The Alexandria Garden Club, celebrating its 101st year, has awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Harrison Lord, a recent graduate of Alexandria Senior High.
Lord will attend Mississippi State University majoring in Landscape Architecture.
He was an honor student at ASH, team captain of the Soccer Club and a finalist in the B.A.S.S. La. High School Bass Fishing championship. He is the son of Adam and Megan Lord.
BOM Receives USDA Rural Lender of the Year for the Fifth Time!
USDA updates lender list for rural guaranteed loan program
Dear Fellow Citizens,
I’m John Fleming, your State Treasurer and Republican candidate for U.S. Senate.
This Saturday’s election is extremely important. DC lobbyists and Baton Rouge elites have poured millions into supporting their preferred candidate — NOT ME.
At stake is the carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) industry’s push to use YOUR tax dollars to seize YOUR private land through eminent domain. Estimates suggest that up to 75% of the nation’s CO2 emissions could be pumped beneath our lands, lakes, and rivers – ‘captured’ for eternity. The whole thing is a “Green New Deal” scam, which will make the elites wealthier at the expense of the rest of us. I am the only candidate who is 100% opposed to this fraud and abuse.
Don’t be fooled! The establishment and powers that be are trying to buy our Louisiana Senate seat. I can’t be bought, bribed, or bullied!
Our future, and the future of our children and grandchildren, hangs in the balance. Please don’t sit this one out — vote this Saturday, May 16th. Polls open at 7:00 a.m.
Thank you,
John Fleming
Louisiana State Treasurer
Republican Candidate for the US Senate
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The only thing worse than track is field.
A folksy and venerable Texas football publicity man – Jones Ramsey (don’t you love the name?) – uttered that line many decades ago. Jones (or Mr. Ramsey, if you prefer) was Darrell Royal’s PR man back when the Longhorns were really hookin’ ‘em in the 1960s, and hung in there until 1982.
He had made the unthinkable move 105 miles west from College Station to Austin. Before UT, he was Bear Bryant’s guy at Texas A&M. Think Jones didn’t have stories piled up like post oak outside the best Texas barbeque joints?
Ole Jones was a bit of a one-track mind when it came to sports, mostly because back in the day, so were Texans. Aggies, Longhorns, Frogs, Mustangs, Bears, Red Raiders – the Southwestern Conference existed for one reason and one reason only.
Said Jones: “The only sports in Texas are football, and spring football.”
Here we are a lifetime later, and football still is king, not only in the Lone Star State, but in most of the U-S-and-A. It certainly is when the college sports leaders bat around the present and future. As lucrative as March Madness is, it’s football that will be the deal maker when the inevitable Great Divide unfolds and the Haves split away from the Wannabees and the Have Nots in the next few years.
Let me offer a quick solution – the NIL Division and the College Division. The first is for college franchises that truly can afford to pay their student-athletes (believe it or not, they all do take classes and maintain decent GPAs), can pay them handsomely and not consider the twisted rationale that students are making more than faculty and staff, and nearly all of their coaches, for spending time on campus. The majority of the colleges, who truly cannot sustain paying their competitors tens of thousands, if not six figures (and that’s standard for some in every Division I conference in the country), don’t. No more.
Either a player is good enough to fit into the Bankroll Division or not. If not, in the College Division they get free or discounted education and still a lot of perks and great experiences as college athletes. And the budgets of the Wannabees and Have Nots are a lot more appropriate, while alumni and supporters don’t have to pony up to rent a player for a year before the player gets a better deal and departs.
Solved. Now, to the intended point of today’s effort.
Track and field is cool. Sorry Mr. Ramsey. Irony of ironies, one of college track’s greatest competitions every spring is the Texas Relays, named for the Horns’ legendary coach, Clyde Littlefield. I suspect Clyde and Jones did not have coffee together.
Aside from the Olympic Trials and the NCAA Championships, there’s not a meet involving college athletes and blending in some elite competitors that can outshine the Texas Relays year after year.
You may never make it to that meet. You probably haven’t made it to any track meet. Too bad.
We have a bunch every spring in the high school ranks around here. The just-completed LHSAA championships once again were a showcase for some of the superior talent in Cenla: the ASH girls won the Class 5A team championship, and Rapides Parish competitors claimed 10 state event titles. Trojans’ discus man Joseph Carter Rivet, a junior, ranks among the best in the country and defended his state crown.
But it’s not just the champs. It’s not even just the top-notch athletes who finished in the top three at their regional meets and qualified to travel to Baton Rouge for last weekend’s festivities.
Track is cool.
What other sport can give you the other athletes in a given event clapping and cheering for their competition?
It happens on the reg in track. Especially in the field events – throwing, jumping, vaulting.
Because those athletes are not competing against each other as much as they are competing against themselves, and the clock or tape measure. It’s pure sport. It’s trying to be better than before – and there’s absolutely a quantitative measure for evaluation.
There were lots of great marks recorded, despite heavy rains, last Friday and Saturday at the LHSAA meet. Here’s a snapshot that captures the essence of the sport:
Parkway junior Brennan Robin running faster than a 44-year-old all classes record in the 1600 meters – by over six seconds – was near the top of spectacular efforts. But he was runner-up to Jesuit’s Connor Fanburg, who rallied past Robin on the final lap and won by a second – a fantastic race with perhaps the two best distance runners this state has seen in many years.
Robin wasn’t bummed. He was proud – of his race and of Fanburg’s too. How did he deal? He tossed his cookies, took a swig of Gatorade, and won the 3200 meters later that night.
A shining moment in state sports history was eclipsed this weekend. In 1980, “Rocket” Rod Richardson of now defunct Fair Park in Shreveport won the 100 dash in 10.20. Nobody had done it faster until Brother Martin junior Easton Royal blazed across in 10.17 Saturday night.
One last dose of irony, and this would make Jones Ramsey smile. Easton Royal is committed to the Texas Longhorns.
For football.
But track is still cool.
Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com
By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports
NEWTON SQUARE, Pa. – Sam Burns opened the 108th PGA Championship Thursday with an even-par round, despite making three birdies, and is within three shots of the Day 1 lead at golf’s second major championship of the year.
But there are lots of players between the former LSU All-American and the seven who are bunched at the top of the leaderboard entering today’s second round at Aronimink Golf Club. Burns sits in a tie for 34th and tees off today at noon CDT with his playing partners, Jason Day (-1) and Gary Woodland (+2).
Among the co-leaders are defending champion Scottie Scheffler and 2010 winner Martin Kaymer.
Burns had a mediocre day – especially for him, after leading the PGA Tour in putting last year – on the greens, ranking 61st in the field, needing 31 putts. His 1.9 strokes in the approach-to-the-green stat ranked him 18th among all players Thursday. He was 107th in driving accuracy after hitting just half the fairways, and 100th in average driving distance (305.7 yards) although he cranked the third-longest drive of the day, 370 yards.
The 29-year-old Choudrant resident built his even-par score by hitting 72 percent of the greens in regulation, 19th-best in the field.
Burns birdied his seventh hole, the par-5 16th, with an 8-foot putt but missed an 8-footer on the next green, the tough par-3 17th, to drop back to even par.
After making the turn to holes 1-9, the Shreveport native birdied the par-4 first with a 5-footer, then drained a 28-footer on the par-4 fourth hole to get to 2-under in mid-morning. But bogies on his 16th and 17th holes, Nos. 7-8, brought him back to even for the day. His 20-foot par-putt on 7 lipped out, and he missed the green on the par-3 8th hole and couldn’t save par.
Television coverage of Burns today will be on ESPN, which is on air beginning at 11 CDT. Weekend coverage is on ESPN in the mornings for the final two rounds. CBS has the contenders playing in its broadcast window from noon-6 Saturday and Sunday.
Phonetic: /mench/
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a transition in the OneRD Guaranteed Lending Program, resulting in the removal of 10 lending institutions from future participation.
The USDA Rural Development (RD) agency stated that the move is part of an ongoing effort to maintain the integrity of its lending initiatives and ensure that federal resources are directed toward projects that strengthen rural infrastructure and economic security.
The department identified the following lenders as no longer participating in the program:
Bank of Montgomery (BOM) Bank
Byline Bank
Celtic Bank
Community Bank & Trust – West Georgia
Genisys Credit Union
Greater Nevada Credit Union
North Avenue Capital
Optus Bank
U.S. Eagle Federal Credit Union
ReadyCap Commercial
According to the USDA, the institutions removed from the program accounted for approximately 47% of the agency’s delinquent loans, representing a portfolio of roughly $620 million in overdue accounts.
Agency officials indicated that these administrative actions are intended to refine the department’s lending practices and provide more focused support to the more than 750 remaining lenders. These active partners continue to facilitate access to capital for rural business growth, healthcare, and education facilities.
USDA Rural Development remains committed to promoting rural prosperity through various loan and grant programs. Details on the current list of authorized participants in the OneRD Guaranteed Lending Program are available to the public via the agency’s online portal.
STATEWIDE:
Louisiana voters will head to the polls on May 16 to consider five proposed amendments to the state constitution. These proposals, passed during the 2025 regular legislative session, cover a range of issues including civil service protections, school district creation, educator compensation, and judicial retirement ages.
To be enacted, each amendment must receive a majority vote at the polls. Two of the five proposals seek to adjust Article VII, the “money section” of the constitution, which remains the most frequently amended portion of the document.
The following is a summary of the five amendments appearing on the ballot:
Amendment 1: Civil Service Reclassification This amendment would allow the Louisiana Legislature to remove specific state government positions from the classified civil service system through state law. Currently, such changes require approval from the State Civil Service Commission. Supporters argue this would provide agencies with the flexibility to manage workers like the private sector, while opponents fear it could lead to increased political patronage and corruption.
Amendment 2: St. George Community School System Voters are asked to authorize the creation of the St. George Community School System in East Baton Rouge Parish, separating it from the existing parishwide district. If approved, the new district would begin operations in July 2027 with the same authority as other parish school districts. Proponents believe a smaller district will increase local ownership and oversight, whereas opponents argue the fragmentation will lead to increased administrative costs and further segregation.
Amendment 3: Teacher Pay and Retirement Debt This proposal seeks to dissolve three education trust funds—containing approximately $2 billion—to pay down a portion of the Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana debt. The resulting savings in annual retirement payments would be used to fund a permanent $2,250 raise for teachers and a $1,125 raise for support staff. Supporters note the maneuver would save the state an estimated $1 billion in interest over time, while opponents express concern over the loss of a protected, perpetual revenue stream for education programs.
Amendment 4: Business Inventory Property Taxes Amendment 4 would grant local governments the authority to reduce or eliminate property taxes on business inventory. Parishes that choose to permanently exempt inventory before July 2027 would be eligible for a one-time state incentive payment ranging from $500,000 to $15 million. Supporters argue the tax makes Louisiana uncompetitive for economic development, while opponents caution that losing this revenue could create financial gaps for essential local services like law enforcement and schools.
Amendment 5: Judicial Retirement Age The final amendment on the ballot proposes raising the mandatory retirement age for Louisiana judges from 70 to 75. Under the proposal, a judge who turns 75 while in office would be permitted to complete their current term. Proponents argue the change accounts for increased life expectancy and preserves institutional knowledge, while opponents contend that an age limit is necessary to maintain public confidence in the judiciary.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced that the southbound lane of the Purple Heart Memorial Bridge on US 167/Pineville Expressway will be reduced for maintenance work Sunday, May 17.
According to DOTD, the lane closure will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting.
The maintenance work will take place on the southbound bridge over the Red River and Greer Street near the intersection of US 167 South and Interstate 49 in Rapides Parish.
Officials said one lane of traffic will remain open throughout the project, and no detour will be necessary.
In their fourth game of the LHSAA baseball playoffs, the Glenmora Wildcats were finally scored upon Wednesday.
But just like in the other playoff games, Glenmora came out on top. The Wildcats held off Pitkin 3-2 in Sulphur to complete their impressive run to the Class B state baseball championship.
Glenmora never trailed in a matchup of the top two seeds in the Class B bracket. The No. 2 Wildcats jumped on top in the first inning on an RBI double by Logan Eaves.
Eaves scored in the sixth inning on an infield single by Logan Cloud for a 2-0 advantage. Cloud later took advantage of a rundown and scampered home safely to get Glenmora a three-run lead – with that run proving pivotal.
Pitkin rallied for two runs and had the tying run at third base with two outs, but the comeback stopped there on a groundout and Glenmora (19-6) celebrated its first-ever state baseball championship.
Pitkin (19-5) was the defending state champion, aiming for its 15th state title.
“There’s no better feeling than this right now,” said Wyatt Gillespie, who threw six shutout innings, scattering five hits while striking out three, and earned the game’s MVP award.
“Words can’t even describe it,” said Eaves, speaking with KALB TV. “We all came together, minds were right, and we just competed. I couldn’t ask for anything better. Everybody pulled through and did their job. Wyatt absolutely did great on the mound. He’s the guy we needed for this.”
Eaves, Cloud and Brayden Holloway, who threw a shutout Tuesday in the semifinals, each delivered two hits for the Wildcats, who had eight total.
When the team returned home, supporters who couldn’t make the trip to join a big crowd of Glenmora fans in Sulphur were on hand at the school to greet the state champs.
Louisiana Christian’s baseball team and the softball squad from LSU Alexandria completed their comebacks through the losers’ bracket in their respective NAIA postseason regionals Wednesday, but couldn’t take the final steps.
LCU pounded Northwestern Ohio 16-3 to reach the championship round of the Lawrenceville (Ga.) regional in the NAIA Baseball Opening Round, but the home team was too stout. The Grizzlies, ranked fourth nationally, completed an unbeaten run through the regionals on their home field and advanced to the World Series by beating the Wildcats 12-4.
The LSUA softball team did beat the regional hosts on their home field Wednesday, taking a 9-2 victory in a showdown with Science and Arts of Oklahoma in the losers’ bracket final of the Chickasaw regional. But College of Idaho stayed perfect in the regional in the championship round, stopping the Generals 10-6.
LCU WILDCATS: Scoring five runs in each of the first two innings, the 24th-ranked Wildcats took command in their do-or-die contest with Northwestern Ohio. Harrison Waxley had a three-run double in the first inning for LCU, and Jake Messina’s two-run single was the last blow in the second frame for a 10-1 lead. Three more runs in the third sealed the deal as Waxley went 4-for-5 with 4 RBI.
But Georgia Gwinnett (49-6) was not to be denied its eighth straight World Series trip, including a 2021 national championship and semifinal appearances in each of the last two years.
LCU (37-15) opened a 2-0 lead on an RBI single by Monday’s walk-off HR hero, Gavin Vordick, and Matthew Cody ripped a solo homer for a third-inning advantage. It grew to 3-0 in the fifth when Drake Aldridge rapped a run-scoring single.
The Grizzlies got on the board in the fifth, then posted a five-run sixth and blew it open with six runs in the eighth inning. Aldridge went 3-for-5 in the final game.
LSUA GENERALS: A seven-run third inning was the cornerstone of the 9-2 win over the tournament hosts. Kaetlyn Dunbar’s bases-loaded triple and a two-run double by Haley Fontenot were the big rips to blow open the game for LSUA, which eliminated the regional top-seeded Drovers (48-11).
College of Idaho had the fast start in the championship round. Needing to beat the Yotes twice to reach the World Series, the Generals fell behind 9-2 after two innings.
But LSUA (37-18) punched back with a four-run third inning. College of Idaho added another run in the bottom half, and neither team scored again.
By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports
NEWTON SQUARE, Pa. – Among professional golf’s four majors, the PGA Championship is the one with Louisiana flavor.
Sam Burns would love to spice that up this weekend at Aronimink Golf Club in the 108th renewal of the event.
Four Louisiana golfers have captured PGA Championship titles: Shreveport-Bossier’s David Toms (2001), Shreveporter Hal Sutton (1983), and Lafayette’s Hebert brothers, Lionel (1957) and Jay (1960).
Burns has put together his best finishes and rounds in major championships last year and in this year’s Masters, where he tied for seventh at 9-under par. He tied for 19th in last year’s PGA Championship, then held the lead during the weekend and onto the back nine Sunday at the U.S. Open before mishaps in heavy rain left him tied for seventh. He was 45th at the British Open, where his best finish is 31st in 2024.
The eight-year PGA Tour veteran, who has over $37 million in career earnings and five tournament titles highlighted by the 2023 World Match Play crown, embraces the opportunities major championships present.
“As a competitor, those weeks typically have the best fields and are the hardest weeks to win. It’s what we gear up for,” he said in a recent interview on SI.com’s Dan Evans Show. “With the majors, you only have four cracks a year, so it’s those weeks you look forward to, and try to gauge your schedule around so hopefully you’re playing well at those times.”
Burns, a 29-year-old Shreveport native who now lives in Choudrant and plays out of Squire Creek Country Club, is in one of the featured threesomes teeing off in Rounds 1 and 2 today and Friday on the 7,394-yard, par-70 layout just outside of Philadelphia.
His playing partners are both major champions – Gary Woodland (2019 U.S. Open) and Jason Day (2015 PGA). Golf Magazine’s Golf.com analysts have listed the threesome as one of the 10 “best groupings” for the first 36 holes. Woodland is 23rd in current year purse winnings at $3.1 million, while Burns is 35th ($2.4 million) and Day is 49th ($1.8 million).
Burns (35th) is highest among his partners in the Official World Golf Rankings, with Woodland at 47th and Day at 41st. The PGA Championship annually claims it has the strongest field in pro golf, and 97 of the OWGR top 100 are teeing off this week.
Burns’ group will go off the 10th tee this morning at 6:34 CDT, and Friday start on the first tee at 11:59 CDT in pursuit of the Wanamaker Trophy that goes to the PGA winner.
Burns has two top 10 finishes and six in the top 25 this season. He fired a 64, his second-lowest round of the year, Sunday in Charlotte, N.C., in his latest round at the Truist Championship.
American players have won the last 10 PGA Championships. Burns’ good friend Scottie Scheffler, the world’s top-ranked player, is the defending champion.
Television coverage begins with streaming on ESPN+ this morning and Friday morning from 6-11 CDT, with ESPN picking it up from 11-6. Weekend coverage is on ESPN in the mornings for the final two rounds and CBS has the contenders playing in its broadcast window from noon-6 Saturday and Sunday.
Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com
This summer, kids are invited to buckle up and hit the road for an unforgettable Vacation Bible School adventure at First United Methodist Church of Alexandria! “Road Trip: On the Go with God,” VBS will take place on Friday nights throughout July, transforming each evening into a journey filled with faith, fun, friendship, and discovery.
Open for children entering Pre-K through 5th Grade for the 2026–2027 school year, Road Trip VBS will feature music, food, crafts, science activities, games, and Godly Play Bible stories that bring scripture to life in creative and engaging ways. Each week, children will explore how God journeys with us through every season of life while discovering that they are never alone on the road ahead.
“God is with us on the journey” serves as the central Bible point for this year’s adventure-themed program. Through stories from both the Old and New Testaments, children will discover how God remains present whether they feel joyful, lonely, uncertain, near, far away, or even off course.
Featured Bible stories include Abraham and Sarah following God into the unknown, Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus, Mary and Elizabeth’s joyful reunion, and the Israelites taking the scenic route through the wilderness. The week’s key verse comes from Joshua 1:9: “The LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Created by Cokesbury, the Road Trip VBS curriculum combines Bible storytelling with interactive learning experiences designed to help children connect faith with everyday life. According to the program overview, every activity—from games and crafts to science experiments, snacks, music, and storytelling—reinforces the Bible lesson of the day. Children will travel station-to-station through themed activities, hands-on projects, and memorable experiences that make learning about God engaging, creative, and fun.
Parents get a date night, because FUMCA’s Vacation Bible School will be held Fridays in July from 5:30–8:00 p.m. at 2727 Jackson Street in Alexandria.
Dates include:
Registration is free and open now. Register online at: FUMCA VBS Registration
For more information about ministries and events at First United Methodist Church of Alexandria, visit www.fumca.org
Last October 31st, it was trick-or-treat at Alexandria International Airport – but on that day, it was all treats as it was announced that United Airlines would be returning to AEX in 2026. Fast forward 6+ months and the celebration date is set. This Thursday, May 21, at 2:30pm, the inaugural flight between Alexandria International Airport (AEX) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) will mark an important milestone for connectivity across Central Louisiana.
The route was suspended in 2022 due in part to a nationwide pilot shortage, leaving Central Louisiana without a direct United connection. The new service will operate under United Express, powered by SkyWest Airlines, providing direct access to Houston’s global network.
Beginning this Thursday, United Express will offer two daily flights between Alexandria and Houston. Flights are now available for booking at united.com or by calling 800-864-8331.
Departures from AEX: 9:43 AM and 4:00 PM
Return Flights from Houston: 1:40 PM and 6:45 PM
This schedule gives travelers the freedom to make same-day business trips or connect to hundreds of destinations across the U.S. and abroad and is a convenient alternative to driving to Lafayette or even Dallas.
Ralph Hennessy, Executive Director of AEX, says United is starting slow in their return. “They’re starting out, baby steps, right? You’ve got to crawl before you can walk,” Hennessy said. “It’s two flights a day, and then we envision going to three and possibly four.”
Bringing United back to Cenla has been at the top of the list for Hennessy since he first came to England Airpark in December 2022. Hennessy said this move will provide another avenue for people to come and go.
“There are a number of people that live in this area that drive to Houston to do work and then come back. It’s also going to allow people that are in Houston to fly here to do business and go back,” he said. “It’s going to help spur some interest back in the community.”
So Welcome Back United, and welcome back to convenient, same day, non-stop flights to and from Houston, a huge benefit for Cenla’s business travelers, the military and tourists alike.
After 22 years of shared finances, a new disagreement puts one couple at odds: should they help an adult son with car payments, or protect their retirement?
See what Ida says
Louisiana Central will host Rally the Region, a collaborative initiative aimed at bridging the gap between education, workforce readiness, and economic development across a 10-parish region.
The event features nationally recognized workforce expert Mark C. Perna and Nathan Ohle, president and CEO of the International Economic Development Council. Local leaders from the Rapides Parish School Board, Central Louisiana Technical Community College, and the Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce will join regional stakeholders to discuss creating stronger pathways from the classroom to the local workforce.
WHAT: Rally the Region: Business & Industry Partners Session
WHEN: Tuesday, May 12, 2026 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
WHERE: England Airpark Community Center Alexandria, Louisiana
WHO:
Chris Masingill, president and CEO, Louisiana Central
Mark C. Perna, author and workforce expert
Nathan Ohle, president and CEO, International Economic Development Council
Jeff Powell, superintendent, Rapides Parish School Board
Dr. Heather Poole, chancellor, Central Louisiana Technical Community College
Deborah Randolph, president, Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce
Regional business leaders, educators, and community stakeholders
The Alexandria Senior High track and field teams headed into last Saturday’s state championships at LSU’s Bernie Moore Stadium among the favorites, based on their impressive Region 1-5A triumphs.
It was on display in Baton Rouge. The ASH girls won the team championship going away, with 85 points. It was the school’s first state track and field team title since the 2007 Lady Trojans took state.
There were four event champions for the ASH girls:
Other pivotal performances included a second in the triple jump and third in the long jump by Noelle Williams; third in the 4×400 relay (Evelyn Wold, Dupar, Byrd, Madeline Davis); Alyssa Skipper’s third-place shot put; a 3-4 finish in the 100 meter dash by Gray and Dupar; Gray taking fourth in the 200; and fourth in the 4×800 relay (Makiera Keys, Wold, Davis, Sophia Reish).
Rapides Parish produced six more state champions.
ASH’s Joseph Carter Rivet took the 5A boys discus with a 186-7 mark, winning by over 25 feet.
Tioga’s Shawniya Dixon won the 4A girls high jump with a 5-3 ¾ clearance.
Lady Indians teammate Naomi Dishman was the 4A girls 400 meter champion, clocking 56.85.
In Class 2A, Menard’s Carly Menard was the girls discus winner with a 112-5 throw.
Grace Christian’s Ben Stokes was the Class B boys discus king, marking 119-1.
Audrey Tarver of Grace Christian took the Class B girls 100 meter hurdles in 16.83.
