On January 9, National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day shines a spotlight on the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to serving and protecting communities. It’s a day to recognize their sacrifices, resilience, and commitment to ensuring public safety.

Law enforcement officers face unique challenges every day. From responding to emergencies to mediating conflicts, they often operate in high-stress environments. Many officers work long hours, sometimes placing themselves in harm’s way, to uphold the rule of law and protect their fellow citizens.

This day is an opportunity to bridge the gap between communities and law enforcement. By fostering mutual understanding and trust, we can strengthen the relationship between officers and the people they serve. Positive engagement, such as community policing initiatives and open dialogues, has proven effective in building safer neighborhoods.

Citizens can show appreciation in simple yet meaningful ways. Writing thank-you notes, sharing supportive messages on social media, or donating to organizations that support law enforcement families are just a few ways to express gratitude. Many cities also hold events like appreciation breakfasts or public ceremonies to honor local officers.

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day reminds us of the critical role these individuals play in our lives. By acknowledging their contributions, we reaffirm our support for their efforts to maintain peace and justice in our communities.

Senator Bill Cassidy announced $23.3 million for Hurricane Laura relief and emergency preparedness efforts on Monday, Jan. 6.

This funding included new money for CenLa, totaling up to $6.5 million in emergency preparedness monies.

An estimated $2.6 million will be allocated to the Rapides Parish Acquisitions and Elevations Project. According to the senator’s office, the grant money will provide federal funding to elevate 13 structures in the parish and acquire one more structure. The purpose of these projects is further prevent damage to flood-prone properties.

Vernon and Grant parishes will receive about $4 million, to purchase and install generators. 

It’s the 25th anniversary of the Spirits 5K and the Beer Mile. Sponsored by Michelob Ultra and proceeds benefiting Manna House Ministries, this special will be held Friday, Jan. 25, at 1200 Texas Ave. in Alexandria.

The deadline for registration is Thursday, Jan. 23. Packets can be picked up on Friday, Jan. 24, 12-5:30pm, at Run Wild on 4611 Jackson St. and Saturday, Jan. 25, 10am-12pm, at the race site. To register, visit this link.

The 5K costs $40; the 1 mile and beer mile cost $25; and the beer mile plus the 5K costs $45.

Age divisions for men and woman cover 10 and under; 11-15, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-60, and 71 and over. This only applies to the 5K. Awards included one overall winner plus 1st, 2nd, and 3rd overall (male and female) in each age division.

And after the race, the after party will feature free food and beer for participants (plus food and drinks for purchase). 

Avid camera collector Paul Nettles will take participants in this event hosted by the Alexandria Museum of Art through the evolution of the camera, ending in a short “How to” on phone-based digital photography. 

This event will take place on Saturday, Jan. 25, 12-4pm, at the AMoA. It is free and open to the public.

As countless news outlets in Cenla have heralded, colder temperatures are on the way. While many of the prevention and protection tips have focused on pets/livestock, plants, and pipes, it is also important for people to protect themselves as well, to prevent getting hypothermia. This is particular important for people in Cenla who work or spend a lot of time outdoors. 

Dr. Saad Hanan with LSU Health outlined the dangers associated with hypothermia, which occurs when a person’s core temperature drops. The average core temperature of the human body is 96 to 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

“Anything below or at that would be considered hypothermia,” Dr. Hanan said.

There are several signs, Dr. Hanan explained, that can indicate this dangerous condition . People who are experiencing hypothermia will first start to shiver. “It’s a mechanism from their own self, their own body, to try to generate a little bit more heat for themselves,” Dr. Hanan said. Other symptoms include a racing heart, anxiety, and confusion.

It is important to take proper precautions if residents intend to venture out in the winter weather. Failure to bundle up can expose an individual to hypothermia. Bundling up means wearing layers of clothing; should that clothing get wet, it is important to remove the wet clothes immediately and put on dry, warm clothing. If someone appears hypothermic, they should be moved indoors immediately. Seek medical attention.

The purpose of the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living (TFL) is simple: help people, especially young people, reduce tobacco use, prevent smoking, and help people quit.

TFL reports that nearly one in three high-school aged students vape. Even worse, nearly one in five middle school-aged children also vape. These students are motivated by several factors, including peer pressure, wanting to look cool, family vaping, curiosity, flavors, and the buzz, without appreciating the negative impact on brain development.

“Nicotine use in younger people is risky because it affects their brain development. It also harms their lungs,” Mitzi LaSalle, the Regional Manager for TFL, explained. “The biggest problem is that young people often don’t realize the health risks.”

While the use of tobacco at any age carries health risks, “the main difference is that teens’ brains are still developing and using nicotine during these years can have serious effects on brain growth,” LaSalle added.

LaSalle advocates that parents and guardians take an active approach in steering children away from nicotine and tobacco products. “Parents, don’t be afraid to research and learn about the harmful effects of these products,” said LaSalle. “Talk to your kids about it. When you start the conversation, you’ll find they probably already know about it, so you’re not introducing something new.”

With temperatures dipping near or below freezing in parts of the state this week, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., urges livestock and pet owners to take necessary precautions to protect their animals. This is also the time to protect plants, pipes, and, of course, people.

“When we see temperatures start to dip below freezing, it is important to take precautionary measures and to do so safely and correctly. For example, while antifreeze is commonly used, not many people realize the risk it can pose to our pets. Dogs and cats will drink it if it is left out as it tastes sweet; however, it is highly toxic to them. If you drain any of the fluid from your tractor in preparation for the weather, be sure to dispose of it properly. We know how to do these things, but let’s make sure we are doing them the right way,” said Strain.

Here are some cold weather tips for livestock, pet, and plant owners:

Livestock

• Owners should check their livestock and look for signs of stress, illness, or injury.

• Pay close attention to the young and older animals as they are more susceptible to problems during frigid conditions.

• Provide plenty of hay, feed, energy supplements, and water.

• Be sure to check water troughs as they can ice over.

• If possible, make adequate shelter available. Even a windbreak will minimize exposure to cold winds.

Companion animals

• If possible, keep all companion animals indoors. If this is not an option, make sure a dry shelter is available and have warm blankets for your pet.

• Provide adequate food and water. Monitor water bowls as they can freeze during cold weather.

• Consider a sweater for your short-haired dog.

• Outdoor cats searching for warmth will sometimes crawl underneath the hood of a vehicle. Bang on or open the hood of your car so any animal in there trying to stay warm can get out before you crank up that engine. Cats can be injured or even killed when the car is started.

Plants

• Move all plants in containers and hanging baskets inside. If this is not possible, group them in a protected area and cover them with plastic.

• Larger plants can be covered with fabric or plastic.

• Thoroughly water plants if the soil is dry.

• Plants growing in the ground should be mulched with dry material such as pine straw and leaves.

“Remember, your mulch should be two to four inches thick. Spreading mulch too thick can cause roots to grow shallow and make them more susceptible to death during extended dry periods. You should also avoid mounding the mulch around the base of the plant. The mulch should extend a couple of inches from the base of the plant and be higher on the outside edges to help insulate the plant as well as hold and distribute water,” said Strain.

Learn more at https://youtu.be/gzouI7_c2HU.

The Alexandria Police Department responded to a shooting in the 300 block of Florence Avenue On Thursday, Jan. 2, at approximately 9:40pm.  Responding officers located 35-year-old Andrew Howard of Alexandria deceased from an apparent gunshot wound. 

Early in the investigative process it was determined that the shooting was domestic violence related and the suspect was Howard’s girlfriend.  APD swiftly located the whereabouts of the suspect, 25-year-old Diamond Cyriak of Boyce, who had fled the scene.  RPSO assisted APD with the peaceful surrender of Cyriak in the 1000 block of MacArthur Drive. Cyriak is charged with one count of Second Degree Murder.

The Alexandria Police Department would like to thank the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Department for their assistance.

This is currently an ongoing investigation.

If anyone has any information about this incident or any other type of crime in the Alexandria area, contact the Alexandria Police Detective Division at the phone number (318) 441-6416, or APD Dispatch (318) 441-6559. Information can be emailed 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 www.p3tips.com/community/mobile.

BOM continued our support of the 7^th Annual Play it Forward Tennis Tournament benefitting the Children’s Miracle Network. Pictured left to right: BOM’s Kristina Bagwell, Matt Ritchie, and BOM’s Mandy Futrell.

National Earth’s Rotation Day invites us to pause and appreciate the phenomenon that makes life on Earth possible. Celebrated on January 8, the day commemorates French physicist Léon Foucault’s groundbreaking 1851 experiment proving Earth’s rotation. His Foucault pendulum not only demonstrated this cosmic fact but also deepened humanity’s understanding of our planet’s movements.

Earth rotates on its axis at approximately 1,000 miles per hour, completing a full spin every 24 hours. This rotation creates the cycle of day and night, governs our circadian rhythms, and influences weather patterns. Without it, life as we know it would not exist.

This constant motion is easy to overlook, but it’s integral to many aspects of daily life. The Coriolis effect, caused by Earth’s rotation, shapes wind patterns and ocean currents, affecting everything from agriculture to transportation. Additionally, the interplay between Earth’s rotation and its orbit around the sun creates seasonal variations that dictate ecosystems worldwide.

Celebrating National Earth’s Rotation Day can be as simple as marveling at a sunrise or studying the stars at night. Educational institutions often use the occasion to teach about astronomy and physics, while science centers host demonstrations of the Foucault pendulum.

By taking a moment to reflect on Earth’s rotation, we gain a greater appreciation for the intricate systems that sustain our planet. National Earth’s Rotation Day serves as a reminder of our place in the cosmos and the natural wonders we too often take for granted.

Attention Louisiana high school seniors and college students: The Linda and Wayne Zaunbrecher Scholarship is now open for applications for the 2025-2026 academic year. This scholarship awards up to $3,000 to students pursuing degrees in agriculture and related fields.

To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be pursuing an agriculture major and the applicants or their parents must be Louisiana Farm Bureau members.

The deadline to apply is Monday, Feb. 3. The award itself enables the recipient to receive up to $3,000 to support their academic journey in agriculture for the 2025-26 school year.

This is a fantastic opportunity to invest in the future and contribute to the agriculture industry. For application details, visit Louisiana Farm Bureau’s website or contact your local Farm Bureau office. https://lafarmbureau.org/foundation

The City of Pineville has opened registration for its Night of Lights Mardi Gras Parade, to be held Friday, Feb. 21., at 7pm. To register a krewe and/or float, use this link. 

Bobbleheads, with their oversized heads and whimsical movements, have been captivating collectors and enthusiasts for decades. On National Bobblehead Day, we celebrate these unique figurines, which have grown from novelty items into treasured keepsakes representing everything from sports legends to pop culture icons.

The history of bobbleheads dates back to the 18th century, where similar figurines were crafted in Asia and Europe. However, their modern resurgence began in the 1960s when Major League Baseball introduced bobbleheads featuring players like Willie Mays. These early models were made of papier-mâché, and their quirky charm quickly won fans’ hearts. Over time, materials and manufacturing techniques improved, leading to the detailed plastic bobbleheads we know today.

Bobbleheads hold a special place in pop culture. They often serve as promotional items at sports events, giving fans a tangible connection to their favorite teams and players. Beyond sports, they’ve immortalized figures from politics, entertainment, and history. Iconic examples include Dwight Schrute from The Office and U.S. Presidents like Abraham Lincoln.

Collectors prize these figurines not only for their fun appeal but also for their value. Rare bobbleheads, like a 1961 New York Yankees set, can fetch thousands of dollars at auctions. Yet, the allure of bobbleheads transcends monetary worth—they evoke nostalgia and serve as miniature pieces of art.

As we mark this day, enthusiasts can visit the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, or simply display their favorite figurines. Whether you’re a serious collector or a casual admirer, National Bobblehead Day invites everyone to nod along to the enduring charm of these delightful figurines.

With the cold weather looming, Rapides Parish 911/OEP has released some simple tips meant to help the public heat their homes safely. 

Place space heaters 3 to 5 feet away from bedding.

Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets rather than using extension cords. 

Never leave space heaters or candles unattended.

Ensure smoke alarms and CO2 detectors are in working order.