In a significant move towards enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality in Louisiana, Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA) proudly announces its Interdisciplinary Pre-Med Program (IPP). This initiative stands out for its strategic partnerships with LSU Health Sciences Centers in New Orleans and Shreveport and its focus on cultivating rural physicians through an affordable, comprehensive educational pathway.

LSUA’s IPP has solidified MOUs with both of LSU’s prominent Louisiana medical schools, ensuring students receive a top-tier pre-medical education and guaranteeing students an interview during the medical school admissions process. This collaboration aims to directly address the healthcare provider shortage in rural areas by preparing students to serve as rural physicians where the need is greatest.

Understanding the financial barriers that often accompany higher education, especially in pre-medical studies, LSUA is committed to offering an affordable pathway to a medical career. This program is designed to maximize students’ investment in their future without the burden of excessive debt, making the dream of becoming a physician more accessible to all.

Students may also become candidates for LSU’s rural medicine scholarship program, specifically designed to train doctors and medical professionals to serve in the state’s rural communities. This scholarship, combined with LSUA’s lowest undergraduate tuition in the state, will build the most affordable path to becoming a physician in Louisiana.

Nathan Sammons, LSUA’s Assistant Vice Chancellor of Engaged Teaching and Learning, remarked, “We are thrilled about this announcement because it marks a pivotal moment for students embarking on their medical careers. These collaborations significantly bolster the recruitment, preparation, and retention of aspiring physicians and, concurrently, enhance Louisiana’s healthcare landscape.”

Program Highlights

• Exclusive Partnerships: Direct connections with LSUHSC–New Orleans and LSUHSC–Shreveport provide unparalleled opportunities for academic and professional advancement.
• Focus on Rural Medicine: Emphasis on preparing students to address the unique challenges and rewards of practicing medicine in rural communities.
• Affordability: A cost-effective program structure, minimizing financial barriers to medical school admission and success.
• Comprehensive Support: Tailored advising, practical experience opportunities, and priority access to workshops and seminars are designed to enhance student success.
• LSUA’s Interdisciplinary Pre-Med Program is more than an educational pathway; it is a commitment to the future of healthcare in Louisiana, ensuring that every community, especially those underserved, has access to high-quality medical care.

For more information about the program, email premed@lsua.edu.

By JIM BUTLER

Sometimes the general public might wonder how police do it day after day.

A week that began with the shock of an infant’s death by alleged intentional trauma deteriorated further Tuesday with an allegation of sex crimes with teenagers the victims.

Cartavious King, 26, of Alexandria is accused of five counts of 1st degree rape as well as five each of trafficking children for sexual purposes and molestation of juveniles at least 13 and less than 17 years of age.

Investigators, as expected, are reluctant to share details of the allegations. And as of Wednesday nothing officially been released.

Are the alleged victims female? Male? Some of each?

Are they all the same age or different ages? Are they related?

How did the accused allegedly come in contact with them?

Was the alleged trafficking local? Are other arrests pending?

What is known is from the base public record:

King is being held under $3.6 million bail; He was booked about 6 p.m. Tuesday; He resides on Karen Drive, which is between LA 1 and I-49 south of Leebo’s.

He is also charged with two counts of obstruction/tampering with evidence. He has no Rapides arrest record in the online booking era, 2018 forward.

King draws $3.6 million bail for sex crime accusations

By JIM BUTLER

The District 62 school bond fund will get a $2.8 million boost thanks to the school system’s demonstrated fiscal stability.

The last series of the Wards 1-8 $100 million bond issue were sold recently.

The School Board’s bond counsel advised at Tuesday night’s meeting funds from the issue would be banked on April 18, ready to use in completion of the extensive facilities renovation project.

About $25 million had been expected. Instead, the total will be $27,384,000 and change.

The good news, the bond attorney said, is a premium reflecting Standard & Poor’s credit report on the system. The bond grading service rated the issue at  A+, noting the stable outlook for the system’s fiscal future.

He also pointed out the resulting interest rate on the issue will result in a lower than previously estimated property tax millage to retire the debt.

The attorney congratulated the board for the achievement and gave particular props to CFO Elizabeth Dolemite.

By BRET H. MCCORMICK, Journal Sports 

Two Rapides Parish teams have earned the top seeds in their respective divisions of the LHSAA softball playoffs. 

Buckeye is the top seed in the Division II Select playoffs, while Grace Christian earned the No. 1 seed in Division V Select. 

Ten of the parish’s softball teams advanced to the postseason as the Louisiana High School Athletic Association released playoff brackets on Wednesday, with five of the teams earning first-round byes. 

The Lady Panthers (23-7), the two-time defending state champions, are led by two state all-stars in senior pitcher and Southeastern Louisiana signee Olivia Henry (16-4, 0.88 ERA, .474 BA) and senior center fielder Allison Brossett (.293, 28 runs). They also feature senior right fielder Adysen Mitchell (.477, 36 RBIs). 

Buckeye will face the winner of No. 16 The Willow School and No. 17 Madison Prep in the second round next week. 

Grace Christian (21-6), which lost in the semifinals last year, is seeking the first state softball championship in school history. The Lady Warriors will face district rival and No. 8 seed Avoyelles Charter (8-17) in the quarterfinals. Grace swept the season series, 10-2 and 6-0. 

Junior Rylee Guillot leads the Lady Warriors in the circle with an 18-5 record and a 1.27 ERA, while sophomore catcher Bella Acree is batting .459 with eight home runs and 48 RBIs. 

All three of the parish’s Division I teams earned first-round byes, and two of them are on a collision course for a quarterfinal showdown. 

Tioga (23-6), last year’s runner-up, is the No. 3 seed and will face the winner of 14th-seeded Caddo Magnet and 19th-seeded Byrd in the second round. The Lady Indians feature a pair of state all-stars in senior shortstop and Southern Miss signee Abbi Troquille (.600, 3 HRs, 12 triples, 27 RBIs) and senior second baseman and Grambling State signee Zoe Roland (.477, 6 HRs, 38 RBIs). 

Pineville (19-13) earned the sixth seed and will face the winner of No. 11 Lafayette and No. 22 Ben Franklin in the second round. The Lady Rebels are led by a pair of juniors in shortstop and McNeese State commitment Cassidy Sicuro (.402, 5 HRs, 42 RBIs) and first baseman Madelyn Halle (.344, 9 HRs, 38 RBIs). 

Should Tioga and Pineville both win in the second round, they would face one another at the Ward 10 Recreation Complex with a berth in Sulphur going to the winner. 

Pineville coach Allison Frye and Tioga coach Brad Woodard both said the message to their players will be to focus on the task at hand in the second round and not what potentially lies ahead in the quarterfinals. 

“I sent (the girls) a message this morning with the brackets and simply said, ‘One game at a time, don’t let your minds go anywhere else. Our sole focus is Lafayette and Ben Franklin,’” Frye said.

“We’re not talking about (the quarterfinals) to be honest with you,” Woodard said. “We’re talking about the winner of Caddo Magnet and C.E. Byrd. (The girls) know. You can’t not know. But we’ve done that all year – worry about the next opponent. … We will not speak of anybody else we’re playing until we figure out who we’re playing in this (second) round.”

Eighth-seeded Alexandria Senior High (16-15) will face the winner of No. 9 Captain Shreve and No. 24 Scotlandville. A win there would get the Lady Trojans a date with top-seeded St. Thomas More, which is ranked 19th in the country by USA Today. 

Menard, which enters the playoffs on a 16-game winning streak, is the fourth seed in Division III Select. The Lady Eagles (20-10), who are led by senior shortstop Emily DeSelle (.553, 6 HRs, 42 RBIs), will play the winner of No. 13 University Lab and 20th-seeded Acadiana Renaissance Charter.

The remainder of the parish’s playoff teams will play on the road in the first round. 

Peabody (10-17), the 19th seed in Division II Select, will play No. 14 De La Salle (9-13-1). Glenmora (5-13), No. 22 in Division III Select, faces No. 11 Country Day (18-4).

In Division IV Select, No. 22 Northwood-Lena (12-12) faces No. 11 St. John (16-8). In Division V Select, seventh-seeded Oak Hill (8-15) plays at No. 2 Family Community (13-9). 

There is no way I could ever forget my introduction to hunting wild turkeys. I had actually tagged along years ago behind Blue Parkman, a veteran turkey hunter from Ruston who had several years of chasing gobblers under his belt. Back then, turkeys were scarce only being found in isolated areas such as the Jackson-Bienville wildlife management area where I followed Parkman. The hunt ended without success although I got to hear a turkey gobble for the first time.

It was years later, 1994, that my addiction to turkey hunting began when I accepted the invitation to hunt turkeys in Alabama. I was reluctant at first because I had never turkey hunted and the date of the invitation coincided with bream bedding season here at home. I rather reluctantly accepted the invitation, shot my very first gobbler and I was instantly hooked. Some 20 years later before age and infirmities halted my ability to chase gobblers, I was able to bring down 41 gobblers from around the country, collecting my coveted Grand Slam in the process.

I would love to still be able to hurry across the woods to be sitting within 100 yards of a roosted gobbler before it flew down. Since I can’t, I enjoy talking about them, writing about them and supporting them by my membership in our local chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.

Now that turkey season is kicking off – opening day in Area A this year is April 6 – I visited with the state’s top wild turkey expert, Cody Cedatol, to get his thoughts on what the turkey situation looks like this year in Louisiana. For the past several years, things have not been quite so rosy as they have been in earlier times.

“Based on all we have been able to tell,” Cedatol began, “things are looking better than they have over the last decade or so. We have had a good hatch two years in a row and we have determined that the gobbler harvest was up again last year so we’re excited about that.”

My next question had to do with the reason or reasons that things are looking better for our state’s turkey population.

“There are at least a couple of reasons,” said Cedatol. “A few years ago, we delayed the opening of turkey season to give gobblers and hens a bit longer to get together and breed and this has resulted in better hatches of young turkeys. Another reason is an environmental one. For the past couple of years, we have had better weather during the nesting and brooding season. Turkeys need a relatively dry period from April to June and that’s what we’ve had and turkeys have responded.”

Cedatol noted that there were reports of a good population of juvenile males (jakes) last year which means those that carried over will be adult gobblers this season.

I wondered what plans if any were on the drawing board going forward from this year as regards management of wild turkeys.

“We have a proposal before the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission that would prohibit the harvest of jakes except by youth hunters. Lots of hunters have expressed a desire for us to do this and in fact, many private hunting clubs already prohibit the taking of jakes. It’s not a done deal as the proposal is out for public comments and Commission won’t be acting on it until their April meeting,” he said.

Public hearings will take place around the state prior to the meeting giving hunters the opportunity to express opinions as to whether or not the prohibition of taking jakes will become law. Have an opinion? Let the Commission know what you think.

Contact Glynn at glynnharris37@gmail.com

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

April 9

Kevin Guthrie Jr., 39 — firearm with drugs, possession with intent, possession 2 counts, contempt 2 counts, $13,000 bail.

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

April 9

Ronald Estes, 59, Pineville — aggravated resisting force or violence, aggravated battery on officer, escape, fugitive, $4,500 bail;

Cartavious King, 26, Alexandria — 1st degree rape 5 counts, trafficking children for sexual purposes 5 counts, molestation of juvenile over 13 less than 17 years of age 5 counts, obstruction evidence tampering, $3.6 million bail.

This date: 15 arrests, 5 of which included at least one contempt count.

Alexandria man faces shocking allegations of sex crimes against teens

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

April 9

Jared Nelson, 43, Alexandria — possession, $500 bail;

Bryant Osteen, 41, Pineville — possession 2 counts, resisting, burglary, felony fugitive, contempt 7 counts, $107,500;

Stacy Thomas, 54, Pineville — possession, paraphernalia, resisting, improper plate display, speeding, $1,700. 

Smoked Jalapeno Popper Pigs in Blankets are absolutely SO delish. I cannot wait to make these all summer long and straight into next football season! Give me all the delish snacky food! You can definitely bake these in the oven.

Ingredients:

• 1 can crescent rolls
• 1 package Little Smokies
• Diced jalapenos
• 8 ounces cream cheese spread
• ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Real bacon pieces
• 1 ½ tablespoons BBQ seasoning of your choice
•  Melted butter for brushing

Directions

Preheat oven or grill to 350 degrees. Unroll crescent rolls and using a pizza cutter, cut each in half to make two triangles out of each triangle.

Mix cream cheese, jalapenos, cheddar cheese, bacon pieces, and BBQ seasoning. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the mixture onto the fat end of each crescent rectangle. Top with a Little Smokie and roll up. 

Brush all with melted butter. Bake or grill for 20-30 minutes.

Ashley Madden Rowton is a wife, mom and published cookbook author who lives in Minden, La.

By LEIGH FLYNN DOTY

William “Bill” Foley may be new to the middle school classroom, but it is a role he has prepared for his entire life.

His multifaceted background, commitment to well-being, and active involvement in the school and community make Foley an exceptional educator and finalist for the Louisiana New Middle School Teacher of the Year.

Foley, who teaches 7th grade math at Scott M. Brame Middle School in Alexandria, retired from the U.S. Navy in 2021, following a successful 37-year career. He is now pursuing his original passion in which he is able to create a safe and caring classroom environment.

His primary goal in the classroom is to “cultivate a secure atmosphere where students feel comfortable embracing the learning process without fear of mistakes.”

The joy he finds in helping others learn and work through problems was ignited by his fourth-grade teacher, who encouraged him to assist his classmates with their math assignments. He aspired to pursue a teaching career immediately after high school, but the low pay deterred him. As his retirement from the Navy approached, the prospect of becoming a teacher resurfaced. Completing the certification process while maintaining his Navy commitments led him to further delay the decision.

Instead, Foley opted for nursing school, becoming a registered nurse while still serving in the Navy. After retiring from the Navy, the persistent desire to teach and contribute to the community finally led him to a local program for an alternate certification.

Foley holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and Public Administration from Louisiana State University, a Master of Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma, as well as associate degrees in nursing and general studies from Northern Virginia Community College. Additionally, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Teaching degree from Northwestern State University.

“Looking ahead to the next five years, my goal is to evolve into a highly effective educator while embarking on the journey toward a doctoral degree in education,” Foley said. He is certified in middle school math and science, and he is pursuing other certifications. 

When considering his long-term goals, Foley says his commitment to “making a meaningful difference in students’ lives remains unwavering. While the specific role I’ll undertake is uncertain, I foresee myself still immersed in the lifelong pursuit of learning.”

“When people ask me how many more degrees or what’s the next profession, my answer is simple. I don’t know because I always want to do more and learn more.”

Foley was awarded the 2019 Geiger Award for Logistics from the American Society of Naval Engineers which recognized his exceptional leadership and mentorship across naval headquarters, program field offices, and shipyards. He also received the Silver Service Medal for Distinguished Service from the Department of Energy and the Superior Service Medal Award from the Department of the Navy.

In the classroom, Foley says his classroom management techniques are paramount. “I implemented a concise set of rules and procedures centered on self-respect and consideration for others. These guidelines create stability, helping students know what to expect daily. This nurturing setting allows my students to thrive and facilitates meaningful connections not only with me but also with fellow students throughout the school.”

“In creating an equitable and inclusive learning experience, I actively remove barriers that might hinder academic success. My teaching approach and materials are deliberately developed to be culturally relevant and inclusive, accommodating diverse learning styles and abilities.” 

For anyone who may be interested in pursuing a teaching career, Foley offers the following advice: 

“Be prepared to smile, laugh, and cry. Be prepared to be proud of your students and be prepared to doubt yourself when your students don’t do as well as expected. Be prepared to feel heartache when you say so long to the students who have been a big part of your life for the last nine months. Be prepared to be so proud of your students later in life when they succeed because you are part of what made them successful. Dream the impossible for yourself and your students. Realize that you won’t always know the impact that you made on your students, but you did make an impact.”

By JIM BUTLER

The Air Force hasn’t received so much vocal support here since BRAC came calling decades ago, and closed England AFB, as it did at Tuesday’s School Board meeting.

A crowd of cadets, parents, instructors and general community interests attacked the possibility of losing Bolton ROTC like A10s rousting tanks and ground forces, with the same results.

When initially drafted the staffing chart for the new Bolton Academy apparently did not retain the program.

Before discussion opened Tuesday night Supt. Jeff Powell noted two ROTC instructors had been added to the school allotment.

The board each April adopts the staffing plan for each school in the district, the attendance zones and the grades at each school.

The process has perhaps more attention this month than in recent years because of changes associated with Bolton.

Once the plan is approved, principals formally move forward with staffing decisions.

Tenured certified teachers are owed a job by the system; non-tenured but certified have transfer option; non-tenured, non-certified have to be offered a slot.

Attention has focused on Bolton given its conversion to a magnet facility though the process there is pretty much the same as other schools.

Powell pointed out some Bolton teachers have applied for posts at the magnet academy, and some have been accepted.

Teachers who don’t want to stay at Bolton or who are not preferred by the principal can apply elsewhere.

Questions about the ROTC program first came to light in query from board member Wilton Barrios.

He also seeks an update on the gifted program, which he agreed to wait until the June committee meetings to get.

Five Rapides Parish seniors have been selected by the Louisiana Softball Coaches Association to play in the May 10-11 state all-star games at the Ward 10 Recreation Complex in Ball.

Adding to the local flavor:  Buckeye’s Justin Kees will be the head coach of the East team and his assistant will be Tioga coach Brad Woodard.

The local all-stars selected are center fielder Allison Brossett and pitcher Olivia Henry of Buckeye, Tioga’s middle infield combination of Zoe Roland (second base) and Abbi Troquille (shortstop), and shortstop/pitcher Emily DeSelle of Menard.

John Curtis and St. Amant joined Buckeye and Tioga with two selections each on the East roster. On the West squad, schools with two players included are Calvary, Kaplan, North DeSoto and Houma Christian.

The all-star games are played over Friday and Saturday to give ample playing opportunities for the 18-member teams.

The ASG selections were announced Tuesday on social media as softball teams around the state, including the usual strong contingent of parish squads, await today’s LHSAA playoff bracket release.

First-round games can begin Thursday and must be finished by Saturday night.

Second-round regional games wrap up on Wednesday, April 17 and quarterfinal games will be completed by Saturday, April 20.

North Frasch Softball Complex in Sulphur is again slated to host the state tournament of semifinal and final games the following weekend, April 26-27.

Arrests are accusations, not convictions. 

April 8

Charles Conant III, 40, Alexandria — aggravated assault with firearm, firearm possession with drugs, possession with intent, possession 3 counts, $19,000 bail;

Mason Maricle Sr., 48, Lecompte — firearm possession by convicted felon, criminal conspiracy, criminal damage, aggravated burglary, $50,000 bail. 

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

April 8

Britteny Doyle, 31, Pineville — false communication with intent to cause emergency response, $10,000 bail;

Kendrick Gaines, 30, Alexandria — aggravated assault with child present, domestic abuse battery with child present, criminal damage, $1,500 bail.

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

April 8

Faron Ashmore II, 33, Pineville — possession, contraband penal facility, resisting, theft, $3,000 bail;

Robert Aymond Jr., 23, Alexandria — possession 2 counts, criminal trespass l, contempt 2 counts, $6,500 bail;

Johnny Jacobs, 42, Alexandria — possession 2 counts, resisting 2 counts, expired plate/registration, no insurance, suspension/revocation, flight, turn violation, contempt 3 counts, $9,400 bail.

Get ready to experience the magic of handcrafted wonders at the 50th Annual Melrose Arts and Crafts Festival, taking place next weekend, on April 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and April 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The festival will be held in south Natchitoches Parish at Melrose on the Cane where attendees can immerse themselves in a vibrant showcase of unique treasures crafted by talented artisans.

Tickets for this exciting event can be purchased at https://givebutter.com/MelroseArtsAndCrafts. Attendees will be able to shop for: stunning jewelry, exquisite pottery, savory salsa, intricate woodwork, timeless iron creations, delectable desserts, and much more. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or simply looking for something special, there’s something for everyone to discover and cherish at the Melrose Arts and Crafts Festival.

Visitors can also indulge in delicious treats from food trucks while exploring the myriad of artistic offerings.

“This year marks a significant milestone as we celebrate 50 years of creativity, community, and craftsmanship at the Melrose Arts and Crafts Festival,” said Leah Dunn Witman, Executive Director. “We invite everyone to join us for a weekend filled with artistic inspiration, lively entertainment, and the joy of supporting local artisans.”

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to celebrate five decades of artistic excellence at the 50th Annual Melrose Arts and Crafts Festival. Purchase your tickets today and join us for a weekend of creativity, community, and celebration!

For ticket information and event updates, please visit https://givebutter.com/MelroseArtsAndCrafts

Contact: Leah Dunn Witman, EmailMelrosePlantation@gmail.com

About the Melrose Arts and Crafts Festival: The Melrose Arts and Crafts Festival is an annual celebration of artistry, creativity, and community spirit. For 50 years, the festival has showcased the talents of local artisans and provided a platform for visitors to discover unique handcrafted treasures. Join us as we celebrate half a century of artistic excellence and continue to inspire creativity for generations to come.

January 17, 1952 – April 8, 2024

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Anita Bordelon Ray at 10 AM on Friday, April 12, 2024, at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral with her son, Rev. Charles Ray officiating and Msgr. James Ferguson and Rev. Anthony “Raj” Dharmaraj concelebrating. Interment will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park under the direction of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, April 11, 2024 from 4:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at 6:40 p.m. in the Kramer Chapel.

Anita Bordelon Ray, 72, devoted Mother, Grandmother, Christian, and Friend, peacefully passed from this life on April 8, 2024 surrounded by her family and friends.

The eldest child of Venix Bordelon and Lucy Roy Bordelon, Anita grew up in Marksville, Louisiana along with her siblings Blanche Bordelon and Sammy Bordelon. She graduated from Marksville High School in 1969 and immediately began working for the Telephone Company.

Anita married Roderick Ray in 1977 and welcomed his daughter, Minnetta Ray, as her own. They added a son, Charles Ray, born in 1980. Together they built and maintained a beautiful home in Kolin, Louisiana.

After completing employment with BellSouth in 1992, Anita began a journey into the deep spiritual contemplation and intimacy with God, particularly regarding Christ’s Merciful Redemption. She was active in Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Alexandria, faithfully accompanied by her dear friend, Dorothy Deville. She continued to excel at Intercessory Prayer and was a daily participant in her beloved ‘Prayer Line.’ She cultivated strong devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, The Infant of Prague, and had a unique interest in the Minor Prophets of the Old Testament. Anita also enjoyed the simple pleasures of her backyard, especially her daylilies and irises and her neighbor’s dog Spot. Her motherly instincts always provided a hot supper, served at 3:30pm daily, allowing her to snack on Pringles, Double Stuff Oreos, and ice cream throughout the evening.

Anita had a peculiar attraction to Wayne Newton, serving as Louisiana Chapter President of the ‘Wayniacs’’ Official Fan Club in the 1980s.

Anita was preceded in death by her mother and father.

She is survived by her husband, Roderick Ray; her son, Father Charles Ray, her daughter, Minnetta Ray Grant and son-in-law Glynn Grant, 5 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; her sister, Blanche Godwin; her brother, Sammy Bordelon; her niece, Courtney McAlister and her nephew Jesse Bordelon.
Pallbearers honored to serve will be Keith Sarpy, Dale dePerrodil, Mark Aycock, Glynn Grant, Clayton Cobb and Nathan Kirkland

The family is grateful for the superb care she received in the last years of her life from the staff at Brookdale Senior Living in Alexandria as well as the staff of Compassionate Hospice of Alexandria. Her family is particularly indebted to the Women of Cane River/St. Augustine Parish who provided her with companionship in her final years.

Eternal Rest Grand unto her O’Lord and let perpetual peace shine upon her.