By JIM BUTLER

Some call it splitting hairs, others the letter of the law.

Either way Alexandria City Council President Cynthia Perry unleashed a maelstrom when she scotched an effort to override Mayor Jacques Roy’s GAEDA veto.

The council chambers had a number in attendance who apparently intended to speak for an override. It didn’t happen.

On the agenda was discussion of Roy’s veto message, a castigation that pulled no punches.

But City Clerk Donna Jones, an employee of the Council, said the message could not, under home rule charter provisions, be discussed, since it was neither proposed resolution nor ordinance.

Council members received the message on April 28, the clerk said. None took steps to put a veto action on the May 5 agenda.

Some say the responsibility is the clerk’s. 

The charter says:

“Ordinances vetoed by the mayor shall be submitted promptly to the city clerk who in turn shall submit them to the city council at the next regular meeting following receipt thereof.”

Alderman at-large Jules Green moved to add the matter to the agenda, which under state law requires a unanimous vote. After a second and Malcolm Larvadain’s yes, Perry voted no, ending the roll call , effectively sustaining the veto and letting the air out of the room. 

Roy subsequently commended Perry for her “courage and discernment” regarding a “vain and useless act” – the Council’s vote to rescind a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Greater Alexandria Economic Development Authority. 

Under council rules the matter cannot be addressed again for six months unless five members move to do so due to “substantive” changes. 

Reconsideration can only be moved for by a person on the prevailing side of the vote, presumably in this case that to add the veto to the agenda, and that only due to new information.

Moving on, the Council confirmed at-large member Jim Villard’s appointment of Brad Smith to the seven-seat GAEDA board, leaving it with one vacancy – Lizzie Felter’s District 4 choice. 

Earlier Tuesday the Authority apparently failed to have a quorum in its second attempt to hold a meeting scheduled for April. 

BATON ROUGE — Louisiana families may qualify for SUN Bucks, a summer grocery assistance program providing a one-time $120 benefit for each eligible school-aged child to help purchase food during the summer break.

The program applies to children ages 5 to 18 and is designed to assist families while school meal programs are unavailable during the summer months.

Most eligible children will automatically receive the benefit and do not need to apply. Automatic eligibility includes children born between Aug. 20, 2007, and July 1, 2020, who received SNAP, FITAP, KCSP or income-based Medicaid benefits at any time between July 1, 2025, and Aug. 20, 2026.

Children may also automatically qualify if they attend a school participating in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program and were approved individually for free or reduced-price meals.

Some families, however, will need to submit an application. This includes households with children attending Community Eligibility Provision schools where all students receive free meals but no meal application was completed. Families may also qualify based on household income even if they do not meet the automatic eligibility categories.

Applications for summer 2026 benefits will be accepted through Aug. 20, 2026. Approved applicants typically receive benefits within three weeks of approval.

Officials say SUN Bucks benefits will begin distribution in mid-May. Families already receiving SNAP or those who participated in SUN Bucks last summer will have benefits added to their existing EBT card. Other households will receive a preloaded EBT card by mail in a plain white envelope addressed to the child.

Families are encouraged to verify their mailing address information with Medicaid, FITAP, KCSP and their child’s school to avoid delays in receiving benefits.

SUN Bucks cards can be activated through the LifeInCheck app, by calling 888-997-1117 or online through the LifeInCheck EBT system. Cardholders will need the child’s Social Security information, birthdate and ZIP code to complete activation.

Officials also remind families to choose secure PIN numbers and avoid common patterns such as repeated or consecutive digits.

The Louisiana Department of Health is urging residents to prioritize water safety as summer approaches, reminding families that strong safety practices can help prevent drownings and serious water-related injuries, particularly among children.

The reminder comes as Gov. Jeff Landry has proclaimed May as Louisiana Children’s Trust Fund Swim Safety Month.

According to recent data compiled by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the fourth leading cause of injury-related deaths among children ages 0 to 14 in Louisiana.

LDH officials said most drownings are preventable and often happen quickly and quietly. Between 2022 and 2024, 55 children drowned in Louisiana, according to the LDH Office of Public Health. More than half of those children were unsupervised, and 42 percent drowned in water areas without proper protective barriers. Most incidents occurred in swimming pools.

An additional 54 children were hospitalized due to nonfatal drownings or near-drownings, which health officials say can lead to lifelong disabilities and permanent developmental impacts.

State health officials are encouraging parents and caregivers to actively supervise children whenever they are near water, keep young children within arm’s reach and never leave children unattended around pools, lakes or other bodies of water.

The department also recommends enrolling children in swim lessons at an early age, installing protective barriers and self-latching gates around pools, ensuring pools and spas have compliant drain covers and teaching children to avoid pool drains.

Officials say extra caution should be used in open water environments such as lakes and beaches, where conditions can include low visibility, changing depths, currents and underwater hazards.

Families are also encouraged to use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets during boating and water recreation activities, avoid alcohol while swimming or supervising children and learn CPR and basic rescue skills in case of emergencies.

Additional water safety information, swim lesson resources and CPR class information are available through the Louisiana Department of Health.

The City of Alexandria Government is inviting residents, business owners and community members to help shape the future of the Masonic Drive Corridor during an upcoming public open house.

The event will take place Tuesday, May 12, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the mall food court.

City officials say the open house is part of ongoing discussions focused on revitalization, future development and long-term growth along the corridor. Community members will have an opportunity to share ideas, ask questions and provide feedback on how the area can better serve residents, families and visitors.

Officials described the Masonic Drive Corridor as an area with significant potential for redevelopment and community improvement, adding that public input will play a key role in guiding future plans for the corridor.

The city is encouraging residents to attend and participate in the conversation about the future vision for the area.

Mrs. Linda Sue Gaspard, age 75 of Alexandria, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, May 4, 2026 surrounded by her loving family.

Born on July 5, 1950 in DeRidder, La., Linda was the daughter of Charles and Isabella Archer of Grand Coteau, La. She was a woman of many roles, gracefully balancing the demands of self-employment with the love and dedication she poured into her home. Above all, she was a proud and devoted mother of two, serving as a constant source of strength and resilience and encouragement. She will be remembered for her kind heart, selflessness and her special ability to make everyone feel cared for and valued. To all who knew her, she was simply “Maw-Maw”.

A graduate of Menard High School, Linda worked along side her husband in their family business. Together they owned and operated AAA Enterprises, where she repaired appliances for many years. She later helped run Linwell Used Cars, working closely with her sons. She was also very well known for being a Notary Public for over 33 years. Linda found joy in life’s simple pleasures, especially her love of making egg sandwiches for her babies, cross-stitching and hummingbirds. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched, particularly he children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, who will carry forward her love and lessons.

Linda is preceded in death by her parents, Charles Archer and Isabella Archer O’Tinger, and her brother, Charlie Archer.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 57 years, Ewell J. Gaspard, Jr., her sons, Ewell J. Gaspard, III (LeeAnn) , and Charles C. Gaspard (Rhonda), her grandchildren, Lakyn N. Bonnette (Clayton), Ewell J. Gaspard, IV, Christian D. Credeur, Ashlyn M. Credeur, Logan J. Gaspard, Emily A. Gaspard, Courtney E. Blazek, and Joshua M. Chandler. Also survived by 10 great grandchildren and many other “adopted” family members.

The family would like to extend a tremendous level of gratitude to Still Waters Hospice for the exceptional care, compassion, love and unwavering support provided to her and her family throughout her final days. Their kindness and dedication brought comfort and peace during a difficult time and will never be forgotten. Their compassion, willingness to go the extra mile and true dedication are what make Still Waters Hospice a truly exceptional provider od care and the elite of the hospice care world.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date for family and close friends.

Funeral arrangements have been placed in the care of Fall Creek Funeral Home, Pineville, Robbie Dauzat, Director.

Memorial services celebrating the life of Joseph Brian Dufour will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM in the chapel of Gallagher Funeral Home. A time of reflection will begin at 7:00 PM officiated by Rev. Lyndon Marcotte.

Mr. Dufour, age 67, of Pineville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Brian was a man of many talents, hobbies, and interests, but the role he treasured most in life was being a devoted husband, father, and Paw Paw.

After retiring from Siemens, he spent his days being surrounded by his family. His grandchildren were truly the light of his life, and there was nothing that brought him more happiness than hearing their laughter, sharing stories, and making memories with them alongside the love of his life, Dolly.

Whether he was lending a helping hand on a building project, settling in to watch one of his favorite movies, cheering for one of his many favorite sports teams, or listening to his wide-ranging taste of music, Brian’s ultimate happiness always came from the people he loved. His love for his family was unwavering, and the example he set through his kindness, loyalty, and compassion will continue to live as an example to those he leaves behind.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Clayton Dufour, Jr. and Dorothy Marie Dufour Boudreaux; brothers, Wendell Bruce Dufour and David Jerome Dufour; and sister, Anita Haynes.

Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife of 21 years, Mamie Dolly Dufour; son, Joshua Warren Frazier(Brookelyn); cherished grandchildren, Tristyn, Georgia, Waylon, and Lainey; sisters, Bobbie Denham(Orien)Marlene Wise(Michael), Belinda Marks, and Lillian Dufour. He also leaves behind many extended family members and dear friends who will miss him deeply.

By JIM BUTLER

A required audit report brings to mind the old maxim – if government was in charge of the Sahara there’d soon be a shortage of sand.

State law requires the Legislative Auditor Office to issue an annual report relative to improper payments, failure to comply with requirements and the like in totals of $150,000 or more.

In the year ending last June 30 auditors found:

• For the seventh consecutive year La. Department of Hospitals, managed care organizations and Magellan Health Services did not have adequate controls to ensure behavioral health services in Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program were properly billed and improper encounters denied, $15.8 million estimated loss;
• For the sixth consecutive year LDH had inadequate controls over eligibility determinations for Medicaid and CHIP, $423,000; For the fifth consecutive year, LDH had inaccurate reporting for Medical Vendor payments, $30.1 million to $111.5 million, give or take;
• For the second consecutive year, exceeded Disproportionate Share Hospital limit, $2.1 million;
• First year, LDH and Office of Behavioral Health exceeded certain earmarking requirements, $341,000; OBH didn’t comply with certain federal reporting requirements, $23.5 million.

Members of the Kiwanis Club of Alexandria recently heard a presentation from James A. Monroe of the Louisiana Department of Health Office of Public Health Engineering Services, Region 6 in Alexandria.

During the meeting, Monroe discussed water filtration systems and the treatment process used by regional water systems, including Water Works District 3 at Camp Livingston and surrounding areas.

Attendees learned about how drinking water is treated, tested and monitored to ensure it is safe for public use, along with additional information regarding local water infrastructure and operations.

The presentation was hosted by Tommy Joe Phillips as part of the club’s May programming.

• Outstanding Staff Service recognizes a staff member who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to supporting students – Jennifer Parish, Assistant Director of Advising.
  
  
• Life-Changing Class recognizes an educator whose class has fundamentally altered a student’s academic, professional, or life goals – Jacob Whitmore, Assistant Professor of Business.

• Teaching Innovation Award – Cole Franklin, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Communication Studies, honored for his work with the Speaking Center.
  
  
• Teaching Innovation Grant – Purujit “PJ” Gurjar, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Chemistry, honored for his work on 3D printing chemical bonds and processes.

Pafford Emergency Medical Services has announced a new advancement in emergency care for Central Louisiana, with crews now carrying blood products in the field for trauma and medical emergencies.

The service began Wednesday as part of the company’s Central Louisiana operations, including Rapides Parish. Officials say the addition will allow paramedics to begin critical treatment before patients arrive at a hospital, potentially improving survival chances during severe trauma incidents and other emergencies involving major blood loss.

EMS leaders say having blood available in ambulances represents a significant step forward in prehospital care, allowing for faster intervention and more advanced treatment during transport.

The initiative was made possible through coordination among medical personnel and emergency response teams within the organization. Officials say they expect the program to improve patient outcomes and expand the level of emergency care available across the region.

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

May 6

Eliza Joy Hernandez, 36, Pineville – three counts contempt of court, $3,500 bail;

Therreon L’Cole Johnson, 25, Alexandria – OWI first offense, child desertion, $1,500 bail;

Nakeita L. Williams, 37, Alexandria – aggravated second degree battery, contempt of court, $52,500 bail.

May 5

Carlos Anderson, 49, Baton Rouge – possession of synthetic cannabinoid, taking contraband to and from penal institutions, $7,500 bail;

RLisha Darnae Andrews, 33, Ball – three counts contempt of court, $50,500 bail;

Gatlin Z. Bergeron, 17, Pineville – second degree rape, no bail data;

Shawn Michael Butter, 18, Deville – first degree rape, indecent behavior with juveniles, no bail data;

Shaunda Yalanda Delcour, 44, Pineville – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, parole violations, $2,000 bail;

Joseph Charles Ferrier, 30, Pineville – aggravated second degree battery, aggravated assault with a firearm, $150,000 bail;

Devonna Antionette Hampton, 34, Alexandria – possession of CDS, criminal trespass, $500 bail;

Roderick Louis Lawson, 55, Alexandria – possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, brake lamp, modified exhaust, $2,200 bail;

Ciara Brooke Marquardt, 30, Lecompte – possession of CDS, parole violations, $5,000 bail;

Dameon Dashawn Mayes, 24, Ciadlia – aggravated assault with a firearm, Louisiana fugitive, $100,000 bail;

Anthony Jerome Mitchell Jr, 32, Boyce – home invasion, parole violations, $5,000 bail;

Travis Glenn Rush, 34, Alexandria – remaining after forbidden, 10 counts contempt of court, $42,500 bail;

Jessica Lynn Simmons, 38, Pineville – theft, three counts contempt of court, $8,500 bail;

Bruce E. Snyder, 46, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, simple assault, resisting an officer, $3,000 bail;

Anthony Thurmon Jr., 40, Alexandria – two counts producing manufacturing distributing CDS, two counts obstruction of justice, illegal carry firearms with drugs, $130,000 bail;

Bryan Anthony Waldron, 37, Pineville – driving under suspension, possession of drug paraphernalia, no license plate light, two counts contempt of court, $6,200 bail;

Angie Tennille Wester, 49, Alexandria —  two counts possession of CDS, paraphernalia, $3,500 bail.

May 4

Jerome Blue Jr., 21, Alexandria – battery of a dating partner, $5,000 bail;

Lucas Glenn Clifton, 19, Mora – OWI first offense, speeding, $1,100 bail;

Xzaveyion Deshawn Ford, 23, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery strangulation, $20,000 bail;

David Gregory Gravel, 40, Alexandria – OWI third offense, running a red light, $1,100 bail;

Ryan Guillory, 42, Pineville – cruelty to the infirmed, $3,000 bail;

Jerrelle Carron Hardy, 47, Alexandria – possession of stolen property, $1,000 bail;

Jazmine Nicole Humphrey, 24, Alexandria – OWI first offense, open container, careless operation of a vehicle, contempt of court, $3,200 bail;

Glenn Joseph Laborde Sr., 66, Pineville – domestic abuse battery, $3,000 bail;

John Stephan Lasyone, 34, Alexandria – criminal damage to property, simple burglary, criminal trespass, $30,500 bail;

Lawton Lee Minnieweather, 44, Bastrop – producing manufacturing distributing CDS with intent, no bail data;

Taren Sapp, 29, Winnfield – OWI first offense, speeding, open container, $1,200 bail;

Kerry Jean Sonnier, 48, Pineville – possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, failure to secure registration, driving under suspension, $2,700 bail;

Arielle Rikon Washington, 27, Alexandria – taking contraband to and from penal institutions, no bail data.

May 3

Robert Wayne Brossett Jr., 22, Alexandria – aggravated battery, $5,000 bail;

Gary Dewayne Gonzales Jr., 51, Pineville – battery of a dating partner, Louisiana fugitive, $2,500 bail;

Jason Dewayne Johnson, 46, Pineville – three counts simple battery, $1,500 bail;

Fernando Moncella Lee Jr., 29, Alexandria – aggravated assault with a firearm, $5,000 bail;

Dantaveas Diante Lindsey, 32, Alexandria – three counts contempt of court, $15,000 bail;

Jerry McCauley Phillips II, 60, Alexandria – aggravated second degree battery, $5,000 bail;

Chalvez Jamal Pinkston, 41, Alexandria – possession of fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, theft, six counts contempt of court, $26,000 bail.

Jerry Smith, age 86, entered eternal rest on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at his home in Dry Prong, surrounded by his loving family.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Gallagher Funeral Home from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Jerry Smith passed away leaving a legacy of hard work, dedication, and a humor all his own. He served his community faithfully for 25 years with the Grant Parish Sheriff Office. In addition to his law enforcement career, Jerry spend over 30 years as a paint contractor, taking his skills across several states.

He found joy in the simple things in life, especially in the time spent with his animals and riding on the lawnmower. Jerry was a longtime member of Hudson Creek Baptist Church, where he remained connected to his faith and friends.

Above all, Jerry will be remembered for his unmistakable sense of humor – often a little inappropriate, but always unforgettable. His humor brough laughter to those around him and was sure to lighten any occasion. He will forever be missed by those that loved and knew him.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Andrea “Andie” Smith; parents, Herbert “Sam” Smith and Evie Coleman Smith; siblings, Lavelle Smith, Lucille McCullough, and Gloria “Chippie” Peterson; and great granddaughter, Alina Ezzo.

Those left to cherish his memory include his daughters, Hollandia “Holie” Embling (Tommy) and Shannon Monroe (Dwayne); blessed with one son sent to her by God, Greg White (Robin); sister, Edwina Roberts (David); brother in law, Warren Bud McLaren; sister in law, Sharon McLaren Straub (Gary); grandchildren, Tonya, Chrysta, Adrienne, Forrest, Danae, Katie, and Jessie; great grandchildren, Arianah, Carsyn, Leia, and Chloe; and numerous friends.

Bradley McCartney, age 52 of Jonesville passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loved ones.

Bradley was a beloved spouse, father, grandfather, son and friend. He graduated from Block High School. He worked in the oil field most of his career but being a truck driver for Womack Construction was what he dearly loved. He also had a passion for cooking and he loved posting photos to his Facebook to show off his delicious dishes. He loved a good fishing trip with his friends and the fish fry that followed. Bradley’s heart belonged to his three grandsons and they could always bring out the biggest smiles. He enjoyed taking them fishing, to the park and just loving on them at home.

Bradley was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth (Katfish) and Elaine McCartney, his twin brother, Brady McCartney, his sister, Cynthia McCartney, his Paternal grandparents, James (Jim) and Frances McCartney and his Maternal grandparents, Samuel and Viola Bordelon.

Those left to cherish his memory are his fiancé, Rhonda Welch, his daughters, Sunny McCartney, Maddie Higginbotham, Shelby Ford, his grandsons, Landry McCartney, Korbyn Vidrine, Mason Vidrine, his siblings, Debra Gillen (Jim), Kimberly Lindsey, Chad Hulsey (Bett), Tamyra McCartney (Brian Burleson), Brandon McCartney and his stepmother, Cheryl McCartney.

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

A private family memorial will be held at a later date.

By JIM BUTLER

Rapides Senators Heather Cloud and Alan Seabaugh raised about $205,000 each in campaign funds last year; Jay Luneau and Glen Womack much less.

Seabaugh, elected senator in 2023 after three terms in the House, is running this year for district attorney in Caddo Parish (Shreveport), a portion of which is in his meandering Senate District 31, a campaign he announced in October. He does not have to relinquish his Senate seat to run.

He collected $205,800 during the year and loaned his campaign an additional $100,000.

The senator, chair of the Labor and Industrial Relations Committee, spent $28,000. Including $123,000 on hand at the year’s start he had $401,000 on Dec. 31, according to his recently filed 2025 report.

Candidates, incumbents  or otherwise, are no longer required to list total contributions by Political Action Committees, a  legislative decision.

Seabaugh had no Rapides contributions of more than $1,000.

Cloud, District 28 and vice chair of Finance, raised $205,500 and had about $5,000 in prior-year adjustments, taking fund revenue to about $210,500.

She spent about $121,500.

Beginning 2025 with about $105,000 on hand, the fund reached year’s end with a balance of almost $194,000.

Rapides contributors included Shelton Energy Solutions and The Tower of Alexandria, $6,000; Martin Sustainable Resources, $3,500; Petron, $3,000; Michael Crowell, Diamond B Construction and Pan American Engineers, $2,500.

Progressive Merchants of New Iberia contributed $10,000.

Also contributing $6,000 were Allegiance Health Management, Harvey Gulf International Marine, RMB Property Shreveport, Greg Mosing of Broussard, River Birch Avondale, Talitrix of Alpharetta, GA and WSO Family Investments of Lafayette.

Cloud’s largest cumulative expense was $22,400 to David Allen, Woodworth, for campaign consulting.

Womack, District 32, received $96,000 and spent $72,000. Including previous year balance his fund closed the year at about $146,500.

The second-term senator is chair of Finance and vice chair of the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget.

Contributors included Lifemark PAC Baton Rouge and Reggie McDaniel Jr., Columbia, $5,000; Davita, FedWay, WA, $4,000; AmeriHealth Caritas Services, $3,000; Cornerstone Government Affairs, Washington, DC, $2,500.

The term-limited Luneau, District 29, took in $30,000, including prior-year adjustments. He spent about $59,000 and had a fund balance of about $150,000 at year’s end.

Contributors included Sports Betting Alliance, $5,000, and La. Beverage Association, $2,500.

Expenses included Last Word Strategies consulting and marketing, $10,100; Coastal Conservation Association and Paradise Lake and Land, $4,000 each.

The Rapides Parish School Board approved the distribution of excess 1967 and 1987 sales tax funds during its meeting Tuesday.

According to the announcement, employees in positions requiring a degree will receive an estimated gross distribution of $9,110, while those in positions not requiring a degree will receive an estimated $4,555.

Officials say the payments are scheduled to be issued May 22, and will be delivered through direct deposit.

The distribution reflects excess revenues collected from longstanding parish sales taxes and is allocated among eligible school system employees.

A midweek round of showers and thunderstorms is expected to bring unsettled conditions to the area, followed by a brief cooldown and a gradual return to warmer, drier weather into the weekend and early next week.

Rain chances begin to increase Wednesday, with a slight chance of storms in the morning becoming more likely by the afternoon. Skies will turn partly sunny at times, with highs reaching the mid 80s and gusty south winds developing throughout the day. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue into Wednesday night, with lows falling into the mid 60s as winds shift and cooler air begins moving in.

Thursday will bring noticeably cooler temperatures, with highs in the lower 70s under mostly cloudy skies. Scattered showers and thunderstorms remain possible throughout the day and into Thursday night, with overnight lows dipping into the upper 50s.

Cloudy conditions and continued rain chances persist into Friday and Friday night, with highs in the mid 70s and lows in the lower 60s. While widespread severe weather is not indicated, periods of showers and thunderstorms may impact outdoor plans.

Conditions begin to improve Saturday, with morning clouds giving way to more sunshine by the afternoon. Highs will reach the lower 80s, though isolated showers and thunderstorms remain possible.

By Sunday, warmer and drier weather takes hold, with partly cloudy skies and highs climbing into the upper 80s. Rain chances remain low during the day before increasing slightly Sunday night as another round of showers and thunderstorms becomes possible.

The start of the new week will bring a mix of sun and clouds. Monday is expected to be partly sunny with highs in the lower 80s, followed by mostly clear and cooler conditions Monday night. Tuesday continues the trend of stable weather, with mostly clear skies and highs remaining in the lower 80s.

See Rapides Parish on page 17.

Is there a phrase more terrifying to the modern grocery shopper than “UNEXPECTED ITEM IN BAGGING AREA”? (Except, perhaps, “ITEM REMOVED FROM BAGGING AREA.”) 

We’ve all been there: The panicked fumble, the furious (yet ultimately futile) pressing of the “clear error” button, the desperate eye-contact with the one store employee who is now also side-eyeing your entire existence. The worst part? The machine never understands your motivation. It doesn’t know about the snack craving, the mid-afternoon energy slump, or the urgent need for specifically this kind of chip. It only knows that something isn’t “registered” and now you’re the unexpected item.

Just… just give me the snacks, you heartless electronic demon.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will host a public meeting later this month to discuss ongoing management activities at Iatt Lake, with a focus on aquatic vegetation control and future conservation efforts.

The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 6 p.m. and will take place at the LDWF Regional Office, located at 1995 Shreveport Highway in Pineville.

According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Inland Fisheries staff will review past and current management strategies before opening the floor for public questions and feedback.

Officials say the discussion will center on maintaining the lake’s health, improving habitat conditions, and addressing vegetation growth that can impact fishing, boating, and recreational use.

Residents, anglers, and others interested in the lake’s long-term conservation and management are encouraged to attend.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) reminds the public that increased water temperatures, storms, and extended cloudy weather can lead to fish kills in inland and nearshore waters across the state. These events are typically caused by low dissolved oxygen (hypoxia), which often occurs in warm water, since it has a lower carrying capacity for oxygen than cooler water.  Conditions such as stagnant water, heavy rainfall, decaying vegetation, or increased nutrient runoff contribute to hypoxic conditions—especially in shallow bayous, marshes, and ponds.

Fish kills may affect certain species or sizes more than others. For example, shad are sensitive to hypoxia, and are often the first or only fish that experience a fish kill, while some species, like gar, can breathe air and are resistant to hypoxic conditions. Other species have varying levels of tolerance to hypoxic conditions. 

While fish kills can temporarily impact recreational and commercial fishing, aquatic ecosystems in Louisiana are resilient and typically recover naturally. Even in large fish kills, some fish will find refuge from hypoxic conditions in the affected waterbody or connected waterbodies and survive. Scavengers and decomposers help break down fish remains, and most systems recover over time. If conditions remain favorable, fish populations often rebound after major kills within one to two years without the need for stocking, and young fish benefit from reduced competition and increased resources. However, fish kills caused by pollution or chemical spills can occur at any time and may require additional response.

Documenting fish kills in Louisiana, whether caused by natural or human-caused events, is important to responsibly manage fisheries resources. Please report any observed fish kill to LDWF so biologists can investigate and document the kill as soon as possible. For information on how to report a fish kill or more information about the causes of fish kills, go online to wlf.louisiana.gov/page/fish-kills.

I was always told as a kid growing up that you are judged by the company you keep. In other words, it’s important that you choose your friends wisely. This is also important when it comes to tournament bass fishing.

In each tournament, especially multi-day events, it’s important to have the right guys in the house you’re staying in. Guys that you trust and have the same moral and ethical values as yourself. Anglers that will come to your rescue on and off the lake if you have a problem.

Over the years I have fished all over the South and I have chosen who I travel with very carefully. There are several traits that make good roommates on the road. First and foremost, you have to trust the people you’re sharing a house with. I’m not talking about stealing or tearing the place up, but a person who when he says something, you can trust he’s telling the truth. 

Some guys like to share information, but you must be careful and proceed with caution with the info you receive — even from the guys you’re staying with. There are anglers that will lead you astray and send you down a rabbit hole just to eliminate you from being in contention. 

Understand this, bass fishermen are a different breed of people and love nothing more than winning. Oh, we all hope everyone in the house does well, but rest assured, each one of us wants to win!

The next trait I’m looking for in a good roommate on the road is attitude. Nothing is worse than having a guy in the house that has a poor attitude or rubs people the wrong way. It can make for a very long week of fishing when there’s one guy who the rest of the house can’t stand.

There are some guys that are always negative and like to drag others down with them. Fortunately for me, I’ve never had that experience before. But that’s because I choose the guys I’m traveling with very carefully. 

The final thing that is very important in a good housemate is if he is financially stable. This can be a problem if one guy can’t pull his weight and pony up the money necessary to take care his share of house expenses. 

I’ve always said, “If you can’t afford the expenses involved in tournament fishing like house rent, food, boat gas, entry fees, insurance etc., then you don’t need to be fishing tournaments!”  

No one, and I mean no one, has been as fortunate as I have when it comes to great housemates on the road. I have never encountered one angler who I would  later think, “He’ll never stay with me again!” 

For the last 10 years the guys who have been a part of our road crew are Brett Hortman, Walt Stevens, Adrian James, Brennan Flick and Cole Garrett. These guys are as good as gold and guys that I have nothing but great respect for. Not one time have we had an issue with anyone in the house. I’ve also had the privilege of staying with Albert Collins and Clayton Boulware, who are both great anglers but even better people. 

We’ve all had some great tournaments and some that weren’t so good. But the one thing I always knew, I could trust each and every one of them no matter what. Whether it was fixing a flat tire or making repairs on our boats, I could always count on these guys.

I always felt that if one of us was in contention to win, the rest of the house would help in any way we could. Finding guys like these is hard today with so many anglers fishing selfishly. 

To wrap this up, if you’re a young angler and getting into tournament bass fishing, choose who you travel with wisely. It will give great peace of mind knowing that if you have a problem, one of your guys will go out of their way to help you. 

Funeral services for Mrs. Mildred Coleman Brinkley will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at St. Clair Baptist Church, Boyce, with Reverend Randy Ellis officiating. Interment will follow in St. Clair Cemetery, Boyce, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

Mrs. Brinkley, 81, of Boyce, entered eternal rest on Saturday, May 2, 2026, in her residence surrounded by her loving family.

Mildred Brinkley was a lifelong member of St. Clair Baptist Church. She had been married to the love of her life, LC Brinkley, for forty-five years. Normally where you saw one, you saw the other. She loved the outdoors, especially watching birds, hummingbirds, and butterflies. Her pride was her girls (her chickens). She loved cooking and going to graveyard workings with her mother. She was a very loving daughter, spending much of her later life caring for her parents and spending time with them. She had many family members and friends that she loved to spend time with. She also loved and adored her sons and grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dewitt and Eunice Coleman; and her sisters, Irene Perkins and Elaine “Bug” Ferguson.

Those left to mourn her loss and cherish her memory include her loving husband of forty-five years, LC Brinkley of Boyce; three sons, Travis Jowers (Leisha), John Jowers (NGOC), and Greg Jowers (Vickie); four stepchildren, Tammy Brinkley, Rhonda Costello (Dave), Landon Brinkley, and Samantha Brinkley; twenty-one grandchildren; twenty-nine great grandchildren; and two sisters, Vivian Long and Patricia Terrell.

Pallbearers honored to serve are: John Jowers, Greg Jowers, Andrew Jowers, Bubba Jowers, Dustin Melcon, and Johnny McDaniels. Honorary pallbearers will be Travis Jowers and Buck Turner.

The family would like to thank Cabrini Hospice and her church family and friends for their many prayers, food, and all the special support and assistance given.