By JIM BUTLER

Alexandria’s wastewater treatment plant has adequate capacity for the foreseeable future but a clean out is needed.

According to the city water pollution audit by the state, received in late February, the 50-year-old plant had a monthly inflow average ranging from 7 million to 17 million gallons daily last year.

Its design flow when constructed is 22 million gallons daily.

BOD levels, a measure of impact of discharge on water it is routed to (eventually Ref River), average 5,000 to 10,000 pounds per day. The plant design capacity is 25,000, the audit notes None of the measurements exceed any of the facility permit allowances.

An apparent issue is sludge buildup.

According to officials, it’s at least 4 to 5 feet deep in all the plant cells with a 13-14 feet depth in one 15-feet deep pond.

Sludge removal is a tedious, expensive yet necessary requirement.

The audit notes Phase 1 design is underway.

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LAKE CHARLES – It all comes down to this.

Plainview’s Hornets take a shot at a state championship today at noon, meeting top-ranked Pleasant Hill in the Class C boys basketball finals at Burton Coliseum in the LHSAA’s Marsh Madness event.

Plainview (28-3) is the second seed in the Class C bracket. The Hornets reached today’s game with a 64-55 victory Tuesday in the semifinals over No. 3 Gibsland-Coleman.

It’s the first state championship game for the Hornets since 1984. They won a state title in 1965 – exactly 60 years ago.

Plainview is led by senior ZeQuan Lewis, who averages 27 points and 14 rebounds. He scored 23 points and snagged 20 rebounds in Tuesday’s win.

The Hornets played without a key starter, Nathan Fee, their second-leading scorer and rebounder with averages of 17 points and 6 rebounds. He injured an ankle in Plainview’s quarterfinal win over Hornbeck and is not expected to play today.

Junior Kendan Maricle stepped up Tuesday by scoring 19 points for the Hornets, five over his average.

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The one-seed LSU Alexandria men’s basketball team hosts 16-seed Stillman College in the NAIA Men’s Basketball National Championship First Round at The Fort tonight at 7:30.

“Stillman (18-11) is a good basketball team,” LSUA coach Dimario Jackson said. “It’s a reason they are conference champions. Our conference play has prepared us for this game. We’ve had some really good practices leading up to this game, so we feel good about where we are. The guys are focused and ready to play.”

The Generals (28-2) won the Red River Athletic Conference regular season ad tournament titles for the sec guard Kashie Nat earned his second RRAC Player of the Year and added Defensive Player of the Year to his mantle. Natt also earned RRAC Tournament MVP after scoring a season-high 36 points in an 88-79 win over Southwest (N.M.) in the Final.

In tonight’s opener of the four-team Alexandria pod, eighth-seeded Nelson and  No. 9 Middle Georgia State play at 5:30 p.m. and the winners of the two games collide Saturday evening at 6, with the survivor advancing to the 16-team national tournament next weekend in  Kansas City.

 

LSUA WOMEN:  Seeded ninth, LSUA meets eight-seed Benedictine College (Kan.) tonight at 7:30 in the NAIA Women’s Basketball National Championship first round at Crisp Arena on the campus of Bethel University (Tenn.) in McKenzie, Tenn.

 “So very proud of our team and being able to play in the national hampionship,” LSUA coach Billy Perkins said. “Benedictine College is going to be a tough matchup. They are fundamentally very good and play complimentary basketball. It should be a good game.”

The Generals (23-8) reached the Red River Athletic Conference final before falling 54-51 to LSU Shreveport. This is the second time the Purple and Gold have made the National Championship, the first coming in the 2018-19 season.

 The Benedictine Ravens are 24-7. In the other regional pairing, host Bethel plays Sterling (Kan.) today at 5:30. Tonight’s winners collide Saturday at 4 with a berth in the 16-team NAIA Tournament in Kansas City next weekend.

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LA Revised Statutes 42:19 —

A public body may hold an executive session pursuant to R.S. 42:16 for one or more of the following reasons:

(1) Discussion of the character, professional competence, or physical or mental health of a person, provided that such person is notified in writing at least twenty-four hours, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, before the scheduled time contained in the notice of the meeting at which such executive session is to take place and that such person may require that such discussion be held at an open meeting. However, nothing in this Paragraph shall permit an executive session for discussion of the appointment of a person to a public body or, except as provided in R.S. 39:1593(C)(2)(c), for discussing the award of a public contract. In cases of extraordinary emergency, written notice to such person shall not be required; however, the public body shall give such notice as it deems appropriate and circumstances permit.

(2) Strategy sessions or negotiations with respect to collective bargaining, prospective litigation after formal written demand, or litigation when an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body.

(3) Discussion regarding the report, development, or course of action regarding security personnel, plans, or devices, including discussions concerning cybersecurity plans, financial security procedures, and assessment and implementation of any such plans or procedures.

(4) Investigative proceedings regarding allegations of misconduct.

(5) Cases of extraordinary emergency, which shall be limited to natural disaster, threat of epidemic, civil disturbances, suppression of insurrections, the repelling of invasions, or other matters of similar magnitude.

 

RS 42:17 —

Upon unanimous approval of the members present at a meeting of a public body, the public body may take up a matter not on the agenda. 

Any such matter shall be identified in the motion to take up the matter not on the agenda with reasonable specificity, including the purpose for the addition to the agenda, and entered into the minutes of the meeting.

Prior to any vote on the motion to take up a matter not on the agenda by the public body, there shall be an

opportunity for public comment on any such motion in accordance with R.S. 42:14 or 15.

The public body shall not use its authority to take up a matter not on the agenda as a subterfuge to defeat the purposes of this Chapter.

 

Media reports do not indicate whether Rapides Parish police jurors added the ambulance provider question to their agenda Monday or took it up under another item. Discussion in executive session took about an hour.

Which permissible category for closed talks ambulance service offers fall under is unclear. 

Draw your own conclusions. 

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LAKE CHARLES – Two of the state’s best high school basketball teams could hardly hit the broad side of Burton Coliseum Wednesday evening, and reigning state champion Peabody got the worst of it.

The Warhorses’ season ended in the state semifinals with a 31-29 loss to Archbishop Hannon in the Select Division II bracket of the LHSAA”s Marsh Madness.

The teams combined to make only 24 percent (22-90) of their shots from the floor, just 36 percent (9-25) on free throws. Peabody had the worst of it: 21 percent (12-56) on field goals, including 1 of 7 on 3-pointers, and 4 of 12 at the line.

Hannan outscored Peabody 4-2 in the third quarter. It was just that kind of game, with intense defense and inaccurate shooting.

Peabody coach Charles Smith said his players couldn’t overcome their uncharacteristic struggles, which went beyond the poor shooting. The Warhorses (25-5) committed 14 turnovers, including two in the last half-minute when they were trying to erase a 31-27 deficit.

“Every play, it was just, they weren’t relaxed,” Smith said. “They weren’t comfortable. And when things like that happen, it seems like everything goes wrong.”

Hannan (22-6), the second seed in the Division II bracket, had one chief advantage – 6 of 13 accuracy on 3-pointers. The Covington-based school built an eight-point lead midway through the fourth period but Peabody pushed back, and the deficit ranged between 3-4 points in the final three minutes. The Warhorses couldn’t get closer than three, however, until a basket at the final buzzer.

Connor Rosenthal led Peabody in scoring with nine points. Blake Anderson grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds for the Warhorses, who had a 46-29 advantage on the boards. The lead changed hands three times in the first half before Hannan carried a 19-14 edge into halftime behind five 3-pointers, and never trailed again.

It was the lowest scoring game this century at the state tournament in all classifications.

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It’s sometimes amazing that the profession you get trained for winds up playing second fiddle to where your real interest lies and what you really end up doing.

I got my college degree in business education. I thought I wanted to have a career as a high school business teacher. After one year of teaching, I enjoyed the experience relating to the kids but I found that if I wanted to be able to pay my bills and eat, I needed to find something else that provided a bit more income. After trying to make ends meet for a year, I got into sales for a couple of years and found that wasn’t my calling either.

On a whim, I took a civil service test that got me on the list and I was hired as a social worker, went to LSU and received a graduate degree in social work. It was during a 30-year career in the state department of public assistance that I stumbled upon the career I was put on this good Earth to do, and that was to be a writer, something I have done and loved every day of writing for over 50 years.

There is another fellow who has had similar experiences. He’s 46-year-old Wesley Miller, who lives along Dorcheat Bayou in Webster Parish. Miller got his college training in nursing and for a time became a registered nurse.

There was something else that Miller loved doing in addition to taking care of his patients. He’s an outdoorsman who loves to hunt and fish. Several years ago, I put my writing to good use when I did a story on him after learning he had downed a trophy buck that ended up being high on the list of bucks taken by archery in Louisiana.

As much as he loves to deer hunt, there is another passion that is taking most of his time to the point that he put his nursing career on the shelf. That passion is guiding clients to catch crappie and today, Miller is one of north Louisiana’s most popular and busiest crappie fishing guides.

“I decided that if I was going to be serious about guiding, I decided to put aside my nursing career to see how the guiding thing would work out. So far,” Miller said, “I have been as busy as I want to be guiding clients on several lakes and waterways around the state.”

Starting in March, 2021, Miller went into his new profession full time, adding the name “Big Sasquatch” to his logo. One look at Miller with his full flowing beard and you nod with approval, agreeing that the name fits.

I keep up with Miller and his phenomenal success guiding clients to catching crappie and watching his video clips of cleaning crappie for his clients. I visited with him to pick his brain a bit on his method of cleaning, videos that are available for anyone to watch.

“I don’t use a filet knife; they burn out too quickly” he said. “I use a Fredrick’s filet knife with an 8 ½ inch blade. The steel in the blade is easy to sharpen and holds an edge better than most others.”

When he cooks crappie, Miller also has some pointers that produce the best fresh crisp filets.

“I combine yellow corn meal, enough salt for taste and add two tablespoons of cayenne pepper. It has a slight bite but really enhances the taste,” he said. “Never put all your filets in the meal mixture at one time. This causes them to absorb moisture and you won’t get the crispiness you want.”

From registered nurse to expert crappie guide, I’m thinking Miller made the right choice when he went all out on doing what he really loves to do, and that’s locate, catch, clean and fry crappie.

Contact Glynn at glynnharris37@gmail.com

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By JIM BUTLER

Authorities have yet to provide information relative to the second-degree murder charge against an Alexandria 18-year-old.

Derrick Woodall was booked in the early morning of March 3. Bail is set at $325,000 and he remained in custody Wednesday evening.

According to the booking record, Woodall’s alleged offenses – the murder and armed robbery – occurred in January 2024.

Without access to radio call logs tracking where and when the offense occurred depends on authorities providing the information.

During the relevant time frame an armed robbery and shooting did occur on the street on which Woodall resides.

Alexandria police on January 4, 2024 arrested two 16-year-olds and a 17-year-old in relation to that New Year’s Eve incident. Each was charged with armed robbery, attempted murder 2nd degree and illegal possession of a handgun.

Whether Woodall’s current booking is related to that, indicating the shooting victim later died, is not known.

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All arrests are accusations, not convictions.

 

March 12

Chantil Lyn Boudin, 56, Boyce – theft of a motor vehicle, criminal conspiracy, false swearing, $15,000 bail;

Lakeshia Shante Collier, 34, Pineville – criminal damage to property, simple burglary, $7,000 bail;

Ryan Dylan Dasko Jr, 24, Alexandria – two counts possession of controlled dangerous substance, obstruction public passage, driving under suspension, no insurance, probation violation, $3,950 bail;

Stacy Lynn Dufour, 57, Effie – Louisiana fugitive, no bail data;

Nichole Berche Stewart, 31, Alexandria – reckless operation of a vehicle, improper display of license plate, driving under suspension, failure to yield to emergency vehicle, $800 bail.

 

March 11

Michael Bell, 33, Boyce – simple battery on the infirmed, trespassing/remaining after forbidden, $1,000 bail;

Dexter Branch, 18, Alexandria – illegal possession of stolen firearms, possession of controlled dangerous substance, following too close, improper display of license plate, $5,700 bail;

Gary Donel Hagan, 56, Colfax – theft, switched/no license plate, driving under suspension, four counts contempt of court, $7,200 bail;

Tdarius J. Hampton, 32, Alexandria – possession of controlled dangerous substance, paraphernalia, criminal trespass, $3,500 bail;

Jammi Jhaderius Jefferson, 20, Alexandria – criminal trespass, resisting an officer, 10 counts contempt of court, $22,000 bail;

Jason Malone, 42, Deville – aggravated domestic abuse battery with child present, $1,500 bail;

Patrick Wayne Newman, 29, Deville – two counts possession of controlled dangerous substances, destruction of contraband, contempt of court, $6,000 bail;

Lisa Ann Scarbrock, 56, Alexandria – aggravated battery, criminal damage to property, $2,000 bail.

 

March 10

Jamarcus Deshane Blake, 32, Pineville – unauthorized entry of inhabited dwelling, resisting an officer, $500 bail;

Jonathan Micah Carter, 34, Pineville – criminal trespass, theft, $5,500 bail;

Marissa Leeann Conston, 30, Alexandria – two counts Louisiana fugitive, four counts contempt of court, $6,000 bail;

Anthony Ford, 22, Elmer – aggravated assault on peace officer, aggravated resisting police officer with force or violence, two counts disarming a police officer, $60,000 bail;

Emmanuel Frank, 21, Alexandria – four counts simple burglary, four counts contempt of court, $75,000 bail;

Joey Donovan Harris, 31, Glenmora – aggravated kidnapping, armed robbery, $35,000 bail;

John T. Jones Jr., 21, Pineville – operating vehicle under suspension for certain prior offenses, obstruction of driver’s view, probation violation, contempt of court, $3,100 bail;

Cade Anthony Paul Juneau, 26, Marksville – flight from an officer, illegal possession of stolen things, criminal damage to property, off road vehicle on public road, $7,100 bail;

Joseph Paul Lirette, 36, Boyce – simple burglary, criminal trespass, resisting an officer, two counts contempt of court, $3,000 bail;

Justin K. McGee, 30, Deville – possession of controlled dangerous substance, signal lamps and devices, improper display of license plate, $1,700 bail;

Luther Dewayne McNeely, 59, Pineville – Louisiana fugitive, paraphernalia, driving under suspension, no insurance, switched license plate, turn signal lamp, $1,300 bail;

Daniel Christopher Meginley, 44, Boyce – criminal trespass, criminal mischief tampering, $1,000 bail;

Derrick Dewayne Moore Sr., 46, Alexandria – four counts possession of controlled dangerous substances, paraphernalia, resisting an officer, off road vehicle on public road, $5,600 bail;

James D. Peck, 49, Alexandria – Louisiana fugitive, contempt of court, $5,000 bail;

Deondre Gene Pinkston, 33, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery strangulation, $5,000 bail;

Jeffrey Jermaine Ross, 40, Deville – create, distribute, possess with intent counterfeit controlled dangerous substance, resisting an officer, obstruction of justice, $23,000 bail;

Aquila Yvonne Sands, 40, Alexandria – forgery, $1,000 bail;

Adam Wayne Thomas, 39, Alexandria – simple burglary, criminal trespass, $10,500 bail;

Kevin Cornell Thomas, 52, Pineville – theft, five counts contempt of court, $10,000 bail.

 

March 9

Allison Coleman, 31, Alexandria – issuing worthless checks, nine counts contempt of court, $22,000 bail;

Patricia Debolt, 67, Ball – OWI first offense, $1,000 bail;

Sean Tyler White, 29, Pineville – possession of controlled dangerous substance, disturbing the peace (drunkenness), $3,000 bail;

William Todd White, 43, Pineville – aggravated criminal damage, probation violation, $10,000 bail.

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March 14, known globally as Pi Day, is a celebration of the mathematical constant π (pi), approximately equal to 3.14159. This day offers enthusiasts an opportunity to appreciate pi’s significance across various fields, from geometry to engineering. Educational institutions and math aficionados worldwide commemorate Pi Day with activities such as pie-eating contests, discussions on the importance of mathematics, and explorations of pi’s applications in science and technology.

Pi Day was first celebrated in 1988, organized by physicist Larry Shaw at the Exploratorium in San Francisco. The date was chosen because, in the month/day format, March 14 (3/14) represents the first three significant digits of pi. The celebration typically begins at 1:59 PM, aligning with the next three digits, 3.14159. Activities often include marching around circular spaces and indulging in pie, creating a delightful fusion of mathematics and culinary treats. 

The significance of Pi Day gained national attention when, in 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution recognizing March 14 as National Pi Day. This acknowledgment highlighted the cultural and educational importance of celebrating mathematics and pi’s unique properties. 

Pi Day is celebrated worldwide, with various events and activities that honor both pi and the birthday of Albert Einstein, who was born on March 14. In Princeton, New Jersey, festivities include pie-eating contests, pi recitation challenges, and an annual Einstein look-alike contest. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has a tradition of releasing admission decisions on Pi Day, adding to the day’s excitement for prospective students. 

This year, Pi Day falls on a Friday, March 14, 2025, presenting numerous opportunities for celebrations and special offers. For instance, Burger King is joining in the festivities by offering a free Hershey’s chocolate pie with a $3.14 purchase. This promotion is part of a week-long series of breakfast deals aimed at easing the transition into Daylight Saving Time. 

Educational institutions often use Pi Day as a teaching tool to engage students with mathematics. Activities may include pi memorization contests, discussions about pi’s significance, and explorations of its applications in various fields. These events aim to foster a deeper appreciation for mathematics and its pervasive presence in everyday life. 

In addition to Pi Day, UNESCO’s 40th General Conference designated March 14 as the International Day of Mathematics. This global celebration emphasizes the essential role of mathematics in science, technology, and daily life, promoting mathematical literacy and appreciation worldwide. 

Pi Day serves as a joyful reminder of the beauty and ubiquity of mathematics. Whether through indulging in pie, participating in educational activities, or enjoying special promotions, March 14 offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the wonders of pi and its significance in our world.

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By JIM BUTLER

LAKE CHARLES — The 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal heard arguments Tuesday in the appeal of Ninth District Judge Monique Rauls voiding an improperly advertised GAEDA meeting of February 2024.

That ruling nullified hiring of an executive director for the Greater Alexandria Economic Development Authority.

In February this year a reconstituted GAEDA board ratified the court-voided selection of Angela Varnado, a longtime agency employee, as well as agreeing on a new contract for her.

Attorneys representing parties in matters before the Circuit Court have a total of 40 minutes for oral argument, equally divided between them.

Varnado’s attorney, Allison Jones, asserts actions at the meeting, nullified on what she labeled a notification technicality, were subject to a 60-day prescription period, not met when board member John Callis filed suit claiming the meeting was outside the rules.

By that time Varnado had threatened legal action if the board did not honor her hiring, raising race andc gender as alleged factors.

Callis went to court and won. He was represented Tuesday by Jonathan Stokes. Barbara Melton is GAEDA counsel of record though she has since been fired and replaced by her predecessor Tiffany Sanders.

The executive director opening was not subject of an applicant search. Varnado served as acting director in the wake of last Spring’s events until last month, apparently paid at a $95,000 annual rate set in the disputed hiring. Records indicate that is also the rate in the contract which went into effect March 1. That pact includes a $1,000 signing bonus, payable 30 days after start of the contract, $1,500 incentive bonus for a clean fiscal year audit and $2,000 incentive bonus if the agency meets or exceeds a goal of increasing revenue by 5% over a baseline of $900,000 in the last audit report, virtually exclusively from a hotel-motel occupancy tax.

The state constitution prohibits payment of a bonus or any other gratuitous unearned payment to public employees.

However, a Ninth District ruling in a City of Alexandria case upheld an ordinance awarding one-time supplemental payment to employees for meeting certain established goals, aims and the like.

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When my daughter Jamie was in High School, she had her best friend, Janey, over at the house.  Now this was early Spring and the beginning of the Lenten season – those 40 days of preparation prior to Easter.  Janey was also a church member, so it was not unusual for conversations in our home to turn to church matters as I was not just her best friend’s mom, but I was also her pastor.  So on this particular day, Janey asked me if I was giving anything up for Lent.  I don’t know if she was just trying to make small talk or wondering why I was attempting to hide my favorite cookies behind the unwanted, high fiber, low sugar, albeit boring box of cereal in the pantry. 

With the evidence of a half-eaten cookie still lingering on my bottom lip, I told her that I had given up hating my children.  Janey got real quiet for a moment, obviously contemplating my words and her response and what she knew about me and my family. Gathering her thoughts, she finally said, “but Ms. RL, you don’t hate your children.”  To which I responded, “I know, look how well I am doing!”

While my faith tradition does not usually practice this spiritual disciple of giving up something for Lent, I have to say there have been times that I have added this to my Lenten journey.  The first few times I tried it I must admit I was not very good at it.  I picked things that did not mean much to me, like giving up Diet Coke or chocolate. It seemed superficial and it probably was.  It certainly wasn’t a sacrifice by any stretch of the imagination. There were other times that I decided I would fast, like really fast, going 24 hours between meals.  I have to say I have so much respect for those who do that during Lent, because there is no amount of prayer to keep my “hangry” from showing.  Sadly, giving up something for Lent did not seem to be for me.

So I got to thinking, how might I flip the script? Instead of fasting from food, what if I fasted from resentment.  How might my relationship with God and everybody for that matter be better if I fasted from anger? What if I fasted from television or social media or gaming devices and spent that time in conversations with loved ones?  Or instead of giving up something superficial like Diet Coke or chocolate, what if I added something meaningful to my routine like a volunteer opportunity, a mission or helping out a friend in need? The possibilities are only as limited as our imaginations. 

On the journey,

Ramonalynn Bethley 

 

Ramonalynn Bethley is the pastor at First United Methodist Church of Alexandria. If you would like to contact Ramonalynn, please email her at DrRevRL@fumca.org

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LAKE CHARLES – Plainview had to play without one of its best players Tuesday in the Class C boys basketball state semifinals, but you could hardly tell it.

The second-seeded Hornets (28-3) led from the start and halted third-ranked Gibsland-Coleman with a 64-55 victory at Burton Coliseum in the LHSAA’s Marsh Madness, advancing to the state championship game Friday at noon against No. 1 seeded Pleasant Hill.

The Hornets were without Nathan Fee, who hurt his ankle in last Friday’s quarterfinal win over Hornbeck. But they compensated with relentless effort and lots of ZeQuan Lewis, as usual.

Lewis scored 23 points and collected 20 rebounds, leading Plainview to its first state finals appearance since 1984. Kendan Maricle added 19, going 3 of 5 from behind the arc, where the Hornets made 7 of 21.  Caleb Calhoun scored 11 and snagged 9 rebounds.

The Hornets led 13-6 after one quarter and by 25-19 at halftime. It was 46-37 going to the final period before Gibsland-Coleman closed within 58-55 with 1:33 to go, but free throw shooting combined with tough defense to fuel a game-ending 6-0 spurt for the winers.

Sixty years ago, Plainview brought home a state championship trophy, with a team that earned a distinctive nickname that coach Dustin Howard, a former Plainview player, wanted his team to earn.

“That ’65 team won the state championship, and there was an article written about them that was hung up in the old coach’s office for many years. It called them ‘the hustlin’ Hornets.’ When I got back (as head coach),” said Howard, “these guys were sixth- and seventh-graders, and we had been through some pretty lean times, and I thought, ‘let’s embody the hustlin’ Hornets.’”

PEABODY PLAYS TONIGHT: Defending Select Division II state champion Peabody takes on Archbishop Hannan at 6:15 today. The Warhorses are the third seed and Hannan is No. 1. Peabody is aiming for its 11^th state crown.

In the other semifinal, No. 1 Archbishop Shaw plays fifth-seeded Madison Prep. The state championship game is Saturday at 6.

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Every year on March 12, National Girl Scout Day commemorates the founding of the Girl Scouts of the USA in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low. This day celebrates the organization’s enduring commitment to empowering young girls through leadership development, community service, and skill-building activities.

Juliette Gordon Low’s vision was to create an organization that would prepare girls to meet their world with courage, confidence, and character. Since its inception, the Girl Scouts have grown exponentially, impacting millions of girls and young women across the United States. The organization’s programs have evolved to meet the changing needs of society while staying true to its core mission of empowerment.

The Girl Scouts’ programming focuses on several key areas:

• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics): Encouraging girls to explore and pursue careers in STEM fields through hands-on activities and mentorship.

• Outdoor Adventure: Promoting environmental stewardship and resilience through camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

• Life Skills: Equipping girls with essential skills such as financial literacy, communication, and civic engagement.

• Entrepreneurship: Fostering business acumen and goal setting, notably through the iconic Girl Scout Cookie Program.

Girl Scouts are actively involved in community service projects that address local and global issues. From environmental conservation efforts to social justice initiatives, members are encouraged to identify challenges and develop actionable solutions. This hands-on approach cultivates a sense of responsibility and leadership from a young age.

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By JIM BUTLER

Back in September the School Board fired the firm managing the District 62 bond issue improvements in favor of finding a replacement, which evidently is easier said than done.

Today the board will instead consider continuing to use staff for that task, and pay them accordingly.

The agenda motion is to discuss and take action on allocation of bond funding for project oversight and reporting, allowing  staff to be compensated for documented work on bond activities above and beyond normal activities in lieu of hiring an outside project management firm, pending legal review.

The $100 million construction schedule has plenty left to manage.

Today’s agenda includes nine items related to the bond issue.

Standing out among them is changing the scope of field house construction at Peabody Magnet.

Catalyst for that is discovery that the existing locker room was constructed in a defined flood plain.

Revising the project to include locker room rebuild raises the project estimate by $1.5 million to $2.6 million. Cheaper alternatives are available but not recommended.

Additional funding is proposed from bond premiums and interest earned.

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Alexandria native Sonja Hogg was still on Cloud 9 on Saturday evening, a week after receiving the prestigious Tower Medallion award at Louisiana Tech’s Winter Commencement ceremony.

Hogg, 79, is a member of Tech’s Athletics Hall of Fame as well as the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. She’s been retired since 2020, when she sold her house on the river in Waco, Texas and moved to an independent living area that’s conveniently near a shopping center and a golf course.

“It kinda surprised me when the new (Tech) president, Dr. Jim Henderson, called,” she said. “He told me he wanted to give me the Tower Medallion, the highest honor at Tech you can receive.”

The Tower Medallion is awarded to Tech alumni who have distinguished themselves by exceptional achievement, community service and humanitarian activities.

Hogg distinguished herself with exceptional achievement as a basketball coach at both Louisiana Tech and Baylor before retiring as the Lady Bears coach in 2000. She spent the next 20 years as a fundraiser in the university’s development office. It was her presence and success at Baylor that was instrumental in luring her former player and current LSU coaching legend, Kim Mulkey, to replace her as Baylor’s coach.

A 1964 Bolton graduate, Hogg coached in the high school ranks for a few years after graduating from Tech in 1968, and, shortly after the passage of Title IX, at the invitation of then-Tech president F. Jay Taylor, she started the Lady Techsters basketball program in 1974. She directed Tech to the peak of women’s college basketball during an 11-year career, highlighted by six straight Final Four appearances and back-to-back national championships in 1981 and ’82. The first title was in the AIAW (Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women), with an undefeated 34-0 record, and Tech’s second straight title was in the first season women competed in the NCAA. Tech finished 35-1 that year.

Henderson presented her with the Tower Medallion during the commencement exercises on March 1.

“I had some friends from college there, some sorority (Sigma Kappa) sisters, players and personnel from that time like the bus driver, and some came from Waco,” Hogg said. “It was a wonderful celebration.”

Sonja said her brother, David Chatelain and his wife Evelyn, who live in Bentley, planned to attend the event but couldn’t because they got the flu.

“I told my friends, ‘Pray for (my) composure,’ because I cry at the drop of a hat,” she said while starting to cry. “And I did cry. Tech means a lot to me, and just to get that award … but we had some laughs, too.”

Pam Kelly, Tech’s only three-time All-American, from Columbia, Louisiana, was among the former players present and laughed with her coach about a time they were doing wind sprints at practice.

“Pam was a woman of few words,” said Sonja, “and she always had a puddle of perspiration by her, and she said they had worked extremely hard in practice and Leon (Barmore, then a co-head coach and later highly successful head coach) had gotten upset with her and he had everyone doing wind sprints. After about the third one, she said, ‘I quit, Coach.’”

Barmore, convulsed by Pam’s reaction, called off the rest of the wind sprints.

Consider the talent Hogg had on those championship teams, when Tech was an independent school and not part of any conference. Among the players were future Louisiana Hall of Famers Kelly, Janice Lawrence and Mulkey, not to overlook  Julie Wilkerson of Tioga. And Sonja was responsible for the “Lady Techsters” nickname. The mascot for the men’s teams, being Bulldogs, meant the possibility of her team being called “Lady Bulldogs,” and Sonja refused that nickname, believing they would inevitably be called what female dogs are often called.

Hogg said she’s glad she’s not coaching now, considering what current coaches have to deal with, including the transfer portal and NIL deals.

“When I recruited players, I was trying to sell them on getting a good education,” she said, “because (at first) we didn’t have scholarships to offer.”

Women’s college basketball was something new then. Sonja didn’t play basketball at Bolton or at Tech because they didn’t play women’s sports – other than in intramurals – back then. But she was gifted athletically even as a child, when one of her earliest requests for a Christmas present, at age 2, was a “bassetball.”

Sonja’s late mother, Dorothy Chatelain of Alexandria, said in an interview many years ago that Sonja’s late stepfather since age 9, E. P. Chatelain, had some words of wisdom for her as a youth. “He used to tell her, ‘Anything you attempt to do, be the best at it, whatever you decide to do in life.”

She followed that advice to a tee, and she fondly remembers the formation she had at Bolton High School, recalling her English teacher, Inez Parker, civics teacher/coach Jesse Doyle (later principal) and the principal when she was a Bolton student, W. E. “Ted” Pate. She was recently part of a 60^th anniversary reunion of her graduating class, which had more than 500 students.

“I’ve lived in Texas for years,” she said, “but my heart’s in Louisiana.”

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On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, a decision that profoundly altered the course of modern history. Five years later, the world reflects on the challenges faced, lessons learned, and the resilience demonstrated by communities worldwide.

In the initial months of 2020, reports of a novel coronavirus emerged from Wuhan, China. The virus, later named SARS-CoV-2, spread rapidly across continents, leading to unprecedented global health concerns. By March 11, 2020, with over 118,000 cases and 4,291 deaths reported across 114 countries, the WHO officially characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic.

 

Major Events and Responses

The rapid spread of the virus led to significant disruptions:

• Sports and Entertainment: On March 12, 2020, the NCAA canceled its men’s and women’s basketball championships, abruptly ending the San Diego State men’s team’s best regular season in program history. 

   

• Government and Leadership: State Senator Steve Padilla became the first elected official in California to contract the virus. His hospitalization and subsequent recovery highlighted the virus’s indiscriminate nature. 

   

• Public Spaces: To curb the virus’s spread, San Diego closed beaches, parks, and trails on March 22, 2020. These spaces remained closed until April 27, when they were gradually reopened with restrictions. 

   

Community Support and Adaptation

The pandemic necessitated innovative solutions to emerging challenges:

• Homelessness: The San Diego Convention Center was transformed into a temporary shelter, accommodating approximately 4,000 individuals. This initiative provided essential services and led to long-term housing solutions for about 1,200 people. 

   

• Healthcare Response: Local healthcare systems mobilized resources, established testing sites, and later facilitated vaccination campaigns to protect the community.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global health systems but also showcased human resilience and adaptability:

• Scientific Advancements: The rapid development and distribution of vaccines demonstrated unprecedented collaboration in the scientific community.

• Digital Transformation: Lockdowns and social distancing measures accelerated the adoption of digital technologies, reshaping work, education, and social interactions.

• Public Health Awareness: The pandemic underscored the importance of public health infrastructure and the need for preparedness in facing future health crises.

As the world marks five years since the pandemic’s onset, the collective experience serves as a reminder of the importance of global solidarity, the need for robust healthcare systems, and the resilience inherent in communities. While challenges persist, the lessons learned pave the way for a more prepared and united global response to future crises.

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By JIM BUTLER

Contrary to some expectations, the question of who provides parish ambulance service is not on today’s Police Jury agenda though, with unanimous vote, it could be added.

The jury’s Ambulance Advisory Committee voted in late February to recommend the parish continue sole provider status and switch providers.

Four services submitted proposals – Acadian (parish’s provider for about 30 years), AmeriPro, MedExpress and Pafford, whatever the details may be.

The committee, after executive session discussions, favored Pafford.

Such advisory panels are not subject to the same executive session restrictions as public bodies.

Today’s posted agenda does include Acadian’s monthly response report. Its contract requires meeting response times in at least 80% of the calls in each service zone.

The zones, required times and percentage of responses meeting or bettering the times:

 

• Alexandria, 8 minutes, 88.5%;
• Pineville, 8 minutes, 81.1%;
• Rapides, 12 minutes, 87.6%;
• Rapides, 20 minutes, 82.6%.

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By JIM BUTLER

The Police Jury is expected to accept attorney Sam Spurgeon’s resignation as an England Authority commissioner at today’s jury session.

A motion to that effect, from juror Randy Harris, is on the posted agenda. It also proposes appointing Myron K. Lawson Jr. to fill the term that expires September 9.

Waiving its rule for publicizing intent to fill an appointment as well as a waiting period before doing so is a routine jury practice.

Spurgeon, past president of the Alexandria Bar Association, is a past president of the England Authority board. 

He was most recently in the news when arrested December 31 and charged with battery 2nd degree, a felony.

The charge came after police responded to a call from a hospital regarding an alleged battery, according to media reports.

Details from that response’s Initial Incident Report, if requested, have not been reported.

The DA’s Office recused from the matter in late January, sending it to the Attorney General’s Office.

If an outside prosecutor has been assigned that has not been announced.

It may also be that Ninth Judicial District judges have sent the matter to the state Supreme Court for ad hoc judge assignment when, or if, the case goes forward.

Recusal is not extraordinary in such circumstances.

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Peabody and Plainview prevailed convincingly Friday night in LHSAA boys basketball playoff quarterfinal games at home, while ASH was unable to win on the road in New Orleans.

State quarterfinal scores involving Rapides Parish boys basketball teams, and this week’s LHSAA Marsh Madness schedule at Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles for the Warhorses and Hornets:

 

SELECT DIVISION I

St. Augustine 57, ASH 43

 

SELECT DIVISION II

Peabody 60, Sophie B. Wright 46

Semifinal game: Wednesday, 6:15, vs. Archbishop Hannan

State championship game: Saturday, 4:00, vs. Archbishop Shaw-Madison Prep winner

 

CLASS C

Plainview 72, Hornbeck 53

Semifinal game: Tuesday, 1:00, vs. Gibsland-Coleman

State championship game: Friday, noon, vs. Pleasant Hill-Georgetown winner

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Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

 

March 9

Dominique D’Quan Bradley, 22, Boyce – domestic abuse battery, no bail data;

Olivia Cohea Deal Jr, 19, Pineville – OWI first offense, no head light, $1,100 bail;

Ashani Nicole Henson, 20, Atlanta – domestic abuse battery, criminal damage to property, $500 bail;

Gael Sebastian Lozano, 20, Houma – reckless operation of a vehicle, no driver’s license, improper lane usage, $700 bail;

Conner Ryan Martin, 19, Boyce — OWI first offense, $1,000 bail.

 

March 8

Willie Lee Byrd, 34, Pineville – producing manufacturing distributing controlled dangerous substance, two counts drug paraphernalia, speeding, no insurance, two counts contempt of court, $3,200 bail;

April Denise Compton, 44, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, $1,500 bail;

Eric Lynn Johnson, 46, Alexandria – misrepresentation during booking, simple escape, two counts contempt of court, home invasion, $8,000 bail;

Chadaevious Pickens, 22, Pineville – domestic abuse battery, resisting an officer, $500 bail;

Anthony Taylor, 47, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, $1,500 bail;

Ramanda Nicole Thompson, 34, Deville – simple burglary, criminal trespass, $3,000 bail.

 

March 7

Ken’shala K. Bowers, 21, Alexandria – OWI second offense, improper lane usage, no driver’s license, $1,700 bail;

Kendalyn Joleigh Bryant, 20, Pineville – aggravated battery, $5,000 bail;

Brenda Cade Davis, 21, Pineville – reckless operation, three counts contempt of court, $3,500 bail;

Alvin Ray Giddings, 56, Deville – first degree rape, resisting an officer, Louisiana fugitive, $100,500 bail;

Wade William Johnson Jr, 41, Boyce – failure to renew registration as a sex offender, failure to timely register/renew/update as required, expired plate/registration, modified exhaust, $200 bail;

Cole Daniel Jones, 22, Campti – 29 counts of simple burglary, $145,000 bail;

Kayla Justice, 28, Alexandria – driving under suspension/revocation, improper window tint, driver’s license required, misrepresent while issuing misdemeanor summons, $1,200 bail;

David Alexander Nugent, 31, Pineville – possession of controlled dangerous substance, paraphernalia, $3,000 bail.

 

March 6

Carnell Antonio Carter, 38, Alexandria – simple burglary, $20,000 bail;

Christian Kade Cockerham, 29, Pineville – Louisiana fugitive, domestic abuse battery with child present, three counts contempt of court, $7,000 bail;

Dwight Paul Drouin, 41, Alexandria – possession of controlled dangerous substance, paraphernalia, $9,000 bail;

Rodara Ellis, 25, Colfax – aggravated assault with a firearm, contempt of court, $1,500 bail;

Troy Tevon Hinkston, 23, Pineville – illegal carrying of a weapon, possession of controlled dangerous substance, probation violation, $2,500 bail;

Corey Mikel Johnson, 23, Alexandria – illegal carrying of a weapon, $1,000 bail;

Daniel Stephen Johnson, 46, Colfax – stalking first offense, $10,000 bail;

Donna Gayle Paul, 57, Marksville – possession of controlled dangerous substance schedule 1 and 2, paraphernalia, three counts Louisiana fugitive, $4,000 bail;

Edward Earl Williams Jr, 23, Houston – possession of marijuana, possession of controlled dangerous substance, illegal carrying of a weapon, improper headlight equipment, $3,100 bail.

 

March 5

Hollie Ann Brooks, 30, Pineville – possession of controlled dangerous substance, paraphernalia, $3,000 bail;

Jacoby McNeal, 22, Pineville – aggravated assault/domestic abuse, aggravated criminal damage, possession of firearm by convicted felon, probation violation, $250,000 bail;

Charles Gregory Dewayne Price, 46, Alexandria – driving under suspension/revocation, two counts contempt of court, $10,100 bail;

Kevin Bradshaw Reed, 18, Pineville – reckless operation of a vehicle, criminal damage to property, $1,000 bail;

Donavan Kentrell Sanders, 27, Alexandria – flight from an officer, theft of firearm, two counts theft of motor vehicle, theft, criminal trespass, parole violations, $45,000 bail;

Dalton Thomason, 20, Pineville – aggravated domestic abuse battery with child present, $2,000 bail;

Ashley Nicole Walker, 43, Bunkie – domestic abuse battery with child present, two counts contempt of court, $50,000 bail.

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By JIM BUTLER

The current race for Clerk of Court is a sprint rather than the usual long-distance run.

Robin Hooter’s decision to retire in November and a March 29 election date put those seeking to succeed her on a campaign fast track.

Then-Chief Deputy Clerk Karan Corley (now, by law, interim Clerk) and Thomas David III, an attorney, had campaign organizations running by the first week in December, finance reports filed in late February show.

Corley loaned hers $10,000 on December 3 and David his $120,000 a day later. Corley loaned hers another $10,400 in late January.

Through February 17, required filings at the end of the month show, Corley’s campaign had received $65,000 in other contributions; David’s report shows $26,000 in contributions.

On the filing date Corley had $31,100 on hand; David $119,600.

Corley had spent $48,700; David $28,700.

Her contributors (Alexandria unless otherwise noted) of $1,000 or more included:

$6,000 – Sam Mahfouz ($2,500 on November 7, before Hooter’s retirement announcement, and $3,500 on January 16);

$5,000 – Sandra Chicola;

$4,000  – Danny Campbell, Dry Prong;

$2,500 – Durand Builders, Pollock; Frank Chandler III, Robin Hooter Campaign Fund, C.W. Vollman;

$2,000 – Barth & Grimes Properties;

$1,500 – Terminator Pest & Pond Management, DJ’s Bail Bonds, Joseph Rino Jr., Ross Bus Sales;

$1,000 – Gayle Davis, Duane Heard, Damin Horeih, J Michael Small Law Office Account, Stephen Mansour, Neblett, Beard & Arsenault, H.J. Vercher Jr., Wendell Walker, Pineville; Hilborn Enterprises, Tioga; Hilton Campaign Fund, Hineston.

Contributions of $1,000 or more to David’s campaign included:

$2,500 – Scott Netherland, Cathy Pierson, New Orleans;

$2,000 – Barth Properties LLC, G & JJT LLC;

$1,000 – Meyer, Meyer, Lacroix & Hixson, Anna Brasher Moreau DDS LLC, Walter P. Aertker, Centerville, TN.

Full reports are at the Ethic Commission web site.

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Defending state champion Peabody and Class C championship contender Plainview represent Rapides Parish in homecourt LHSAA boys basketball quarterfinal playoff games tonight, while Alexandria Senior High travels to New Orleans.

The Warhorses won last year’s Select Division II crown and are a prime contender to make it back to Lake Charles next week for another round of Marsh Madness.

Tonight’s state quarterfinal games involving Rapides Parish teams (all play in the Select category):

 

DIVISION I

ASH (seeded No. 5) at St. Augustine, 6:30

 

DIVISION II

Sophie B. Wright (11) at Peabody (3), 7:00

 

CLASS C

Hornbeck (7) at Plainview (2), 6:00

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