The Rapides Parish School Board announces the reconfiguration of Lessie Moore Elementary School and Pineville Elementary School to serve students in Pre-K through sixth grade. The Board approved the reconfiguration last fall and the subsequent rezoning at its February meeting held earlier this week.

For the 2026-2027 school year, Lessie Moore Elementary will transition to a Pre-K-6th grade campus, and Pineville Elementary will also transition to a Pre-K-6th grade campus.

Transportation will be provided to all students.

Educational research consistently demonstrates that keeping students on the same campus throughout their elementary years produces significant benefits. Studies show children perform at higher levels when there is continuity of instruction, particularly in elementary school, according to research from MIT Press1. By limited school transitions in the elementary grades, our students will have more consistent opportunities for academic, co-curricular, and extracurricular success.

This reconfiguration also helps the district better monitor academic performance and provide learning interventions earlier.

“This reconfiguration creates the kind of campus continuity that benefits students academically and socially,” said Superintendent Jeff Powell. “Administrators and teachers will be able to more closely monitor progress and will have an opportunity to build strong relationships with students and families that will also lead to a strong school culture over the course of a student’s elementary journey.”

Additional information about the reconfigurations will be shared directly with families in the coming months.

A group of Louisiana Christian University students visited New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary on Jan. 23, accompanied by Heather Johnson, wife of LCU President Dr. Mark Johnson, and KB Thomas, director of Student Life.

Johnson said the purpose of the trip was to introduce young women to the opportunities in Christian ministry available to them post-graduation in the state. They attended the Women’s Auxiliary luncheon and toured both NOBTS and the on-campus Museum of the Bible and Archeology.

“We want to create opportunities for women who feel called to serve in ministry to process that call through experiences that allow them to see how women are currently serving,” she said.

Students who participated were Melanie Dugas, Mari Manning, Bella McClendon, Abigail Melton, Riley Nickens, Gracie Sonnier and Jeri Vige.

The Women’s Auxiliary is an organization that generates funds for women pursuing theological education.

Johnson served as the keynote speaker for the Women’s Auxiliary luncheon and spoke on “God’s Call, Our Yes,” encouraging students and community members to answer that call and invest in theological education for women. A group of NOBTS students also spoke of their experiences in seminary.

Johnson is an alumna of NOBTS, having earned her Master of Arts in Christian Education, a Master of Theology and a graduate certification in Biblical Studies. She is currently working on a Ph.D. in Christian Education. LCU President Dr. Mark Johnson is also an alumnus of NOBTS, completing his Doctor of Ministry in 2018.

“I wanted our students, especially our young women, to see the opportunities,” Heather Johnson said. “We have so many women serving in so many ways. We really want to make sure our students are aware of the opportunities for graduate degrees and want them to continue to make those connections.”

Thomas said the trip was a wonderful opportunity for her to get to know female students who are feeling a call on their lives.

Vige, a sophomore who is double-majoring in applied biology and Christian studies, said she was encouraged by the Women’s Auxiliary to see women who are NOBTS alumnae, professors’ wives, and others who come together to support future generations of women in ministry.

A highlight of the trip was the visit to the NOBTS Museum of the Bible and Archeology, which includes numerous ancient biblical artifacts. Amy Williams, director of the museum, led the tour and gave the group detailed information regarding the archeological artifacts in the collection.

“It was an unexpected, neat part of the trip,” Thomas said.

To think that the first English translation of the Bible was 500 years ago is something Thomas said she has taken for granted.

“People were persecuted and died for translating the Bible into different languages, and now we can see it on our phones,” Vige said. “How can you doubt God’s faithfulness when you see that?”

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dennis Dinnat on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the age of 88. He was born on February 3, 1938, Dennis or as many affectionally referred to him as “Doody” touched the lives of many throughout his remarkable journey, leaving behind cherished memories for family and friends.

Memorial services for Doody will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at Calvary Baptist Church, Alexandria with Reverend Gene Ortis and Dr. B. David Brooks officiating.

Pallbearers will be Patrick Bryan, Will Dinnat, Jesse Dinnat, Sam Dinnat, Dub Dinnat, and Craig Campo.

The family requests that visitation be observed Wednesday at the church from 12:00 p.m. until time of service.

Doody was often regarded for his friendly demeanor, quirkiness, and unique sense of humor. He was an avid golfer, sportsman, often found on the greens on a lake or in a duck blind.

For many years, Doody proudly served as the voice of the Trojans, bringing energy and enthusiasm to the games that endeared him to sports fans. He was also a beloved member of Calvary Baptist Church, sharing his faith with those around him and contributing to his community in meaningful ways. His family’s roots in the area run deep, as his family owned and operated the original M. Dinnat’s Sanitary Steam Bakery, a beloved local establishment.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Dennis M. Dinnat, Sr. and Louise Harang Dinnat; brother, Louis H. Dinnat; sisters, Virginia D. DeTournillion, and Marcelle D. Campo.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 63 years, Janice Holland Dinnat; sons, Marc Dinnat (Angie), and Joel Dinnat (Lori); daughters, Jennifer Peach (Tom), and Julie Simpson (Michael); grandchildren, Patrick Bryan (Jacie), Will Dinnat (Rachel Berthiaume), Sydney Bryan, Jesse Dinnat (Sophie Wall), Sam Dinnat (Lauren), Abbey Peach, Camille Dinnat (Nick Parker), and Macy Simpson; great grandson, James Dinnat; numerous other family and friends, and beloved cats, Bandit and Nora.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Food Bank of Central Louisiana, Back Pack Program.

Funeral services for Ms. Helen Carraway Layssard, age 92, of Pineville, LA formerly of Springhill, LA will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at Central Baptist Church, Springhill, LA, with Rev. Terry Hughes officiating. Interment will follow in Springhill Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, LA.

Visitation will be held Monday, February 9, 2026, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Bailey Funeral Home.

Ms. Layssard was born on April 19, 1933 to Jentry Tee and Katie Maude Thompson Carraway in Sarepta, LA and passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026 in Pineville, LA. She was a lifelong resident of this area and a faithful member of Central Baptist Church. She was a long-time director of the WMU and Sunday School, leader in Church Training, member of the choir, prompter for all of the drama productions, leader of Sunbeams, GA’s, Triple L Club, and was a teacher in the CDC for several years. She worked at Nicks Shoe Store and volunteered at the local hospital and elementary school for many years. In her later years she moved to Minden, LA, and became a resident of Savannah Court Assisted Living where she led a daily Bible study for the residents. When her health declined, she moved to Hilltop Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Pineville, LA. Helen enjoyed reading, and often read one book per day. She loved cooking, solving word searches, putting together puzzles, and keeping up with her family and friends on Facebook. Residents of the nursing home referred to her as an Angel on Earth. She will be remembered as a loving sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend.

She is survived by her daughter, Teresa (Tim) Thomason of Alexandria, LA; three sons, Jamey (Janey) Layssard of Alice, TX, Eric (Patricia) Layssard of Taylor, AR, Chris (Resmie) Layssard of Noble, LA; four sisters, Murriel Staton of Haughton, LA, Shirley Kreid of Haughton, LA, Peggy Adkins of Sarepta, LA, Quinnie Martin of Princeton, LA; eight grandchildren, Jentry (Misti) Thomason, Jody (Amber) Thomason, Jennifer Thomason, Joy (Jamie) Rister, Jill (Michael) Abernathy, Jessica (Brian) Gibson, Morgan (Colt) Colvin, Scott Layssard; ten great-grandchildren, Jonah Thomason, Elizabeth Thomason, Cara Thomason, Kate Abernathy, Alexander Abernathy, William Abernathy, Sarah Gibson, James Rister, Jennifer Rister, Julie Rister; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Ms. Layssard was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, James W. Carraway, John Carraway, Ben Carraway; and sister, Irma Staton.

Pallbearers will be Jamey Layssard, Eric Layssard, Chris Layssard, Jentry Thomason, Jody Thomason, and Scott Layssard.  Honorary pallbearers will be Jonah Thomason and Tim Thomason.

The family wishes to express appreciation to the staff at Hilltop Nursing Home and Guardian Hospice for their compassion and care.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Central Baptist Church Missions, the church Building Fund or the charity of your choice.

A cease and desist order on outdoor burning has been issued parishwide due to extremely dry conditions and an increase in grass fires, according to Rapides Parish Police Jury President.

The order, dated Feb. 6, 2026, prohibits all private outdoor burning unless permission is granted by the local fire department. The directive took effect immediately and will remain in place until it is officially rescinded.

The burn ban does not apply to prescribed burns conducted by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, individuals trained and certified by the department, or those conducting prescribed burning as a generally accepted agricultural practice under the Louisiana Right to Farm Law (R.S. 3:3601 et seq.).

Parish officials urge residents to follow the order to help protect life and property during the current dry conditions.

A fugitive wanted in Ohio for multiple sex crime charges involving young children has been arrested in Rapides Parish after nearly eight years on the run.

According to initial information, the RPSO Special Victims Unit was following up on a complaint of a domestic violence incident that occurred in the Glenmora area last week. When Patrol Deputies arrived on the initial call, the suspect had already left the area and was unable to be located. The incident was turned over to the Special Victims Unit which investigates crimes of domestic violence

During their follow-up investigation, SVU Detectives picked up on several inconsistencies to the identity of the alleged suspect, then identified as Benjamin Moore.

After suspecting the man they encountered may have been a wanted fugitive, SVU Detectives contacted the United States Marshals Service Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force to share their information.

Through their investigation, and with the assistance of the newly formed RPSO Investigative Support Unit, Detectives were able to positively identify the person as Daniel J. Bohatch, 40, of Ohio. The United States Marshals Service-Western District LA Fugitive Task Force, also assisted in the arrest of Bohatch as he had been on their most wanted list since 2018. Investigators in Ohio allege Bohatch committed the sexual offenses against multiple victims younger than 10 and 13 years old between November 2010 and November 2013.

Statement from Sheriff William R. Niemi, Ashtabula County, Ohio –
“This has been an ongoing case for almost eight years, and we appreciate the efforts from the U.S. Marshals Service, the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office and everyone involved in the identification and apprehension of Daniel Bohatch,”

Statement from U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott, Norther District of Ohio –
“We have been after this violent sexual predator for many years. I commend the outstanding work by the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office to help crack this cold case, the Western District of Louisiana Monroe Fugitive Task Force for their quick response to apprehend this fugitive, and our newly formed US Marshals led SPEAR Unit investigators for their work to locate this violent sexual offender who has been on the run for nearly a decade,” Elliott stated. “This is the second cold case fugitive our SPEAR Unit has arrested this week alone and they will continue to pursue those wanted no matter how long or how far they run.”

Bohatch was taken into custody without incident, arrested and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center where he remains awaiting extradition back to Ohio.

“Through our continued cooperation with our federal partners, a dangerous sexual predator has been taken out of our community and will be returned to Ohio to face justice” said Sheriff Mark Wood. “We are so proud of the efforts of our Special Victims Unit and our Investigative Support Unit for their hard work in identifying and apprehending this suspect. Working together is key to keeping our citizens safe.”

“ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW OR ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION.”

Arrestee: Daniel J. Bohatch, 40
Ashtabula County Ohio

Charges: Ohio Fugitive warrants
6 counts rape
3 counts of gross sexual imposition
1 count sexual battery

Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA) has set another all-time enrollment record, welcoming 7,728 students for the Spring 2026 semester, an 11.9% increase over Spring 2025. This milestone marks the highest official enrollment in the university’s history and further extends LSUA’s multi-year pattern of sustained growth.

The Spring 2026 increase places LSUA in clear contrast to national higher education trends. According to the National Student Clearinghouse, total U.S. postsecondary enrollment rose by approximately 2% nationwide, while most four-year institutions experienced their customary enrollment declines between the fall and spring semesters. LSUA not only avoided that decline but also posted spring-over-fall growth for the third consecutive year, contributing to its position as one of the fastest-growing undergraduate institutions in the country.

Enrollment growth at LSUA continues to be fueled by strong demand for flexible learning options. Online enrollment climbed to 4,801 students, a 20.5% increase in one year, reflecting strong demand for flexible, career-aligned degree pathways. Over the same period, on-campus enrollment grew by 10.4%, underscoring the strength of LSUA’s campus experience, expanding facilities, and comprehensive student support services.

Students enrolled at LSUA, both online and on campus, represent all 64 Louisiana parishes, all 50 states, and 28 countries, evidencing the university’s expanding reach as an accessible, high-quality public institution serving learners at every stage.

The Pineville Police Department has issued a traffic advisory ahead of the Night of Lights Mardi Gras Parade scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 6.

Main Street will be closed to traffic beginning at 6:30 p.m. to allow for parade setup and public safety measures. The parade is set to begin at 7:00 p.m.

According to police, the parade route will start on Main Street near Hardtner Street and conclude at the entrance to Louisiana Christian University.

Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, use alternate routes, and expect traffic delays in the area during the event. Pineville Police thanked the public for their patience and cooperation as officers work to ensure a safe and enjoyable parade for participants and spectators.

The Alexandria Lions Club combined community service and education during its Feb. 3 meeting, assisting with a stuffed animal donation drive for children affected by residential fires while also welcoming a guest speaker from LSUA.

Club members helped the Alexandria Lions Club Branch collect stuffed animals to be donated to the Alexandria Fire Department District 2. The items will be distributed to children who have experienced the loss of their homes due to fires.

The meeting also featured an informative presentation by Brittany Soden, director of the LSUA SPERO Program. Soden was joined by a student scheduled to graduate from the program this year, who shared her personal success story.

The LSUA SPERO Program supports students with intellectual and developmental disabilities by helping them gain independence and participate in a true on-campus college experience.

The Lions Club emphasized its continued commitment to service projects that support both immediate community needs and long-term educational opportunities.

Kenneth Wayne Peters, age 83, of West Monroe, Louisiana, passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at CHI St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He was born on Wednesday, October 21, 1942 to James Leon Peters and Amy Louise Hosea Peters in Pineville, Louisiana.

Kenneth was a quiet and steady man who cared deeply for his faith and his family, which were always the most important parts of his life. He was a faithful member of Loch Arbor Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher and sang in a quartet. He loved history and found real peace canoeing on the Buffalo River. For more than 30 years he worked as a meat cutter at Leggitt Grocery alongside his father in law Otis Leggitt. He enjoyed Gospel and Country music and took simple pleasure in fishing for blue gill, sharing family cookouts, and drinking black coffee.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Patricia Peters; three brothers, Jimmy Peters, Charles Peters, and Shelby Peters.

Kenneth is survived by his sons and daughters in law, Randy and Shannon Peters of West Monroe, Louisiana, Gary and Tracey Peters of Corpus Christi, Texas, Mark and Jaime Peters of Cove; ten grandchildren, Lacey Peters, Lauren Peters, Blake Peters, Brad Peters, Kayln Peters, Kody Allen, Emma Peters, Audra Peters, Anna Claire Peters, and Carson Balch; a very good friend, Dee Roberts of Cove; several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives and friends.

No services are planned at this time. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Online Guestbook: http://www.bowserffh.com

A Celebration of Life for Peggy Daniels Griffith will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 8, 2026, in the chapel of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Pineville, with Reverend Mark Breland officiating. Burial will follow in Pleasant Grove Cemetery.

The family requests visitation be held on Sunday beginning at 10:00 a.m. until shortly before time of services in the funeral home.

Mrs. Peggy Daniels Griffith, 81, of Alexandria, passed from life on Wednesday February 4, 2026, at her home.

Peggy was a member of Esler Baptist Church where she served as Sunday School Director. In her early years, she owned and operated a beauty salon around the Esler Community. Later in her professional career, she was the Assistant Manager of District 8 Federal Credit Union for 26 years. She also served on the Board of Directors until 2023. She had an unmistakable sparkling presence, a generous heart, an elegant flare for style, and a joyful laugh that will be deeply missed.

She is preceded in death by her husband, John Griffith; parents, Wilson and Minnie Duncan; sister, Faye Tison; and granddaughter, Megan Smith.

Those left to cherish her memory include sons, Frederick Smith and Gregory Smith; sisters, Janice Greer and husband Everett “Buddy,” and Brenda “Polly” Watson and husband Richard; grandchildren, Trulee Nowlin, Lacee White and husband, Ben, Sasha Delaney, Chelsea Primeaux and husband Stephen, Regan Miller and husband Turner, Mackenzi LaCoste and husband, Gage; 13 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandsons; her dearest friend “Butch” Ernest Migues, and a host of family and friends.

Pallbearers will be Lance Chauvin, James Guree, Ben White, Turner Miller, Gage LaCoste, and Benjamin Cody White.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Everett “Buddy” Greer, Richard Watson, and Kenneth Paul Nowlin.

Memorials may be made to the Gideons International, P.O. Box 3874, Pineville, Louisiana 71361.

Rapides Parish Fire District 12 responded to six emergency calls during the month of January, according to the department.

The responses included one structure fire with mutual aid, one grass fire with mutual aid, one fire alarm, one accident with rescue, one equipment fire with mutual aid, and one assist to an emergency medical services agency.

In addition to emergency responses, district members participated in a Fire and Emergency Training Academy class hosted at the department’s station.

District officials thanked volunteer firefighters for responding to emergencies and for their commitment to ongoing training.

Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA) has been named one of the nation’s top institutions in the inaugural Newsweek America’s Best Colleges for Women 2026 rankings, placing #52 nationally out of more than 1,300 colleges and universities evaluated. The ranking positions LSUA in the top 4% nationwide, underscoring the university’s strong performance in creating an environment where women are supported as students, scholars, and future professionals.

Within Louisiana, LSUA ranked second statewide, trailing only Holy Cross College (#32). The next closest Louisiana institutions included in the rankings, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University and Xavier University, settled in the top 200. Northwestern State University and the University of Louisiana at Monroe appeared in the 300–400 range, while most other Louisiana colleges ranked below the 750 mark. The results highlight LSUA’s exceptional standing not only among peer institutions in the state but across the national higher education landscape.

The America’s Best Colleges for Women ranking is a new national evaluation developed by Newsweek in partnership with Gender Fair. Their methodology evaluates institutions across four weighted areas: leadership (35%), pay and policies (25%), safety (20%), and opportunity (20%). The rankings draw primarily from federally reported data through the U.S. Department of Education, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the Campus Safety and Security Database, supplemented by desk research to account for recent institutional developments.

LSUA’s performance in the leadership category reflects strong representation of women across academic and executive roles. Two of the five members of the university’s senior leadership team are women, both of whom hold Ph.Ds. Women lead four of LSUA’s seven academic units, including the College of Social Sciences, the College of Liberal Arts, the School of Nursing, and the School of Education. Among faculty ranks, women account for 39% of full professors, 68% of associate professors, 63% of assistant professors, and 66% of instructors, demonstrating sustained representation across academic career stages.

In the area of pay and policies, LSUA maintains a full-time, licensed, and accredited childcare center on campus, serving the children of students, faculty, and staff. The presence of on-campus childcare is a key metric within the ranking’s evaluation of institutional policies that support women’s participation and advancement in higher education and the workforce.

Safety also emerged as a notable strength for LSUA. A review of the university’s Clery Act crime statistics shows no reported Clery-reportable crimes classified as crimes against women over the past ten years, resulting in a per-capita rate of zero during that period. By comparison, the most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics indicates a national average of 16.9 crimes per 10,000 full-time equivalent students, placing LSUA well below national norms.

Opportunity metrics further reinforce LSUA’s standing as an institution that serves women across a broad range of academic and professional pathways. Women make up 71% of LSUA’s degree-seeking student population and are highly represented in several high-demand fields, including education (90%), biological sciences (83%), physical sciences (57%), and business (65%). LSUA’s first-year retention rate for female students stands at 70%, matching the national average and reflecting consistent outcomes for student persistence and success.

According to Newsweek Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Cunningham, the ranking is designed to help students and families identify institutions that “prioritize leadership opportunities, equitable pay practices, campus safety, and meaningful pathways to success,” while recognizing that many coeducational institutions are making measurable progress in advancing gender equity.

As the LSU System’s only undergraduate-only institution, LSUA offers women a focused academic environment, personalized support structures, and clear pathways into graduate and professional programs across Louisiana. The university’s mission emphasizes accessibility, workforce alignment, and long-term student success, which are priorities that are reflected in both the methodology and outcomes of the ranking.

This recognition adds to LSUA’s growing national profile built on sustained enrollment growth, strong retention outcomes, and increasing placement of graduates into high-demand workforce fields and professional programs at LSU and beyond. Together, these indicators point to a university that is not only expanding, but doing so with intention, equity, and measurable impact for women across central Louisiana and beyond.

Written by Adam Lord
Graphic: Adapted from Newsweek

Byron Broussard, a senior at Glenmora High School in Rapides Parish, has been awarded the Presidential Scholarship from Louisiana Christian University.

The Presidential Scholarship provides a four-year full tuition award. Broussard, a Woodworth resident, is vice president of Student Council, chaplain of BETA, and a member of the school’s powerlifting team.

Broussard is the son of Clay and Lisa Broussard, both Louisiana Christian University alumni. Several members of his family have previously participated in the university’s Smith Scholarship competition, and Broussard said LCU has long been his first choice for continuing his education after high school.

He plans to double major in history and biblical studies.

The Presidential Scholarship was awarded as part of Louisiana Christian University’s annual Smith Scholarship competition, which brought together eight high-achieving students from across the state.

While the Smith Scholarship recipient receives a four-year full tuition, room and board award, the Presidential Scholarship also recognizes exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential.

Students selected for the competition must earn a minimum ACT score of 28 and submit a comprehensive portfolio including academic honors, awards, letters of recommendation, and an essay outlining their understanding of a Christian liberal arts education. Finalists are interviewed by a panel of faculty judges from the C.S. Lewis Honors Program Council.

The Smith Scholarship was established in the early 1970s through an endowment from Tom and Beverly Durham in honor of Elizabeth Smith. Both scholarship recipients will join the C.S. Lewis Honors Program upon enrolling at Louisiana Christian University.

If you want this tightened further for a short hometown blurb or adapted for a school district or city social post, just say the word.

Agents with the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Unit seized large quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine and arrested an Alexandria man following a lengthy drug trafficking investigation.

Agents concluded a long-term investigation targeting Elijah Jermaine Jones, 34, of Alexandria. Investigators had obtained multiple arrest warrants following the investigation and later observed Jones traveling along Louisiana Highway 28 East near Deville, where a traffic stop was conducted. Jones was taken into custody without incident.

Jones was arrested on warrants for possession of CDS II (fentanyl) with intent to distribute, possession of CDS II (methamphetamine) with intent to distribute, and two counts of possession of CDS IV (generic Xanax and Soma) with intent to distribute.

As part of the investigation, RADE agents executed multiple search warrants in Rapides Parish. During those searches, agents located approximately 14 pounds of fentanyl, just under 4½ pounds of methamphetamine, and about 2 pounds of unknown blue pills. Authorities stated that additional felony charges are expected pending laboratory results identifying the pills.

Agents also seized more than $34,000 in assorted U.S. currency, which investigators believe was derived from alleged drug trafficking activity. Civil asset forfeiture paperwork was issued, and the currency was seized.

Jones was booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center, where he remains incarcerated on a $1 million bond. The investigation remains ongoing.

The Rapides Area Drug Enforcement Unit is a multi-jurisdictional task force comprised of local, state, and federal agencies throughout Central Louisiana. Authorities encourage anyone with information related to narcotics activity to contact the RADE Unit through its official Facebook page.

If you want this tightened into a brief crime blotter version or rewritten specifically for print vs. web, I can do that next.

A beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, Bonnie Marie LaCombe Campbell, age 70, of Pineville, Louisiana, will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering spirit following her passing on January 31, 2026, at Baylor St. Luke’s in Texas. Born on April 17, 1955, in Alexandria, Louisiana, Bonnie touched the lives of all who knew her, leaving behind a legacy of love and family.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, in the chapel of Hixson Brothers, Pineville, where Dr. Keith Dickens will officiate the ceremony. The visitation will take place on Friday, February 6, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the service begins, allowing family and friends to come together in heartfelt tribute to a remarkable woman.

Burial will follow the service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, where Bonnie will be laid to rest.

During her dedicated career as a food service worker for the Rapides Parish School Board, Bonnie offered nourishment not just for the body, but also for the spirit, serving countless students with a smile and a gentle heart. Outside of her work, she found joy in deer hunting and the art of crocheting, weaving warmth into both her creations and her family bonds.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her cherished parents, John and Lorene Smith LaCombe.

She leaves behind a profound legacy, including her devoted husband, Curtis Campbell, her sons, Mike Goucher and Brandon Campbell (Nicole), her daughter, Dana Campbell (Vince), and her beloved sister, Wanda Singrey (Russell). She will be deeply missed by her grandchildren: Michael Goucher, Jonathan Goucher, Katie Jordan, Kaylin Jameson, Kaleb Campbell, Hunter Campbell, Marlee Campbell, Madison Smith, and Logan Cole, as well as eight great-grandchildren and a host of other family members and friends who have been touched by her life.

With great honor, the pallbearers will be Kaleb Campbell, Hunter Campbell, Logan Cole, Daniel Dubroc, Jeremy Jones, and Vince Spurgeon, each of whom carries a piece of her legacy.

Bonnie Marie LaCombe Campbell, your light will continue to shine brightly in our memories and our lives, forever a cherished part of who we are.

Memorial services for Mrs. Janet Claire McAdams Hill will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, with Reverend Mark Christian officiating. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

Mrs. Hill, 71, of Pineville, entered eternal rest on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Hilltop Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Pineville.

She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed reading, working in her yard, and traveling. Above all, she cherished spending time with her family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Allan Leroy Hill; and her parents, Charles Lawrence McAdams, III and June Evelyn McAdams.

Those left to mourn her loss and cherish her memory include two daughters, Jeannie Morgan of Ball, and Ginger Doyle (Jason) of Sieper; one brother, Paul McAdams (Marie) of Merryville; one granddaughter, Alexis Bennett (Dalton) of Winnfield; and one great granddaughter, Serena Bennett.

Motorists traveling through Rapides Parish should prepare for evening delays starting mid-February. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced on Feb. 3 that a series of intermittent nighttime ramp closures are scheduled for a section of Interstate 49 in Alexandria.

Beginning Monday, Feb. 16, crews will close alternating entrance and exit ramps between Exit 80 (U.S. 71/U.S. 167) and Exit 86 (U.S. 71/U.S. 165).

The closures will occur nightly from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. on both the northbound and southbound sides of the interstate.

The work is part of an ongoing project to replace overhead signage and install related components. DOTD officials expect the project to be completed by late February, depending on the weather.

No formal detours have been established. State officials are urging drivers to exercise caution and remain alert for work crews and equipment when traveling through the construction zone.

All activity is weather-dependent and may be rescheduled in the event of rain or other inclement conditions.

Travelers can access real-time traffic updates by calling 511 or visiting the 511 Traveler Information website at http://www.511la.org. Out-of-state callers can reach the system at 1-888-ROAD-511. Updates are also available via the Alexandria Traffic Management Center on X @Alex_Traffic and the DOTD Facebook page.

Rainy conditions will give way to cooler, drier weather across Rapides Parish as the week progresses, with frost possible midweek before temperatures rebound heading into the weekend.

Today will remain mostly cloudy, with a slight chance of showers this morning and showers becoming more likely this afternoon. Highs are expected in the upper 60s. South winds will range from 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph. Rain chances stand at 70 percent.

Showers will continue into tonight, with a chance of thunderstorms during the evening hours, followed by a slight chance of lingering showers after midnight. Overnight lows will fall into the lower 40s. Winds will shift from west around 5 mph to north after midnight, with gusts reaching up to 20 mph. Rain chances increase to 90 percent.

By Wednesday, skies will turn mostly sunny as cooler air moves in. Highs are expected in the upper 50s, with north winds of 5 to 10 mph and gusts up to 20 mph. Wednesday night will be colder, with partly cloudy skies and lows dropping into the lower 30s. Areas of frost are possible after midnight.

Thursday morning will bring widespread frost across the parish, followed by sunny conditions during the day. Highs will reach the mid-50s, with light northwest winds around 5 mph. Clear skies Thursday night will allow temperatures to dip into the upper 30s, with additional areas of frost possible.

Warmer weather returns Friday, with mostly clear skies and highs around 70 degrees. Overnight lows will remain cool, settling into the lower 40s. The warming trend continues Saturday under sunny skies, with highs in the lower 70s and mostly clear conditions Saturday night.

Sunday will be mostly sunny and mild, with highs in the mid-70s. Clouds increase Sunday night and into Monday, with lows in the upper 40s and daytime highs around 70 degrees.

Overall, residents can expect a brief return to winter-like conditions midweek before a stretch of pleasant, spring-like weather arrives for the weekend.

Dr. David Jeffreys, a longtime leader at Louisiana Christian University, has been named the new president and CEO of the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home and Family Ministries.

The Monroe-based organization announced the appointment Friday, noting that Jeffreys will officially begin his new role Feb. 16.

Jeffreys is a familiar face in Rapides Parish, currently serving as LCU’s vice president of denominational and church relations. His tenure at the Pineville university included serving as executive vice president and chief operating officer, and a 14-month stint as acting president during the school’s most recent presidential search.

“Dr. David Jeffreys is a steady Christ-centered leader I’ve had the privilege to serve alongside,” said LCU President Mark Johnson. “During seasons of transition at Louisiana Christian University, he provided much-needed leadership. His love for children and families is not theoretical; it is lived out in prayerful decisions.”

Jeffreys, who previously served as associate pastor at Highland Baptist Church in New Iberia, will succeed outgoing president Perry Hancock.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time serving at LCU and feel blessed to be able to continue in Christian ministry with a new challenge and mission,” Jeffreys said. He and his wife, Stephanie, said they look forward to the transition to the Monroe-based ministry.

The Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home provides Christ-centered care, foster outreach and counseling services across the state. Search committee chairman Bob Bozeman said Jeffreys’ passion for ministry and servant-leadership made him the ideal fit for the role.

“We believe God has prepared him for this season,” Bozeman said.

Louisiana weather has never been great at picking a lane — and that’s the joke. One minute you’re digging out a winter coat, the next you’re debating flip-flops, all while keeping an umbrella close just in case. This week’s cartoon leans into that familiar mood swing, featuring a character dressed for every season at once, staring suspiciously at the forecast like it personally betrayed them.

It’s a lighthearted nod to a shared Southern experience: the daily ritual of checking the weather and still being wildly unprepared.