Pineville High School recognized the dedication and achievements of its November Rebels of the Month. The program highlights students who demonstrate hard work and commitment both inside and outside the classroom.
This month’s honorees include:
Senior: Parker M.
Junior: Audrey E.
Sophomore: Katie O.
Freshman: Abbi F.
Rapides Regional Medical Center recently hosted the 10th annual Students Exploring Career Opportunities this week, an event organized by The Orchard Foundation and supported by The Rapides Foundation.
The event welcomed 10th-grade students from across Central Louisiana, giving them the chance to learn about the diverse range of careers available in healthcare. Attendees and hospital staff alike enjoyed the opportunity to connect, share insights, and inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals.
The City of Pineville will host its world-renowned Christmas Parade on Friday, December 12, beginning at 7 p.m. The parade will start near the flag pole on Main Street and conclude at the entrance of Louisiana Christian University (LCU).
Participants and spectators can expect a festive route filled with holiday spirit, including marching units with unique performances. The Pineville Police Department offered a playful warning to mark calendars, noting the parade features participants “spinning in circles” along the route, powered, perhaps, by their fancy boots.
Residents are encouraged to attend and join in the city’s holiday celebration.
December 16, 1969 – November 25, 2025
Funeral services celebrating the life of Janel Pace Enlow will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 in Wilda Baptist Church, Wilda Community, with the Revs. Joey Rudisill and Shane Russell officiating. Interment will follow in Hemphill Star Cemetery.
Visitation will begin on Tuesday morning from 10:00 AM until time of services in the church.
Mrs. Enlow, age 55 of Hot Wells, entered eternal rest on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 in Hot Wells, surrounded by her loving family.
Janel was an awesome homemaker who loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a friend when you needed someone to listen to your problems and would always offer ways to help you find ways to solve your problem, all the while praying for you. She loved children, regaurdless of skin color. She loved going to garage sales, working in the yard, reading her bible, Holidays with her family and watching television, especially American Idol and all the dancing shows.
Janel is preceded in death by her parents, Milton and Bobbie Lee Parker, two sisters, Sharon Pace and Tina Croom and two brothers, Donnie Pace and Jackie Pace.
She is survived by her loving husband of 18 years, Dallas Enlow of Hot Wells, one daughter, Amber Lee Perez (Arsenio) of Montana and one son, John E. Ahearn (Connie) of Hot Wells. One sister, Vickie Dryden (Steven) of Deville and her brother, Lavon Pace (Renee) of Fifth Ward. Janel is also survived by six grandchildren.
Pallbearers honored to serve will be; John Ahearn, Dallas Enlow, Johnathan Pace, Simeon Hill, Perry Cloud and Jacob Collins.
All arrangements have been placed in the care of Fall Creek Funeral Home, Pineville, Robbie Dauzat, Director.
July 4, 1956 – November 29, 2025
Funeral services celebrating the life of Marlon Littleton will be held at 11:00AM on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 in Crossroads New Life Tabernacle, Deville, with the Rev. Robert Tarver officiating. Interment will follow in the Littleton Family Cemetery, Deville.
Visitation will begin at 6:00PM on Tuesday, until time of services on Wednesday, in the church.
Mr. Littleton, age 69 of Deville, went to be in the arms of the Lord on November 29, 2025 after a long battle with health conditions. He passed in Christus Cabrini Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
Marlon was a beloved husband, son, father, “Pops” and friend. He leaves behind a legacy of cherished memories that will forever be remembered. “Bud” never met a stranger and would always freely share hunting stories from over the years. He loved to hunt big bucks and catch fish, but most of all he loved spending time with his family. He loved all, but his fourteen great grand-babies were the light of his eyes. The love he had for his wife was unmeasurable.
He knew no matter what, when he hollered, “Hey baby” or “Mama”, she would be at his side.
Marlon’s days on earth were cut way too short, but he gained his wings to be in the arms of his “Pop” and “Big D” again. However the lasting impact of his presence will continue to shine on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed, as his family will keep his memory alive.
“Bud” is preceded in death by his father Kirby, brother Donald, and his father in law, Emeric Deville.
He leaves to cherish his memory, a loving wife of 51 years, Benita D. Littleton, as well as 3 children, Erica Franks (Roger), Temica Littleton and Goose. Seven grandchildren, Kaitlyn Deville (Kaleb), Laken Gibson (Tyler), Sean Gibson (Katelyn), Hope Thacker (Daniel), Kelynn Dunn (Jerett), Calip Littleton (Lacey) and Hailey Littleton (Brad). A loving mother, Derothy, two brothers, Albert Littleton (Judy) and Gary Littleton (Sandy). A sister in law, Linda Littleton as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be; “Goose”, Calip Littleton, Kaleb Deville, Sean Gibson, Tyler Turnage, Roger Franks, Shelton Deville and Phillip Zimmerman.
Honorary pallbearers will be; Jerett Dunn, Daniel Locklear, Konner Deville, Gary Littleton and Vance Gardner.
By LAFE JONES
Between Thanksgiving and Christmas is the season I want to protect with both hands. I celebrate the “in between.”
When we say it’s the “most wonderful time of the year,” we are not talking about only two days, but rather the middle space right here.
You might feel it too—that soft shift after Thanksgiving, when the leftovers are still in the fridge and life quietly turns toward Christmas. Slowly bringing out the decorations, one dusty box at a time from the attic, and having memories of those days after Thanksgiving featuring strings of big, chunky lights on the living room floor and Sears and JCPenney catalogs, pages worn and circled in ink. It’s finally okay to listen to Christmas music and drink eggnog.
Nothing is urgent yet. We aren’t late for anything. We aren’t behind. We were just getting ready. Somewhere along the way, we turned this in-between time into a race: buying more, doing more, being more, hosting more, and posting more.
So here’s my gentle reminder about this wonderful in-between time. Let’s savor this stretch of weeks on purpose. Linger over your coffee a few extra minutes by the window. Drive the long way home just to look at your town’s Christmas lights—someone put a lot of work into installing those for your family’s enjoyment. Put on an old record or playlist that sounds a little like your childhood living room. Look over those Christmas cards daily and say a little prayer for the family that remembered you and yours. Take a quiet moment while shopping and celebrate the crowds and hustle as part of the merry part of the holiday. Take evening walks as the sun sets to enjoy neighborhood decorations and breathe in that cool air we look forward to all year. Write one real note in a Christmas card instead of just signing your name. Let the house be a little messy and the list be a little undone.
This in-between time was never meant to be a blur we rush through. It’s the quiet hallway between two big rooms—and sometimes that hallway holds the warmest memories. So this year, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, let’s not just get through it. Let’s slow down, take a breath, and savor it—the way we did when Johnny Mathis, Perry Como, Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, and Andy Williams were still playing in the background and we put tinsel on a flocked real tree. Happy In Between to All.
Photo: Courtesy of Time-Life Music Collection
The Rapides Parish School Board recognized Alexandria Middle Magnet School teacher Christopher Wimbley in this week’s Classroom Hero Spotlight, part of the district’s ongoing effort to highlight educators who engage, empower and elevate students across the parish.
Wimbley, a first-year teacher, shared that he works to empower students by reminding them that their future begins in the choices they make each day. He emphasized the importance of helping students understand the impact of their decisions and the value of staying focused on their goals.
He also credited fellow educator Alan Allen for inspiring him with his ability to build strong relationships with students. According to Wimbley, Allen’s blend of humor and firm guidance earns both trust and respect in the classroom.
The district’s Classroom Hero series continues to feature educators who make a positive impact on student learning and school culture.
By RON HIGGINS, Journal Sports
BATON ROUGE – After a coy courtship, Lane Kiffin finally said “yes to the dress” Sunday morning.
The 50-year-old Kiffin, who led Ole Miss to its first 11-win regular season this year, accepted a reported $84 million, 7-year offer (plus bonuses) to become the 33rd LSU head football coach in history.
He replaces Brian Kelly, who was fired on Oct. 26 after 3 ½ seasons. In 14 seasons as a college head coach (Tennessee, USC, Florida Atlantic and Ole Miss), Kiffin is 116-53, including 55-19 (32-17) in the last six seasons with the Rebels. An official introduction at LSU is expected around midday Monday.
Kiffin met with Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter and school chancellor Glynn Boyce for four hours stretching from late Saturday afternoon into the night.
He was slated to inform his team at an early afternoon meeting on Sunday that he was leaving. LSU reportedly sent planes to Oxford to bring him and his family to Baton Rouge.
With the 2025 Tigers becoming the first LSU team in history to score 25 points or fewer against all of its FBS (Division 1-A) opponents in the regular season, the school wanted to hire a head coach with high-scoring offensive concepts.
Under Kiffin, the Ole Miss offense has ranked as the most prolific in the nation, leading the FBS in both yards per game since the beginning of the 2020 season (503.2) and total yards (37,235). Ole Miss is also the lone school nationally to rank top-six since 2020 in both passing (third) and rushing (sixth).
It was widely known that Kiffin wanted to coach the 11-1 Rebels in their anticipated College Football Playoff appearance. Ole Miss declined because it didn’t want Kiffin around its players when the transfer portal opens on Jan. 2.
Kiffin led the Rebels to five consecutive bowl berths (including three wins), a CFP playoff berth, and two New Year’s Six appearances. Kiffin had three 10-win seasons in Oxford, including Ole Miss’s first-ever 11-win season.
Since 2021, Ole Miss ranks third in the SEC at 50 wins, trailing only Georgia (63) and Alabama (54).
In his head coaching stops at USC, Tennessee and FAU, Kiffin helped turn programs around. He came to Ole Miss from Florida Atlantic, where he flipped an FAU program that won nine games over the previous three seasons with two conference titles and two 10-win seasons.
Kiffin graduated from Fresno State in 1998 after playing quarterback for three seasons (1994-96) for the Bulldogs. He began his coaching career as a student assistant at Fresno State under Pat Hill in 1997 and 1998.
Kiffin has been fired twice as a head coach, first after 20 games by the NFL’s then-Oakland Raiders in 2008 and then by USC five games into his fourth season in 2013.
Nick Saban resurrected Kiffin’s career when the now-retired Alabama head coach hired him as the Crimson Tide’s offensive coordinator in January 2014.
Kiffin convinced Saban to use more spread offense and play at a faster tempo.
In Kiffin’s three seasons, Alabama was a combined 40-4 overall, 22-2 in the SEC, won three league championships and played in CFP finals, winning a national title in 2015.
It was Saban, who won a national championship in 2003 during his third season at LSU, that convinced Kiffin he should consider coaching the Tigers. He told Kiffin about Louisiana’s fertile high school football recruiting grounds, something that swayed Saban to leave Michigan State for the Tigers in 2000.
The Rapides Parish School Board announced that seven schools have been named Opportunity Honorees for the 2024–2025 school year. The recognition is awarded to schools ranking in the top 10 percent statewide for serving economically disadvantaged students, students with disabilities and English language learners, while maintaining strong academic performance and positive behavior standards across all student groups.
Opportunity Honorees include Bolton Academy, Caroline Dormon Jr. High, Paradise Elementary, Plainview High, Poland Jr. High, Ruby Wise Elementary and Tioga High.
In addition, the district announced that 25 campuses have been recognized as Top Gains Honorees for 2024–2025. This designation honors schools that earned an “A” for ensuring students meet or exceed learning goals while upholding positive learning environments for all students.
District officials noted that this achievement reflects the dedication of teachers, administrators and support staff whose commitment to student success drives continued academic growth. The district also commended students for their hard work and progress throughout the year.
Top Gains Honorees include Alexandria Senior High, Ball Elementary, Buckeye Elementary, Buckeye High, Caroline Dormon Jr. High, Carter C. Raymond Jr. High, D.F. Huddle Elementary, Forest Hill Jr. High, Glenmora High, Hayden R. Lawrence Upper Elementary, J.B. Nachman Elementary, J.I. Barron Elementary, Lessie Moore Elementary, Mary Goff Elementary, Northwood High, Oak Hill High, Paradise Elementary, Peabody Montessori Elementary, Pineville High, Plainview High, Poland Jr. High, Ruby Wise Elementary, Tioga Elementary, Tioga High and Tioga Jr. High.
The Alexandria Police Department responded to a crash involving a motor vehicle and an electric scooter on Nov. 28 around 6:26 am at the intersection of MacArthur Drive and Coliseum Boulevard. The operator of the scooter, 43-year-old Donald Ray Dotson Jr., was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. As is standard procedure, routine toxicology tests were conducted. Results indicate that impairment is not believed to have been a contributing factor.
This is currently an ongoing investigation.
If anyone has any information about this incident or any other type of crime in the Alexandria area, please contact the Alexandria Police Detective Division at the phone number (318) 441-6416, or APD Dispatch (318) 441-6559. You may also email information to detectives at: APDDetectives@cityofalex.com.
For a cash reward, call Crime Stoppers of CenLa at (318) 443-7867. The Crime Stoppers P3 Tipster App can also be downloaded to leave tips and get a claim number for a cash reward at http://www.p3tips.com/community/mobile.
The Alexandria Police Department responded to a three-vehicle crash on Nov. 30 around 4:29 am on southbound I-49 that resulted in one fatality.
The preliminary investigation indicates that a red GMC Acadia, driven by 28-year-old Danielle Jones, was traveling southbound when it left the roadway and struck a guardrail. The initial impact caused the vehicle to become disabled in the middle of the roadway. Moments later, due to heavy rainfall and significantly reduced visibility, the disabled Acadia was struck by two additional southbound vehicles, resulting in a secondary collision.
Jones sustained critical injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
This is currently an ongoing investigation.
If anyone has any information about this incident or any other type of crime in the Alexandria area, please contact the Alexandria Police Detective Division at the phone number (318) 441-6416, or APD Dispatch (318) 441-6559. You may also email information to detectives at: APDDetectives@cityofalex.com.
For a cash reward, call Crime Stoppers of CenLa at (318) 443-7867. The Crime Stoppers P3 Tipster App can also be downloaded to leave tips and get a claim number for a cash reward at http://www.p3tips.com/community/mobile.
Funeral services for Mrs. Leeanna “Lea” Vanderwater-Coble will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, with Reverend Josh White officiating. Interment will follow in Alexandria Memorial Gardens, Woodworth, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.
Lea, age 40, of Mansura, entered eternal rest on Friday, November 28, 2025.
She was a loving wife and devoted mother, whose heart had room for everyone, especially animals. Lea adored her children and never hesitated to put the needs of others before her own. She enjoyed fishing with her father and her son, Mason. Lea was always laughing and full of life, bringing warmth and joy wherever she went; she was truly the life of every gathering. Her kindness, spirit, and unwavering love for those around her will never be forgotten, and she will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Donna Ballard; her grandfather, Bob Ballard; one niece, Kaylie Greer; and her cousin, Randy Ballard.
Those left to mourn her loss and cherish her memory include her husband, Christopher “Chris” Coble of Mansura; two sons, Mason Lu of Mansura, and Caleb Richey of Greenwood; one daughter, Kaylynn Lu of Greenwood; her father, Emmett Vanderwater (Sandy) of Alexandria; one brother, Joe Vanderwater (Sondra) of Alexandria; one sister, Lisa Greer (Jimmy) of Dry Prong; five nephews, Tyler Vanderwater, Hunter Greer, Landon Greer, Braden Greer, and Gavin Greer; one niece, Shelby Vanderwater; her grandmother, Mary Shaw of Greenwood; and two uncles, Reggie Ballard (Linda) of Boyce, and Rick Ballard (Randy) of Greenwood.
A time of visitation will be in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 12:00 noon until time of service.
Pallbearers honored to serve are: Mason Lu, Hunter Greer, Landon Greer, Braden Greer, Gavin Greer, and Hunter Hawthorne. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Vanderwater, Russell Wright, and Tristan Conn.
Lynn Lee Knight, age 71, passed away on November 25, 2025, in Ruby, Louisiana, at his beloved property due to a tragic accident. Born on June 10, 1954, to Lacey and Mary Jane Knight, Lynn was the oldest of six siblings and spent his early years in Boyce, Louisiana, where he developed a deep affection for the outdoors, particularly through hunting and fishing.
As a boy, he helped raise cattle, worked in the family sawmill and water well-drilling business, and had a knack for making things happen – even if it meant occasionally skipping school for fishing trips. A talented athlete, Lynn enjoyed running track and even dabbled in dirt bike racing until an injury forced him to shift gears. As a teenager, he worked at the Boyce Co-op, where he learned the value of hard work and dedication. He carried those lessons into adulthood, becoming a skilled commercial fisherman. His passion for the water led him to own a fish market in Boyce, where he shared his love for fresh seafood with friends and neighbors.
Throughout his life, Lynn wore many hats. He worked as a roofer and a millwright before returning to his farming roots and raising cattle until he retired. He was always passionate about hunting, especially coon hunting, and won several competitions, while also playing a significant role as an officiator. He actively participated in the Alpine Coon Hunters Association and served as secretary for the Kisatchie Coon Hunters Association.
Lynn’s love for the outdoors didn’t stop there. He owned and proudly flew his own airplane, combining his love for aviation with his adventurous spirit. Once she retired, his wife would join him, making memories and traveling together. Beyond his recreational pursuits, he was an active member of Pinegrove Baptist Church for over 37 years. He served as the chairman of the finance committee, taught Sunday school, and actively participated in the weekly men’s prayer breakfast. A dedicated Gideon, Lynn was known for his generosity and care for his community.
Lynn is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Lois Anne Frazier Knight, who has stood by his side through all of life’s adventures. He also leaves to cherish his memory two beautiful daughters, Wendy Lee Knight and Emily Anne Knight; one son, Daniel Wesley Knight; one grandchild, Kaylee McDaniel; siblings, James Wesley Knight “Jimbo”, Bruce Knight (Gayla), Brian Knight (Gorettia), Jane Varholdt (Ted), and Amy Knight as well as a host of numerous nieces, nephews and a multitude of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lacey and Mary Jane Smith Knight, and his loving in-laws, Glen and Vera Frazier.Funeral services for Lynn will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Pinegrove Baptist Church with Lane Fletcher, Richard Swain, Jr., and Mickey Hudnall officiating. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Baptist Cemetery.
Services were held on Nov. 30. Pallbearers honored to serve were Curt Fuqua, Rodney Green, Keith Martin, Jeff Kendrick, David Smith, Kevin Bynog, Roy Humphries, and Sam Montelaro. Honorary pallbearers were the Deacons of Pine Grove Baptist Church.
He never met a stranger, was a friend to everyone, and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He will be dearly and greatly missed by his family and friends.
Journal Services Staff
Thanksgiving has always been more than a holiday. It is a pause button placed firmly near the end of the year—a reminder that despite the speed, noise, and pressure of modern life, there are some things too important to neglect. Chief among them is family.
In a world that constantly pushes us toward the next deadline, the next notification, the next obligation, Thanksgiving invites us to slow down long enough to truly see the people in front of us. It reminds us that our connections with one another are not distractions from life—they are life. The table we gather around, the conversations we share, and the traditions we pass from one generation to the next form the foundation of who we are and who we hope to be.
For many families, this year has not been easy. Economic uncertainty, rising costs, health challenges, and the lingering strain of national division have all taken their toll. Yet Thanksgiving teaches us that even in difficult seasons, gratitude can anchor us. It helps us focus not on what is missing, but on what remains: love, loyalty, shared memories, and the people who continue to stand by us even when the world feels unsteady.
Putting family first does not require grand gestures. It can be as simple as setting our phones aside for a few hours, listening without distraction, or offering a sincere thank-you to someone who quietly keeps everything running. It means showing up—with patience, with kindness, and with a willingness to forgive the small imperfections that every family carries. It means recognizing that time is precious, that moments are fleeting, and that the relationships around us deserve our best attention, not just our leftover energy.
This Thanksgiving, let us choose to be fully present. Let us remember that family is not defined solely by blood, but by commitment, compassion, and the people who walk beside us through every season. Let us honor the elders who shaped us, encourage the children who are watching us, and embrace those who may be feeling the weight of the holidays more than they want to admit.
Above all, let us make the conscious choice to put family first—not just on Thanksgiving Day, but throughout the year ahead. Because long after the dishes are washed and the leftovers are gone, it is our bonds with one another that will sustain us, steady us, and shape the stories we pass down.
May this Thanksgiving bring warmth to your home, peace to your heart, and a renewed appreciation for the people who make your life meaningful.
Members of the Alexandria Mayor’s Youth Council spent a day working on their quarterly community service project, contributing to efforts that support residents across the city. City officials noted that the students’ involvement reflects a commitment to serving others and making a positive impact in Alexandria.
The Joint Transportation, Highways, & Public Works Committee will conduct a legislative public hearing on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 2:30 p.m. The purpose of the hearing – commonly referred to as the annual DOTD Road Show – is to review the highway construction priorities for the fiscal year 2026-2027.
Location:
Pineville City Hall
Council Meeting Room
910 Main Street
Pineville, LA 71360
District 08 (Avoyelles, Grant, Natchitoches, Rapides, Sabine, Vernon, & Winn Parishes)
Each DOTD District will be hosting its own Road Show to allow legislators, other elected officials, DOTD representatives and the general public to discuss and obtain information about construction projects in the preliminary FY 2026-2027 Highway Priority Program and how those projects will affect each area of the state.
All those interested are invited to attend the Road Show and will be afforded an opportunity to express their views.
Oral testimony may be supplemented by presenting important facts and documentation in writing. Written statements and comments should be handed to the committee conducting the hearing, or mailed to the following address, postmarked within 45 calendar days following the hearing:
Joint Transportation, Highways, & Public Works Committee
C/O LA DOTD (Section 45)
P.O. Box 94245
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9245
To read more information about planned construction projects for District 08 in the preliminary FY 26-27 Highway Priority Program, go online to bit.ly/4ohVkUj.
The Rapides Parish School Board spotlighted Holly Malone of Peabody Montessori Elementary as its weekly Classroom Hero. Malone, who had 11 years of teaching experience, was recognized for her approach to empowering students and fostering positive character in the classroom.
Malone said she worked to help students understand that heroism did not require a cape, but instead came from using one’s strengths to make a meaningful impact. She emphasized acts of courage, honesty and teamwork, reinforcing that the smallest daily moments often demonstrated the greatest examples of leadership among students.
She also highlighted the influence of Mrs. Lemke, noting that Lemke consistently amazed her with her positive impact on both students and colleagues. Malone described her as someone with the biggest heart who served as a strong supporter for everyone around her.
The Classroom Hero spotlight continued the district’s effort to recognize educators who model the values of its “Engage, Empower, Elevate” mission.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James M. “Jimmy” Whitehead, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who left us on November 23, 2025, at the age of 65.
Jimmy will be remembered for his warm spirit and the love he shared with family and friends.
He is survived by his cherished wife of 42 years, Teresa Whitehead, who stood by his side throughout life’s adventures; his children, JN Whitehead (Christina), Jacob Whitehead (Heather), and Jessica Whitehead (Marcus); grandchildren, Tatum, Drake, Ian, Aubryi, Addie, Ava James, Ryan, Mea, Gavin, Hunter, Dace, Tati, Kiya and his brother, Gary Whitehead (Dot).
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, John and Helen Pilgrim Whitehead, and his sister, Myra Rodden.
Funeral services will be on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville, with Brother Michael Vanasselberg and Brother Jeremy Brister officiating. Burial will be in Dry Prong Cemetery.
Pallbearers honored to serve will be Willard Gericke, Glenn Smiley, Marcus Alford, Kyle Whitehead, Travis Collins, and Hunter Brister. Honorary pallbearers will be Jacob Whitehead, Dace Whitehead, and Drake Whitehead.
Jimmy touched the lives of those around him, and he will be dearly missed. Please join us in honoring a true friend and family man who brought warmth and laughter into our lives.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation, by mail to 8815 Conroy Windermere Rd. Suite 309Orlando, FL 32835, or online at https://www.helpfightra.org/donations/; also to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, by mail to Breakthrough T1D (Formerly JDRF), PO Box 5042, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5042 or online athttps://www2.breakthrought1d.org/site/Donation2?2376.donation=form1&df_id=2376&mfc_pref=T
Patricia Ann Duskin was born in Lettsworth, LA and raised and lived her life in Simmesport, LA on August 9, 1951, to the late Ada Draper Duskin and David Duskin. A devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and faithful member of Tree of Calvary Baptist Church, Patricia’s life was built on strength, service and unwavering faith. Patricia was a member of the combined choir, Sunday school, and Daughters of Eve.
Patricia was known for being a strong and devoted Christian, a woman who believed wholeheartedly in God’s grace and healing power. She often reminded those around her, “By HIS stripes I am healed”. Her faith guided her through every season of life and became the foundation she passed on to her family.
She loved going to church, keeping things in order, and making sure her home and family were cared for. Patricia was the steady rock for her siblings and children, the one everyone leaned on for comfort, laughter, and prayers. Patricia was also a dedicated worker, serving her community faithfully for over 40 years.
Patricia is survived by her daughter, Sheila Duskin of Alexandria, LA; her grandchildren, Kelsey Duskin, Brikeysha Duskin, Joshua Guillot, Justin Guillot, and Jared Guillot all of Alexandria, LA; sisters Lou Williams (Greg) of Baker, LA and Vivian McGhee of Simmesport, LA, Vera Duskin of Moreauville, LA, Leatha Duskin of Moreauville, LA, and Rilla Duskin of Houston, TX; brothers: Henry Duskin (Patricia) of Mansura, LA, Samuel Duskin (Veronica) of Marksville, LA, Kevin Duskin, John Draper, Clyde Draper, all of Simmesport, LA. She is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins and loved ones.
She is preceded in death by her beloved mother Ada Draper Duskin, beloved father David Duskin and beloved son David Michael Duskin.
Her family finds comfort in the words of Psalm 23, a scripture she held dear and lived by:
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
“And when this life is over, I’m gonna live again
Gonna trade this cross for a crown
No, this is not the end
And when You call my name, I will take my rest
There’s a mansion in glory and You’re gonna meet me there”
Please keep the family in prayer.
~Miller & Hill “The Funeral Directors”
The City of Alexandria released its adjusted service schedule for the Thanksgiving holiday week, noting changes to bus operations, trash collection, and office hours from November 26–28, 2025.
City offices, including City Hall, Customer Service, the Animal Shelter, Public Works, and other departments, will close on November 27 and 28 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
ATRANS bus service will not operate on Thursday, November 27, or Friday, November 28. Regular service is set to resume on Saturday, November 29.
Trash collection will also be adjusted for the week. There will be no trash pickup from Wednesday, November 26, through Friday, November 28, due to the holiday schedule. Monday and Tuesday routes will operate on their regular pickup days, and regular service is set to resume the following Monday.
Sanitation trailers are scheduled to be available from the evening of Wednesday, November 26, through the morning of Monday, December 1. Residents are encouraged to check the City of Alexandria website for specific trailer locations.
The City reminds residents to plan accordingly during the holiday week to accommodate the modified schedule.
The Pineville Police Department launched the first year of “Operation Full Plate” focusing on spreading kindness ahead of the holiday season. Several Pineville Police officers handed out gift cards instead of citations, an effort aimed at offering encouragement to families feeling strain during the holidays.
The initiative began as a small idea with the goal of restoring hope in the community. Support from local partners made the effort possible. Both Super 1 Foods locations in Pineville and the Fraternal Order of Police Red River Lodge #36 provided a total of 24 gift cards valued at $25 each, allowing officers to help put food on the table for families in need. While the assistance may not have covered an entire
Thanksgiving meal, the department said even a little support could make a meaningful difference.
The Pineville Police Department expressed appreciation to its community partners and supporters and said it hoped the initiative would grow even larger in the coming year.
LSUA’s LPN to Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program has been ranked among the top LPN-to-RN programs in Louisiana by EduMed, a national resource for students pursuing online or hybrid degrees in nursing, allied health, and medical careers. EduMed’s annual rankings highlight programs that deliver exceptional value by combining affordability, academic rigor, flexibility, and strong student support, standards that only a select group of institutions nationwide meet.
In its newly released guide, “LPN to RN Online Programs in Louisiana: Guide to Top Schools,” LSUA ranks #3 statewide for its LPN-to-ASN track. EduMed emphasizes the growing need for flexible, accessible nursing programs that enable working LPNs to advance their careers. Across Louisiana, hybrid LPN-to-RN pathways have become a critical workforce solution, blending online coursework with local, hands-on clinical experience. For busy professionals balancing work and family responsibilities, these programs provide a direct, efficient route to RN licensure and significantly higher earning potential.
EduMed also highlights LSUA’s exceptional NCLEX-RN outcomes, noting a 100% first-time pass rate among LPN students in 2023 and 2024, which is a clear marker of program quality and student readiness for professional practice. With in-demand RN roles offering a median salary of $76,650 in Louisiana, 53% higher than the median for LPNs, the LPN-to-RN transition represents one of the most impactful career advancement steps in the state’s healthcare sector. Job growth remains strong, with more than 2,800 annual openings for RNs across Louisiana.
Sarita James, PhD, RN, CNE, LSUA’s Director of the School of Nursing, said, “The LPN-ASN program was intentionally designed around the realities of the LPN demographic in our region: working adults, parents, and caregivers who are deeply rooted in their communities and committed to advancing their professional practice. These LPNs bring a rich clinical experience and strong work ethic while facing real-life challenges such as distance, time, financial constraints, and family responsibilities. Our program exists to help reduce those barriers. We are proud to offer a pathway for the LPN that is accessible, successful, and affordable. It reflects our mission to serve central Louisiana by investing in the people who are already caring for individuals in our communities while strengthening the healthcare workforce in our region.”
Current LPNS may complete the program in as few as three semesters of clinical coursework after successful completion of prerequisites and competency testing. The hybrid model includes online offerings for select prerequisites paired with on-campus nursing courses and clinical placements throughout Rapides Parish. Students benefit from ACEN accreditation, Louisiana State Board of Nursing approval, personalized advising, and the opportunity to earn up to seven nursing credits through competency testing, accelerating progress based on prior LPN experience.
As LSUA continues to expand its healthcare offerings, the university remains committed to helping meet Louisiana’s critical nursing workforce needs by preparing confident, highly qualified clinicians who can make an immediate impact in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care settings across the region.
For more information about LSUA’s LPN-to-ASN program, visit lsua.edu/nursing.
