A new congressional map passed overwhelmingly in the Louisiana House on May 28 and now moves to the Senate for concurrence.

State Representative Mike Johnson said the map complies with legal requirements following rulings from the United States Supreme Court. He noted that the revised plan keeps Rapides Parish whole and places it back within the Fifth Congressional District alongside much of Central Louisiana.

Supporters of the map say it is intended to keep communities of interest together, pointing to shared economic, educational, transportation, agricultural and cultural ties across Central Louisiana. They also say the changes better reflect long-standing regional connections while maintaining representation in Congress.

The proposal now heads to the state Senate for consideration.

Members of the Kiwanis Club of Alexandria recently heard a presentation from Christina Lord, medical director for LDH/OPH Region 6 in Alexandria, about emergency medical resources available throughout Central Louisiana and across the state.

One topic highlighted during the presentation was the emergency shelter near LSU Alexandria. According to the presentation, the facility can house up to 3,000 people and includes medical treatment capabilities for individuals with special medical needs, along with 250 beds.

Attendees also learned about emergency hotline resources available during disasters, including dialing 211 for medical help and 988 for additional disaster-related resources and support.

The Pineville Police Department announced an arrest has been made in connection with a fatal head-on crash that occurred Sept. 11, 2025, in the 2200 block of Military Highway.

According to police, officers responded to the crash where one driver, Corrinne Jenkins, later died from her injuries. The second driver, identified as Lacey Miller, was injured and transported to a medical facility for treatment.

Due to the severity of the crash, a Pineville Police crash reconstruction investigator worked alongside a crash investigator from Louisiana State Police Troop E to conduct a detailed investigation.

Investigators later determined Miller was allegedly operating a vehicle under the influence of narcotics, violating multiple traffic laws and driving with a suspended license at the time of the collision.

Police said evidence was presented to a judge in the 9th Judicial District Court, where probable cause was found and an arrest warrant was issued.

On May 28, 2026, Miller turned herself in at the Rapides Parish Detention Center.

The department also thanked citizens who stopped to render aid before emergency responders arrived, calling their actions compassionate and impactful. Officers additionally expressed appreciation to Louisiana State Police for assisting throughout the investigation.

Carl Newton Allen Jr. born on June 28, 1962, in Pineville, Louisiana, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on May 20, 2026, in Forney, Texas. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories that will resonate with those who knew him. Carl, a devoted husband to Cindy Allen and a proud father to daughters Mindy Turner, Mallory Allen, Marcy Allen, and son-in-law Marshall Turner, was affectionately known as “the man of all men and dad of all dads.”

An avid outdoorsman, Carl took great joy in hunting and fishing, often sharing these activities with his family and friends. His passion for life extended beyond the outdoors, as he also had a remarkable talent for solving problems, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. A beloved member of his community, Carl was known for his unique achievement as the only deacon to receive a unanimous vote, showcasing the love and respect he garnered from everyone around him.

His warm spirit and engaging personality made every moment spent with him unforgettable, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed his path. Carl’s wife, and children will carry forward his memory in their hearts, celebrating the selfless man he was and the joy he brought to their lives.

A memorial service for Carl Allen will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026 at the First Baptist Church in Forney, TX.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Ms. Brenda Turnage will be held at 2:00PM on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Lakeside Baptist Church, Pineville, with Bro. Tim Turnage and Bro. Brett Dupuy officiating.

Ms. Turnage, age 65 of Pineville, passed from this life into the loving arms of Jesus on Tuesday May 26, 2026.

Brenda was a loving mother who absolutely adored her grandchildren. She dedicated many years of service working in the cafeteria at Tioga Manor before beginning her work with the Rapides Parish School Board. During her time there, she served in the cafeterias at Brame Junior High and most recently, Caroline Dorman. Brenda was also a longtime, faithful member of Lakeside Baptist Church.

She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Helen Turnage; her nephews, Bill and Britt Wilson; her niece, Kathryn Wilson; and her longtime companion, Gary Rayner.

Brenda leaves behind her two daughters, Shannon Cox (Wayne) of Pollock, Crystal Floyd of Hineston; four beloved grandchildren, Alidya Smith, MacKenzie Cox, Jordon Floyd, and Callie Cox; five siblings, Mike Turnage, Tim Turnage (Stephanie), Raymond Turnage, Kevin Turnage, and Patricia Wilson (Kenneth).

May her memory be cherished by all who knew and loved her.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Fall Creek Funeral Home, Pineville, Randy Chenevert, Director.

In late April 2026, agents with the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Unit began receiving multiple community complaints regarding alleged narcotics activity at a residence in the 1700 block of Thornton Court in Alexandria.

According to RADE, agents were already familiar with the address due to multiple prior investigations and search warrants executed there in recent years. Authorities said previous investigations connected to the residence resulted in the seizure of more than 8 pounds of fentanyl, more than 4 pounds of methamphetamine, marijuana, firearms, and drug paraphernalia. Officials also noted that Craig Brown, previously arrested in connection with the residence, is currently serving time for drug trafficking offenses.

Agents launched an investigation into the latest complaints and identified Diante Brown as the primary suspect through surveillance and investigative efforts. Authorities obtained an arrest warrant charging Brown with distribution of fentanyl, along with a search warrant for the residence at 1735 Thornton Court.

On May 20, 2026, RADE agents, assisted by the Alexandria Police Department Special Response Team, executed the search warrant. Brown was taken into custody without incident.

During the search, agents reportedly discovered 11 plastic bags containing suspected fentanyl, along with digital scales and other drug paraphernalia. Authorities said the suspected fentanyl weighed approximately 1.5 pounds. Investigators also seized more than $2,000 in U.S. currency.

Brown was arrested and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center-1 on charges including possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of drug paraphernalia, and a probation violation. Authorities said civil asset forfeiture paperwork was issued for the seized cash.

At the time of the release, Brown remained in custody on a $1,000,500 bond.

Sheriff Mark Wood said investigators will continue pursuing community complaints and working to combat narcotics trafficking in Central Louisiana. Authorities also stated the investigation remains ongoing and additional arrests are possible.

The RADE Unit is a multi-jurisdictional task force comprised of local, parish, state, and federal law enforcement agencies across Central Louisiana.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law or administrative proceeding.

A group of Rapides Parish teachers and school leaders is participating this week in the Louisiana Department of Education’s Teacher Leader Summit in New Orleans.

According to the Rapides Parish School Board, educators attending the summit are taking part in professional development sessions, networking opportunities, and collaborative discussions with teachers and administrators from across the state.

District officials said participants are focusing on new instructional strategies, leadership development, classroom best practices, and innovative approaches that can be implemented during the upcoming school year.

The annual summit brings together educators from throughout Louisiana to share ideas and strengthen educational practices aimed at improving student learning outcomes.

Rapides Parish School Board officials expressed appreciation for the educators who are spending part of their summer continuing their professional growth and leadership development ahead of the next academic year.

The City of Alexandria’s Division of Community Services is once again hosting its “Party in the Park” summer event series, offering free family-friendly activities throughout June.

The events will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature water slides, music, activities and free food while supplies last.

The first event is scheduled for Friday, June 5, at Martin Park, located at 4222 Ellis Street.

The second event will be held Friday, June 12, at Acadian (West) Sandy Bayou, located at 5199 W. Sandy Bayou Drive.

A third event is planned for Thursday, June 18, though the location has not yet been announced.

City officials said the events are designed to give families a fun and safe way to celebrate the start of summer together while connecting with the community.

There is no cost to attend.

Mr. Keith Durgin, age 72 entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at his home surrounded by love.

Private services will be scheduled at a later date.

Keith served in the United States Air Force, where he retired and he continued to love his country as a patriotic veteran. He came to know the Lord and was often found reading his Bible. He loved gardening, wood cutting, football and had a passionate appetite for good food.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his devoted wife of 27 years Darla Blodgett Durgin, his stepson, Daniel Evans and wife, Erica, Garth Evans, Sarah Gonzalez and husband Victor, grandchildren Grayson, Kylie, Everly, Asher, Charity, Priscilla Pollock and beloved friend of the family, Miss Linda Wise. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Rebecca William and husband Pat, Ruth Basco, and husband Darrell, Debbie Henson, and Pat Blodgett and wife Julia.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents.

Keith will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him and his smile, laughter, tenderness, patience and unselfish and unconditional love will echo on as his story.

With heavy hearts, we share the news of the passing of our beloved Dashton Poole, who left us on Saturday, May 23, 2026. He was born on January 10, 2021. Though his time with us was all too brief, Dashton brought immense joy and love to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. His infectious laughter and radiant spirit filled our lives with warmth, and he will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

Dashton’s light shone brightly during his short time here, reminding us of the beauty in innocence and the profound impact a young soul can have. His giggles and curious little ways will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to witness them. Dashton has a love for fire trucks, police officers, and clowns; he always said that when he was grown, he would be one of them. He was very smart and observant.

We invite family and friends to join us in celebrating Dashton’s life and cherishing the memories he gifted us. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, May 29, 2026, in the Chapel of Hixson Brothers, Pineville, with Reverend Todd Taylor officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Ball.

The family requests that visitation be observed at the funeral home on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and will continue on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

He was preceded in death by his uncle, Brandon Jarreau.

Those left to cherish his memory include his mother, Cassie Poole; father, Joshua Daniels; brother, Layden Quarles; sisters, Zanadee Havis, Kaliah Quarles; paternal grandparents, Cindy Monceaux (Michael); maternal grandmother, Lisa Vaughn; great-grandmother, Shirley Poole; uncles, Evan Daniels, Taylon Jarreau, and Destin Duke; aunts, Summer Jarreau, and Peyton Jarreau; extended family, Ashley St. Romain (Rodney), the other two Musketeers Rodney III “Poppa”, and Weston “Fat Fat”; and special friend, Kaitlin Dorn.

In loving memory of Dashton Poole, may we find comfort knowing his spirit will forever shine brightly in our hearts. We ask for your thoughts and prayers for our family during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, P.O. Box 8555, Alexandria, Louisiana 71306, to help defray the cost of services.

Applied Digital Corporation announced plans to develop a $3.6 billion, state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) factory campus in Rapides Parish. Known as Delta Forge 1, the facility is purpose-built for large-scale AI training and inference workloads, marking a major milestone in Central Louisiana’s economic growth and digital infrastructure expansion.

The new campus will directly support 200 new full-time, on-site jobs with salaries 150% of the state average wage. The project will create over 1,000 construction jobs at peak construction. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in an additional 218 indirect new jobs, for a total of 418 potential new job opportunities in the Central Region.

United Way of Central Louisiana President and CEO Lafe Jones recently addressed members of The Rotary Club of Alexandria Louisiana, highlighting the organization’s ongoing mission and community-focused initiatives.

According to United Way of Central Louisiana, Jones spoke about the organization’s continued emphasis on transparency, accountability, and leadership while discussing efforts to refresh and reintroduce its mission throughout the region.

Organization leaders described the presentation as an opportunity to reconnect with the community and reinforce the role United Way plays in supporting local programs and partnerships across Central Louisiana.

United Way of Central Louisiana also expressed appreciation to community supporters, volunteers, and partners who have contributed to the organization’s efforts over the years.

The organization noted that the coming year will focus on strengthening community engagement and continuing its work to serve residents throughout the area.

A prolonged stretch of unsettled weather is expected across Rapides Parish this week, with daily chances for showers and thunderstorms along with periods of fog and warm temperatures.

Wednesday will feature showers likely, with a chance of thunderstorms in the morning and thunderstorms becoming likely in the afternoon. Highs will reach the lower 80s with south winds around 5 mph. Rain chances are near 70 percent. Wednesday night will be mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening, followed by additional showers after midnight. Patchy fog is also possible. Lows will settle around 70 with light and variable winds and a 50 percent chance of rain.

On Thursday, patchy morning fog is expected before another round of showers and thunderstorms develops. Highs will remain in the lower 80s with a 70 percent chance of rain. Thursday night will be mostly cloudy with lows around 70 and light winds.

Friday brings a brief break in cloud cover with mostly sunny conditions early, though a chance of showers and thunderstorms returns in the afternoon. Highs will climb into the upper 80s with a 50 percent chance of rain. Friday night will be mostly clear early, then becoming partly cloudy with lows in the lower 70s.

The weekend remains active. Saturday will be partly sunny with a chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms and highs in the upper 80s. Rain chances remain around 50 percent. Saturday night will be mostly cloudy with a chance of evening showers and thunderstorms and lows in the lower 70s.

Sunday continues the unsettled trend with mostly cloudy skies in the morning, becoming partly sunny in the afternoon with another chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs will again reach the upper 80s with a 50 percent chance of rain. Sunday night will be partly cloudy with a chance of evening showers and lows in the lower 70s.

Looking ahead to next week, Monday will be mostly sunny early with a chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Highs will remain in the upper 80s with a 50 percent chance of rain. Monday night will be partly cloudy with a chance of showers and lows in the upper 60s.

Tuesday will be partly sunny with another round of afternoon showers and thunderstorms possible. Highs will return to the lower 80s with a 40 percent chance of rain.

Residents should remain weather aware throughout the week as daily storm chances, brief heavy downpours and changing conditions remain possible across the region.

Nothing is harder to swallow than when a younger athlete comes along and replaces the older, more experienced player. Egos are shattered and feelings are sometimes hurt. No athlete likes to be put out to pasture. But in today’s bass fishing universe, that’s exactly what’s happening.

To say the young guns of bass fishing have arrived would be an understatement! No matter what sport you play, there comes a day when someone wants to take your spot. They respect you because of your experience and time you’ve given to the game, but they are the ones pushing you out of the sport you love. 

Today, a younger generation is making its mark on the sport of tournament bass fishing by utterly dominating tournaments with catches that no one has ever seen before. This past month a young buck, Andrew Rickman, 24 years old from Canton, Texas, made his presence felt by catching a record setting B.A.S.S. Nation record of 95 pounds,15 ounces over a three-day period.

Now to some this may not resonate, especially if you’re not familiar with tournament bass fishing. But what this young man did is nothing short of incredible! Maybe this will help you understand; he caught 15 bass over the three days and averaged over 6 pounds per fish — something that has never been done before in tournament competition. 

What makes this more amazing is the fact that he had never seen, let alone fished Toledo Bend in his entire life! Most anglers could add up three years of tournament catches and not even come close to 95 pounds of bass. This kid did it in three days with zero experience on the lake!

It’s just another testament to how good so many of these young anglers are. They are doing things and catching fish in ways the older generation of anglers have never dreamed about. 

One thing that is very noticeable about the young anglers of today; they spend a tremendous amount of time on the water learning new techniques and studying their electronic units like Forward-Facing Sonar so they can get better.

So many of these young anglers (due to forward-facing sonar) have been unfairly labeled as “scopers only.” But it’s a little unfair to put a blanket label over all of them because so many have been raised with old-school techniques and can catch bass with or without Forward Facing Sonar.  

To put a bow on this topic, if changes or FFS restrictions are not made with regards to bass tournaments, I highly suggest that the older anglers spend more time on the water learning how to use FFS during the off season and spend less time in the deer stand if they want to be competitive with the young guns that are on the rise in the bass tournament world. 

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

The Pineville Police Department is advising residents about increased law enforcement activity at Lessie Moore Elementary School this week as officers participate in scheduled training exercises.

According to the department, community members may notice a heightened police presence in and around the school campus, including marked patrol vehicles and officers conducting operations on site.

Officials emphasized that the activity is strictly for training purposes and that there is no threat or cause for public concern.

Police stated that the exercises are designed to help officers remain prepared to respond effectively during critical incidents and emergency situations.

The department also thanked the Rapides Parish School Board and administrators at Lessie Moore Elementary School for allowing officers to use the facility for training.

Officials encouraged residents to help share the information to prevent unnecessary alarm within the community.

Louisiana Christian University has named Dr. Natalie Maxey the new Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Maxey was unanimously approved by the Board of Trustees and began her new position on May 19.

Maxey has served in a variety of roles at the university over the past decade, most recently as the interim dean for the Ray and Dorothy Young School of Business. From 2019-2024, she was the project director for the IDEA federal Title III grant that implemented initiatives developing new online programs, student support services and IT infrastructure on campus. 

Maxey earned her Ph.D. in chemical engineering in 2006 from Georgia Institute of Technology. She completed her B.S. in chemical engineering in 2000 at Louisiana Tech University.

She came to LCU in the fall of 2016 to form the pre-engineering program, which launched new degree programs and saw the renovation of classroom and lab space. 

“Over the last 10 years here, I have grown to love the students, faculty and staff at this institution, and I am deeply committed to our mission and role in the world of education,” Maxey said. “I’m excited to become VPAA. The VPAA’s role is both keeper of the academic flame and steward of the academic systems that sustain it.”

Maxey said she hopes to bring a love of knowledge and learning and an orientation toward process thinking to the role, to contribute toward an environment where everyone thrives in their educational and professional pursuits.

“My prayer is that, as an institution, we align ourselves with the tenets of our faith—loving God, loving our neighbors and making disciples of Jesus—while we deliver academic excellence,” she said. 

Before her work in academia, Maxey had an interesting and varied professional path. Initially, she was a stay-at-home mom. She has also been a pastor’s wife, while her husband Kirk served as a bi-vocational minister and engineer. 

She has also worked in her family’s formal garment manufacturing business, engineering wedding dresses out of camouflage. 

After that, Maxey worked in engineering as a design engineer at the GE Oil and Gas plant in Pineville.

Coming to LCU in 2016 was an answer to prayer, after GE announced it would close and relocate the plant to another part of the country. She and her husband both worked there as engineers.

“We grew up in this community, and both felt called to stay in the area,” Maxey said. “That spring, the previous president of LCU came to speak at my church, and I was asked at the last minute to join the group taking him out to lunch afterward. When the subject of the newly announced pre-engineering program came up, he asked me to consider applying, and it was quickly apparent that this was exactly what God had been preparing me for.

“I found teaching even more rewarding than I could have imagined, and I was so grateful for the opportunity to explore the science, engineering and math content areas that I loved from a Christ-honoring perspective.”

While her new role as VPAA will be quite a different experience from being in the classroom, she said her work implementing new systems and tools with many academic departments on campus and working closely with academic leadership across campus should make the transition easier.

“I hope to bring to the position a commitment to the academic mission, systems-oriented thinking,” she said, “and love for the people on our campus and in our community.”

LCU President Dr. Mark Johnson said Maxey understands the importance of helping the university engage with religious, business, political, and educational leaders and institutions in ways that remain academically relevant and workforce-minded, while firmly grounded in our Christian mission and values.

“Dr. Maxey brings a combination of intelligence, professionalism, leadership and heart to the role of VPAA,” Johnson said. “Her academic background and administrative experience provide a strong foundation for helping move us forward during an important season of growth and momentum. She is deeply committed to students, supportive of faculty and staff, and passionate about academic excellence within a Christ-centered environment. She balances high expectations with thoughtful leadership.

“I am grateful for her leadership, thankful for her partnership, and excited about the impact she will continue to have on our university community.”

Barbara June Canoe, age 75, passed away on May 24, 2026, in Dry Prong, Louisiana. She was born on May 29, 1950, in Alexandria, Louisiana.

A Memorial service will take place at 7:00p.m. on Thursday May 28, 2026, at Gallagher Funeral Home & Crematory. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until the service time.

Barbara worked for many years with the United States Post Office, where she faithfully served until her retirement. She was the typical loving and devoted mother, the kind of mother who cared deeply, gave generously, and always made sure her family was loved and taken care of.

Barbara had a fun, outgoing spirit and a caring heart. She loved dogs, especially miniature dachshunds, which she raised and bred with great affection. She also loved horses and enjoyed horseback riding. She enjoyed shooting pool, listening to classic country music, and cooking big meals for family and friends-always making sure no one left her home hungry. Above all, Barbara loved her grandchildren and treasured her role as a grandmother. She will be remembered for her giving nature, her lively personality, and the love she poured into her family.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brothers Pete Ussery and Wayne Morris.

Survivors include her sons: William Paul (Emily) Rabalais and Ricky Joseph Rabalais; her daughter: Kimberly Rabalais; sisters Denise Biscamp and Kathy Arceneaux; and her grandchildren Landon Rabalais and Hunter Richey.

Remembering on Memorial Day a note found in a Cokesbury Hymn Book decades ago:

“David and ——— sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g” it read, and I realized David Coker’s situation no different than mine — we each had three sisters and such teases were not uncommon.

The Butler siblings attended Trinity Methodist Church at Chester & Paris streets, as did David, Judy, Donnie Sue and Ginger.

David and I weren’t pals — he was a Boy Scout, quiet, respectful and really bright; I leaned in the opposite direction.

But we both had those sisters who sometimes aggravated us, other times encouraged us, and helped shape us.

Two years older, I lost track of David after leaving Bolton High and becoming less and less a regular at Trinity.  Our paths merged again in Spring 1971.

Cecil Williams, city editor, walked up to my desk, handed this then-green Town Talk reporter a piece of paper and said “see what you can get on this for today’s edition.”

The  paper was off the AP teletype and was a daily recap of identified Vietnam War casualties. Among those listed — Capt. David L. Coker Jr., 26, Alexandria, La. KIA . 

I told Cecil what I knew — David had three sisters, his father ”Lang” worked for the City of Alexandria —  and asked him to please use another reporter. He did and someone else reported, the only assignment I turned down in a long career.

Some of that story and some of what I learned later:

No draft for David, he volunteered for Army aviation duty in 1966 and was a few days from completing a second tour when his helicopter was shot down.

 He had volunteered to attempt rescue of another helicopter crew in Quang Tri Province.

During his time in country he had started a Scout unit for South Vietnamese boys as well as one in Australia.

Call sign “Charlie Horse,” David  was a rotary wing unit commander with the 5th Air Cavalry, 5th Infantry Division. 

His OH-58 Kiowa was one of 168 helicopters lost in a months-long operation against North Vietnamese Army infiltration from Laos.

According to the sequential listings on the Memorial Wall in Washington, a 23-year-old tail gunner sergeant from Michigan preceded David the same day, March 24, 1971, and a 21-year-old PFC from New Mexico came after David the same day.

The sergeant was confirmed killed but body never recovered; the reconnaissance private was killed by an explosive device. Both were listed as missing in action and are memorialized at a cemetery in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu.

David’s final resting place is a cemetery just down the road from my current home. His headstone includes “I am flying with God.”

Back to Cokesbury:

Somewhere in it is a hymn we often sang with a verse, as best I recall, “I shall wing my flight to worlds unknown, I shall align with Him on high.”

Fly, David, fly.