Coca-Cola seeks annexation of expansion acreage

By JIM BUTLER

A resolution proposing annexation of the Coca-Cola Bottling expansion property will be introduced at Tuesday’s Alexandria City Council session.

The 34 acres being added to the company’s operation on John Allison Drive is a newly created subdistrict of the England Economic Development Authority.

A Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the firm and the EEID was reached in October.

During discussions leading to that the company had indicated its intent to seek the annexation.

The council will also consider passage of ordinances regarding housing opportunities in the city.

One amends guidelines of the Homeowner Assistance Program funded by HUD. It was last revised six years ago.

For the current fiscal year the maximum HAP subsidy from the city is $50,000 with some opportunity for an additional $5,000.

The ordinance is a compendium of roles, procedures, qualifying requirements and other hoops for applicants to maneuver through.

The other proposal deals with agreements regarding the annual Community Block Grant and HOME Grant funding.

Housing availability and affordability is a persistent issue on city officials’ work list, candidates for the council and for mayor in Tuesday’s election being no exception.


Pineville awarded $336,000 federal grant to develop citywide road safety plan

The City of Pineville has been selected to receive a $336,000 federal Safe Streets and Roads for All grant to develop a citywide Safety Action Plan aimed at reducing fatal and serious-injury traffic crashes.

The project represents a $420,000 investment, including an $84,000 local match.

The Safety Action Plan will examine crash patterns across Pineville’s roadways, intersections and multimodal corridors to identify areas of concern and opportunities for safety improvements.

The planning process will also include gathering public input and establishing a prioritized list of projects designed to reduce fatal and serious-injury crashes throughout the city.


Pineville Rotary Club hosts speakers on financial planning, organizational leadership

The Rotary Club of Pineville welcomed three guest speakers over two consecutive weeks to discuss financial planning, nonprofit leadership and organizational management.

During the first meeting, financial strategists and educators David and Kesha Hamilton presented information on personal financial management and planning for the future.

Their presentation covered homeownership and equity, investing and wealth building, retirement planning and financial protection. The discussion focused on helping individuals make informed financial decisions and better prepare for their financial futures.

At the following week’s meeting, the club welcomed Belinda Fly, founder and CEO of HR, Board & More, Inc.

Fly discussed the importance of human resources services, effective nonprofit board leadership and strong operational management.

Her presentation highlighted how these areas contribute to establishing organizational foundations, strengthening leadership and supporting long-term success.

Red River Waterway Commission celebrates completion of $4.5 million in upgrades at Fort Buhlow Recreation Area

The Red River Waterway Commission celebrated the completion of $4.5 million in improvements at the Fort Buhlow Family Recreation Area in Pineville with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, October 30, 2026. The event, organized by the Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce, highlighted new playgrounds, pickleball courts and fishing piers added to the recreation area.

The improvements include three dedicated playgrounds designed for children ages 6 months to 12 years, new pickleball courts for players of all skill levels and three fishing piers along the banks of Bayou Rigollette.

The 250-acre recreation area, located behind Lake Buhlow and the Pineville Airport, also features shaded picnic pavilions, multi-mile walking trails, a 36-hole disc golf course and a three-lane boat ramp providing direct access to the Red River.

Several Red River Waterway Commissioners attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, including David Crutchfield, representing Rapides Parish; retired Col. Michael Deville, commissioner at large from Pineville; Ronald Lattier, representing Caddo Parish; and Charles Greer, commissioner at large from Natchitoches Parish. Also in attendance were Red River Waterway Commission Executive Director Colin Brown and Engineering Supervisor Kyle Smith.

The Red River Waterway Commission recognized the Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce for organizing the grand opening, Pan American Engineers LLC for designing the park improvements and Pat Williams Construction for completing the construction work. The commission also thanked Pineville Mayor Joe Bishop and the City of Pineville for their support of the recreation area.

November 2, 2026: Central Louisiana Daily Briefing

DOTD Begins Lane Closures at Rapides Parish Intersections for Traffic Signal Upgrades
Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development

Motorists should expect alternating lane closures at 14 intersections throughout Rapides Parish beginning Monday, Nov. 2, as the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development continues a $9 million traffic signal improvement project. Closures are scheduled daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Friday, Nov. 6, weather permitting. Affected locations include Jackson Street, MacArthur Drive, Masonic Drive, Broadway Avenue, Donahue Ferry Road and several intersections along highways 107, 165 and 167. One lane in each direction will remain open, and no detours are anticipated. Crews are installing equipment for flashing yellow left-turn arrows and related signal improvements.

Alexandria Lions Club to Host Fourth Annual Strides for Diabetes Awareness Run
Alexandria Lions Club

The Alexandria Lions Club will host its fourth annual Strides for Diabetes Awareness 5K and Family Fun Run Saturday, Nov. 7, from 8-10 a.m. at the England Airpark Community Center, 1718 Kegleman Blvd. in Alexandria. The event will bring families, runners and walkers together to promote diabetes awareness and raise funds while connecting participants with educational resources and information about diabetes technology. Local vendors and community sponsors will also participate. The event is open to individuals and families interested in supporting diabetes awareness and education.

Lake Buhlow Airport to Host Community Breakfast Saturday
Experimental Aircraft Association

The Experimental Aircraft Association will hold its monthly First Saturday Breakfast on Nov. 7, from 7:30-10 a.m. at the airport clubhouse, 200 Lake Buhlow Road in Pineville. The community breakfast will feature eggs, sausage, pancakes, grits, potatoes and beverages. Residents interested in aviation or simply gathering with others are welcome to attend. The cost is $10 per person.

LSUA Small Business Development Center to Host Free AI Workshop in Pineville
Louisiana Small Business Development Center at LSU Alexandria

The Louisiana Small Business Development Center at LSU Alexandria will host a free workshop, “AI for Small Business Owners: Where to Start,” Thursday, Nov. 5, from 6-7:30 p.m. at The Vibe Co-working Space in Pineville. Dan Condell, founder of DGC Strategy, will lead the session, focusing on practical ways entrepreneurs and small business owners can use artificial intelligence to save time, improve productivity and streamline daily business operations.

Alexandria-Pineville MPO Advisory Committee to Meet Wednesday
Rapides Area Planning Commission

The Alexandria-Pineville Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Technical Advisory Committee will meet Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 10 a.m. at the Rapides Area Planning Commission, 803 Johnston St. in Alexandria. The meeting is open to the public, with opportunities for public comment. Virtual participation will also be available through Zoom. The meeting agenda and supporting materials will be available on the Rapides Area Planning Commission’s transportation website.

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November is here, and it’s now or never for LSU

Following a bye week, the LSU Tigers enter November facing a formidable schedule of Southeastern Conference foes. The Tigers will face three straight ranked SEC opponents to start this month in Alabama, Texas, and Tennessee.

Beat all three teams, and Arkansas in the season finale, and LSU will be firmly in the College Football Playoff. Lose one game, and the Tigers’ prospects of the postseason will shrink dramatically. Lose two games, and LSU can kiss a playoff appearance goodbye.

But first, beat Alabama.

With so much on the line heading into the no-longer-annual matchup between Tigers and Tide, it’s time to rally the purple and gold gladiators with a rousing speech.

To commemorate our nation’s 250th birthday and the upcoming Veterans Day, I’ve channeled one of the most famous American speeches of the 20th century, when General Dwight D. Eisenhower addressed our troops as they headed to France to liberate the free world during WWII on D-Day.

Tiger Offense, Defense, and Lane Kiffin,

Y’all are about to embark upon the Great College Football Playoff Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Alexandria and many more are upon you.

The hope and prayers of tailgaters, alumni, and anyone who hates Alabama, march with you. In company with our boisterous student section, NIL donors, and many a lubricated purple and gold fanatic throughout Death Valley, you will bring about the destruction of the Alabama football season, shattering the hopes and dreams of Crimson Tide fans watching from their double-wide trailers.

Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, battle tested and filled with college blue blood arrogance. Your enemy has owned you recently and knows it.

But this is Death Valley!

Much has happened since LSU lost to Kentucky in overtime. The Tigers have handily defeated Mississippi State and Auburn in subsequent games. The Southeastern Conference teams keep beating each other up, with upsets happening nearly every week. Every SEC team has suffered a loss, with eight teams having one or two losses. The SEC is up for grabs, and a trip to the conference championship game is still in sight.

Our home field environment gives LSU an overwhelming advantage, as a place where the dreams of opponents go to die. It’s time to turn the Crimson Tide!

Aid Kalen DeBoer’s evitable demise. He’s falling out of favor with the Gumps after losing back-to-back games to Georgia and Tennessee. The 85 percent of Alabama fans who struggle with literacy will be marching to Waffle Houses across the Yellowhammer State to commiserate over All Star Specials after the Tigers secure victory!

I have full confidence in your devotion to delivering vicious hits, scoring touchdowns, and making the Alabama faithful long for the days of Nick Saban. We will accept nothing less than full Victory (and corndogs)!

Good luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Mike the Tiger upon this great and noble undertaking.

Contact Andrew at ByAndrewAlexander@gmail.com


Sheriff’s Detectives investigate over night shooting

Just after midnight on November 1, 2026, Patrol Deputies responded to the 800 block of Brooks Boulevard in the Grundy Cooper subdivision in reference to a shots fired call.

Upon arrival, deputies located an individual suffering a non-life threatening wound to their leg. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Status is unknown at this time.

Sheriff’s Detectives and Crime Scene Unit responded to collect evidence and conduct their investigation.

If anyone has any information about this incident, they are asked to contact RPSO Main Office at 318-473-6700 or Crime Stoppers at 318-443-7867.


Pineville 16-year-old faces six counts of attempted murder

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

Nov. 1

Richard Taylor, 45, Vidalia – OWI first offense, $1,000 bail.

Oct. 31

Amanda Ardoin, 43, Pineville – OWI first offense, speeding, improper lane usage, $1,200 bail;

Antonia Breanna Clayton, 35, Alexandria – driving under suspension, driving lamps required, failure to appear, eight counts contempt of court, $101,500 bail;

Leelan Drake Deal, 18, Pineville – three counts contempt of court, $75,000 bail;

Michael Eversull, 50, Pineville – contempt of court, $25,000 bail;

Adrian Orez Jefferson, 52, Alexandria – OW fourth offense, open container, running a stop sign, $250,100 bail;

Cedrick Jefferson, 53, Alexandria – five counts possession of CDS, obstruction of justice, $21,000 bail;

Dexter Franchon Miles, 59, Ferriday – two counts theft, two counts Louisiana fugitive, $500 bail;

Darwin Lynn Newman, 37, Pineville – two counts possession of CDS, paraphernalia, trespassing, $2,500 bail;

Gary R. Peart Jr., 49, Pineville – five counts contempt of court, $121,000 bail;

Dralon Trecel Damond Roy, 31, Port Arthur, Texas – OWI first offense, expired plate, open container, $1,200 bail.

Oct. 30

Joseph Scott Alexander, 38, Alexandria – possession of drug paraphernalia, five counts contempt of court, $8,000 bail;

Christopher Michael Brown Jr., 30, Alexandria – aggravated resisting police with force or violence, two counts possession of firearm by convicted felon, resisting an officer, safety belt violation, improper window tint, illegal carry firearm with drugs, possession of paraphernalia, four counts possession of CDS, four counts contempt of court, $193,700 bail;

Delton Dewayne Chapman, 16, Pineville – six counts attempted murder, assault drive-by shooting, criminal damage to property, armed robbery, possession of a handgun by a juvenile, no bail data;

William Joseph Collins, 62, Alexandria – illegal carry firearm with drugs, possession of paraphernalia, no driver’s license, possession of CDS, tail lamps red light, $700 bail;

Roger Chance Delrie, 24, Pineville — OWI first offense, $1,000 bail;

Avery Shawn Eskew, 46, Deville – three counts possession of CDS, unauthorized entry of inhabited dwelling, parole violations, $3,500 bail;

Christopher Jude Laird, 19, Alexandria – second degree battery, $2,000 bail;

Kylee Dean Laprairie, 21, Alexandria – possession of CDS, possession of paraphernalia, illegal carry firearm with drugs, $4,500 bail;

Rickie Jontavis Morlte Jr., 23, Alexandria – two counts institutional vandalism, resisting an officer, simple battery, obscenity, $27,000 bail;

Ryan Thomas Vincent, 42, Pineville – criminal trespass, stalking, disturbing the peace, $26,000 bail;

Donald Frank Willis, 62, Alexandria – solicitation on interstate highway, three counts contempt of court, $6,500 bail;

Andrew Justin Woodham, 39, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery strangulation, cruelty to juveniles second degree, indecent behavior with juveniles, false imprisonment, $300,500 bail.

Oct. 29

Megail Lee Austin, 25, Alexandria – criminal damage to property, three counts contempt of court, $40,000 bail;

Jerry Darren Briggs, 62, Boyce – five counts contempt of court, $250,000 bail;

Mikail Bradley Buter, 20, Pineville – unauthorized entry of inhabited dwelling, $5,000 bail;

Mya Dream Butler, 21, Pineville – unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, $5,000 bail;

Heather Danielle Bynog, 39, Alexandria – simple assault, disturbing the peace, remaining on premises, $750 bail;

Kenneth Paul Ebey, 39, Alexandria – carnal knowledge of a juvenile, indecent behavior with juveniles, child sexual abuse materials, $450,000 bail;

Linda D. Gable, 52, Anacoco – theft (second/subsequent conviction), criminal trespass, resisting an officer, $11,000 bail;

Christopher Shane Grettum, 31, Boyce – two counts possession of CDS, criminal trespass, $3,500 bail;

Christy Marie Pantallion, 42, Alexandria – theft of motor vehicle, criminal damage to property, $5,500 bail;

Jermiah Royal Price, 23, Boyce – domestic abuse battery, criminal damage to property, $1,000 bail;

Jarred Thomas Rachal, 47, Pineville – second degree rape, second degree battery, possession of firearm by convicted felon, two counts producing manufacturing distributing CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia, three counts contempt of court, $406,500 bail;

Talan Thomas Rachal, 19, Pineville – unauthorized entry into inhabited dwelling, $5,000 bail;

Clinton Dewayne Stanley, 52, Glenmora – possession of CDS, possession of a firearm by convicted felon, illegal carry firearm with drugs, probation violation, $201,500 bail;

Ashley Nicole Ware, 41, Pineville – unauthorized entry of inhabited dwelling, two counts contempt of court, $5,300 bail;


Oct. 28

Courtney Lashaun Blake, 36, Alexandria – nonconsensual disclosure of a private image, $10,000 bail.


Remembering Amy Ashworth Slayton

Oakdale-Celebration of Life services honoring Amy Ashworth Slayton, 93, will be held on Tuesday afternoon, November 3, 202 at 2:30p.m. at Ardoin/Allen Parish Oakdale. Bro Brad Perkins will officiate.

Amy’s family will receive friends and visitors at Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Home Oakdale, Louisiana on Tuesday afternoon, November 3, 2026 from 1:30 until time of service. Burial will follow at Willis Flatts Cemetery, Glenmora, Louisiana.

All of Amy’s arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Home of Oakdale.

Amy Ashworth Slayton, 93, of the Plainview Community passed away peacefully on October 30, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Amy was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 67 years, Willard Slayton, and her parents Willie and Edna Ashworth.

A woman of grace, elegance, and impeccable manners, Amy carried herself with a timeless sense of style. She had a wonderful eye for fashion and design, an appreciation for beautiful things, and a way of making everything around her a little more special.

Amy was a devoted Christian whose faith was the foundation of her life. She loved God deeply and made certain her family knew Him as well. She enjoyed reading her Bible and listening to gospel music. Blessed with a beautiful soprano voice, she also had a love for singing.

An exceptionally gifted gardener, Amy took great pride in her flowers and landscaping. Her meticulous attention to detail was evident in everything she touched. She was also an amazing cook, especially remembered for her delicious coconut pies, which became a family favorite.

Amy had a remarkable love for sports. She enjoyed baseball, football, tennis, softball, and horse racing. She possessed an impressive knowledge of players, teams, and statistics. Often recalling them all from memory. In her younger years, she played first base on an all-women’s softball team that traveled throughout Louisiana and beyond for competition. Her husband, Willard, and their four children could often be found cheering her on.

Above all, Amy loved her family. She worked hard throughout her life, always making sure her children had what they needed and encouraging them in their education, activities, and athletic pursuits.

Her love, dedication, and unwavering support helped shape generations of her family.

She is survived by her four children: Mattie Brenda Rodriguez of Pineville, Louisiana; Gerald Slayton and his wife, Janet, of Hilltop Lakes, Texas; Johnny Slayton of Pitkin, Louisiana; and Gary Slayton of Hutto, Texas.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: April Rodriguez, Heather Rodriguez-Pate, Slade Rodriguez, Jared Slayton, Kris Slayton, Brandon Slayton, John Slayton, Josh Slayton, Jamie Reasons, and Jacob Slayton; 14 great-grandchildren; and her sister, Joy Mancil.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to St Joseph Hospice, Paula Swinnea, and her dedicated team for the exceptional care, kindness, and compassion shown to Amy.

Amy leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, family, strength, and grace. She will be remembered for her elegance, her remarkable spirit, her love of life, and the countless ways she make those around her feel loved.

Her influence will continue through the generations of family she cherished so dearly.

Pallbearers: Jared Slayton, Kris Slayton, Brandon Slayton, John Slayton, Slade Rodriguez and Brett Pate.


Remembering Walter Dale Sharp

Walter Dale Sharp, age 74, of Manifest, Louisiana, passed away on October 29, 2026, at The Columns Nursing Home one day before his 75th birthday, Walter will be remembered as our devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and a man whose greatest legacy lives on through the family that he loved.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Sharp and Gracie Sharp.

He is survived by his four children: Justin D. Sharp and his wife Jennifer Sharp of Manifest, Louisiana, Eric R. Sharp and his wife Bridgett Sharp, of Sandy Lake, Louisiana, Sherman D. Sharp and his girlfriend Ashtyn Slaughter of Manifest, Louisiana, April M. Lurry and her husband William Lurry of Manifest, Louisiana.

Walter is also survived by his grandchildren: Brooklyn Sharp, Kensley Ford and her husband Joel Ford, Jr., Megan Lurry, Hailey Murry and her husband Triston Murry, Jordan Sharp, Taylor Brown and her husband Ashton Brown, Maddison Sharp and her fiancé Samuel Knight, and Jenna Kate Sharp, his great grandchildren: Grayson Ford, Aubree Ford, Bowen Murry, Brayden Murry, Henry Ford, and Olivia Brown. His brothers and sisters: Johnny Ray Sharp and his wife Pauline Sharp of Rhinehart, Louisiana, Rex Sharp and his wife Mackie Sharp of Aimwell, Louisiana, Herbert Sharp and his wife Carol Sharp of Jena, Louisiana, Brent Sharp and his wife Cherie Sharp of Rhinehart, Louisiana, Pam Townsend and her husband Jr. Townsend of Harrisonburg, Louisiana, LaVone Boyd and her husband Clifford Boyd of Jena, Louisiana, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins.

Walter’s life was enriched by the family and friends who shared it with him. His memory will live on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and extended family. The lessons he taught, the stories he shared, and the memories created together will remain a lasting part of his family’s lives.

Those who knew Walter are invited to join his family in remembering and celebrating his life and the impact he had on those around him.

Serving as pallbearers will be William Lurry, Joel Ford, Jr., Ashton Brown, Samuel Knight, Jeremy Townsley, and Chuck Sharp. Honorary Pallbearers will be Grayson Ford, Bowen Murry, Brayden Murry, Henry Ford, and Triston Murry.

Visitation will be from 5-9PM November 1, 2026, at Sandy Lake United Pentecostal Church of Jonesville, Louisiana. The funeral will be Monday, November 2, 2026, also at Sandy Lake UPC, with Rev. Joel Ford, Sr., Rev. David Poole, and Rev. Jerry Sharp officiating. He will be laid to rest in Pine Grove Cemetery.


Notice of Death – November 1, 2026

Darby D. Miller
February 3, 1938 – October 31, 2026
Service: Wednesday, November 4, 2026, 11am at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Alexandria.

Elizabeth Ann Blackwell
December 6, 1937 – October 30, 2026
Service: Monday, November 2, 2026, 11am at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville.

Daniel Tramaine Piper
March13, 1991 – October 28, 2026
Service: Saturday, November 7, 2026, 11am at New St. Thomas Baptist Church, Boyce.

Constantine P. Thomas
February 27, 1969 – October 26, 2026
Service: Saturday, November 14, 2026, 11am at Newman United Methodist Church, Alexandria.

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


Daylight Saving Time 2026: Remember to Set Your Clocks Back

At 2:00 am on Sunday, November 1st, Louisiana residents must set their clocks back one hour as Daylight Saving Time ends. Known as the time to “Fall Back” it is the second clock adjustment made each year to shift an hour of sunlight from the morning to the evening, aligning natural daylight with normal human waking and working. On March 8, residents “Spring Forward” and set their clocks ahead one hour.

While the United States implemented temporary daylight saving measures during World War I and World War II, and Congress passed the Uniform Time Act in 1966, records show that the first time that started recognizing Daylight Saving Time was in 1970. Louisiana passed Act 133 in 2020 to make Daylight Saving Time permanent year-round, but the change cannot take effect until Congress amends the federal Uniform Time Act