August 24, 2026: Central Louisiana Daily Briefing

Milton Bell III Killed in Early Morning Crash on MP Cutoff Road. Louisiana State Police Troop E is investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred around 12:19 a.m. on Friday, August 21, on MP Cutoff Road in Rapides Parish. The driver, Milton Bell III, died as a result of the crash.

NSU’s 77th Demon Battalion Activated for New Academic Year. Northwestern State University’s Department of Military Science and Reserve Officer Training Corps held an activation ceremony August 20 for the school’s 77th Demon Battalion, marking the start of the new academic year with a military tradition that allows the commander to assess unit readiness, discipline, and commemorate the battalion’s history and lineage. The 77th Demon Battalion streamer is crimson with yellow piping, honoring the Ordnance Corps. Battalion Commander Colton Wood of Ragley, Color Sergeant Jillian Huff of Fort Polk, and Command Sergeant Major Joao Dos Santos of Fort Polk attached the streamer to the colors during the ceremony.

Rapides Regional Kicks Off 11th Year of Tackle Stroke Program at Pineville Jamboree. Rapides Regional Medical Center will mark the 11th year of its Tackle Stroke program Friday, August 28, when members of the RRMC Stroke Team distribute stroke awareness fans to spectators at the Pineville High School jamboree featuring Buckeye and Peabody. The fans list stroke symptoms and risk factors — critical information in a region where stroke death rates rank among the highest in the country. The BE FAST acronym serves as the key reminder: Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, and Time — if any symptoms appear, call 911 immediately. The program also visits Alexandria Senior High and Menard on September 4 and Tioga High School on September 11. Rapides Regional has been certified an Advanced Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission since 2009.

CenLa Chamber Hosting Congressional Candidates Luncheon — September 22. The Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce will host a Congressional Candidates Luncheon on Tuesday, September 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Community Center at England Airpark, 1718 Kegleman Blvd., Alexandria. All nine candidates running for Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District seat have been invited to participate. The event will give candidates time to introduce themselves, discuss their qualifications and priorities, and share their vision for the district, followed by an audience question period. The luncheon is open to chamber members and guests.

TRAFFIC REMINDER — Nightly Lane Closures on US 165 North in Pineville. Drivers on U.S. 165 North in Pineville should expect nightly alternating lane closures near Lowe’s and the U.S. 167 northbound off-ramp. Work runs Monday nights through Friday mornings, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., weather permitting, through the end of September 2026. DOTD advises drivers to reduce speed, use caution, and allow extra travel time.

Nothing spectacular in St. Louis, but Burns glides ahead to Tour Championship

 LSU product Sam Burns didn’t work his way into contention at the BMW Championship, the first time in three months he wasn’t a factor on the leaderboard at some point.

By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

ST. LOUIS – For the first time in three months, former two-time LSU All-American Sam Burns was not in contention at any point of this weekend’s PGA Tour stop.

But he already had his ticket punched for the upcoming Tour Championship in Atlanta when he teed off Thursday morning in the BMW Championship, the middle leg of the three-week FedEx Cup playoff series.

He entered the week in sixth place in the Cup standings, and dipped only two spots to eighth among the top 30 Tour performers who have qualified to play beginning Thursday at East Lake. At stake: by far the biggest payouts of the season, a $40 million purse with $10 million going to the winner. All 30 have earned a two-year PGA Tour exemption and slots into all of the 2027 majors. They already locked up spots into next year’s signature events, those with the highest purses.

Sunday, Burns finished the BMW in a tie for 28th in the field of 50 qualifiers, carding a 3-under (71-67-68-71 – 277) in his lowest finish since May 10, when he was 37th at the Truist Championship.

Since then, over nine events, the Choudrant resident has been in eight tournaments with six finishes in the top 20, including four top fives in a six-stop stretch from June 7 (fourth at The Memorial) to Aug. 16 (third at the FedEx St. Jude Championship).

Burns collected a $153,000 payout for his week in St. Louis, raising his career-best season official winnings to $8.9 million.

Wyndham Clark, Burns’ playing partner in the first two rounds, won this week’s event at 17-under, opening with a pair of 64s on Thursday and Friday.

Burns, a Shreveport native, stands at seventh in the Official World Golf Rankings and is fourth in the U.S. Presidents Cup standings, with the top six finishers getting automatic berths on the team.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com


Rapides Parish coach, bus driver arrested on human trafficking charges

The Louisiana State Police Special Victims Unit (LSP SVU), working in coordination with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office and the FBI, conducted an undercover chat operation on Aug. 21 in Alexandria and surrounding areas. The operation resulted in the arrest of 37-year-old Esaw Owens III.

During the operation, undercover law enforcement officers communicated with Owens regarding sexual acts in exchange for money. As a result of the operation and information obtained, Owens was arrested for human trafficking of children for sexual purposes and purchase of commercial sexual activity. Owens is employed by the Rapides Parish School Board as a coach and bus driver. He was transported to the Rapides Parish Correctional Facility and processed on the charges.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. No further information is available at this time.

LSP SVU works to rescue and seek justice for the victims of crimes involving the exploitation of children and the trafficking of humans for sex or labor. The public plays an important role in identifying suspects accused of these crimes and is urged to report criminal or suspicious activity. The Louisiana State Police online reporting system is available to the public through an anonymous reporting form that is submitted to the appropriate investigators. The form can be found by visiting http://la-safe.org/and clicking on the “Suspicious Activity” link.


Notice of Death – August 21, 2026

Jimmy Holsomback, Jr.
October 11, 1943 – August 20, 2026
Service: Monday, August 24, 2026, 11am at First Baptist Church, Pineville.

Luca Jaye Carter
August 19, 2026 – August 19, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 22, 2026, 2pm at Willis Flat Cemetery, Glenmora.

Annette Marie Craft
November 28, 1933 – August 18, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 22, 2026, 11am at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church, Alexandria.

Eddie Ray Johnson
November 24, 1965 – August 16, 2026
Service: Sunday, August 30, 2026, 3pm at Lecompte Park, Lecompte.

Mary Ella Jones Smith Recard
December 5, 1932 – August 15, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 29, 2026, 10am at Mount Triumph Missionary Baptist Church, Boyce.

Patrick Battles, III
December 15, 2004 – August 13, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 29, 2026, 2pm at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Alexandria.

The Rapides Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.


August 21, 2026: Central Louisiana Daily Briefing

All Eight Suspects Now in Custody in Third Street Homicide. The Alexandria Police Department has completed its arrest sweep in connection with the August 13 killing of Patrick Battles III, 20, with all eight suspects now in custody. Aaron Freemon and Raymond Sanders — the last two wanted individuals — have been taken into custody, closing out an investigation that resulted in charges ranging from second-degree murder to illegal use of a weapon.

RADE Arrests Alexandria Man on 13 Drug and Firearm Charges. Rapides Area Drug Enforcement agents arrested John Marshal, 54, of Alexandria following an investigation that began with an anonymous Crimestoppers tip. Agents executed a search warrant on July 30 at Marshal’s home in the 3100 block of Olcutt Street and seized approximately 10 ounces of methamphetamine, 6 ounces of fentanyl, 1 ounce of cocaine, approximately 800 ecstasy pills, a quarter pound of marijuana, 52 Xanax pills, four firearms — one reported stolen — and $2,134 in cash. Marshal was booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center on a $710,000 bond facing 13 charges including multiple counts of possession with intent to distribute and illegal carry of a firearm with narcotics.

Louisiana Christian University Begins 120th Year with Renewed Mission. Louisiana Christian University in Pineville opened its 2026-2027 academic year marking its 120th anniversary with a renewed institutional focus on worship, scholarship, and stewardship. The university’s fall enrollment and program updates were highlighted during opening week activities.

Beans ‘n Cream Coming to Pineville. A new dessert and coffee shop, Beans ‘n Cream, is set to open a location in Pineville.

TRAFFIC REMINDER — Nightly Lane Closures on US 165 North in Pineville. Drivers on U.S. 165 North in Pineville should expect nightly alternating lane closures near Lowe’s and the U.S. 167 northbound off-ramp. Work runs Monday nights through Friday mornings, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., weather permitting, through the end of September 2026. DOTD advises drivers to reduce speed, use caution, and allow extra travel time.

Hearing date, jury trial set in McIntosh felony theft case

Photo: LaSalle Correctional Center, Natchitoches, Louisiana

A court hearing has been set for later this month ahead of a scheduled September jury trial in the felony theft case against Roderick T. McIntosh.

According to 10th Judicial District Court records, McIntosh appeared before District Judge Desiree D. Dyess on Aug. 11 for a pretrial conference. McIntosh faces multiple felony theft charges dating back to 2021 and 2022.

During the proceeding, Amanda Todd of the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office represented the state, while defense attorney George Higgins represented McIntosh.

While the prosecution indicated readiness to proceed with a previously scheduled mid-September trial, Dyess moved the jury trial date to Sept. 21 at 8 a.m.

The court also scheduled a hearing on outstanding motions for Aug. 25 at 1 p.m. at the Natchitoches Parish Courthouse after the defense noted it was not yet ready to confirm that all discovery had been satisfied.

Court records indicate McIntosh signed the formal notice to appear, with the court order stating that failure to attend the scheduled proceedings will result in a bench warrant for his arrest.


$40 trillion in debt: We are financing the financing

Image: J. Adam Smith / AI Assisted

By J. Adam Smith / Reader Submitted Opinion

The United States has officially crossed a threshold that defies human comprehension: a gross national debt of $40.05 trillion. Arriving months ahead of projections and accelerated by obligations like $160 billion in court-mandated tariff refunds, the milestone brings the country dangerously close to its $41.1 trillion statutory borrowing cap.

Forty trillion dollars is an abstraction. To understand what it actually means, we have to look at the household ledger.

In early 2023, when the gross debt stood at $31.4 trillion, the Peter G. Peterson Foundation calculated that every American’s share of that burden was roughly $94,000, with federal interest costs running about $1 billion a day. Today, that personal share has climbed to roughly $117,000 for every man, woman, and child. The daily interest bill now sits at approximately $2.8 billion. The cost to service past debt has nearly tripled in just three and a half years.

That is no longer a warning about tomorrow. It is the bill due today.

With net interest costs approaching $1 trillion annually, we are watching debt service outpace core priorities. That money does not build roads, modernize the power grid, fund medical breakthroughs, or equip our military. It simply pays the financing fee on yesterday’s choices. We are borrowing money to pay the interest on the money we already borrowed.

Yet the most staggering part of this crisis is the silence from Capitol Hill.

It has been 16 years since the Simpson-Bowles commission offered the last serious bipartisan blueprint to right the nation’s fiscal ship. That effort stalled just three votes shy of an up-or-down vote in Congress. In the years since, through administrations and Congresses of both parties, real solutions have been abandoned.

The silence persists because honesty is politically inconvenient. The arithmetic of fiscal sanity demands hard choices across the board: Social Security, Medicare, defense spending, and tax policy. No lawmaker running for reelection wants to look constituents in the eye and deliver bad news.

Ignoring arithmetic does not make it disappear. As the debt ceiling collision nears, we can no longer afford to treat multitrillion-dollar milestones as routine background noise. Washington must finally stop financing the financing and start governing.

Sources


Bad timing?

By JIM BUTLER

Some folks have the misfortune of often being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

J’Marion Williams, 22, of Alexandria may be one. Or maybe not.

He is one of six arrested in last Thursday night’s shooting death of Patrick Battles III, 20.

Two suspects in the case remained at large Wednesday evening.

Authorities have provided no information on circumstances of the incident in the 3700 block of Third Street, Alexandria.

Last summer Williams was allegedly among those that by chance met up in Cheneyville with a group held in mutual disdain.

By the time bullets stopped flying, police said at the time, about 100 shots had been exchanged.

For his alleged part Williams, one of 13 booked, was charged with six counts of attempted murder and criminal conspiracy.

Arrested August 1, his bail was set at $3 million and change. He was released on September 24. Bond details are not available through jail log search.

Earlier, in March 2024 he was charged with attempted murder with $100,000 bail set. Case details are not in the record.

Now he’s charged with illegal use of a dangerous weapon and negligent carrying of same. Bail is set at $100,500.

Tijah Foster, 21, is charged with second-degree murder in the case. His bail is set at $1 million.

Foster was most recently booked in February 2024 for alleged drug distribution, possession of paraphernalia and two counts of possessing firearm in presence of drugs.

Bail was $20,000.

Others charged in the Battles shooting:

  • Tyler Winchester, 20, illegal use, negligent carrying, $51,000 bail. Prior arrests include battery of dating partner, February 2026, and possession/distribution, October 2024;
  • Xavier Walker, 21, illegal use, negligent carrying, $100,500 bail. Priors include January 2025, illegal possession machine gun, narcotics possession; January 2024, possession/distribution;
  • Jaylynn Wayfort, 22, and Kenneth Morris, 19, no record of prior adult arrests.

At large are Raymond Sanders, 26, no record found, and Aaron Freeman, 19, booked in March on contempt and traffic charges and in September 2025 for alleged narcotics possession, illegal possession of stolen firearm, firearm in presence of drugs and traffic charges.


August 20, 2026: Central Louisiana Daily Briefing

Dresser Site Cleanup Dispute Remains Unresolved. Parties in the long-running litigation over the former Dresser Industries site in Alexandria remained far apart at a recent hearing on a proposed cleanup plan, according to court records. The dispute centers on how the contaminated property should be remediated and who bears the cost.

LSUA Small Business Development Center Hosting Free Financial Workshops This Week. The Louisiana Small Business Development Center at LSUA is hosting two no-cost financial management workshops during the week of August 18, designed to assist entrepreneurs and small business owners in Central Louisiana.

TRAFFIC REMINDER — Nightly Lane Closures on US 165 North in Pineville. Drivers on U.S. 165 North in Pineville should expect nightly alternating lane closures near Lowe’s and the U.S. 167 northbound off-ramp. Work runs Monday nights through Friday mornings, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., weather permitting, through the end of September 2026. The U.S. 167 northbound off-ramp to U.S. 165 will remain open. DOTD advises drivers to reduce speed, use caution around construction workers and equipment, and allow extra travel time.

Burns again among favorites for second leg of FedEx Cup playoffs

Former LSU All-American Sam Burns is playing the best golf of his career as he tees off today in the BMW Championship, the penultimate PGA Tour event before next week’s Tour Championship.

By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

ST. LOUIS – Sam Burns is on a roll that takes a back seat to no other player on the PGA Tour.

And that includes his pal and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who ran away with last week’s FedEx St. Jude championship.

Not even Scheffler can match this: Burns has finished in the top three in three of his last four tournaments – and those top threes came in the last three “biggies”  — the U.S. Open, the British Open and last week’s initial FedEx Cup playoff event, played 280 miles down the Mississippi River in Memphis.

Or this. Burns’ heater is not a flash in the pan: he has top-five finishes in his last six starts. And it goes further back, into mid-March.

Notes Mike Glasscott of Golfbet News: “Since The Players (March 12-15), over that frame, which spans 13 starts, Burns has gained +1.73 strokes per round. The only player better than that is Scottie Scheffler …  “(and Burns’ putting is) gaining nearly a stroke per round during that same 13-event stretch.”

Those are among the reasons many analysts have the 30-year-old Choudrant resident rated among the favorites again this week at the BMW Championship on the 7,448-yard, par-70 Bellerive Country Club course.

Burns tees off at 10:49 this morning paired with two-time U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark, who also ranks among the PGA Tour’s best putters.

Their round will finish on Golf Channel, which begins its coverage at 2 o’clock. Until then, keeping an eye on the Shreveport native will require tuning in to the ESPN+ stream.

Burns has climbed to seventh in the Official World Golf Rankings, moving up from 11th into a career-best position. He stands sixth in the FedEx Cup rankings and is assured of moving on to next week’s Tour Championship in Atlanta.

His career-best $8.7 million in official winnings this season has lifted his career earnings to $43.5 million since he turned pro in 2019 on the heels of two All-America honors and the Jack Nicklaus Award as the collegiate player of the year while starring for LSU.

Outside of that figure, Burns recently added another major sponsorship deal with financial giant iCapital.  That adds to his portfolio that includes agreements with brands including Raising Canes, Callaway Golf, Peter Millar, PAYNTR Golf, Mastercard, NetJets, Topgolf, and ADP.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com


Coincidence? Heat wave, lots of arrests this week, two million-dollar bails set

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

Aug. 19

Darqurius Benjamin, 26, Alexandria – two counts producing manufacturing distributing CDS, three counts use of CDS in presence of minors, two counts illegal carry firearm with drugs, illegal possession of stolen firearms, two counts contempt of court, $104,000 bail;

Rodolfo Fernandez, 38, Ball – OWI fourth offense, obstructing public passages, ignition interlock devices required for certain offenders, $600 bail;

Kevin Bernard Hall, 48, Alexandria – two counts producing manufacturing distributing marijuana/counterfeit substances, three counts possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, three counts illegal carry firearm with drugs, illegal possession of stolen firearms, three counts use of CDS in presence of minors, $1,500 bail;

Sherterroca Ladrelle Henderson, 49, Alexandria – aggravated burglary, possession of drug paraphernalia, $500 bail;

Royal Damane Osteen, 25, Alexandria – two counts producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, two counts illegal carry firearm with drugs, illegal possession of stolen firearms, three counts use of CDS in presence of minors, $1,500 bail;

Royricus Joeletreaux Osteen, 28, Alexandria — two counts producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, two counts illegal carry firearm with drugs, illegal possession of stolen firearms, three counts use of CDS in presence of minors, two counts possession of firearm by convicted felon, $1,500 bail;

Quazeric Reed, 32, Bunkie — two counts producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, two counts illegal carry firearm with drugs, illegal possession of stolen firearms, three counts use of CDS in presence of minors, $1,500 bail;

Trivonta William Smoot, 25, Cottonport — two counts producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, two counts illegal carry firearm with drugs, illegal possession of stolen firearms, three counts use of CDS in presence of minors, $1,500 bail.

Aug. 18

James Allen Andrews, 32, Boyce – home invasion, two counts resisting an officer, $21,000 bail;

Michael Steven Cantrell, 33, Boyce – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, $500 bail;

Demarcus Maurice Davis, 35, Alexandria – possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, failure to appear, riding bicycles not astride, resisting an officer, parole violations, $21,600 bail;

Shannon Leigh Doyle, 52, Deville – possession of firearm by convicted felon, possession of CDS, probation violation, no bail data;

Jayron Drummer, 23, Pineville – possession of weapon by convicted felon, parole violations, tail lamps red light, $25,100 bail;

Thomas Lewis Jennins, 47, Monroe – 33 counts cyberstalking via email, four counts intimidation nonconsensual disclosure of a private image, no bail data;

Jermaine Anthony Johnson, 41, Pineville – domestic abuse battery strangulation, two counts contempt of court, $500 bail;

Quanterious T. Johnson, 19, Alexandria – manufacture transfer possession of machine guns, two counts illegal possession of a stolen firearm, $200,000 bail;

Jarvis Yricka Mitchell, 46, Cheneyville – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, driver’s license required, traffic light yellow treated as caution, obstruction of driver’s view, $300 bail;

Kenneth J. Morris, 19, Alexandria – concealed negligent carry handgun, illegal use of weapons, no bail data;

Eli Price, 47, Jonesville – domestic abuse battery pregnant, domestic abuse battery strangulation, $40,000 bail;

Dylan Joseph Tucker, 18, Elmer – obstruction of justice, contributing to delinquency of juveniles, criminal trespass, criminal damage to property, criminal conspiracy, $21,000 bail;

Hunter Gage Ware, 18, Glenmora – criminal conspiracy, criminal damage to property, criminal trespass, $500 bail;

Terrance Trevell Wilson, 38, Boyce – indecent behavior with juveniles, no bail data;

Jessica J. Wise, 45, Deville – five counts forgery, three counts contempt of court, parole violations, $33,000 bail.

Aug. 17

Luther Durwood Birch, 37, Alexandria – third degree rape, $50,000 bail;

Austin Rayshun Byrd, 30, Alexandria – unauthorized entry of inhabited dwelling, flight from an officer, car jacking, domestic abuse battery with child present, domestic abuse battery, two counts contempt of court, parole violations, $72,000 bail;

Tijah D. Foster, 21, Alexandria – second degree murder, $1 million bail;

Jerrinika Laynette Latchie, 26, Pineville – 15 counts contempt of court, $66,000 bail;

Taylor Lemoine, 33, Deville – OWI first offense, $1,000 bail;

Rkeizmond Miles, 22, Alexandria – simple arson, simple assault, domestic abuse battery with child present, seven counts Louisiana fugitive, unauthorized entry into inhabited dwelling, resisting an officer probation violation, $22,000 bail;

Shelton Ray Morris Jr., 49, Lecompte – simple burglary, criminal trespass, $10,500 bail;

Jayden Matthew Prudhomme, 17, Otis – criminal conspiracy, criminal damage to property, criminal trespass, obstruction of justice, $20,500 bail;

Zachary Ethan Shiler, 20, Pineville – three counts attempted first degree murder, criminal conspiracy (charges dated for April 27, 2026), $2,050,000 bail;

Xavier Jacoby Walker, 21, Pineville – illegal use of weapons, concealed negligent carry handgun, $100,500 bail;

Jalynn Marquis Wayford, 22, Alexandria – illegal use of weapons, concealed negligent carry handgun, $100,500 bail;

Braydyn Zane Williams, 17, Alexandria – first degree rape, $100,000 bail;

J’Marion Williams, 22, Alexandria – illegal use of weapons, concealed negligent carry handgun, $100,500 bail.

Aug. 16

Bobby Dale Ambrose Jr., 37, Boyce – possession of CDS, headlamps required, possession of paraphernalia, driving under suspension, theft, $12,200 bail;

Preston Dale Gilbert, 46, Boyce – cruelty to juveniles, $1,000 bail;

Jordan Terrell Hills, 25, Alexandria – criminal conspiracy, two counts producing manufacturing distributing CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, four counts contempt of court, $42,000 bail;

Charles Love, 31, Pineville – domestic abuse battery with child present, two counts domestic abuse battery, $15,000 bail;

Jaylen Lucas, 25, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, criminal conspiracy, driving under suspension, display of temporary registration plates, $26,200 bail;

Lonnie Verdell Papayanis, 33, Alexandria – 14 counts contempt of court, $28,000 bail.


August 19, 2026: Central Louisiana Daily Briefing

Six Arrested, Two Still Wanted in Third Street Homicide. The Alexandria Police Department has made six arrests in connection with the August 13 killing of Patrick Battles III, 20, in the 3700 block of Third Street, with two suspects still at large. APD is actively seeking Aaron Freeman, 19, and Raymond Sanders, 26. Kenneth Morris, 19, who had been listed as wanted, has since been taken into custody. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Freeman or Sanders is asked to contact the Alexandria Police Department at (318) 441-6416 or Crime Stoppers of CenLa at (318) 443-7867.

Heavy Police Presence Reported Near Lee Street in Alexandria. A heavy police presence was reported just off Lee Street near Beech and Hickory streets in Alexandria, in the area near Bolton Academy, beginning at approximately 8:15 p.m. Tuesday. As of 8:50 p.m., residents reported officers remained on scene. Authorities had not released any information regarding the nature of the incident as of press time.

Alexandria Man Sentenced to Six Years on Federal Felon Gun Charge. A federal judge sentenced an Alexandria man to 72 months in federal prison after he was found in possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.

Pineville Resident Velma Mae Johnson Celebrates 102nd Birthday. Velma Mae Johnson of Pineville marked her 102nd birthday on August 18, surrounded by family and friends.

Johnny’s Pizza House Closes Alexandria Location. The Johnny’s Pizza House location in Alexandria has permanently closed, ending a 12-year presence in the Central Louisiana community. The Alexandria franchise opened in 2014. No statement has been released from the company regarding the closure.

Nightly lane closures on U.S. 165 North in Pineville

Lowe’s and the U.S. 167 northbound off-ramp

Nightly lane closures on US 165 North in Pineville begin Tuesday

Drivers should prepare for nightly lane closures on U.S. 165 North in Pineville starting Tuesday, Aug. 18, weather permitting, according to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.

Work will take place near Lowe’s and the U.S. 167 northbound off-ramp. Alternating lane closures will occur Monday nights through Friday mornings, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., with work expected to continue through the end of September.

The U.S. 167 northbound off-ramp to U.S. 165 will remain open throughout the project.

DOTD advises drivers to use caution, reduce speed, watch for construction workers and equipment, and allow for extra travel time through the work zone.