Phonetic: /lum·pen/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition
of or relating to dispossessed and uprooted individuals cut off from the economic and social class with which they might normally be identified
lumpen proletariat
lumpen intellectuals
A suspect was being booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center 1 by deputies on July 31 around 5:50 pm when a struggle occurred with the suspect when he retrieved a small handgun concealed in his crotch area and shot himself in the head.
According to initial information, upon arrival at the jail, the arrestee was being processed, which included being strip searched by Corrections Deputies.
During the search, the arrestee became non-compliant with the Deputy attempting to conduct the search, forcing is way out of the search area and into a hallway inside of the jail, at which time he retrieved the handgun from inside his shorts and discharged one round, striking himself in the head.
Medical aid and life saving measures were immediately began by Corrections Deputies and medical staff. Pafford Ambulance arrived on scene and transported the subject to a local hospital.
The subject remains in the hospital in critical condition at the time of this release.
The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, Corrections Security Investigators, and the Internal Affairs Investigators are currently conducting their investigation.
Phonetic: /ab·ro·gate/
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition
to abolish by authoritative action
abrogate a treaty
to treat as nonexistent : to fail to do what is required by (something, such as a responsibility)
The company’s directors are accused of abrogating their responsibilities.
to suppress or prevent (a biological function or process and especially an immune response)
Continued progress in measurement and characterization of antibodies and strategies to abrogate antibody production both prior to and following heart transplant have been encouraging.
—Peter M Eckman
Phonetic: /vi·cis·si·tude/
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition
the quality or state of being changeable : mutability
natural change or mutation visible in nature or in human affairs
a favorable or unfavorable event or situation that occurs by chance : a fluctuation of state or condition
the vicissitudes of daily life
Phonetic: /in·noc·u·ous/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition
not likely to bother or offend : inoffensive
an innocuous comment/remark
The comedian’s jokes were innocuous enough.
newly aware that the behavior isn’t as innocuous as they imagined.
—Conor Friedersdorf
causing no injury or damage : harmless
an innocuous by-product of the process
What may seem innocuous at the time could lead to larger problems down the road.
—Marc Zalmanoff
Looking for a creative way to escape the August heat? First United Methodist Church of Alexandria’s Art Ministry is inviting the community to enjoy two free opportunities this month that encourage creativity, connection, and artistic exploration for all experience levels.
The first event is the Art Ministry’s annual Pop-Up Art Party: Collage!, taking place on Sunday, August 9, at 12:15 p.m., immediately following the second worship service. The free event will be held in the 50-50 Room on the FUMCA campus at 2727 Jackson Street in Alexandria.
Open to adults, youth, and older children accompanied by an adult, the hands-on workshop introduces participants to the art of collage using a wide assortment of papers, textures, photographs, printed images, and found materials. Lunch will be provided for everyone attending. Like all of FUMCA’s Pop-Up Art Parties, the emphasis is on exploration rather than artistic expertise. Whether someone has years of creative experience or has never picked up art supplies before, participants are invited to experiment, create, and simply enjoy the process in a welcoming and encouraging environment. Advance registration is required to ensure enough art supplies and lunch for everyone. Register online through www.fumca.org/art or by contacting Rev. Jean Sanders or the church office at 318-443-5696.
Those looking for another opportunity to create can also join the Art Ministry’s Urban Sketching gathering on Saturday, August 15, at 10:00 a.m. on the FUMCA campus. Meeting on campus offers sketchers a comfortable way to enjoy the creative practice while staying close to shade and indoor spaces during the hottest part of the summer. No registration is required.
Urban sketching is the practice of drawing on location from direct observation, capturing the people, places, and moments that make each setting unique. The goal is not to create perfect artwork but to slow down, observe carefully, and tell the story of a place through drawing. Since launching in October 2025, FUMCA’s Urban Sketching ministry has welcomed artists and beginners alike at neighborhoods, museums, coffee shops, festivals, parks, and community events throughout Central Louisiana. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite sketching supplies, although newcomers are always welcome.
Both events are free and open to the public and reflect FUMCA’s commitment to making creativity accessible to everyone. Whether assembling a colorful collage or filling the pages of a sketchbook, participants are invited to discover that art is less about perfection and more about paying attention, expressing creativity, and building community together.
Phonetic: /of·fi·cious/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition
volunteering one’s services where they are neither asked nor needed : meddlesome
officious people who are always ready to offer unasked advice
informal, unofficial
officious conversations between foreign ministers
Phonetic: /fe·brile/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition
marked or caused by fever : feverish
a febrile reaction caused by an allergy
Regulations vs. rights
By JIM BUTLER
The 15 persons speaking last week against proposed permits for demonstrations/protests on England Authority properties did so under exactly what they oppose — curbs on freedom of speech.
The speakers, about evenly split between Rapides residents and persons from other areas, stressed their 1st Amendment right of expression while doing so under an imposed time limit. No one spoke in favor of the proposal.
England Authority policy restricts any comment from the audience to three minutes per person and confines it to the specific matter before the panel.
That is the general framework of public engagement at most public body meetings.
The Authority proposes to create a permitting system for groups of five or more wishing to hold an organized event.
That essentially restricts “free” speech to when and where, but not what.
Permits, cost as yet to be determined, could not be denied by the executive director based on the cause, point of view, or politics of the applicant. Any denial could be appealed to the Authority.
Those speaking last week think the proposal infringes on their rights and is an effort to discourage disagreement with Authority decisions.
Several tried also to take issue with a self-deporting illegal alien family detention facility planned at the former airbase but were channeled by the chair back to the resolution in play.
One citizen chastised the Authority for putting revenue over compassion.
To date, and likely into the future, England officials have not publicly expressed viewpoints on the detention-deportation issue.
In a sense the opponents are correct – the Airpark relies on rent and lease revenues for the General Fund (current year non-aviation budgeted total is $10.4 million) to help pay operating expenses.
The entity is self-sustaining, as it has been for 30 years, with no dedicated public financing.
The proposal will be up for discussion and a vote on adoption at the panel’s August meeting.
By RICH DUPREE
What happens when a proven business location meets new ownership and a fresh vision of an old favorite at 6354 Coliseum Boulevard? You get a new elevated neighborhood staple called Roux’s.
Within the next couple of weeks, the drive-thru will be hopping again at Hawaiian Plaza across from the Walmart Supercenter as Roux’s will open to serve the classic daiquiris people know and love at this Alexandria location, while also introducing an extensive craft cocktail program featuring fresh ingredients, premium spirits, and elevated classics.
Sal Drago is one of the owners of Roux’s and says their goal is to become a place where people celebrate birthdays, meet friends after work, grab a drink before dinner, or simply stop by because it feels like their neighborhood bar.
Along with cocktails and daiquiris, Roux’s will offer one of the area’s more unique wine selections, including premium labels that aren’t commonly available in Central Louisiana. Drago says they wanted to create a beverage program that feels just as inviting to wine lovers as it does to cocktail enthusiasts.
Built in 2008, 6354 Coliseum Boulevard was home to one of Jack’s Legacy Drink locations, but in mid-2025, that location closed. With the amount of commercial and residential growth occurring out Highway 28 West, it did not take long for a new business to take advantage of this popular drive-thru endcap.
Drago believes Central Louisiana is ready for something different – a place that combines quality drinks, thoughtful design, and genuine hospitality without feeling pretentious. “We aren’t trying to reinvent the neighborhood bar—we’re just raising the standard. Roux’s is built around great drinks, genuine hospitality, and a space where anyone feels comfortable, whether they’re grabbing a daiquiri through the drive-thru or spending the evening with friends inside.”
Roux’s will have a soft opening this week, with their official Grand Opening set for Thursday, August 13, from 6:00–8:00 pm. Guests can enjoy live music from Ray Boudreaux, giveaways, merchandise, gift cards, and plenty of opportunities to experience everything Roux’s has to offer.
