expresslane.org. Centers are expected to reopen Tuesday, September 15.

LSUA Lecture: The Folklore of Sports — September 25
Louisiana State University of Alexandria

LSUA will host a free public lecture on Friday, September 25, from 12:15 to 1 p.m. titled “The Lore Behind the Score: Exploring the Folklore of Sports.” Dr. Emily Bryant, director of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum, will explore how folklore appears in sports — from game-day traditions and superstitions to fan memorabilia and team legends. Bryant holds a Ph.D. in folklore from Indiana University. Visitors are welcome to bring their lunch.

National Hunting and Fishing Day at LDWF Woodworth — September 26
Rapides Regional Medical Center, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Rapides Regional Medical Center is again co-sponsoring Louisiana’s National Hunting and Fishing Day on Friday, September 26, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the LDWF Outdoor Education Center in Woodworth on Robinson Bridge Road. RRMC personnel will teach ATV safety and Stop the Bleed training. Admission is free. For more information, visit wlf.la.gov/page/nhfd.

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.

Louisiana State University of Alexandria has expanded its evening nursing option this fall, giving students the opportunity for the first time to complete the university’s entire Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program through an evening course schedule.

LSUA launched its first evening ASN courses in Spring 2025 as an alternative for students whose work, family, or other responsibilities made attending a traditional daytime nursing program difficult. Building on the success of that initial offering, all four nursing courses in the ASN curriculum will now be offered in both day and evening formats, creating a complete pathway from entry into the nursing program through graduation.

“Offering a full evening ASN pathway shows our commitment to meeting students where they are and responding to the healthcare workforce needs of our region,” said Sarita James, DNP, Director of the LSUA School of Nursing. “Many aspiring nurses are unable to pursue their education through a traditional daytime schedule. This new option provides greater flexibility while maintaining the same high standards of excellence for which our nursing program is known.”

Students choosing the evening option will complete the same curriculum and program requirements as students enrolled in the traditional daytime schedule. They will also have access to the university’s academic advising, tutoring, library resources, financial aid assistance, student engagement opportunities, and other support services throughout the program.

The expansion comes as LSUA continues working to increase the number of qualified nurses entering the workforce in central Louisiana and beyond. Offering the complete ASN curriculum in the evening creates an additional point of access to the profession for working adults and other students who may otherwise be unable to pursue nursing education because of scheduling constraints.

The students who entered LSUA’s first evening nursing cohort in Spring 2025 are expected to become the first to complete the evening ASN pathway when they graduate in Fall 2026. Beginning this fall, incoming nursing students who choose the evening option will be able to progress through all four nursing courses on an evening schedule, providing a new route to an LSUA nursing degree and ultimately into Louisiana’s healthcare workforce.

For more information about LSUA School of Nursing programs and day and evening options, visit www.lsua.edu/nursing.

Written by Sarita James, Director of the LSUA School of Nursing

Image – Matthew Farley (LSUA ASN Program Director) and a nursing student

Photo credit – LSUA Division of Strategic Communications

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A large structure fire was reported on Sept. 13 in Lecompte on South Grand Auto along U.S. 71 South. Rapides Parish Fire District 18 received assistance from several mutual aid departments during the fire.

Those assisting included Alexandria Fire Department, Echo-Poland Fire Department, Rapides Parish Fire District 12, Rapides Parish Fire District No. 2, Town of Woodworth, Glenmora Fire Department, Rapides Fire District 17, Bunkie Fire Department, Rapides Parish 911/OEP and Pafford Emergency Medical Services.

Rapides Parish Fire District 18 thanked the mutual aid departments for responding and assisting with the fire.

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Robert Tassin was the winner of $100 in the Rapides Parish Journal High School Football Pick ‘Em Contest, hundreds of participants have had lots of fun.

There’s another $100 prize on the line.  You have until Friday afternoon at 6 to enter this week’s contest. Anyone has the chance to win the $100 prize as the week’s top predictor of High School football games.

Participation is very simple. Just click on this link:

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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Week 3 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. 18, 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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By RICHARD THIBERVILLE JR., LCU Sports Information Director

PLAINVIEW, Texas – The reigning Sooner Athletic Conference champion Louisiana Christian University football team scored three straight touchdowns to end the third and start the fourth quarters to open up what was a three-point game and post a 44-27 win over the Wayland Baptist Pioneers Saturday night at the Greg Sherwood Memorial Bulldog Stadium.

Louisiana Christian moved to 3-0 overall for the first time since the 2023 season. That year, LCU started 7-0 on its way to winning the Sooner Athletic Conference Championship for the first time and clinched a spot in the NAIA Football Championship Series. The win also moved the Wildcats to 2-0 in SAC play.

WBU (1-2, 0-2)  tightened things up late in the third quarter with a touchdown, tacking on a two-point conversion to cut LCU’s lead down to just a field goal at 24-21.

But that’s where the game turned solely into Louisiana Christian’s favor. On the first play following the kickoff, Johnson broke free for a 41-yard gainer. Right after that, E.J. Scott went over a defender to grab a pass from Bryce Perkins in the end zone for a 34-yard score and a 30-21 lead.

After a three-and-out got the Wildcats the ball back, Perkins went to Scott to pick up a 3^rd-and-8 play with a gain of 16 yards and, on the very next play, Johnson broke free for a 62-yard rumble to the end zone to extend the lead to 37-21.

Backing up Wayland Baptist almost all the way to its own end zone, with a stiff wind now blowing in the faces of the Pioneers, helped make things almost easy for LCU as a 12-yard punt set up the Wildcats already inside the Pioneer red zone at the 18-yard line. Just two plays later, Darius Washington took in a pass from Perkins, made three WBU defenders miss tackles, and sauntered into the end zone for a 16-yard score and a 44-21 lead.

The Pioneers added a touchdown on their ensuing drive but got no closer after the Wildcats stopped the two-point conversion attempt.

Johnson had himself a night on the ground, rushing 15 times for a career-high 196 yards and a pair of touchdowns, averaging 13.1 yards per rush.

The Wildcats had 590 yards of total offense, 341 on the ground and 249 through the air.

LCU’s defense held Wayland Baptist to 333 total yards of offense and made 17 tackles behind the line of scrimmage for losses.

The Wildcats step out of SAC play for their second game of the year against a NCAA Division 1 program next Saturday, heading down to Baton Rouge to take on Southern. Kickoff of Saturday’s contest against the Jaguars (1-2) is set for 6 p.m. at A.W. Mumford Stadium.

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In a tale of two halves Saturday night in Tiger Stadium, LSU seemed to sleepwalk through the first two quarters, either looking ahead to next week’s epic matchup against Ole Miss or thinking its mere presence would be sufficient to put away Louisiana Tech early.

The first half, LSU played like a team that had just been expelled from the Southeastern Conference, auditioning for a future spot in the Sun Belt. Despite leading 10-7 at the half, the Tiger offense played atrociously, turning the ball over four times, as the Louisiana Tech defense channeled its inner Geogia Bulldog-esque performance. 

After halftime, the Tigers finally woke up, outscoring Louisiana Tech 35-7 in the final two quarters, as LSU’s defense continued to suffocate the Bulldog offense for 45-14 victory.

When you survey the totality of circumstance in this first month of LSU’s season, I’m not surprised at this result. Outside of the off the field circus that continues to surround the program, this week’s game was the one chance for the players to catch a breath before October. The No. 7-ranked Tigers opened with a high-profile matchup against Clemson, will now travel to face coach Lane Kiffin’s former team (No. 8 Ole Miss), and conclude September with No. 9 Texas A&M. The impending chaos of Oxford Armageddon would distract all but the most disciplined player. 

Are there alarm bells? Yes. Sam Leavitt’s passing ability and decision-making in the pass game leave a lot to be desired. Chalk it up to a new system, new teammates, new environment, still getting his sea legs after last season’s injury, or something else, but Leavitt needs to figure out the issue quickly. The first-year Tiger quarterback will not be able to run nearly as much on SEC defenses, as those units will sell out to stop Leavitt’s playmaking legs, forcing him to utilize his arm.

Fortunately, Leavitt’s got one of the fiercest defensive units in the country on his side. LSU’s defense has pummeled two, albeit lesser, opponents, and will be counted on as the Tigers head into the meat of a brutal SEC schedule. How heavily Kiffin must lean on his defense remains to be seen, as Leavitt and the passing game continue to progress.

My favorite play of the game

With nearly four minutes left in the third quarter, Tigers defensive back D.J. Pickett read Louisiana Tech quarterback Blake Baker’s throw perfectly, snagged it, and returned it 32-yards deep into the red zone, setting up another LSU score. After the offseason chatter involving Jayden Daniels’ trying to reclaim the No. 5 jersey (the number Pickett wears), I loved seeing the talented Pickett make the first of many highlight plays this season.

Looking ahead

All eyes now turn to the matchup ahead Saturday, as Kiffin makes his return to Oxford just 10 months after spurning Ole Miss for greener pastures in Baton Rouge. No amount of hyperbole is sufficient for this SEC clash, as bowties meet boudin for an epic tailgate in The Grove before Tigers and Rebels collide in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium Saturday night.

There is not enough chicken on a stick to serve as a peace offering to the ravenous Ole Miss faithful, eager to make Kiffin’s inaugural return trip to Oxford as hellacious as possible.

As an Ole Miss friend described it to me, “This weekend is going to be the biggest dumpster fire fiasco in Oxford history.”

Can’t wait.

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A new documentary from Louisiana Public Broadcasting explores the remarkable rise, devastating fall, and ultimate redemption of one of Louisiana’s most iconic sports figures, Billy Cannon. 

“Circles: The Life of Billy Cannon” premieres tonight at 7 p.m. on LPB’s statewide network, including KLPA Channel 24 in Alexandria.

Every generation of LSU fans knows the play that made Billy Cannon a household name. On Halloween night in 1959, one electrifying punt return against Ole Miss made him a college football legend. But that unforgettable play was only the beginning of an extraordinary life marked by remarkable success, devastating failure, and ultimately redemption. 

Cannon seemed to have everything: a Heisman Trophy, a lucrative professional football career, and eventually, a successful orthodontic practice. Then, a federal counterfeiting conviction brought a stunning and very public fall from grace. But that would not be Cannon’s final chapter. Through candid interviews with family members, friends, teammates, and others who knew him best, the documentary explores the man behind the legend and the lasting impact of his remarkable journey. 

“My father was a complicated man who made mistakes, paid a tremendous price for them, and then spent the rest of his life working to become a better person,” says Billy’s daughter, Bunnie Cannon. “His story is one of extraordinary achievement, very public failure, personal accountability, redemption, and the opportunity to rebuild a life with purpose.”

“Louisiana loves a comeback, and LPB loves to tell Louisiana stories. This film is a natural fit for us,” says LPB President and CEO Clarence “C.C” Copeland. “For generations, Louisianans have known Billy Cannon as a football legend. This documentary goes beyond the highlights to tell the complete story of a remarkable life, giving viewers a deeper understanding of the man behind one of Louisiana’s most enduring legends.”

LPB’s Linda Midgett and Jay Dardenne reunite for the project, following the success of their first LPB documentary together, Why Louisiana Ain’t Mississippi… or Any Place Else! 

“Billy refused all film requests to tell his story during his lifetime, but his family believes the story should be told,” says Dardenne, who serves as both Executive Producer and Producer on the project. “It is a behind-the-scenes look at how and why it happened and the impact on his family and those he touched.” 

“The Cannon family trusted LPB to tell the full story fairly and sensitively. They gave us total editorial control of the project, and all family members are participating. That says a lot and adds so much depth to the storytelling,” says Midgett, the project’s Director and Executive Producer.

“Billy’s story of football, fame, and redemption is about as Louisiana as it gets, and as Louisiana’s storyteller, LPB is uniquely positioned to share it.”

Beginning tonight, Circles: The Life of Billy Cannon will be available to stream free for two weeks on LPB Passport. After the two-week window, the film can be streamed on demand as an LPB Passport member benefit. Learn more at lpb.org/billycannon.

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Buddy Cannon was named the Deville Fire Department’s 2026 Firefighter of the Year during Rapides Parish Firefighter Appreciation Day.

Cannon was recognized for his dedication and service to the Deville community.

The department described Cannon as reliable and someone who consistently shows up when needed and goes the extra mile for the people it serves.

His hard work and willingness to help were also recognized for making a difference both on scene and around the department.

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Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

Sept. 13

Peter Bryant Lewis, 19, Alexandria – OWI underage, improper window tint, tail lamps, $1,200 bail;

Angel Michelle Mix, 23, Lecompte – obstruction of justice, criminal trespass, resisting an officer, contempt of court, $6,000 bail.

Sept. 12

Damien Cantrell Boyd, 39, Alexandria – public bribery, driving under suspension, possession of firearm by convicted felon, possession of marijuana, contempt of court, $19,100 bail;

Terry Cooper, 62, Zwolle – two counts contempt of court, $200,000 bail;

Benjamin Carlton Eagles, 37, Alexandria – aggravated assault with a firearm, disturbing the peace, $500 bail;

Preston Joel Hebron, 25, Boyce – OWI first offense, possession of CDS, improper headlight equipment, $1,600 bail;

Courvoisier Kenta Robinson, 25, Moreauville – OWI second offense, improper lane usage, open container, safety belt violation, no driver’s license, contempt of court, $1,900 bail;

Johnny Sewell, 52, Alexandria – two counts attempted second degree murder, no bail data;

Richard Jordan Whatley, 34, Ball – sexual acts prohibited in public, disturbing the peace, $1,000 bail.

Sept. 11

Cadarrion Drevon Gentle, 33, N/A – aggravated assault with a firearm, probation violation, two counts contempt of court, $60,000 bail;

Kentayvon Gradnet, 23, Alexandria – resisting a police officer with force or violence, two counts producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, illegal carry firearm with drugs, parole violations, $30,000 bail;

Lionell Dewayne Johnson, 27, Alexandria – possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, illegal firearm with drugs, three counts possession of CDS, driving under suspension, tail lamps, $8,700 bail;

Katie Sue Marien, 39, Alexandria – DWI first offense, following too close, $800 bail;

Buck Nathaniel Stafford, 27, Alexandria – five counts contempt of court, $61,000 bail.

Sept. 10

Tyrel Alvin Baum, 39, Pollock – Louisiana fugitive, flight from an officer, parole violations, $25,000 bail;

Savannah Brianne Bloodsworth, 30, Pollock – OWI second offense, possession of marijuana, failure to change driver’s license address, driver’s license not in possession probation violation, $2,200 bail;

Zachary Todd Erwin, 34, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, $5,000 bail;

Daniel Brock Fontenot, 36, Pine Prairie – possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under suspension, no insurance, no license plate light, simple escape, contempt of court, $12,300 bail;

James Fredieu, 46, Leesville – theft, $5,000 bail;

Antron Lamar Harrell, 46, Alexandria – four counts producing manufacturing distributing of CDS, illegal possession of stolen firearms, possession of paraphernalia, criminal conspiracy, $175,500 bail;

Sabrina Latrice Hines, 35, Houston, Texas – criminal damage to property, simple battery, illegal carry firearm with drugs, possession of CDS, disturbing the peace, possession of paraphernalia, probation violation, $6,000 bail;

Alexandra Desiree Johnson, 23, Alexandria – domestic abuse aggravated assault with child endangerment, $5,000 bail;

Brian Todd Middleton, 38, Colfax – simple arson, theft, criminal damage to property, simple burglary, criminal trespass, $51,500 bail;

Shirley Ann Porter, 60, Alexandria – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, open container, $1,000 bail;

Damieon Lyn Waller Jr., 32, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, illegal possession of a stolen firearm, no head light, legend drug possession, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, $15,600 bail;

Ohaji Walls, 23, Boyce – theft, four counts contempt of court, $8,500 bail;

Johnny Lewis Wilson, 62, Alexandria – aggravated battery, disturbing the peace, $50,500 bail.

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Steve Halbert received the 2026 Chief Billy Norris Lifetime Achievement Award during Rapides Parish Firefighters Day.

Halbert has been an active member of Rapides Parish Fire District 12 for nearly 50 years. During that time, he has demonstrated service, commitment and volunteerism through countless hours, sacrifices and acts of service.

For nearly five decades, Halbert has given his time, knowledge and experience to help strengthen the organization and community.

His longevity has allowed generations of members to learn from his example and benefit from his willingness to serve. His service has included being dependable, stepping forward when work needed to be done and giving back whenever possible.

At 50 years of active membership and dedicated service, Halbert was recognized for his commitment, leadership and willingness to serve.

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Anna Essie Lou Hackney Greene, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and devoted servant of the Lord, passed away peacefully at her home in Dubach, Louisiana, on September 9, 2026.

Anna was born in Pineville, Louisiana, on December 2, 1952, to Syble Jeansonne. After marrying the love of her life, William Gordon “Skeeter” Greene, she made her home in Dubach, where she built a life centered on her family, her faith, and her love of music.

Anna attended New Prospect Baptist Church for many years and took great pride in serving as the church’s music director until her health no longer allowed her to continue. Later becoming a member of First Baptist Dubach. Music was woven into the fabric of her life. She spent more than half of her life singing and playing the guitar, she was blessed with a beautiful voice. She travelled with the Grand Ole Opry Road Show even sharing the stage one time with Dolly Parton herself! Gospel music held a special place in her heart, and she loved using her voice to praise the Lord.

Anna loved the Lord with all her heart. She never hesitated to tell others about His mercy, saving grace, and love. Her faith was not merely something she practiced; it was something she lived each day. Through her kindness, music, and willingness to share the hope she found in Christ, she touched the lives of many.

Anna had a heart of gold and was always thinking of others. She loved her family deeply, and family was of the utmost importance to her. Her greatest joy came from loving and spending time with the people she held dear.

She also loved beautiful things and always believed in looking her best. You would rarely see Anna leave the house without her makeup on, her hair fixed, and her “bling” in place. She loved anything pretty and anything that made a person feel beautiful. Her sparkle was reflected not only in the things she wore but also in the way she made others feel.

Anna is survived by her beloved husband, William Gordon “Skeeter” Greene; her daughter, Tara Ailes of Pueblo, Colorado; her stepdaughters, Ginger Roberts of Saline, Louisiana, and Melissa Greene of Gainesville, Texas; her granddaughters, Tyler Ailes, Sara Ailes, and Cheyenne Roberts, Logan Mclean; her grandsons, Dylan Doss, Eric Doss, Trevor McLean, and Quinn McLean; her great-granddaughters, Avallen Doss, Teagan Doss, and Eliza Doss; her great-grandsons, Aiden Doss, Finnegan Doss, and Fletcher Doss, Cohen McLean; great granddaughter, Lakelynn McLean; and her sisters, Sissy and Ruth.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Syble Jeansonne; her sister, Bonnie; and her brother, George.

Anna leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, music, and family. Although her beautiful voice is now silent here on earth, those who knew and loved her can find comfort in knowing that her singing has not ended.

There is no doubt that Anna is now leading the music in Heaven, singing praises to the Lord she loved with all her heart.

Her family will carry her memory in their hearts, her songs in their memories, and her faith through the generations she leaves behind.

Until we meet again, Anna. Keep singing.

Services for Anna will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, September 13,2026, at First Baptist Church in Dubach. Officiating the service will be Rev. Larry Bullock assisted by Rev Eddie Robison. Officiating the graveside will be Rev. Ken Roberts. Interment will be at Unionville / Colvin Memorial Cemetery in Dubach under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 1:30 to 3:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Dubach.

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It is with sadness that we announce the passing of James Lawrence Paul Normand. Mr. Normand passed away after a brief illness, peacefully, with his family by his side on September 4, 2026 at Matthews Memorial Healthcare Center in Alexandria, LA. Mr. Normand was 83 years old. Mr. Normand will be cremated at Magnolia Funeral Home in Alexandria, LA.

He was born on July 20, 1943. Mr. Normand is proceeded in death by his father, Cecil Joseph Normand, his mother, Marjorie Marie Berlin Normand, his brother, Cecil Wayne Normand, his sister-in-law, Wanda Lavergne Jones Normand, & 2 great grandsons, Odin Gary Bail & Loki Edward Lawrence Bail.

Mr. Normand is survived by his daughter, Nannette Normand, his sister, Judy Ann Normand Gardner, his grand daughter, Colleen Bail, his niece Lana Gardner Durham (Mark), Nephews, Gary Wayne Gardner (Michele), &Travis Mathew Gardner (Heather), 4 Great Grandsons, & many great nieces & great nephews.

Mr. Normand loved spending time with his family. He loved playing games with his nieces & nephews & friends. Among his favorites were Solitaire, Monopoly, Dominoes, & card games. He also loved playing & beating them at checkers & bingo.

The family of James Normand would like to Thank the staff of Matthews Memorial Healthcare in Alexandria, Louisiana for all the kindness & care he received while being a resident there. Also, would like to Thank Guardian Hospice of Alexandria, LA for taking excellent care of our loved one. Especially Kayden & Lily with Guardian Hospice.

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Billy Ray Crooks
January 30, 1930 – September 11, 2026
Service: Monday, September 14, 2026, 11am at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville.

Billie Jean Cammack
September 3, 1930 – September 10, 2026
Service: Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 10am at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville.

Shirlene Goodlow
February 29, 1968 – September 10, 2026
Service: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 3pm at Citadel Church of God in Christ, Alexandria.

Jimmy Ray “Coach” Robinson
December 28, 1953 – September 9, 2026
Service: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 3pm at Second Evergreen Baptist Church, Alexandria.

Joseph Welch, Sr.
April 15, 1943 – September 8, 2026
Service: Friday, September 18, 2026, 11am at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Alexandria.

Rede “Reida” Mae Russell Casey
October 6, 1947 – September 6, 2026
Service: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 11am at The Pentecostals, Alexandria.

Edward Mendel
September 29, 1930 – September 6, 2026
Service: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 1pm at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Ball.

Barbara Jean Driessen
August 20, 1941 – September 3, 2026
Service: Thursday, September 17, 2026, 10am at Pineville First United Methodist Church, Pineville.

Ronnie George Shinhoster
August 21, 1960 – August 31, 2026
Service: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 11am at Refuge Church-Apostolic Faith, Alexandria.

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

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By JIM BUTLER

An expansion in the currently much-discussed Masonic Drive corridor is on the Alexandria Zoning Board of Appeals & Adjustments agenda Monday.

MidState Development LLC wants to add 35 parking spaces serving its medical office at 3444 Masonic.

The nearly six-acre site currently has 102 off-street spaces and the clinic proposes adding 35.

The new total exceeds the permitted limit and requires a variance under the B-3 General Business designation.

A proposed $82 million redevelopment for the Masonic gateway into the city notes its commercial, medical and recreational aspects.

Labeled REIGNITE, it is among issues in the current municipal election campaigns.

Also on the Monday agenda (4 p.m. City Council meeting room) is a request for a special exception designation for two acres on Bayou Place.

EAL Holdings LLC seeks allowing vehicle sales & services use for a potential buyer of the tract off Brown’s Bend Road. Bayou Place is the street behind Tractor Supply.

Such use is not listed among those for the property’s Planned Unit Development designation.

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