The No. 2-ranked LSUA men’s basketball team knew it was hosting a four-team regional next weekend, and found out who’s coming to The Fort during the NAIA’s announcement of its men’s and women’s tournament fields Thursday night.

The LSUA women are headed to McKenzie, Tenn., next weekend for their postseason push.

Next Friday night at LSUA, the Generals (28-2) begin their 16-team quadrant as the No. 1 seed and play 16^th-seeded Stillman (Ala.) in a 7:30 contest. The other two teams tip at 5:30 on March 14 – No. 8 Nelson (Texas) and ninth-seeded Middle Georgia State. The winners meet a day later for a berth in the NAIA’s Sweet 16 in Kansas City.

The Generals swept the Red River Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament crowns for the second straight season.

The LSUA women (23-8) are the ninth seed in their quadrant and face No. 8 Benedictine (Kansas) on March 14. The quadrant’s top seed, the host Bethel (Tenn.) squad, opens against Sterling (Kan.). No tip times were set Thursday night. The winners collide on March 15.

The LSUA women reached the RRAC Tournament championship game and almost upset No. 25 LSUS.

---

March 7, 2025, marks National Cereal Day, a celebration of one of the most popular breakfast choices worldwide. Cereal has become a staple in many households, offering convenience, variety, and nutritional benefits. This day provides an opportunity to explore the history of cereal, its impact on breakfast culture, and the trends shaping its future.

The Origins of Breakfast Cereal

The concept of breakfast cereal dates back to the late 19th century, rooted in the health reform movements of that era. Dr. James Caleb Jackson, a nutritionist and the operator of a health spa, introduced “Granula” in 1863, considered the first ready-to-eat cereal. Made from graham flour, it required soaking overnight before consumption.

Later, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, a physician and health activist, developed “Granola,” a variation of Jackson’s creation. In 1894, Kellogg and his brother, Will Keith Kellogg, accidentally invented corn flakes, leading to the establishment of the Kellogg Company. Around the same time, Charles William Post, a former patient at Kellogg’s sanitarium, created “Grape-Nuts” and founded Postum Cereal Company, now known as Post Consumer Brands.

Cereal’s Rise to Popularity

The early 20th century saw a surge in cereal consumption, driven by aggressive marketing and the convenience of ready-to-eat options. Cereal became synonymous with a quick and easy breakfast, aligning with the fast-paced lifestyles emerging during industrialization. The introduction of sugar-coated varieties in the 1930s and 1940s, such as Kellogg’s Sugar Smacks and Post’s Sugar Crisp, appealed to children’s palates, further cementing cereal’s place in breakfast routines.

Nutritional Debates and Innovations

While cereals offered convenience, concerns about their nutritional content emerged, particularly regarding added sugars and artificial ingredients. Health advocates emphasized the importance of whole grains, fiber, and reduced sugar content. In response, cereal manufacturers introduced healthier options, including whole grain cereals, organic varieties, and products fortified with vitamins and minerals.

The rise of dietary trends, such as gluten-free and high-protein diets, prompted further innovation in the cereal industry. Brands developed cereals catering to these preferences, incorporating ingredients like quinoa, chia seeds, and legumes to enhance nutritional profiles.

Cereal Beyond the Breakfast Bowl

Cereal’s versatility extends beyond traditional breakfast consumption.

---

By JIM BUTLER

The Clerk of Court’s Office entered its current fiscal year with a General Fund balance of $7.87 million.

A legislative audit report posted in February showed the office’s net position as $740,000, about $335,000 unrestricted.

Differences in the General Fund and net position totals reflect the value of capital assets, post-employment benefits costs and net pension liabilities, auditors note.

The audit was completed on normal schedule in October 2024, a month before long-time Clerk Robin Hooter’s retirement.

Interim Clerk Karan Corley and Thomas David III are candidates for the post in the March 29 election.

According to the audit, General Fund revenues in the year ending last June 30 were $4.6 million, almost all from charges for services such as recording and filing fees.

Personnel costs (41 employees)of $3.5 million paced the $4.3 million on expenses.

The audit shows no long-term debt and auditors had no criticisms.

The clerk’s salary at the fiscal year’s close is noted as $114,646 plus $28,800 in supplemental pay. The compensation report included $19,748 in auto allowance and $15,147 expense allowance.

---

Don’t look now but we’re just weeks away from the opening of the spring wild turkey season in Louisiana. Just the thought that season opens in less than a month has the capacity to make you forget hunting anything else. Those who have discovered the sheer thrill and excitement of turkey hunting will make excuses for letting the trash pile up on the yard and delay breaking up the garden. Spring fishing hardly crosses the minds anymore of this contingent of outdoorsmen and women.

For starters, there is the setting. Being out in the woods as the eastern sky begins glowing is special in itself. Leaning against a tree amid a landscape awash in dogwood and wild azalea blossoms, listening to the wake up call of the first cardinal is part of the drama that is about to unfold.

As dawn breaks, a barred owl calls. Before another owl can answer, the woods reverberate with a sound that sounds something like a handful of bolts rattling around in a tin bucket. It’s loud, it’s dry, it’s raspy. It’s the wake up call of a turkey gobbler. Just getting to hear this sound makes crawling out of a warm bed long before dawn well worth the effort.

For those who will be turkey hunting for the first time this spring, here are some basic tips, words of caution and pointers to help your initial turkey season be rewarding.

CLOTHING – It isn’t necessary to buy a new camouflage wardrobe to hunt turkeys. Your deer hunting camo will usually work, but not if any skin or bright colored clothing are showing. Camouflage headnet and gloves are essential.

FIREARMS – Most hunters recommend a 12 or 20 gauge shotgun with a tight choke, preferably the “extra-full” choke designed specifically for hunting turkeys.

AMMUNITION – Use heavy-load shot shells in a 3 or 3 ½ inch magnum. Some shotguns shoot #4’s best while others pattern #5’s or #6’s better. Fire rounds of several shot sizes at targets to find out which works best for your gun.

CALLS – You don’t have to be an expert to call in a gobbler. One of the simplest for beginners is the box call. By stroking the lid over the lip of the box, realistic turkey sounds can be easily made. Also easy for the neophyte hunter to master is the slate call. Making small ovals with the peg on the slate or glass surface to simulate the yelping of a hen turkey will often gain a gobbler’s attention.

SCOUTING – Spend some time at dawn, listening for birds gobbling from the roost. Walk over your area, taking special note of turkey sightings, tracks, droppings, dusting sites and places where fresh scratching in the leaves indicate feeding sites.

OPENING DAY – Plan to be at a listening point late in the afternoon before the hunt. Listen for turkeys flying to roost. If you’re lucky, you’ll hear the heavier wing-beats of a gobbler. Ideally, he will gobble a time or two before dark, helping you key in on where he will be the following morning.

Before dawn the next day, sneak to within 100 yards or so of where you heard the gobbler. In Louisiana, decoys are legal and a hen or jake decoy placed in an opening near you will help attract a gobbler.

Wait until the cardinals and crows begin calling. Perhaps a barred owl or crow will entice your roosted bird to gobble. If not, try using an owl hooter or if you’re good enough, your natural voice, to trigger a response.

Begin calling softly and sparingly, like a hen turkey might do upon awakening before she flies down. Listen to how the gobbler responds. If your calling excites him, tease him by remaining silent for several minutes; this piques his curiosity sometimes to the point that he will fly down and check you out. Calling too often will usually result in the gobbler remaining on his roost, waiting for the excited hen he hears to present herself. If he doesn’t see her, he’ll likely lose interest and go the other way after flying down.

THINK SAFETY – Choose a set-up with your back against a tree wider than your shoulders. Never attempt to sneak up on a gobbling bird; it may be another hunter. Also, as you slip through the woods, a nearby hunter may mistake you for the gobbler. Should you see another hunter moving your way, call out loudly to him to alert him to your position. Never wear the colors of red, white or blue, the colors of a gobbler’s head.

Follow these tips and you might discover a new sport that’ll last a lifetime.

Contact Glynn at glynnharris37@gmail.com

---

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

 

March 5

Dvonte Dewayne Browder, 25, Leesville – reckless operation of a vehicle, open container, expired MVI sticker, improper window tint, flight from an officer, speeding, improper lane usage, criminal damage to property, possession of marijuana, running stop sign, failure to transfer title, driving under suspension/revocation, failure to secure registration, no insurance, switched license plate, $4,000 bail;

Errol Hakeem Cunningham, 35, Boyce – criminal trespass, contempt of court, $1,000 bail;

Jacoby McNeal, 22, Pineville – aggravated assault domestic abuse, aggravated criminal damage, weapon possession by convicted felon, no bail data;

Ashley Nicole Walker, 43, Bunkie – simple domestic abuse battery with child present, two counts contempt of court, $60,000 bail.

 

March 4

Kyran Jermaine Bush, 25, Pineville – aggravated second degree battery, contempt of court, $500 bail;

Terry W. Lotts III, 19, Dallas – aggravated second degree battery, $5,000 bail;

Lisa Teresina Wickham, 57, West Monroe – possession of controlled dangerous substance, possession of marijuana, expired MVI sticker, improper driving on left, $3,200 bail.

 

March 3

Lyndon Beau Agneaux, 35, Alexandria – domestic abuse with child present, $1,000 bail;

Camden Storm Allen, 19, Baton Rouge – OWI first offense, no head light, $1,100 bail;

Kendrick Darnell Davis, 40, Lecompte – simple burglary, criminal trespass, contempt of court, $2,500 bail;

Gerrard Griffin, 20, Simmesport – manufacture, transfer, or possession of machine guns unlawful, aggravated assault, $20,000 bail;

Alexandre Hope Malone, 34, Alexandria – OWI first offense, open container, driving under suspension/revocation, $1,200 bail;

Christie Nichole Mouton, 45, Alexandria – aggravated assault with a firearm, $5,000 bail;

Courvoisier Kenta Robinson, 24, Moreauville – OWI first offense, careless operation, switched license plate, no driver’s license, $1,300 bail;

Tityana Desha Voorhies, 29, Alexandria – DWI first offense, careless operation, driving under suspension/revocation, $4,870 bail;

Aaron Lee Ware, 34, Woodworth – OWI second offense, sex offender failure to timely register/renew/update, $1,500 bail;

Derrick Woodall, 18, Alexandria – second degree murder, armed robbery, $325,000 bail;

Marrison Isreal Wright, 38, Alexandria – possession of controlled dangerous substance, theft, $500 bail.

 

March 2

Candace Michelle Alberes, 52, Deville – aggravated battery, contempt of court, $30,000 bail;

Brian Derrit Beebe, 41, Ball – issuing worthless checks, residential contractor fraud, $6,000 bail;

Jordan Joseph Bolton, 19, Deville – aggravated assault with a firearm, $5,000 bail;

Torrance Bowens, 19, Alexandria – theft, 20 counts simple burglary, $210,000 bail;

Devon Thomas Deaville, 41, Cottonport – two counts possession of controlled dangerous substance, Louisiana fugitive, resisting an officer, $3,500 bail;

Hernandez Martinez Salvador, 41, Bunkie – unlawful operation of vehicle by illegal alien, no driver’s license, flight from an officer, $1,100 bail.

---

March 6, 2025, brings together two seemingly unrelated but delightful observances: National Oreo Cookie Day and National Dentist’s Day. While one celebrates a beloved treat, the other honors professionals dedicated to oral health. This juxtaposition offers an opportunity to enjoy a sweet indulgence while reflecting on the importance of dental care.

National Oreo Cookie Day: A Century of Dunking Delight

National Oreo Cookie Day commemorates the introduction of the Oreo cookie, which has become a staple in households worldwide. First produced by the National Biscuit Company (now Nabisco) on March 6, 1912, the Oreo has evolved into the best-selling cookie in the United States.

The original Oreo featured two chocolate wafers with a rich crème filling, a simple yet irresistible combination. Over the years, Nabisco has introduced various flavors and limited-edition varieties, including mint, peanut butter, and seasonal themes, catering to diverse palates.

The cookie’s versatility extends beyond direct consumption; it serves as a key ingredient in numerous desserts such as milkshakes, cheesecakes, and ice cream flavors. Its iconic status is further cemented by its presence in popular culture and advertising campaigns that emphasize the playful ritual of twisting, licking, and dunking.

National Dentist’s Day: Honoring Guardians of Oral Health

On the same day, National Dentist’s Day recognizes the vital role dentists play in maintaining our oral health. Established to show appreciation for dental professionals, this day encourages individuals to acknowledge the importance of regular dental check-ups and proper oral hygiene.

Dentists are essential in diagnosing and treating dental issues, preventing diseases, and educating patients on maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Their expertise contributes significantly to overall health, as oral health is closely linked to systemic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

To observe National Dentist’s Day, individuals are encouraged to:

Schedule a Dental Check-Up: Regular visits help in early detection and prevention of dental problems.

Express Gratitude: A simple thank-you note or a positive review can brighten a dentist’s day.

Promote Oral Hygiene: Sharing tips on brushing, flossing, and healthy eating can raise awareness within the community.

Balancing Indulgence and Oral Health

The coincidence of National Oreo Cookie Day and National Dentist’s Day serves as a reminder of moderation and the balance between enjoying treats and maintaining oral hygiene. While indulging in Oreo cookies, it’s essential to practice proper dental care to prevent cavities and other oral issues.

Tips for Enjoying Sweets Responsibly:

Moderation: Limit the quantity of sugary snacks consumed.

Timing: Consume sweets during meals rather than as standalone snacks to reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Hydration: Drink water after consuming sugary foods to help wash away residual sugars.

Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss regularly, especially after eating sweets.

Conclusion

March 6, 2025, offers a unique blend of celebration and reflection. As we savor the timeless delight of Oreo cookies, we are also prompted to appreciate the professionals who ensure our smiles remain healthy. This day encapsulates the sweet balance between indulgence and responsibility, reminding us that with proper care, we can enjoy life’s treats while maintaining our well-being.

---

By JIM BUTLER

Calvin Giddings, who has previously been in and out of incarceration, faces the prospect of not getting out again.

Giddings, 56, of Deville is charged with first-degree rape. That under current state law is mandatory life if convicted -.no parole, probation or suspension of sentence.

He was booked under $500,000 bail Friday. Authorities have released no information regarding circumstances of the case.

Giddings was last arrested in Rapides in February 2024 on five charges of contempt.

He was arrested the same month by Avoyelles authorities on criminal trespass and theft charges.

Records show several Rapides bookings in 2023, including criminal trespass and contempt, and possession and penal contraband charges in Grant Parish.

In August that year he was placed in custody of the Department of Corrections, apparently stemming from an earlier case.

---

“James, we have two choices” – my introduction to W.E. “Ted” Pate, then-principal of Bolton High School.

Neither was attractive but one – suspension – was far less so than the other. I took the other. We’ll skip the details. 

Over the years I’ve wondered how many the late Mr. Pate kept in school with that Lady or the Tiger approach.

Now I wonder how many attending the Bolton Hall of Fame banquet and installation April 25 may have been among them. Darn sure know some possibilities.

Pate is one of five inductees in the Hall’s second class, selected by the school alumni organization.

I am told, not surprisingly, that tables and individual tickets are going fast, likely duplicating last year’s sellout for the inaugural event.

It’s been my good fortune to also know Mr. Pate’s fellow inductees:

The late Scott O. Brame – first through an unsolicited, not for public acknowledgement $10,000 donation that rescued a youth baseball/siftball program, subsequently for a host of community projects;

Foster Walker III – first as a classmate, subsequently as supporter of innumerable community programs and projects;

Robert Ryder – first as a classmate’s little brother, met during construction of an ill-fated river raft in Ryder driveway on Gary Street; didn’t stay little long, becoming LSU football legend. Brother, Tom, an inductee last year.

Dr. James “Jeems” White III – first as president of Louisiana State Medical Society, subsequently as civic leader through Kiwanis activity.

Tickets for the event can be purchased through boltonalumni.org/winfame/ 

Best advice is don’t wait too long.

---

I grew up in a religious tradition that did not pay much attention to Ash Wednesday or Lent.  So the first time I ever saw someone with a cross on their forehead it made me wonder “why ashes?”  Why would someone want to spend the entire day with a black smudge on their face? My immaturity and uniformed self just couldn’t figure out “why ashes!”

It wasn’t until I went to a church that observed Ash Wednesday that I began to appreciate the symbolism as an excellent way to enter into Lent and prepare my heart for Easter.  Ashes have been a part of our human story and a sign of our human condition since the beginning of creation. Ashes were a sign of grief. People often sat in them as a sign of mourning. Ashes were an act of contrition and a reminder of our need for forgiveness. Ashes were removed from the altar in antiquity as an act of worship. Ashes are a symbol of our humanity and mortality for out of dust and ash we were created and to dust and ash we will return. So why not ashes?

Ashes remind us of our mortality. Ashes remind us of our need for forgiveness. Ashes remind us that when something is destroyed by fire, something new will rise up out of the ashes. So why not ashes! Who of us doesn’t want a new start?

If you are thinking right about now, “why not ashes?” then I would like to invite you to First United Methodist Church at 2727 Jackson Street in Alexandria.  I will be doing Drive Thru Ashes in the circle drive on Jackson Street from 11:00 – 1:00 today, Wednesday, March 5. You don’t even have to get out of your car.  Or if you want a little music to go with your ashes, there will be an Ash Wednesday service from 6:00 – 6:30 pm in the sanctuary tonight. Why not ashes as a beautiful start to Lent.

On the journey,

Ramonalynn Bethley

 

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

---

Second-seeded Plainview dominated visiting Ebarb Tuesday night in a second-round LHSAA playoff game and rolled into the quarterfinal round of the Class C bracket.

The Hornets (26-3) won 86-40. They will host seventh-seeded Hornbeck, tentatively Friday night, with a spot in next week’s Marsh Madness tournament in Lake Charles at stake.

In the other Tuesday playoff involving a parish school, Tioga was stopped in the second round in the Select Division II bracket at Lafayette by St. Thomas More, 58-37.

ASH (27-6) will travel Friday for its Select Division I quarterfinal since higher-seeded St. Augustine won Tuesday night.

Peabody (24-4) is home Friday night at 7 to meet Sophie B. Wright, the 11^th seed in the Select Division II bracket.

---

HAMMOND – A 3-point barrage by Bell City was too much for Oak Hill to overcome Tuesday in the Class B girls basketball semifinals at the LHSAA’s Marsh Madness tournament.

For the first time in four seasons, Oak Hill couldn’t advance out of the semifinals to the state championship game as Bell City built a big lead, fought off a valiant fourth-quarter rally and pulled away at the end for a 72-54 victory at the University Center.

Oak Hill (30-11) jumped to an early lead before Bell City (25-3) began draining 3-pointers. The Lady Bruins had 11 treys among their first 14 baskets. They ran off 16 unanswered points in a 22-1 run that put them on top to stay.

Bell City finished with 12 of its 24 buckets coming from behind the 3-point arc.

Opening a 31-20 halftime advantage, the second-seeded winners began the third period with three straight 3-pointers into a 40-24 lead that grew to a 22-point margin in the fourth quarter.

But Oak Hill did not falter, mounting a tremendous comeback to within 59-51 with four minutes left, culminated by 7 unanswered points. However, Bell City replied with an 8-0 burst to regained control down the stretch via a 13-1 run.

Senior Jodie Jowers led Oak Hill with 23 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. Despite playing with a torn ACL sustained earlier that curtailed her previous dominant play, senior Brilee Dousay scored 11. Lainey Johnson added 9 and Braylee Cedus contributed 8 for Oak Hill, the 2023 state champion.

Oak Hill was the last Rapides Parish girls team remaining in this year’s playoff brackets. Bell City reached the state finals for the first time since 1973 behind a 24-point outing from Payton Herpin and 18, all on 3-pointers, from Caroline Guillory.

---

March 5, 2025, is celebrated as National Absinthe Day, a day that pays homage to the storied history and cultural impact of absinthe, often referred to as “The Green Fairy.” This emerald-hued spirit has been the subject of fascination, controversy, and artistic inspiration for over two centuries.

The Origins and Composition of Absinthe

Absinthe is a distilled, highly alcoholic beverage derived from botanicals, including the flowers and leaves of Artemisia absinthium (grand wormwood), along with anise, fennel, and other herbs. Its distinct green color and complex flavor profile have made it a unique presence in the world of spirits.

The creation of absinthe is attributed to Dr. Pierre Ordinaire, a French doctor living in Switzerland, around 1792. He concocted the elixir as a medicinal remedy, and it quickly gained popularity. By the mid-19th century, absinthe had become a fashionable drink in France, particularly among artists and writers.

Absinthe in Art and Literature

The allure of absinthe extended beyond its taste; it became a muse for many artists and writers during the Belle Époque period. Figures such as Vincent van Gogh, Edgar Allan Poe, and Oscar Wilde were known to indulge in absinthe, often attributing their creative visions to its effects. The ritualistic preparation of absinthe, involving the slow dripping of water over a sugar cube to dilute the spirit, added to its mystique and appeal.

Artworks from this era often depict absinthe drinkers, capturing the bohemian lifestyle associated with the beverage. For example, Édouard Manet’s painting “The Absinthe Drinker” and Edgar Degas’s “L’Absinthe” portray individuals immersed in contemplation, reflecting the introspective aura linked to absinthe consumption.

Despite its popularity, absinthe became the center of controversy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Critics associated the drink with various social ills, including madness, hallucinations, and violent crimes—a condition termed “absinthism.” A notable incident fueling this perception occurred in Switzerland in 1905, when a farmer named Jean Lanfray, reportedly under the influence of absinthe and other alcoholic beverages, murdered his family. This tragic event intensified public outcry and led to a broader movement against absinthe consumption.

In response to growing concerns, several countries implemented bans on absinthe. Belgium prohibited the drink in 1905, followed by Switzerland in 1910, and the United States in 1912.

France, where absinthe had been immensely popular, enacted a ban in 1915.

These prohibitions stemmed from fears about absinthe’s alleged harmful effects, particularly those attributed to thujone, a compound found in wormwood, one of absinthe’s primary ingredients.

However, modern research has debunked many of these myths, revealing that absinthe’s supposed hallucinogenic properties were largely exaggerated. The resurgence of absinthe in recent years reflects a renewed interest in its complex flavors and cultural significance. In the United States, the ban was lifted in 2007, allowing for the legal production and sale of absinthe, provided it meets specific regulatory standards regarding thujone content.

Similarly, the United Kingdom has witnessed a revival of absinthe, with sales projected to reach £35 million by 2026.

Today, absinthe enjoys a renaissance among enthusiasts and mixologists, who appreciate its unique botanical profile and storied past. This revival underscores a broader trend of rediscovering and reinterpreting classic spirits within contemporary cocktail culture.

---

Sarah Simms got emotional at times discussing the book she and Hayley Johnson wrote at an Authors Club monthly meeting at the Westside Library in Alexandria last Thursday night.

Simms (at left in photo) and Johnson are LSU librarians and their recently released (2023) book is “Beneath Heavy Pines in World War II Louisiana: The Japanese American Internment Experience at Camp Livingston.”

Sixty-six people showed up for their talk, which they said is the largest gathering they’ve attracted at any stop on their book-promotion tour.

At a time when the deportation of illegal immigrants is a hot topic, it’s worthwhile to learn about another time in our American history when “residents” of the United States were declared “enemies.” This happened after the Japanese bombing attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, when U.S. authorities began to arrest Japanese residents and place them into enemy alien internment camps run by the Department of Justice or the United States Army.

Simms and Johnson wrote about this, but the book focuses on the mostly untold story of how, from 1942 to ’43, more than 1,000 men of Japanese ancestry were held at Camp Livingston in the pine forests of Central Louisiana, some 12 miles from Alexandria. The two librarians found an even more local connection, telling the story through the experience of two families, the Koharas and at least one of the Miyamototos, the Koharas’ cousins.

When, in response to the Pearl Harbor attack, the U.S. declared war against the Axis nations, Japanese, German and Italian aliens were arrested and investigated. The precedent for this was set with the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798, when America became involved in naval conflicts with France. It was legal to consider residents from hostile countries as enemies and have them incarcerated.

Another precedent for this was after World War I, when about 2,300 German civilians within the United States were arrested and interned. Between 1941-46, more than 100,000 Japanese and Japanese Americans were interned across the United States.

Simms and Johnson did extensive research for several years into the subject, often being frustrated by the lack of information on it. Yet, what they found seemed to indicate the interned men, while jolted and separated from their families for one year, were not mistreated. There was a photo of men outside a barracks at Camp Livingston, where there was a barbershop and a vegetable garden, for example. Another photo showed the men playing in a baseball game.

Yet, the somber side of the camp comes from a photo of a path flanked by barbed wire fences, and at the end of the path in the distance is a watch tower.

“This generation didn’t usually speak of their experiences,” said Johnson, “and there’s not much documentation.” They did, however, find out some information from things such as rosters, letters, journals, diaries and newspaper clippings.

One wartime story in the Town Talk was about the Koharas being “proud of their American citizenship” and operating a photography studio at Murray Street. One of them was Tommy Kohara, who was a photographer for 25 years at the Town Talk. He was the second-oldest of five children of parents whose came to the United States in the early 20^th century and never returned to Japan. He died in 1999 at age 82.

Tommy Kohara and his older brother Jackie took part in WWII. Tommy enlisted in May 1941, six months before Pearl Harbor, and served as a photographer both on the front lines and behind the lines in Germany and France. Jackie enlisted a few years later and was an officer in the reserve/Medical Administrative Corps. After the war, he took over the Kohara family photo business.

“Both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Treasurer department have made thorough investigations of the Kohara family,” the Town Talk story said, “and not one shadow of doubt regarding their patriotism was found.”

Simms and Johnson, inspired by a 2016 story in the Los Angeles Times about survivors of U.S. Japanese internment camps speaking out against the increasing hate Muslim Americans were enduring, sought to find out if there were any internment camps in Louisiana. Their research led to Camp Livingston, best known as a site for the “Louisiana Maneuvers” – the exercises the Army held to prepare for war.

They would find out from a Kohara family survivor in Alexandria, the late Marion Couvilion Kohara, that while the Kohara family was not interned, her cousin, Reverend Buntestu Miyamoto, was interned. He had been in Hawaii, and after being investigated by the FBI, was classified as an “enemy alien” and taken to Camp Livingston.

His family, with virtually no financial support, chose to be interned on the mainland in Crystal City, Texas in hopes of being reunited with him. After the Reverend was released from Camp Livingston in 1943, he was reunited with his family in Crystal City, but they were not allowed to return to Hawaii until the end of the war.     

Some Carnegie Whitney Grants enabled the two librarians to travel to different archives across the country to piece together information for their book. They determined from the camp roster that men interned at Camp Livingston were from ages 20 to 80, but most were in their 50s.

Simms and Johnson found some haiku poems from the camp and a poster promoting an art exposition with a quote revealing of the character of those interned at the camp:

“Simplicity is to be valued at the place of exile in the United States.”     

---

By JIM BUTLER

Details of what landed the Gordons in jail have not been released (probably won’t until court) but they’re likely to be in parish custody some time.

Josiah, 17, is held under $1.25 million bail; Caleb, 23, is held under $150,000.

Both, of the same Alexandria address, were booked after a 9:30 p.m. encounter last Wednesday.

It was no routine disagreement. Josiah, allegedly armed with a machine gun, allegedly attempted to kill two persons; Caleb is also alleged to have been armed.

Authorities have not said who was shot or shot at, where it occurred or what the rumble was, though the charges give some idea.

The teenager is charged with two counts of attempted second-degree murder, manufacture/transfer/possession of a machine gun, having a firearm with drugs and possession of narcotics with intent to sell.

The older suspect is charged with possession with intent and with being a convicted felon possessing a firearm.

His parish arrest record dates to at least November 2022, when he was charged with armed robbery.

In May 2023 he was charged with being a felon with a firearm, allegedly stolen.

In October same year he was again charged with firearm possession as well as narcotics possession and probation violation.

---

Second-round games involving Rapides Parish schools tonight and Monday’s scores in the LHSAA boys basketball playoffs (note, all parish schools play in the Select category for postseason competition):

 

MONDAY’S SCORES

ASH 46, Carencro 38 (Division I)

Peabody 64, Washington-Marion 42 (Division II)

Avoyelles Public Charter 73, Glenmora 41 (Class B)

 

TONIGHT’S GAMES

DIVISION I

Tioga (14) at St. Thomas More (3), 7 p.m. in Lafayette

 

CLASS C

Plainview (2) hosts Ebarb (15), 6 p.m.

---

HAMMOND — Plainview got off to a good start but didn’t finish well Monday, and Summerfield did. That propelled Summerfield into Friday’s Class C girls state championship game after beating the Lady Hornets 51-44 in the LHSAA state semifinals at Marsh Madness.

Plainview (25-8), sustaining its second straight semifinal exit, jumped out to an 8-0 advantage, led by as much as 11, 21-10, in the first half and was ahead 24-20 at halftime. Summerfield rallied to grab a 38-36 edge going into the final quarter, and that’s when everything seemed to go right for the Lady Rebels and not so good for the Lady Hornets.

The Lady Hornets made just 2 of their 14 shots in the final eight minutes as Summerfield (30-6) gradually expanded its lead, which creeped into double digits late in the contest.  .

Plainview owned a 47-29 rebounding advantage but that was partly due to the Lady Hornets’ offensive rebounding after missed shots as they connected on only 27 percent overall to 39 percent by Summerfield. Also pivotal in the outcome:  20 turnovers to 12 by Summerfield, and the Lady Rebels’ 28-18 advantage in points in the paint.

Summerfield’s Williams was the dominant force Monday, scoring 31 points and making 7 steals.

Cameron Sutton capped her Plainview career with a 14-point, 12-rebound performance. Libby Tarver’s 15 points topped the Lady Hornets and she added 9 rebounds in a rematch of the 2017 state championship game, also won by Summerfield.

Today, the only remaining Rapides Parish representative, the No. 3 Oak Hill girls (30-10), battle second-seeded Bell City (24-3) in a Class B semifinal at 4:30 in the University Center.

---

---

March 4, 2025, is a day of vibrant celebrations and cultural observances, notably Mardi Gras and National Grammar Day. Each event offers unique insights into traditions and the importance of language in our daily lives.

Mardi Gras: A Time of Revelry and Tradition

Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is celebrated globally with festivities that include parades, masquerades, and culinary delights. The term “Mardi Gras” is French for “Fat Tuesday,” reflecting the practice of indulging in rich foods before the Lenten season begins on Ash Wednesday. This year, Mardi Gras falls on March 4, a date that varies annually based on the lunar calendar and the timing of Easter.

The origins of Mardi Gras trace back to medieval Europe, with traditions evolving over centuries. In the United States, New Orleans, Louisiana, is renowned for its extravagant Mardi Gras celebrations, characterized by elaborate floats, masked balls, and a vibrant display of music and dance. The city’s unique blend of French, Spanish, and African cultures has shaped Mardi Gras into a distinctive festival that attracts visitors worldwide.

One of the hallmark traditions of Mardi Gras is the consumption of King Cake, a sweet pastry adorned with purple, green, and gold sugars—colors symbolizing justice, faith, and power, respectively. A small figurine, often representing a baby, is hidden inside the cake; the person who finds it is said to have good luck and is typically tasked with providing the next cake or hosting the next party. This custom fosters a sense of community and shared celebration.

In addition to New Orleans, numerous communities across the United States and around the world observe Mardi Gras with local customs and events. For instance, in parts of Germany, the day is celebrated as Fasnacht Day, marked by the preparation of doughnuts known as “fasnachts,” symbolizing the use of up all fats before Lent.

holidays-and-observances.com

National Grammar Day: Honoring the Structure of Language

Coinciding with Mardi Gras, March 4 also marks National Grammar Day, a day dedicated to appreciating the rules and structure that govern language. Established in 2008 by Martha Brockenbrough, founder of the Society for the Promotion of Good Grammar, this observance encourages individuals to reflect on the importance of clear and effective communication.

Grammar serves as the foundation of language, enabling us to convey ideas accurately and understand one another. Proper grammar usage enhances clarity, reduces misunderstandings, and allows for more nuanced expression. National Grammar Day is an opportunity for educators, students, writers, and language enthusiasts to engage in activities that promote grammatical awareness, such as workshops, quizzes, and discussions.

In the digital age, where informal communication is prevalent, the significance of grammar remains pertinent. While texting and social media platforms often embrace relaxed language norms, maintaining grammatical standards ensures professionalism and credibility, particularly in formal writing and professional settings.

Balancing Celebration and Reflection

The concurrence of Mardi Gras and National Grammar Day on March 4, 2025, presents a unique juxtaposition of exuberant celebration and thoughtful reflection. While Mardi Gras invites indulgence and communal festivities, National Grammar Day offers a moment to consider the intricacies of language that facilitate our interactions.

For educators and community organizers, this overlap provides an opportunity to blend cultural and educational activities. Schools might host Mardi Gras-themed events that incorporate lessons on the history and cultural significance of the festival, alongside grammar workshops that emphasize effective communication. Such integrated approaches can enrich students’ understanding of both cultural diversity and linguistic precision.

Conclusion

March 4, 2025, encapsulates the richness of human tradition and the essential role of language in our lives. As communities come together to celebrate Mardi Gras with its vibrant customs, there is also space to acknowledge and appreciate the structure of language through National Grammar Day. This day serves as a reminder that while we revel in cultural festivities, the words and grammar we use are the threads that weave our shared experiences.

---

By JIM BUTLER

State Public Defender Remy Starnes has notified Chief Rapides Public Defender Deirdre Fuller and several other parishes’ Chief Defenders their contracts will not be renewed in July.  

The other 32 district defenders were advised last week their status is under review, according to a report by Louisiana Illuminator.

The primary bone that Starnes is picking is whether he should control salary setting for the local defenders. 

According to the Rapides office annual legislative audit report, that contains no adverse findings, Fuller was paid $104,638 in the fiscal year ending last June 30.

Contract attorneys were paid a total of $918,000 to defend clients  (About nine of 10 persons accused of crimes in Louisiana are represented by public defenders).

The office’s General fund received $958,000 in state funding and $495,000 from local judicial fees.

Fuller and the others getting pink slips have been in the lead opposing Starns and his legislative efforts to wrest control from the local level.

That began after his appointment by former Gov. John Bel Edwards and continues following his reappointment last year by Jeff Landry.   

(By law, Starns is paid the same salary as an associate justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court, about $190,009.)

Last year, Starns and Landry helped pass a bill to weaken the state public defender board and strengthen his influence, according to Louisiana Illuminator.

According to that report:

The new law dissolved the old state public defender board, which had to approve the hiring and firing of district defenders. Instead, a new public defender oversight board the governor controls has been put in place.

The new board doesn’t have the authority to directly hire or fire district defenders. Instead, most of that power has been transferred to Starns. 

In 2023, the previous state public defender board put a standardized compensation plan in place for district defenders that Starns believes was too generous.

At the time, board members said they were trying to make up for the fact that district defenders hadn’t received a pay increase or cost of living adjustment in at least 16 years. 

After board members voted to increase the pay, Starns helped push through the legislation that dissolved the first public defender board and set up a new panel.

But the second board has also voted to overrule Starns twice and keep the old board’s pay scale for district defenders in place.

The pay proposal Starns pushed as an alternative would have cut some district defenders’ pay by tens of thousands of dollars annually.

Legislators had also put some measures in place to try to prevent Starns from firing district defenders – at least in the short term. The new law blocked him from getting rid of anyone in that position without cause until July 2025. 

Earlier this month, Starns sought an opinion from Attorney General Liz Murrill’s office stating that he could unilaterally end district defender contracts this summer when they expire.

“There is no right to a hearing or an investigation if the annual contract is simply not renewed,” Assistant Attorney General Chimene St. Amant wrote in the memo of opinion.

---

Second-round games involving Rapides Parish schools tonight and Tuesday, and first-round scores in the LHSAA boys basketball playoffs (note, all parish schools play in the Select category for postseason competition):

 

DIVISION I

ASH (seeded 5^th) hosts Carencro, tonight, 6 p.m.

Tioga (14) at St. Thomas More (3), Tuesday, 7 p.m. in Lafayette

 

DIVISION II

Peabody (3) hosts Washington-Marion (14), tonight, 6 p.m.

 

CLASS B

Glenmora (15) at Avoyelles Public Charter (2), tonight, 6 p.m.

 

CLASS C

Plainview (2) hosts Ebarb (15), Tuesday, 6 p.m.

 

First-round scores involving parish schools in games played Friday night:

Tioga 48, Woodlawn-Baton Rouge 36 (Division I)

Westminster Christian 60, Northwood-Lena 45 (Division IV)

Glenmora 53, Oak Hill 50 (Class B)

---

With conference player of the year Kashie Natt pouring in a season-high 36 points Sunday, the LSUA Generals men’s basketball team earned its second straight Red River Athletic Conference Tournament championship with an 88-79 victory over the University of the Southwest (N.M.) at the Rapides Parish Coliseum.

Natt sank 15-for-24 from the field for the Generals (28-2, 22-2) against the upset-minded Mustangs (17-13, 12-12 RRAC), who led by as much as 14 in the first half. Trailing 39-25 with four-and-a-half minutes left in the opening period, the Generals went to work chipping away and tied it at 41 on a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from EJ McQuillan.

“Not the way we wanted to start, for sure,” LSUA coach Dimario Jackson said. “Southwest is a good team. As a team, they are very well-rounded.

“We knew at some point we’d get going offensively,” Jackson added. “It was just a matter of getting stops.”

The Generals’ run continued at the start of the second to cap a span sandwiching halftime and covering seven-minutes where LSUA outscored Southwest 22-2.

A 10-1 burst gave LSUA a 57-44 advantage seven minutes into the back half but over the next five minutes, Southwest chipped away to bring the score within one, 64-63.

But the Mustangs couldn’t regain the lead. With under 2:30 left, a layup from Natt and free throws by Kaleb Pouncy gave the Generals breathing room, 80-74, and the Generals stretched the spread at the end. 
Pouncy finished with 16 points off the bench. Jordan Decuir tallied 17, also coming off the bench.

The Generals now await their opponent in the NAIA Men’s Basketball Championship rirst round. LSUA has already been announced as a host site for first and second-round games March 14-15, with the regional winner advancing to the national tournament. The other three teams in the Alexandria  regional and pairings will be announced Thursday.

 

LSUA WOMEN NIPPED IN FINAL: A tie-breaking three-point play by Erynn Williams with seven seconds left was the difference for regular-season champion LSU Shreveport to capture its second straight RRAC women’s tournament crown Sunday evening, with a 54-51 final denying LSUA (23-8) back-to-back upsets to win the tourney.

Senior Dannah Martin-Hartwick, who scored 22 twice to lead LSUA in its first and second-round wins, nailed a 3-pointer with 18.2 seconds remaining to tie the championship game. But LSUS (27-3) got the go-ahead layup and free throw from Williams, the RRAC’s Defensive Player of the Year, and survived after a last-gasp 3-pointer from LSUA was off the mark.

LSUA beat Louisiana Christian (10-17) in the first round Friday 74-60, pulling away by outscoring the Wildcats 25-10 in the third quarter, then upset second-seeded Xavier Saturday evening 70-63 to beat the Gold Nuggets (27-3) for the first time in three tries this season.

In each of its three tournament games, LSUA held the opponent to 31 percent shooting aim. But after making 53 percent in the upset of Xavier, LSUA connected on just 34 percent in the final. The Generals barely missed upsetting LSUS on the road in the regular-season finale, falling by 1 in Shreveport.

LSUA will wait to see if it gets an at-large NAIA playoff invitation when the field is announced Thursday.

 

LCU MEN REACH SEMIS: The sixth-seeded Wildcats got 19 points off the bench from Kevin Wiltz, 18 by Devin Carter and 14 from Bryce Weinmunson Friday to upset third-seeded Our Lady of the Lake (20-9). Wiltz carried a 4.5 scoring average into the contest but rose to the occasion to get LCU to the RRAC semis for the fourth time in five seasons.

But seventh-seeded Southwest pulled the surprise in the semifinals, shooting 54 percent overall in a 75-63 decision that ended the Wildcats’ season with a 16-14 record. Carter led LCU with 18 points.

---

There’s not much waiting around for the two Rapides Parish girls basketball teams still standing as the state semifinals and finals are staged this week in Hammond at the LHSAA’s Marsh Madness tournament.

The Plainview girls play today at 4:30 against Summerfield. Oak Hill’s girls have the same tip time Tuesday with both hoping to advance to Friday state championship games at the University Center on the Southeastern Louisiana University campus.

Plainview (25-7) is the third seed in the Class C bracket and meets second-seeded Summerfield (29-6) this afternoon. The other two top-seeded teams are in the other semifinal, No. 1 Simpson (39-2) and fourth-seeded Reeves (22-7). The Class C state final is Friday at noon.

Oak Hill (30-10) is also the No. 3 seed meeting the second-seeded team in its classification in Class B bracket semifinal action Tuesday. Oak Hill meets Bell City (24-3) at 4:30 and the winner moves to a Friday 6 p.m. championship game against either No. 1 Fairview (35-5) or fifth-seeded Anacoco (24-11).

Both parish teams were dominant in their state quarterfinal victories Thursday. Oak Hill dumped Pitkin 66-44 and Plainview smacked Gibsland-Coleman 76-59.

Streaming subscription coverage of Marsh Madness can be viewed at a fee on nfhsnetwork.com.

---