Phonetic: /KAT-ee-kor-ner/
Part of Speech: Adverb
Definition
By JIM BUTLER
Project Lightning is not on the agenda posted Wednesday afternoon for today’s England Authority meeting.
Though likely just a formality, Authority commissioners have not yet signed off on the incentive package designed to land a $3.6 billion data center in a newly created Authority sub-district, making Lightning a reality.
The agenda does include economic development discussion as a general topic.
With Governor Jeff Landry leading the choir, a number of personages hailed the center at a press conference Tuesday as a done deal.
Given all that was said, it seems a cinch Deep Forge 1, as it is coded by the parties involved, will locate near Boyce.
The last time it went before the Authority, commissioners noted a detailed incentive package would eventually be presented to it for consideration and approval.
Such a package would include details regarding payments In Lieu of Taxes, additional payments covering various facets, employment guarantees and the like.
The Louisiana House is advancing a resolution opposing any effort to transfer, privatize or remove the Kisatchie National Forest from federal ownership and management.
House Resolution 343, authored by Gabe Firment, memorializes Congress to reject proposals that would transfer, divest or otherwise dispose of lands within Louisiana’s only national forest.
The measure was read by title and advanced to third reading in the Louisiana House on May 27. Floor debate is scheduled for May 28.
The resolution comes amid growing public concern over discussions involving possible federal land transfers tied to restoration and economic development proposals in central Louisiana. Conservation organizations, outdoor recreation advocates and local officials have recently voiced opposition to any reduction of federal oversight of the forest.
The approximately 604,000-acre Kisatchie National Forest spans several central and north Louisiana parishes and supports timber management, hunting, fishing, hiking, wildlife habitat and tourism activity. It is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
In the resolution, lawmakers argue the forest provides economic, environmental and recreational benefits to Louisiana residents and visitors and should remain accessible to the public under federal management.
The measure does not carry the force of law but serves as an official statement of the Louisiana House’s position to Congress and federal policymakers.
HR 343 places the Louisiana House formally on record opposing any effort to transfer or privatize portions of Kisatchie National Forest, signaling bipartisan concern over preserving public access and federal stewardship of Louisiana’s only national forest.
This summer, First United Methodist Church of Alexandria is offering a variety of seasonal events focused on music, creativity, wellness, and fellowship for individuals and families throughout the summer months.
Tonight: Final Be Kind Concert Series Event – May 28
The spring season of the Be Kind Community Concert Series concludes on Thursday, May 28 from 6–7PM with a special outdoor performance by Christian recording artist Octavia in the church courtyard located in the heart of Alexandria’s Garden District.
Known for her strong vocals, passionate worship style, and uplifting message, Octavia brings more than 20 years of musical experience rooted in faith, hope, and encouragement. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks for this relaxed, family-friendly evening outdoors. Admission is free, and a love offering will be received to support the artist.
The Be Kind Concert Series exists to create space for kindness, fellowship, and community connection throughout Central Louisiana.
The series is sponsored by the Nell Sheehee Foundation and Operation Kindness.
Next Week: Pop-Up Art Party – “Draw Yourself Calm” – June 4
As part of Wellness Month at First United Methodist Church, the church will host a Pop-Up Art Party titled “Draw Yourself Calm” on Thursday, June 4 from 5–7PM in The Studio.
Led by Rev. Jean, this meditative drawing experience will use the book Draw Yourself Calm by Amy Maricle to explore creativity as a pathway toward relaxation and mindfulness. No drawing experience is necessary, and all supplies will be provided.
The event is designed to help participants slow down, de-stress, and enjoy the calming benefits of creative expression in a welcoming environment. Registration information available at www.fumca.org/art.
By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports
Some of the best things are, indeed, free.
That’s certainly true for sports fans and especially LSU fans this evening in Natchitoches, at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum.
An extraordinary exhibit showcasing an expansive array of material from the life of one of Louisiana’s best known and most accomplished sports figures has its opening reception from 6-8 p.m. Admission is free. Attire is casual, with light finger food and refreshments available.
“Billy Cannon – They Called Him Legend” shares the life story of LSU’s first football superstar, the 1959 Heisman Trophy winner.
The display debuted with a 14-month run at the Capitol Park Museum in Baton Rouge. The Louisiana State Museum curatorial staff has brought nearly all of that expansive exhibit to Natchitoches. The Cannons – Billy’s parents, then his wife Dot – kept everything of any significance from his Istrouma High School days forward. Example: the telephone that fielded a phone call from coach Paul Dietzel offering young Billy a football scholarship at LSU.
There’s much more, from every stage of Cannon’s 80 years: the early days, his LSU career including his pivotal role in the Tigers’ 1958 national championship, his 11-year pro career, family life, and yes, his tumble from grace — and redemption in his later years.
Cannon is remembered for his fabled 1959 Halloween night punt return that beat No. 1-ranked Ole Miss, counterbalanced by a brief in federal prison in the early 1980s for his involvement in a counterfeiting scheme.
What is less known is how Cannon, a dentist who had a successful practice in Baton Rouge, shunned in his hometown upon his release. He eventually channeled that isolation into a deeply impactful role as a dentist and counselor for inmates at Angola State Prison.
Reluctant to accept acclaim for his football accomplishments lest it overshadow the team’s glory, Cannon shied away from the spotlight even before his arrest and guilty plea. But as he entered his later years, friends helped him ease into the role of an LSU football statesman who represented the most celebrated days of the program – just as Nick Saban arrived to fuel the rise of the Tigers into one of the nation’s premier teams.
Cannon engaged fans and reunited with LSU in this century, to mutual delight.
All of the ups and downs of his life are reflected in the exhibit in Natchitoches.
Following this evening’s free reception, the exhibit will be in Natchitoches until next April along with over 23,000 square feet of permanent exhibits in the world-renowned two-story structure.
The most expensive ticket to the museum at 800 Front Street (at the traffic circle) is just $6, with discounts for senior citizens, military and students. The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday weekly from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com
Arrests are accusations, not convictions.
May 27
Hollie Ann Brooks, 31, Pineville – three counts possession of CDS, paraphernalia, simple escape, $77,500 bail;
Joseph Wayne Craig, 46, Colfax – domestic abuse battery with child present, no bail data;
Dontravion Demon Dixon, 20, Alexandria – illegal possession of stolen firearm, manufacture/possession of machine guns, speeding, driver’s license not in possession, $200 bail;
Donald Wayne Foster, 26, Alexandria – three counts possession of CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, possession of firearm by convicted felon, manufacture/possession of machine guns, $153,500 bail;
Trinity Alexis Grant, 18, Alexandria – OWI first offense, three counts vehicular negligent injuring, three counts contributing to the delinquency of juveniles, possession of alcohol by minor, reckless operation of a vehicle, safety belt violation, no driver’s license, running a stop sign, $5,300 bail;
Terrance Tyrell Hamilton, 36, Alexandria – aggravated robbery, aggravated assault with a firearm, possession of firearm by convicted felon, $150,000 bail;
Keltric Keonn King, 28, Alexandria – possession of CDS, obstruction of justice, illegal carry firearm with drugs, resisting an officer, possession of a firearm by convicted felon, probation violation, two counts contempt of court, $50,000 bail;
Cameron Shiloh Miller, 32, Pineville – possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, aggravated battery of a police officer, resisting an officer, $6,500 bail;
Kenrell Deshun Simmons, 47, Alexandria – simple battery, six counts contempt of court, $12,500 bail.
May 26
Charles Edward Atherton, 46, Pineville – possession of CDS, driving under suspension, possession of drug paraphernalia, modified exhaust, contempt of court, $7,200 bail;
Miguel Castro, 41, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, $3,000 bail;
Karen Elizabeth Franklin, 61, Pineville – OWI first offense, $500 bail;
Kerry Renea Haas, 47, Alexandria – unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, probation violation, $1,000 bail;
Curtis Ray Hawn, 62, Boyce – domestic abuse battery serious injury, two counts contempt of court, $7,000 bail;
Thomas Randell Helverson, 59, Ruby – four counts contempt of court, $40,000 bail;
Jeremy Joseph Hurts, 39, Alexandria – two counts producing manufacturing distributing CDS, possession of CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal conspiracy, $1.1 million bail;
Derrick Dewayne Moore Jr., 29, Pineville – Louisiana fugitive, aggravated assault, $5,000 bail;
Donald Smith, 41, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, six counts contempt of court, $23,000 bail;
Kaleigh Michelle Tucker, 20, Deville – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, $2,000 bail.
May 25
Mekahia Meshea Brooks, 29, Alexandria, aggravated assault upon peace officer, battery on officer, interfering with law enforcement investigation, three counts resisting an officer with force or violence, $3,500 bail;
Thomas Cole Brunson, 40, Pineville – domestic abuse battery with child present, $5,000 bail;
Marcy Thomas Couteter, 50, Ball – two counts simple burglary, legend drug possession, two counts contempt of court, $10,000 bail;
Cartez Demon Dotson, 38, Pineville – two counts possession of CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, possession of firearm by convicted felon, $110,000 bail;
Russell Henry Sheppard Jr., 47, Pineville – theft, $1,000 bail;
Jordan Rashad Washington, 36, Alexandria – theft, simple battery, possession of CDS, resisting an officer, $2,500 bail.
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Cleco will provide power to a new data center being developed by Applied Digital in Rapides Parish, the company confirmed Wednesday.
Gov. Jeff Landry officially announced the project Tuesday during an Alexandria press conference held in partnership with Louisiana Economic Development and Louisiana Central.
“The data center project will be transformative for Rapides Parish and our customers,” said Bill Fontenot, president and CEO of Cleco. “As a company, we welcome Applied Digital and look forward to meeting their needs for safe and reliable energy for years to come.”
According to Applied Digital and economic development experts, the project is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs during construction and another 200 long-term positions, while stimulating additional opportunities for existing local businesses.
“The number of jobs generated by this project is significant for central Louisiana, and it aligns with our priorities to foster business growth locally and throughout the state,” Fontenot said. “A project of this size will have positive generational impacts on the region.”
Company officials stated that large-load customers like data centers can help lower costs for existing customers by spreading system expenses across a broader base. The project is also expected to bring upgrades to power lines, substations and equipment to strengthen the regional power grid.
Fontenot emphasized that infrastructure costs will not fall on current residents.
“Costs for infrastructure investments and power generation will be reimbursed by the data center with assurances made that prevent the shifting of costs onto other customers,” Fontenot said. “Improving infrastructure will lead to stronger resiliency and reliability for all customers.”
The project remains subject to oversight by the Louisiana Public Service Commission.
Cleco representatives noted the utility has met Louisiana’s reliability standards for the past 27 years, maintaining power delivery more than 99.99% of the time.
The biggest, most star-studded and fun-filled party of every summer for miles around is coming your way in a month.
Three days of festivities are approaching beginning Thursday, June 25 through Saturday, June 27 for the 2026 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration in Natchitoches.
The LSHOF’s Class of 2026 will be enshrined Saturday night, June 27 at the Natchitoches Events Center to culminate the 67th Induction Celebration.
The Induction Celebration will kick off Thursday, June 25, with the Welcome Reception from 5-7 p.m., free to the public at the Hall of Fame museum at 800 Front Street.
The Friday, June 26 schedule begins with the Celebrity Bowling Bash presented by BOM at Four Seasons Bowling Center in Alexandria. The 2026 Rockin’ River Fest, a free concert on the downtown riverbank stage, begins at 6 p.m. and runs until 10:30. In conjunction with the Rockin’ River Fest is the VIP Taste of Tailgating party, a ticketed indoor-outdoor event.
The slate on Saturday, June 27 kicks off with the free LSHOF Junior Training Camp led by community relations personnel from the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, along with Northwestern State coaches and this year’s Hall of Fame inductees, on the NSU campus at the Webb Wellness and Recreation Center and Turpin Stadium. This event is presented by Natchitoches Regional Medical Center and is nearing capacity. Free registration for kids ages 7-16 is required and can be easily accomplished at LaSportsHall.com.
At noon Saturday, the Round Table Luncheon presented by the Tiger Athletic Foundation is set for Riverside Reserve on Mill Street. Fox Sports broadcaster Tim Brando emcees an entertaining program.
Festivities culminate Saturday evening with the Induction Reception at the LSHOF museum beginning at 5, followed at 7 by the Induction Ceremony at the Natchitoches Events Center. Northwestern State University and State Farm Agents of Louisiana are presenting sponsors Saturday evening.
The VIP Taste of Tailgating, the Bowling Bash, the Round Table Luncheon and the Induction Reception and Ceremony are ticketed events requiring purchase in advance through LaSportsHall.com or by calling 318-238-4255.
The Thursday reception, the Friday evening River Fest and the Junior Training Camp are free.
The Class of ‘26 is headlined by a star-studded group: Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame 2025 inductee Sylvia Fowles, NFL stars Joe Horn, Todd McClure and Pat Williams, Major League Baseball All-Star Jonathan Lucroy and legendary basketball coaches John Brady, Mike McConathy and Dewain Strother.
Alexandria native and LSU baseball hero Warren Morris will receive the Louisiana Sports Ambassador Award, earning enshrinement into the LSHOF. His walk-off home run won the 1996 College World Series for LSU and resulted in the Bolton High School product becoming a lifelong spokesman for college baseball, the CWS and LSU.
LSU graduate and New Orleans native Gil LeBreton and multi-faceted Shreveporter John James Marshall are going into the Hall as the 2026 winners of the LSWA’s Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism. Former Tioga girls basketball coach and nationally-acclaimed high school sports administrator Kathy Holloway is being inducted as the recipient of the Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award.
The Induction Celebration will be hosted by the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation, the support organization for the Hall of Fame. The LSHOF Foundation was established as a 501 c 3 non-profit entity in 1975 and is governed by a statewide board of directors.
For information on sponsorship opportunities and other participation, contact Foundation President/CEO Ronnie Rantz at 225-802-6040 or RonnieRantz@LaSportsHall.com, or Greg Burke, Director of Business Development and Public Relations, at 318-663-5459 or GregBurke@LaSportsHall.com via email.
If every disagreement turns into a critique of how you communicate, the real problem may be what you’re not resolving—here’s how to break the cycle and start working as a team.
See what Ida says
Gov. Jeff Landry, Louisiana Economic Development and local and regional partners will host a press conference Tuesday, May 26, in Alexandria to announce a major economic development project coming to Central Louisiana.
WHAT:
Economic development announcement accelerating Louisiana’s capital investment and job growth.
WHO:
Gov. Jeff Landry
LED Secretary Susan Bourgeois
Local and regional economic development partners
WHEN:
Tuesday, May 26
Media Setup: 2:00 p.m.
Announcement: 2:30 p.m.
WHERE:
England Airpark Community Center
1718 Kegleman Drive
Alexandria, LA 71303
LSU fans are hoping (and with that NIL bankroll, paying) for better days ahead, that’s obvious.
The entertainment value is undeniable, with a star chamber of vibrant coaching personalities that has eyes and ears from coast to coast tuned in to the latest Tiger talk.
Lane Kiffin, and now Ed “BeBe” Orgeron. The Lane Train and Coach O. They’re in Baton Rouge because Brian Kelly fit LSU like that glove fit O.J., no matter how guilty he was.
Will Wade, who grins at mention of his “American Gangster” nickname, is building a basketball roster that the State Department is going to need to check. Three rings will not be enough for this circus. But we all enjoy the circus, and we leave happy.
Speaking of a coach who provides entertainment, there’s Kim Mulkey, who commands the spotlight 24-7-365, and amid any chaos, just wins. Big. Every winter.
She’s the stand alone shining star at this juncture, because the coach who has won two national championships in the past four seasons just had the most disappointing year in the history of LSU baseball. Nobody (reasonable, or sane) is calling for Jay Johnson’s head. Yet.
Red Clay Earthquake Alley, mostly south of Shreveport and north of Natchitoches, is rockin’, with well over a dozen rattlers since Thanksgiving. Tiger Nation can relate.
Stay calm. Come to 800 Front Street in the City of Lights, at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Museum, and relive some of LSU’s greatest days starting Thursday evening, with a free reception from 6-8 for the opening of an exceptional exhibit.
“Billy Cannon – They Called Him Legend” presents the unabridged life story of LSU’s first real modern-era (post World War II) golden boy, the 1959 Heisman Trophy winner.
The display has had a 14-month run at the Capitol Park Museum in Baton Rouge and somehow, the Louisiana State Museum curatorial staff has brought about 75 percent of that expansive exhibit to Natchitoches. The Cannons – Billy’s parents, then his wife Dot – kept everything of any significance from his Istrouma High School days forward. Example: the telephone that fielded a phone call from coach Paul Dietzel offering young Billy a football scholarship at LSU.
There’s so, so much more, from every stage of Cannon’s 80 years: the early days, his LSU career including his pivotal role in the Tigers’ 1958 national championship, his 11-year pro career, family life, and yes, his tumble from grace — and redemption in his later years.
Today many of us hear his name and too few of us know most of his story. The fabled Halloween night run, counterbalanced by a stint in federal prison. Being shunned in his hometown upon his release, and channeling that isolation into a deeply impactful role as a dentist and counselor for inmates at Angola State Prison.
This exhibit tells it all. You may think you know Cannon’s ups and downs, but there’s much more substance and subtext shared in these showcases.
For today’s Tiger fans, it has perfect timing. Cannon’s story has a happy ending. There haven’t been many of those for the Purple and Gold in the signature sports in 2025-26.
Even if you’re not prone to wearing LSU gear, it’s undeniably fascinating and inspiring.
Admission to the Hall of Fame museum is never expensive — $6 is the top cost – but on a few occasions, like Thursday evening, it’s free. Looking for an uplifting outing? Come see Cannon’s exhibit, and the rest of the two-story, 27,000-square foot Hall.
Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com
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The Louisiana Department of Health announced Friday that beginning May 26, state SNAP recipients will only be able to use their Electronic Benefit Transfer cards for purchases made within Louisiana and in ZIP codes adjacent to the state’s border.
Department officials said the policy change aims to protect benefits from fraud and out-of-state use while ensuring Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program dollars support Louisiana grocers, farmers, businesses and local communities.
EBT cardholders who shop at Louisiana stores and through approved online retailers will not be affected. Residents who regularly shop just across the state line in Texas, Mississippi and Arkansas will experience little to no disruption, as many of those border ZIP codes are included under the policy’s approved designation. Out-of-state purchases attempted outside of the approved areas will be blocked.
SNAP recipients who are traveling and need temporary access to make purchases outside of Louisiana can request a short-term exemption online at lifeincheckebt.com, by calling 888-524-3578, or by visiting a local department SNAP office.
Any temporary out-of-state access will automatically expire at the beginning of the following month, returning the card to the default setting.
For more information and a full list of approved border-area ZIP codes, residents can visit ldh.la.gov/page/electronic-benefits-transfer-ebt.
The Indianapolis 500, commonly called Indy 500, is a 500-mile automobile race which has become the largest single-day spectator sporting event in the world. Since its meager beginnings in 1909, people have flocked to the track in record numbers to watch the high-speed thrills. On May 30, 1941, George “Joie” Chitwood readied his cigar-shaped racecar, the Blue Crown Spark Plug Special, for the Indianapolis 500. During qualifying, Joie bounced around the track in his racecar and had a hard time keeping his foot on the accelerator. Out of necessity, Joie used a simple strap to fix the problem. The other drivers objected to the strap because they thought it was dangerous. The heads of the AAA Drivers Association agreed and refused to allow Joie to use the strap. They only relented when Joie promised to release the strap if he thought he was going to crash. Keep in mind that the cars traveled more than 100 miles per hour. Joie did not crash that day. He came in 14th place and won $620. (The first-place winner, Floyd Davis, received $29,200.) Joie believed that using the strap helped his performance in the 1941 Indy 500, but the other drivers remained skeptical.
For decades, the general public remained skeptical as well. Carmakers often adopt equipment designed for racing cars on their vehicles. In 1949, now defunct carmaker Nash Motors offered this strap on about 40,000 of their Airflyte and Ambassador models, but over 39,000 of them were removed by dealerships at the request of the owners. In 1955, Ford offered it as an option on their vehicles, but less than 2% of buyers chose the strap. In 1958, Saab became the first carmaker to include the strap as part of their standard equipment.
Although he had nothing to do with its invention, Joie Chitwood made history that day in May 1941 because he was the first driver to wear the strap in the Indy 500. Today, all race car drivers are required to wear one. It has also become a requirement in all automobiles. At that time, the common misperception was that people were safer in a car accident if they were thrown from the wreck rather than behind held inside the vehicle. They called the strap safety belts, but we know this strap as the seat belt.
Sources:
1. Robert Tate, “The 1949 Nash was an Entirely New Postwar Design,” MotorCities National Heritage Area, October 1, 2025, accessed May 17, 2026, https://www.motorcities.org/
2. “1941 Indianapolis 500 Race Results,” Indianapolis 500 Race Day Stats, accessed May 17, 2026, https://www.
3. “Joie Chitwood (SR.),” National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum, accessed May 17, 2026, https://web.archive.org/web/
Beverly Kay Giannone
November 19, 1949 – May 12, 2026
Service: Tuesday, May 26, 2026, 2pm at Kramer & Son Funeral Home, Alexandria.
Nina Myrtis Huffman
October 10, 1933 – May 6, 2026
Service: Friday, May 29, 2026, 10am at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Ball.
The Rapides Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or RPJNewsla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication.
