Audit Finds Town of Boyce Owes $1.14 Million in Unpaid Pension Contributions

An audit released by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor reveals that the Town of Boyce owes approximately $1.14 million in unpaid pension contributions to the Louisiana Municipal Police Employees Retirement System (MPERS), with arrearages dating back to 2014. MPERS has responded by withholding state funding from the town until the debt is resolved.

Town officials have retained an attorney to contest the claims, though auditors raised questions about whether the town can sustain the cost of litigation given its strained finances. Town leadership has warned that without the withheld state funding, municipal operations could face discontinuance as early as November 2026.

The audit documented multiple additional financial deficiencies, including unpaid credit card obligations, potential violations of state laws requiring Bond Commission approval before incurring debt, failure to comply with debt covenants and budgetary restrictions, and accounting practices so disorganized that auditors could not accurately assess the town’s full financial position. The audit stated: “The Town’s generally dysfunctional nature of accounting practices has contributed to a variety of problems, including documentation being unavailable.”

Mayor Kelvin McCoy’s office did not provide comment on the audit findings.


Kiwanis Club of Alexandria learns about Uncommon One

The Kiwanis Club of Alexandria learned about Uncommon One during last week’s meeting when Sheila Johnson presented information about the nonprofit organization.

Uncommon One focuses on equipping young women to discover their true identity and purpose by pursuing truth. The organization’s vision is to empower the next generation of young women to live passionate, purposeful and peace-filled lives.

The organization provides connection groups for girls in fifth through 12th grades, focusing on truth and identity in Christ. It also provides mental health tips from licensed mental health professionals, community service and outreach projects, and opportunities to build meaningful connections and encourage personal growth.

Uncommon One also aims to increase the overall emotional health of the young women it serves. The organization recognizes challenges young people face, including stress and anxiety, as well as the effects of digital media, difficult life experiences and other pressures on emotional development.

Community members can support Uncommon One by registering daughters for a Connection Group, hosting or sponsoring an event, supporting programs and scholarships, or becoming a group leader or support person.

For more information, call 318-232-2196, visit Uncommon-one.org, or mail correspondence to PO Box 4831, Pineville, LA 71361.


LSMSA faculty ranked No. 1 in nation for 2027 Niche Rankings

The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) is proud to announce that its faculty has been named #1 Best Public High School Teachers in America by the newly released 2027 Niche.com rankings. Nationally, LSMSA also ranked #26 of 904 Best Magnet High Schools and #53 of 20,664 Best Public High Schools. The school also maintained its overall grade of A+.

In Louisiana, LSMSA claimed the top spot in multiple categories:

#1 of 335 – Best Public High Schools in Louisiana

#1 of 321 – Best Public High Schools Teachers in Louisiana

#1 of 109 – Best High Schools for STEM in Louisiana

#1 of 13 – Best Magnet High Schools in Louisiana

“Every day, we ask our students to pursue excellence, embrace curiosity, and challenge themselves to grow,” said LSMSA Executive Director Dr. Jason Anderson. “They do so because they are surrounded by mentors who model those same values. This recognition is a reflection of that shared commitment.”

“We are exceedingly proud of our strong, college-level faculty at the Louisiana School. Their expertise is shared daily with our students: through instruction in the classroom, mentoring in office hours, volunteering to sponsor clubs, and many other opportunities,” said Director of Academic Affairs Dr. Jay Harrison.

LSMSA faculty are required to hold a master’s degree or higher in the subjects they teach. Eighty-five percent hold a Ph.D., M.F.A., or other terminal degree in their field.

“Their talent and skill is critical to guiding our talented students through our rigorous curriculum, preparing them for bright futures at some of the nation’s best colleges and universities,” continued Dr. Harrison.

Founded in 1983 as the state’s preeminent residential high school for high-achieving students, LSMSA provides a tuition-free education to qualified Louisiana sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Through articulation agreements with 14 in-state universities, students have the opportunity to earn more than 70 general education credit hours during their time at LSMSA. Many students graduate with dual enrollment credit, and some earn an Associate of General Studies degree.

“The instructors of LSMSA, who have a combined 738 years of teaching experience, are brilliant, dedicated professionals who love watching our bright, motivated, funny, and infinitely curious students succeed,” said Lecturer of History and Faculty Representative to the LSMSA Board of Directors Dr. Kyle Stephens, “and that’s part of what makes this place so special.”

The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts is Louisiana’s top state-supported residential high school, offering selective admissions for the state’s high-achieving, highly motivated sophomores, juniors, and seniors. As a public school, there is no tuition, and support from the LSMSA Foundation ensures the program remains accessible to all qualified students regardless of financial need.

Applications for Fall 2027 are open. Learn more and apply at www.LSMSA.edu.


October 1, 2026: Central Louisiana Daily Briefing

One Person Injured in Evergreen Street Shooting
Alexandria Police Department

Alexandria Police responded to the 3500 block of Evergreen Street on September 29, 2026, at approximately 10:15 a.m. after reports of a shooting. One person was struck by gunfire and transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Detectives attempted to gather information but were hindered when both the victim and a witness declined to cooperate with the investigation. The case remains active.

“Witness cooperation is critical to our ability to solve violent crimes and hold those responsible accountable,” said Police Chief Chad Gremillion.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the APD Detective Division at (318) 441-6416, APD Dispatch at (318) 441-6559, or Crime Stoppers of CenLa at (318) 443-7867. Tips may also be submitted through the P3 Tipster App at p3tips.com/community/mobile.


Rapides Parish Schools to Open Butch Crenshaw Fieldhouse at Alexandria Senior High
Rapides Parish School Board

Rapides Parish Schools will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony today for the Butch Crenshaw Fieldhouse at Alexandria Senior High School, 800 Ola St., Alexandria, at 12:00 p.m. The event is part of the District 62 Bond program.

The new fieldhouse features locker rooms, training areas, and meeting spaces designed to give student-athletes the facilities they need to train, grow, and compete. The building is named in honor of Mr. Butch Crenshaw.


Alexandria Mayoral Forum Set for October 5 at Coughlin-Saunders
Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce

The Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Young Professionals Group of Cenla (YPG), KALB-TV, and Cenla Broadcasting, will host an Alexandria Mayoral Forum on Monday, October 5, at 6:00 p.m. at the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center.

The forum is open to the public. Doors open at 5:00 p.m.; attendees are asked to be seated by 5:45 p.m. Doors to the auditorium will close just prior to the start of the live broadcast at 6:00 p.m.

The event will be broadcast live on KALB-TV 5 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.


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Ball Police secretary appointed to LASCP board

Kristina Bergeron, secretary to Ball Police Chief Marshall Deen, represented the Ball Police Department at the Fall Conference of the Louisiana Association of Secretaries to Chiefs of Police (LASCP) in Houma last week.

LASCP conferences are held twice each year and provide training and professional development for secretaries who support Louisiana’s chiefs of police and their departments. The conferences also provide opportunities for members to build relationships and share knowledge, resources and experience.

The conference was especially meaningful for the Ball Police Department as Bergeron’s daughter, Kaci Bagley, secretary to Pollock Police Chief Paul, joined LASCP. According to the Ball Police Department, the mother-daughter pair are believed to be the first mother-daughter duo in LASCP history.

Bergeron was also appointed to serve on the LASCP Board.

The Ball Police Department said Bergeron has served as Chief Deen’s secretary while handling numerous responsibilities, supporting officers, managing details and helping solve problems for the department.

Bergeron has said that the more she can do for the department’s officers, the more they can do for the community.

The Ball Police Department congratulated Bergeron on her appointment and said it was proud of her dedication, loyalty, work ethic and commitment to service.


Two Louisiana Men Sentenced for Methamphetamine Distribution Conspiracy

On September 24, 2026, United States District Judge Robert R. Summerhays sentenced Charles Jackson, 38, of Many, Louisiana, to 63 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release, for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, after his guilty plea on June 22, 2026.

The same day, Judge Summerhays also sentenced Andrew Bulloch, 58,  of Leesville, to 60 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. He pled guilty on June 8, 2026.  

Jackson and Bulloch were members of the same indicted conspiracy.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

BULLOCH

According to court documents, Bulloch conspired with others to obtain distribution-level quantities of methamphetamine. On one occasion, federal agents intercepted telephone calls between Bulloch and a co-conspirator in which Bulloch sought three ounces of methamphetamine due to high customer demand.

JACKSON

According to court documents, Jackson conspired to acquire distribution-level quantities of methamphetamine. Investigators intercepted discussions involving Jackson and co-conspirators discussing the purchase of large quantities of methamphetamine for future sales on August 6, 2025.  The next day, the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office (VPSO) stopped Jackson and his co-conspirators after they had completed a methamphetamine purchase, with VPSO recovering a black bag containing 231.6 grams of methamphetamine during the stop.

These cases were investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency and VPSO.  They were prosecuted by Assistance U.S. Attorney LaDonte Murphy with the assistance of Legal Assistant Christy Angelle.

These cases were prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities. Learn more at http://www.justice.gov/psn.

Related court documents for Bulloch may be found at http://www.lawd.uscourts.gov or via CM/ECF under case number 6:26-CR-00027-09; Jackson, under case number 6:26-CR-00027-08.


Alexandria senior citizen racks up big bail on 15 contempt charges

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

Sept. 30

Precious Unique Blue, 23, Lecompte – two counts contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Derrick Demond Davis Sr., 43, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, improper bicycle operation, three counts contempt of court, $53,600 bail;

Demarcus Eugene Jones, 38, Alexandria – theft, simple assault, four counts contempt of court, $3,500 bail;

Christie Lynn Lasyone, 43, Pineville – contempt of court, $25,000 bail;

Cameran Voorhies, 18, Alexandria – aggravated battery of a police officer, intentional littering prohibited, illegal carrying of weapons, three counts resisting an officer, improper lane usage, bicycle reflectors required, possession of marijuana, $2,300 bail.

Sept. 29

Charles Greg Bond, 61, Ponchatoula – contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Lashundra Ventrice Brown, 34, Alexandria – two counts contempt of court, $100,000 bail;

Carletta Marie Carter, 37, Alexandria – three counts contempt of court, $53,000 bail;

James Darnell Gullette Jr., 33, Alexandria – possession of CDS, possession of synthetic CDS, possession of marijuana, theft, pedestrians on highways, five counts contempt of court, remaining on premises, $12,600 bail;

Tabrian Terell Jefferson, 36, Jonesville – two counts contempt of court, $20,000 bail;

Leo William Joseph, 40, Alexandria – driving under suspension, improper lane usage, residential contractor fraud, flight from an officer, criminal damage to property, resisting an officer, safety belt violation, contempt of court, $9,800 bail;

Tedrick Tavone Love Sr, 49, Alexandria – four counts contempt of court, $8,000 bail;

Travis Austin Pennington, 30, Pineville – cruelty to juveniles, $5,000 bail;

Bryant Sanders Jr, 66, Alexandria – failure to renew sex offender registration, contempt of court, bank fraud, $1,500 bail;

Eldrick Dewayne Woods, 43, Pineville – OWI first offense, reckless operation of a vehicle, driving under suspension, two counts disarming of peace officer, two counts resisting an officer with force or violence, two counts battery on officer, resisting an officer, $23,100 bail.

Sept. 28

Christopher Daniel Barbat, 36, Deville – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, open container, possession of marijuana, $1,700 bail;

Raquel Lee Carrier, 57, Pineville – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, safety belt violation, failure to appear, $2,600 bail;

John Randell Crooks, 41, Deville – sexual abuse of an animal, child sexual abuse materials where victim is under 13, $101,000 bail;

Kista Keontae Garrett, 27, Alexandria – simple battery, possession of marijuana, $1,500 bail;

John T. Jones Jr, 23, Pineville – no driver’s license, tail lamps red light, two counts resisting an officer, seven counts contempt of court, $8,700 bail;

Steven Michael Lee, 41, Alexandria – OWI second offense, careless operation of a vehicle, open container, driving under suspension, $1,800 bail;

Derek Ivan Leimkuhler, 39, Pineville – theft of motor vehicle, concealed negligent carry handgun, illegal carrying of weapon, contempt of court, $26,000 bail;

Bobby Joe Roberts, 72, Alexandria – 15 counts contempt of court, $183,500 bail;

Askia Waheed Jr., 41, Alexandria – criminal damage to property, disturbing the peace, $500 bail.

Sept. 27

Jeffrey Dale Clark Jr., 43, Boyce – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, criminal trespass, simple escape, probation violation, contempt of court, $52,500 bail;

William Caden Elkins, 20, Ball – possession of CDS, drug paraphernalia, $2,000 bail;

Eduardo Eli Garza, 45, Bedford, Texas – OWI first offense, reckless operation, $1,500 bail;

Michelle Renee Normand, 34, Pineville – possession of CDS, theft, resisting an officer, nine counts contempt of court, $13,500 bail;

Ashton Tyler Parmer, 22, Limon, Colorado – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, $1,100 bail;

Jonathan Eugene Sanders, 42, Alexandria – second degree battery, $2,000 bail;

Chateekia Young, 23, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, contempt of court, $2,500 bail.


Reverend Donald Thompson Jr.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 12:00 noon, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Alexandria, with Rev John Schwartz officiating.

Visitation will begin at 11:00AM until time of service.

Reverend Donald Thompson Jr., age 76, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2026 in Tioga Community Care Center.

Reverend Thompson was born in Anniston, Alabama. He became an ordained minister on June 17, 1990. He first served at St. Paul Church from 1990 until 2003. He then went to serve at Trinity from 2003 until 2007. After that, he served at First English from 2007 until 2013. He then moved to Alexandria and began serving at Redeemer Lutheran Church where he served from January 20, 2013 until shortly before his death.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Donald Franklin Thompson, Sr. and Betty Braswell Thompson; his brothers, Barry A. Thompson and Mark S. Thompson.

He is survived by his brother, Michael Keith Thompson, his faithful church family and the many friends he made.

Reverend Thompson will be dearly missed by his members of Redeemer, his brother, and all who loved him and whose lives he touched.

We rest assured that he is resting safely in the arms of our Savior.

Arrangements were placed in the care of Fall Creek Funeral Home, Pineville.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of REVEREND DONALD THOMPSON, JR., please visit our Tree Store.


Remembering Jimmy Lee Morris

Funeral services for Mr. Jimmy Lee Morris will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at the Little Zion Baptist Church, in Long Bridge, LA. Burial will follow in the church cemetery, under the direction of Robinson Family Mortuary. Reverend Vernon Simon will serve as officiant.

Jimmy “Jimbo” Morris, a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, departed this life on Friday, September 25, 2026. He was born on March 27, 1959, in Pineville, Louisiana, to the late Earl John Morris, Jr. and Mary Murray Morris.

At an early age, Jimmy accepted Christ as his Savior and was baptized at Little Zion Baptist Church in Long Bridge, Louisiana, under the leadership of Rev. Blackman.

Jimmy received his elementary and high school education in the Carver, Evergreen, and Cottonport communities. Throughout his life, he was known as a hardworking and dedicated man who took pride in providing for his family. He worked offshore for many years and later served as a police juror employee at the Avoyelles Parish Barn. He also spent many years working as a farmer and farm laborer, embracing the value of honest labor and dedication.

On August 21, 1995, Jimmy was united in holy matrimony to Leola Celestine. To this union, no children were born.

Jimmy was known for his generous heart and willingness to help anyone in need. If a neighbor, friend, or family member needed assistance, he never hesitated to lend a helping hand. He found joy in spending time with family and friends, especially during family gatherings where he was famous for frying fish. Another of his favorite pastimes was taking walks around the Dollar Store, where many familiar faces would stop and chat with him. Jimmy took pride in watching his nieces and nephews grow and was always present with good conversation and laughter. To his many friends, he was affectionately known as “Jimbo,” a name spoken with love and respect.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Earl John Morris, Jr. and Mary Murray Morris; his paternal grandparents, Lou Ella McCray Spears and Earl Morris, Sr.; and his maternal grandparents, Ceola Murray and Cleveland Murray.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories his devoted wife of 31 years, Leola Morris of Cottonport, Louisiana; his son, Jimmie Lee McGlory; four brothers, Earl Morris and Glen Morris, both of Cottonport, Louisiana, Jerry Morris (Amanda) of Moreauville, Louisiana, and Bruce Morris (Collette) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; one sister, Vera Franklin (Leroy) of Cottonport, Louisiana; four aunts, Dorothy Winchester, Lou Ella Wilson, Evelyn Wells, and Linda Murray; two uncles, David Murray and Manuel Murray; his goddaughter, Loretta Seaberry; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends who loved him dearly.


Word of the Day: Trepidation

Phonetic: /trep·​i·​da·​tion/

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition

a nervous or fearful feeling of uncertain agitation : apprehension
trepidation about starting a new job

Travers sent the book to press with some trepidation, fearing that a children’s book might undermine her hard-won literary cachet.
—Caitlin Flanagan

a tremulous motion : tremor







Notice of Death – September 30, 2026

Eulalia Edwards Carter
January 17, 1949 – September 28, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 10, 2026, 11am at St. Matthew Baptist Church, Boyce.

Kim Jones Robertson
October 8, 1953 – September 28, 2026
Service: Thursday, October 1, 2026, 6pm at Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

Robert “Bobby” Felsenthal
April 19, 1954 – September 26, 2026
Service: Friday, October 2, 2026, 12pm at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball.

Pamela Lee Hampton
September 29, 1956 – September 26, 2026
Service: Friday, October 9, 2026, 11am at Antioch Baptist Church, Alexandria.

Dorothy Dawn Overgaard
June 16, 1932 – September 25, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 2pm at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness, Alexandria.

Charles Eugene Garner
March 31, 2026 – September 24, 2026
Service: Thursday, October 1, 2026, 1pm at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball.

Luis Wayne Juneau
September 6, 1995 – September 23, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 10am at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball.

Gloria Jean Marshall White
March 18, 1959 – September 21, 2026
Service: Friday, October 2, 2026, 1pm at Christian Love Baptist Church, Alexandria.

Spencer Ernest Brackens, Jr.
May 2, 1949 – September 20, 2026
Service: Friday, October 2, 2026, 11am at St. Matthew Baptist Church, Boyce.

Greta Marie Golden Moore
July 27, 1956 – September 20, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 3pm at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Alexandria.

Marvin Keith Howard, Sr.
December 20, 1968 – September 16, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 11am at New Scott Olly Baptist Church, Alexandria.

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