Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

March 2

Theresa A. Bordelon, 50, Alexandria – Louisiana fugitive, disturbing the peace, $500 bail;

Curtis Dwight Brossett Sr, 59, Cloutierville – OWI first offense, careless operation, open container, $1,200 bail;

Robert Stephen Paul, 41, Pineville – battery on a dating partner, no bail data;

Jeffrey D. Richard, 43, Pineville – possession of controlled dangerous substance, criminal trespass, $1,000 bail;

 

March 1

Ken’shala K. Bowers, 21, Alexandria – OWI first offense, $1,000 bail;

Michael Todd Bynog, 56, Boyce – three counts possession of controlled dangerous substance, paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, resisting police with force or violence, battery on a police officer, reckless operation of an off-road vehicle, four counts contempt of court, $90,000 bail;

Mauricio Labrada-Hernandez, 26, Glenmora – producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, display of temporary license plates, contempt of court, $2,600 bail;

Alpichon Lavalaias Jr, 29, Marksville – OWI first offense, two counts possession of controlled dangerous substance, improper lane usage, $3,100 bail;

Exavion Philson, 17, Pineville – possession of handgun by juvenile, illegal possession of a stolen firearm, $2,000 bail;

Bryan Keith Tippen, 39, Alexandria – simple burglary, $5,000 bail;

 

Feb. 28

Patrick Allen Brown, 42, Woodworth – two counts theft, simple burglary, criminal conspiracy, illegal possession of stolen things, $151,000 bail;

Makari Kieon Cotton, 20, Alexandria – producing manufacturing dispensing controlled dangerous substance, criminal trespass, $500 bail;

Calvin Wayne Giddings, 56, Deville – first-degree rape, $500,000 bail;

Sherterroca Ladrelle Henderson, 47, Alexandria – simple burglary, two counts contempt of court, $4,000 bail;

Tamera Kay Johnson, 58, Deville – possession of controlled dangerous substance, illegal carry firearm with drugs, paraphernalia, $5,500 bail;

Saidrick Tyrone Johnson Jr, 27, Alexandria – possession of controlled dangerous substance, bicycle lamps and reflectors, four counts contempt of court, $7,100 bail;

Aaron Joseph Lacaze, 25, Pineville – simple assault, disturbing the peace, $1,000 bail;

Reginald Bernard Meeks, 59, Pineville – two counts aggravated battery, one count aggravated assault, disturbing the peace, $10,500 bail;

Jared Lee Nelson, 44, Alexandria – theft, simple burglary, two counts resisting an officer, intentional exposure to the AIDS virus, simple battery of a police officer, unauthorized entry into place of business, $31,000 bail;

Randy Benedict Perry, 43, Alexandria – home invasion aggravated assault, probation violation, contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Logan Ray Thomas, 28, Oakdale – three counts intimidation threatening of a public official, simple public intimidation and retaliation, violation of protective orders, $1,500 bail;

 

Feb. 27

Miracle Roshell Bush, 30, Alexandria – simple arson, six counts contempt of court, $17,000 bail;

Quentin Dewayne Clay Sr, 40, Alexandria – criminal damage to property, unauthorized entry of inhabited dwelling, $2,000 bail;

Jat’orie Travon Green, 27, Alexandria – obscenity, criminal trespass, criminal mischief, $5,500 bail;

Jordan Levi Guin, 38, Pineville – theft, Louisiana fugitive, contempt of court, $1,500 bail;

Stephen Hall, 34, Walker – possession of controlled dangerous substance schedule 4, improper display of license plate, driver’s license not in possession, $1,700 bail;

Danglio Harris, 38, Bunkie – four counts Louisiana fugitive, contempt of court, $2,500 bail;

Reese Wendell Johnson, 59, Pineville – possession of controlled dangerous substance, illegal carry firearm with drugs, drug paraphernalia, improper display of license plate, modified exhaust, $5,700 bail;

Connie Lacour, 52, Winnfield – Louisiana fugitive, four counts monetary instrument abuse, $10,000 bail;

Keith William Noce, 45, Pineville – three counts possession of controlled dangerous substance, driving under suspension/revocation, improper lane usage, paraphernalia, $6,200 bail;

David Panzica, 39, Colfax – three counts simple burglary, four counts contempt of court, $55,000 bail;

Randy Benedict Perry, 43, Alexandria – home invasion aggravated assault, probation violation, contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Edna Janell Robinson, 61, Lecompte – legend drug possession, paraphernalia, driving under suspension/revocation, no driver’s license, expired plate/registration, no insurance, canceled plates, probation violation, contempt of court, $4,500 bail;

L.E. Salone Jr, 75, Colfax – OWI first offense, required position and method of turning at intersections, open container, $1,200 bail;

Lawrence Farrar West Jr, 48, Pineville – OWI fourth offense, operating a vehicle while under suspension for certain prior offenses, open container, careless operation of vehicle, $100,700 bail;

Kenneth Yost, 30, New Braunfels, Texas – simple burglary, criminal damage to property, $5,500 bail.

Feb. 26

Jason Damion Battiste Jr, 33, Alexandria – two counts possession of controlled dangerous substance schedule 2, three counts producing manufacturing distributing with intent controlled dangerous substances, possession of schedule 5, illegal possession of stolen firearm, possession of firearm by convicted felon, illegal carry firearm with drugs, probation violation, $87,500 bail;

Eric Lamon Branch, 23, Pineville – simple burglary, $5,000 bail;

Briviante Datwan Conston, 33, Pineville – illegal carrying of weapon, aggravated assault domestic abuse, possession of firearm by convicted felon, probation violation, $40,500 bail;

Courtney Holt Dixon, 44, Alexandria –  producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, producing manufacturing distributing hallucinogenic plants, paraphernalia, illegal carry firearm with drugs, $13,000 bail;

April Charlotte George, 49, Alexandria – Louisiana fugitive, driving under suspension/revocation, stop lamps on vehicle required, two counts contempt of court, $3,200 bail;

Caleb Joshua Gordon, 23, Alexandria — producing manufacturing distributing with intent controlled dangerous substance, possession of firearm by convicted felon, $150,000 bail;

Josiah Gordon, 17, Alexandria – two counts attempted second degree murder, manufacture transfer or possession of machine guns unlawful, possession of controlled dangerous substances to produce manufacture or dispense, illegal carry firearm with drugs, $1,250,000 bail;

Mike McCoy Justice II, 48, Alexandria – OWI fourth offense, speeding, driving on highway in two-way turn lane, no driver’s license, unlawful refusal to submit to chemical test, obstructing court orders, $151,300 bail;

David Dewayne Williams, 37, Pineville – battery of dating partner first offense, resisting an officer, possession of controlled dangerous substance, unlawful telephone harassing, $10,000 bail;

Jamarious Davon Young, 23, Alexandria – theft, simple battery, contempt of court, $3,000 bail.

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On March 3, 1931, The Star-Spangled Banner officially became the national anthem of the United States. Today, on National Anthem Day, we take a look at the history behind the song that has been a symbol of American pride for nearly a century.

The Origin of the Anthem

The lyrics were written in 1814 by Francis Scott Key, who was inspired by the sight of the American flag still waving after a fierce British bombardment during the War of 1812. Originally a poem titled Defence of Fort M’Henry, it was later set to the melody of an old British tune and became a patriotic staple.

From Tradition to Law

For over a century, The Star-Spangled Banner was played at military and sporting events, but it wasn’t until March 3, 1931, that President Herbert Hoover signed a bill making it the official national anthem.

A Song That Unites a Nation

Despite debates over its difficulty to sing, The Star-Spangled Banner remains a powerful symbol of American resilience. Whether performed at the Super Bowl, the Olympics, or local events, the anthem continues to evoke strong emotions and national pride.

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By JIM BUTLER

The latest trial date for David Westmoreland, accused of hitting and killing a bicyclist almost four years ago is the week of March 17.  

The state claims the retired state trooper, a parish probation officer at the time, was intoxicated when striking and killing Donnie Cayer on Horseshoe Drive on May 1, 2021.

Westmoreland, 60 when arrested, is charged with vehicular homicide and hit and run. He was indicted in May 2022.

Because of his district court employment all judges of the Ninth District recused themselves from Westmoreland’s case, adding to the normal delays in the judicial process.

According to the record, Westmoreland returned to the scene a short while after the collision. 

There are eight other jury trials on the same week’s docket, among 80 cases up for trial, pre-trial matters, sentencing or arraignment. 

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The championship dreams of two small Rapides Parish girls basketball teams are within reach, as Oak Hill and Plainview won state quarterfinal playoff games Thursday night and advanced to next week’s Marsh Madness semifinals in Hammond, two wins from state titles.

Alexandria Senior High, Buckeye and Menard all had their seasons end on the road.

Semifinals will be played Monday-Thursday next week at the University Center in Hammond. Championship games are next Friday and Saturday. The LHSAA will announce the game schedules perhaps as early as today. Small classification teams typically play their semifinal games on Monday or Tuesday, and the championship games are usually on Friday, based on previous years’ schedules.

Scores of Rapides Parish teams in action Thursday night (all parish teams play in the Select Division):

 

Division I

John Curtis 69, ASH 41

 

Division II

University-BR 60, Buckeye 20

 

Division III

Academy of the Sacred Heart-NO 44, Menard 32

 

Class B

Oak Hill 66, Pitkin 44

Fairview 71, Glenmora 26

 

Marsh Madness matchups (dates, times in Hammond TBA)

Oak Hill (3^rd seed, Class B) vs. Bell City (2)

Plainview (3) vs. Summerfield (2)

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Eight men’s and women’s quarterfinal games will be played today and tonight to open the three-day Red River Athletic Conference basketball tournaments at the Rapides Parish Coliseum, including three involving local teams.

One matches them up. At 6:30, the women’s squads from LSU Alexandria and Louisiana Christian University collide.

The LSUA men (25-2), the conference regular-season champion, play at 1:15 against No. 8 seeded Huston-Tillotson (10-14).

LCU’s men (15-13), seeded sixth, meet No. 3 Our Lady of the Lake (16-8) at 9:45 a.m.

Semifinals are Saturday at 1 and 3 for the men, and 5:30/7:30 for the women. Sunday championship games are Sunday at 2 (men) and 4:30 (women).

The women’s team from LSUA (21-7) dropped its regular season finale to RRAC champion LSU Shreveport, 62-61. The Generals had an eight-game winning streak from January 7 to February 15.

The LCU women (10-16) lost their last two games, both in overtime.

The teams played a pair of competitive games this season won by LSUA. The Generals captured an 80-68 win over the Wildcats at The Fort, before recently recording an 87-81 victory in Pineville.

 

LSUA DOMINATES ALL-RRAC MEN’S HONORS: Senior guard Kashie Natt was a repeat pick as RRAC Player of the Year, won Defensive Player of the Year honors, and LSUA’s Dimario Jackson was Coach of the Year for the second consecutive season.

Generals sophomore guard EJ McQuillan also won first-team recognition. Two other Generals standouts, Jakemin Abney and Jordan Decuir, were honorable mention choices representing a program that reached the nation’s No. 1 ranking earlier this month.

LCU’s first winning season in three years earned all-conference accolades for newcomers Devin Carter (first team) and Bryce Weinmunson (second team), both junior guards.

 

LCU’S GOFF, LSUA’s MARTIN-HARTWICK NET FIRST-TEAM WOMEN’S ALL-CONFERENCE:  Princis Goff, a junior forward at LCU, was the third-leading votegetter on the All-RRAC team and repeated as a first-team all-conference selection.  Freshman forward Kylei Leblanc was an honorable mention choice and was runner-up for RRAC Freshman of the Year.

LSUA senior guard Dannah Martin-Hartwick was voted to the All-RRAC first team for a third straight season. Teammate Jewel Jones was a second-team pick while Benedetta Peracchi got honorable mention recognition.

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It may sound unusual, but February 28 is National Public Sleeping Day, a day that gives everyone permission to catch some Z’s—whether at a park, library, or even on public transportation.

The Power of Napping

Research has shown that a quick nap can enhance memory, boost productivity, and even lower stress levels. A study from NASA found that a 26-minute nap can improve performance by 34% and alertness by 54%.

Best Places for a Public Nap

While sleeping in public isn’t always ideal, there are some good spots to sneak in a quick rest:

• Libraries: Quiet and comfortable, they’re perfect for a short nap.
• Parks: A bench or a soft patch of grass makes for a relaxing spot.
• Cafés: Some coffee shops encourage power naps, even offering “nap pods” in big cities.

A Day for Rest and Relaxation

Whether you’re a sleep-deprived student, a busy professional, or just someone who enjoys a good nap, today is a reminder of the importance of rest. So if you see someone dozing off in public today, don’t judge—they might just be celebrating National Public Sleeping Day the right way!

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By JIM BUTLER

The alternative program has worked with 321 Rapides students, according to a report at this month’s School Board Education Committee.

The Alternative Positive Program for Students is a way to keep expelled, long-term suspended (more than 10 days) and students with academic or behavioral issues in school.

The number in this month’s report is less than two percent of the parish student population. Almost 140 completed their stay or were released early.

Of the total, males numbered 220, females 101; 207 are African American, 112 Caucasian.

Drug use or possession was by far the most frequent reason for a student being placed at the Mason Street school – 104 (nearly one of every 3).

Tobacco or alcohol use/possession accounted for 20 more.

Fighting, 76, and “other serious offenses”, 37, landed another one-third at the campus.

According to the report, Pineville High had 57 students in the program, followed by Tioga High with 42, Alexandria Senior High 40, Peabody Magnet High 36, Buckeye High 23, Rapides High 11, Oak Hill High 10, Bolton High/Academy 6, and Northwood High 5.

Ninth-graders led the student count at 82. Grades 6-8 accounted for a total of 90 more.

Other grades and count – 10th 71; 11th 41; 12th 28.

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Girls basketball teams at Oak Hill and Plainview are home teams tonight for a chance to reach Marsh Madness next week, while ASH, Buckeye and Menard are on the road for their LHSAA girls basketball playoff quarterfinal games.

 

The parish playoff matchups:

Division I — ASH (8^th seed) at John Curtis (1) – 6 p.m.

Division II — Buckeye (9) at University-BR (1) – 6 p.m.

Division III — Menard (10) at Academy of Sacred Heart-New Orleans (2) – 4 p.m.

Class B — Pitkin (6) at Oak Hill (3) – 6 p.m., game site is Northwood-Lena HS

Class C – Gibsland-Coleman (6) at Plainview (3) – 6 p.m.

 

Winners advance to Marsh Madness, the LHSAA’s girls basketball final four tournaments in Hammond next week. The schedule for next week’s games may be announced as early as Friday but likely over the weekend. Ten state championship games will be staged next Friday and Saturday after semifinal games beginning Monday and finishing Thursday.

Boys state playoffs begin Friday night. Four (Tioga, Northwood-Lena, Glenmora and Oak Hill) of the seven parish teams qualifying play first-round games, with three more (ASH, Peabody and Plainview) earning first-round byes.

 

Scores of Rapides Parish girls teams winning Monday night second-round games:

ASH 58,  Riverdale 35

Buckeye 40,  Frederick A. Douglass 39

Menard 51, Newman 17

Oak Hill 67, Hicks 51

Fairview 71, Glenmora 26

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I was drawn to a verse in the Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Sound of Music that ends, “These are a few of my favorite things.”

No, I’m not putting in a plug for the vocals of Julie Andrews. The country boy in me prefers Loretta Lynn’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”

This line got me to thinking about some of my favorite things and I thought on a cold winter day I might share a few of those things that are special to me.

Any time I’m on a road trip, my first stop for refreshments is always, never deviating, a bottle, not a can but a bottle of real Coke, and a pack of salted peanuts. Taking a few sips from the bottle so it won’t run over, I pour in the peanuts. Nothing better; the sweetness and acidy bite of the Coke blended with the saltiness and crunch of peanuts makes any road trip – unless it’s to the see the dentist for a root canal – extra special.

I love coffee and I have discovered a blend that suits my fancy just right. I stop by the Black Rifle shop for a pound of “Beyond Black” coffee. Just enough cream to lighten the color just a bit and my day gets off to a fine start.

When the weather warms, I like to take my cup to the back porch where I sit and sip and watch the birds while thanking the Good Lord for His blessings.

Back before age and infirmity kept me out of the woods, I loved to be sitting, covered in camouflage, with my back against a tree and playing mind games with a savvy old wild turkey gobbler. Hearing a thundering gobble as he responds to my calls mimicking a sweetheart of a hen turkey and then finally seeing that white head floating atop a puffed-out body, tail fan spread out,
as the old boy comes in, spitting and drumming to investigate what he believes is a little hen anxious for his affection, was indeed, one of my favorite things ever.

When the first Saturday in October came around every year, wild horses couldn’t have kept me out of the woods on opening day of squirrel season. Sitting at daylight on a moss-covered fallen log resting next to a grove of hickories, oaks or beech trees, was the ticket. If these trees were bearing hickory nuts, acorns or beech mast, there was no doubt that as the sky began lightning up, squirrels would be leaving dens for breakfast.

If I was fortunate enough to down a young “frier” squirrel, my next stop was the camp where the squirrels were cleaned and a young one was cut into quarters, seasoned with salt and pepper and dusted in flour. Once the skillet of oil was hot enough, I loved to listen to the sizzle as the quarters turned brown and crispy. A plate of rice, a couple of hot biscuits and gravy made from the drippings made a breakfast fit for a king. I declare, the hind leg of a tender young fried squirrel would put Col. Sanders to shame. A favorite thing? You betcha.

When I was growing up, there was a spot known locally as the Sand Flats where every fall and winter morning, a flight of wood ducks would leave roosts and wing their way up the creek to feed. On mornings before school, my dad would take my brother and me to the Sand Flat for the chance at downing a “squealer,” as wood ducks were called. The flight only lasted half an hour but if my shot was successful, I had something to brag about to the kids at school.

When my mama slow baked a wood duck in her cast iron pot, it made the darkest and richest gravy ever. Spooning it over one of her hot biscuits alongside a slice or two of duck breast was a feast, a favorite thing, I will never forget.

Okay, enough nostalgia. I just heard Loretta Lynn crank up.

Contact Glynn at glynnharris37@gmail.com

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Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

 

Feb. 26

Richard Clayton Batiste Jr, 32, Alexandria – telephone harassment, stalking, $2,000 bail;

Adrianne Booze, 27, Alexandria – aggravated domestic abuse with child present, $1,000 bail;

Chandler Matthew Cudd, 18, Alexandria – OWI with child endangerment, speeding, open container, possession of marijuana, $1,700 bail;

Courtney Holt Dixon, 44, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, paraphernalia, producing manufacturing distributing of hallucinogenic plants, illegal carry weapon with drugs, $13,000 bail;

Dion Derek Duran Jr, 33, Alexandria — producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, producing manufacturing distributing fentanyl, producing manufacturing distributing schedule 4 controlled dangerous substance, possession of controlled dangerous substance schedule 1, illegal carry firearm with drugs, transactions involving proceeds of drug offenses, $75,000 bail;

Emmanuel Goodman, 18, Pineville – second degree battery, $5,000 bail;

Sharrod Dewayne Hayes Sr, 33, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, telephone harassment, $2,250 bail;

Jason A. Holt, 47, Otis – aggravated assault domestic abuse with child endangerment, domestic abuse battery, criminal damage to property, disturbing the peace, simple battery on the infirmed, aggravated assault home invasion, $92,000 bail;

Arabia Woodard, 25, Pineville – reckless operation of a vehicle (speeding), no driver’s license, nine counts contempt of court, probation violation, $24,600 bail.

 

Feb. 25

Antonio Malik Daniels, 27, Alexandria – producing manufacturing, distributing with intent cocaine, possession of marijuana, possession of controlled dangerous substance, illegal carry firearm with drugs, transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses, $24,000 bail;

Joseph R. Hoffman, 53, Belle Chasse – OWI second offense, improper lane usage, running a stop sign, open container, $1,800 bail;

Brittany Laice Gonzales, 35, Woodworth – simple burglary, resisting an officer, three counts self-mutilation by a prisoner, criminal damage to property, battery on officer, $9,500 bail;

Randall Lee, 33, Richton, Miss. – OWI third offense, speeding, $50,100 bail:

John Jason Murphy, 50, Pineville – issuing worthless checks, $1,000 bail;

Michael Allan Parent, 67, Boyce – stalking first offense, resisting an officer, $1,500 bail;

Rayanne Elizabeth Vicknair, 27, Pineville – simple arson, no bail data.

 

Feb. 24

Richard Gordon Bishop Jr, 64, Pineville – possession of controlled dangerous substance, possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, parole violations, $3,500 bail;

Chris Marsel Farris, 32, Alexandria – reckless operation of a vehicle first offense, aggravated assault/domestic abuse, obstruction of justice, $15,500 bail;

Emmanuel Goodman, 18, Pineville – aggravated battery, $1,500 bail;

Kerry Laketrick Humphrey Jr, 38, Alexandria – possession of firearm by convicted felon, resisting an officer, obstruction of justice, contempt of court, $21,500 bail;

Wayne Kerry, 31, Alexandria – home invasion, resisting an officer, simple resisting with force or violence, possession of marijuana, two counts contempt of court, probation violation, $21,500 bail;

Robert Gregory Leyva Jr, 39, Pineville – possession of controlled dangerous substance, two counts contempt of court, $101,000 bail;

Derica Na’Shay Richard, 23, Alexandria – simple battery on the infirmed, $500 bail;

Jenna B. Trottie, 31, Pineville – speeding, failure to yield to emergency vehicle, flight from an officer, resisting an officer, $1,200 bail;

Markus Adam Washington, 31, Alexandria – simple burglary, seven counts contempt of court, $89,500 bail.

 

Feb. 23

Jared Douglas Gene Ardoin, 28, Boyce – domestic abuse battery serious injury, domestic abuse battery, two counts simple resisting police officer with force/violence, probation violation, $60,000 bail;

Sabrina Quanette Bowie, 40, Lecompte – criminal trespass, two counts contempt of court, $27,500 bail;

Alexais Marie Bulger, 36, Ball – simple battery, criminal trespass, $1,000 bail;

James Butler, 43, Alexandria – OWI second offense, improper backing, open container, driving under suspension/revocation, contempt of court, $3,800 bail;

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

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Today, February 27, is National Retro Day, a time to celebrate the best of the past—from vintage fashion and classic cars to iconic movies and beloved toys. It’s a day dedicated to nostalgia, encouraging people to embrace their favorite throwback trends.

Why We Love Retro Culture

There’s something comforting about looking back at the past. Whether it’s the music of the ‘70s, the neon styles of the ‘80s, or the sitcoms of the ‘90s, retro culture offers a glimpse into the moments that shaped generations.

Ways to Celebrate

• Dress the part: Pull out your vintage band T-shirts, high-waisted jeans, or bell-bottoms.
• Watch classic movies or TV shows: Revisit Back to the Future, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, or old-school cartoons.
• Listen to retro tunes: Make a playlist featuring hits from Elvis, The Beatles, or early hip-hop legends.

The Everlasting Appeal of Nostalgia

As trends from past decades continue to resurface, National Retro Day reminds us why we love revisiting the good old days. Whether you’re flipping through old Polaroids or dusting off your vinyl collection, today is all about celebrating the timeless charm of the past.

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By JIM BUTLER

Legislators representing parts of Rapides received a half-million dollars in contributions in 2024 with Political Action Committees accounting for a third of that.

Those totals are gleaned from required finance reports filed this month. The next legislative elections will be in 2027.

District 31 Sen. Alan Seabaugh’s $122,000 total led the way, as did his $33,100 from PACs.

The delegation’s campaign funds on hand at year’s end totaled $1.2 million, with Sen. Mike Reese the leader by far at $583,000.

Notes from the campaign committees’ reports (available at the Ethics Commission website):

Seabaugh – $122,900 on hand at year’s end, including $50,000 loan from him; $2,500 contributors include Martin Sustainable Resources, Alexandria; expenses include $1,218.73 monthly for vehicle lease; Reese – campaign income included $18,475 interest on investments, $20,749 from PACs; Pan American Engineers among $2,500 contributors;

Sen. Jay Luneau – $22,300 collected, with $8,000 from PACs; 446Sports, Alexandria, among $2,500 donors; $179,400 on hand; Sen. Heather Cloud – $68,200 raised includes $14,000 PACs; $2,500 contributors included Stevenson & Pam Ayres, Diamond B Construction, Pan American Engineers, Alexandria; $105,000 on hand year end;

Sen. Jay Morris – $36,000 received, including $20,250 PACs; Pan American Engineers among $2,500 contributors; expenses include $20,000 to LA Judicial Integrity PAC; $48,100 on hand; Sen. Glenn Womack – $56,000 collected, with $13,800 from PACs; $38,000 on hand;

Rep. Mike Johnson (House Speaker Pro Tempore) – $44,500  in contributions, $42,000 of that PACs or corporations; Pan American Engineers among $2,500 contributors; expenses include $23,600 for political consultants; $277,000 on hand; Rep. Jason DeWitt – $41,300 collected, including $11,200 from PACs; Pan American Engineers, Sam Mahfouz among $2,500 contributors, expenses include air fare $668, lodging $1,300, fees $1,150 Republican National Committee, Milwaukee; $18,800 on hand;

Rep. Ed Larvadain III – $12,000 collected with $6,000 from PACs; expenses include $2,000 each to Alexandria City Council campaigns of Malcolm Larvadain, Jules Green; $15,300 on hand; Rhonda Butler – $27,300 collected, with $13,800 from PACs; Pan American Engineers among $2,500 contributors; $76,600 on hand.

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Pretty much everything I know about gardening I learned in prison. For a little over 25 years, I have participated as needed in a ministry called Kairos, a nationwide prison ministry with incarcerated persons.  Kairos, which means “God’s special time” is found throughout our prison system in Louisiana but I have only participated in the retreats held at the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW). 

 At LCIW every incarcerated resident has a job, so this particular Kairos weekend I was partnered with one of the women who worked on the lawn and garden detail.  This was at their old campus near Gonzales, Louisiana and I must tell you, those grounds and flower beds looked like something out of a Better Homes and Gardens magazine.  So, as you can imagine, this woman knew her stuff.

Throughout the weekend you have opportunities to sit and talk with your person who is incarcerated to hear their life journey, if they choose to tell you, but that often comes much later in the weekend.  First you must build rapport. Although it never ceases to amaze me how easy that is and how much I have had in common with many of the women I have met. One way I like to break the ice is to ask them about the classes she has taken, what she likes to do in her down time and her work in the prison.  When we landed on her work, her face lit up.  

Now no one will ever accuse me of having a green thumb.  My husband claims that I can kill an air fern, so needless to say, I was soaking in all she had to tell me about her work.  She loved watching the flowers that lie dormant through the winter, bloom with great brilliance in the spring after much care plus a little water, sun and fertilizer.  She spoke of plants that needed extra attention because of mishandling or a hard freeze and how she felt so accomplished nursing those plants back to life.  And then she told me something I have never forgotten, trees like crepe myrtles, rose bushes and other blooming plants like azaleas, need pruning and the target date is always between Valentine’s Day and Daylight Savings Time.  I asked her why pruning was so important, and she told me that it was a way of cutting away the dead branches that was robbing the plant of its ability to focus on new growth.  

By the end of the weekend, she was beginning to realize that her work life skills she was learning while incarcerated was also good advise for her real life relationships.  We both were.  Together we came to realize that some relationships need special care and extra attention. Maybe even some fertilizer in the form of kind words, forgiveness or apologies to help them bloom again. Other relationships might need some pruning of hurtful feelings and resentments while still others might just need to be lopped off all together because they are bad for us, toxic, rob of our joy or perhaps even suck the very life out of us, keeping us from focusing on new growth.   

I never expected to learn so much in prison, but I absolutely did.

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

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On this day in history, February 26, 1932, one of America’s most iconic musicians was born—Johnny Cash. Known as “The Man in Black,” Cash’s music transcended genres, blending country, rock, blues, and gospel into a sound that resonated with generations of fans.

A Life in Music

Born in Kingsland, Arkansas, Cash grew up during the Great Depression, an experience that deeply influenced his storytelling style. His breakthrough came in the 1950s with hits like I Walk the Line and Folsom Prison Blues, which showcased his deep voice and signature boom-chicka-boom rhythm.

Over his decades-long career, Cash recorded over 1,500 songs, won 13 Grammy Awards, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame—a rare and prestigious honor.

His Legacy Lives On

Even after his passing in 2003, Cash’s influence remains strong. His music continues to inspire artists across multiple genres, and his story is immortalized in the 2005 film Walk the Line. On this special anniversary of his birth, fans around the world are revisiting his greatest hits and reflecting on the legacy of one of music’s greatest storytellers.

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By JIM BUTLER

The Alexandria City Council will consider a resolution this evening calling a special election May 3 asking renewal and extension of a property tax funding capital improvements.

The 11.5 mills levy would be renewed beginning in 2028 and be in effect 20 years.

This would be the second such request. Fifty-one percent of those voting in the 2023 referendum said no.

The tax now being collected was last approved, for 10 years, beginning with the 2018 assessments.

Funding it generates is used for a variety of improvements — such as drainage, infrastructure, recreation, riverfront.

The city budgets capital outlay under a five-year plan, with additions and/deletions annually.

The renewed tax is forecast to yield $5.4 million in the first year of collection. Estimated election cost is about $83,000.

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A street musician brought some joy and light to a cold, gray afternoon at the neighborhood Walmart in Alexandria last Friday.

It was 42-year-old Walter P. Lyons. Decked out in orange and blue and black with neon green gloves, this 6-foot, 350-pound troubadour was pumping his trombone and playing “Hold that Tiger!” People drove by. Some rolled down the window, honked and waved. Some stopped to hand him a tip. One young woman got out of her car and hurried over to give him a hug.

This is Walter Lyons’ job, five days a week. He’s off on Sunday to go to church and Monday to pay his bills, often hand-delivered with one-dollar bills.

Walter loves “busking,” which is performing as a street entertainer for tips and other gratuities. He does this mostly at the parking lots for stores where he gets the manager’s permission to do so. He usually performs in Alexandria or Pineville, where he lives in a small house with Warrior, his 2-year-old Pitweiler. Sometimes he performs in cities across Louisiana and occasionally across the South. He’d be just another street entertainer in New Orleans, but in Alexandria, he’s a rarity.

His income is erratic with highs and lows. “Like Friday, at that Walmart, everything was great, and it was up here,” he said, gesturing with a hand held high, “but the very next day I went to Ruston and it was down here, and, the day after that, I went to Shreveport, and it was down here.”

It’s a tough way to make a living. He doesn’t have another job because he has a tough time staying on a job. “The longest job I’ve had was teaching for 3 ½ years. I have what they call ‘IED,’” he says of intermittent explosive disorder, which, according to the Mayo Clinic, involves repeated, sudden bouts of impulsive, aggressive, violent behavior or angry verbal outbursts. The reactions are too extreme for the situation.

Walter blames his clashes with bosses on his unwillingness to follow orders or directives that clash with what he believes is best for, let’s say, the student, or the customer.   

So, he buries the demon within by unleashing his love – his love for music. It’s something he has been doing since playing some bongo drums at age 4. He did this at practice sessions in the family’s home near Lower Third (Scallan Street) involving his father, Arthur Charles Lyons, a local jazz musician. Walter started playing the trombone at the South Alexandria Sixth Grade Center and he has been playing it since, through Brame Middle School, Peabody Magnet High School and Southern University, where he graduated in 2006 with a major in biology and a minor in music.

He has tinkered with other musical instruments, like the piano and the tuba, but he “fell in love” with the trombone at age 12. His music teacher at the time, who was a French horn player with the Rapides Symphony Orchestra, showed him all the brass instruments available and told him to pick one. He recognized the long trombone from one his father had in a closet and chose it.

Ernie Bott, a trombonist for the Rapides Symphony Orchestra for many years and a former longtime band director at Bunkie High School, was Walter’s junior high band director. Walter says Bott was a great influence in triggering his love affair with the trombone.

“He was a good student and fun to have in class,” Bott said of Walter. “He was enthusiastic and worked hard and he obviously had talent. The combination of talent and hard work is rare. I totally enjoyed having him as a student in my class and teaching him.”

Walter has been bringing joy to folks for some five years playing his trombone, be it as a parking lot busker or playing at parties or events or at Christian Love Baptist Church. It started in 2019 when he grew weary trying to work a day job delivering pizza and then working an 8-hour night shift for a security company.

He said a man once asked him while he was performing at a parking lot if he would stop and go play “Happy Birthday” to his wife at a local restaurant, and he offered him $40 to do so. Overjoyed at the request, Walter jumped at the opportunity.

With misty eyes he recalls an encounter with a depressed young man in his early 20s in front of the Walmart in Natchitoches. “He told me he was very intent on ending his life,” Walter said. “I sat and listened to him for a while, and we talked. He went home and thought about it but didn’t do it, and he came back and tipped me and hugged me passionately and thanked me for saving his life.”

One of the poor among us, Walter figures it’s a lot better to be a happy busker, smiling and dancing and transporting people through music to a better place, than being a sour-faced panhandler holding a woe-is-me sign.

“If I can make people forget about their problems for even 30 seconds with my music, wearing bright colors and playing happy songs,” he said, “then I feel I’ve made a contribution, helping bring hope or happiness to the world.”

In a world that’s dark too often, we can use more such offerings of light.

 

If you’re interested in having Walter P. Lyons entertain at a gathering or event, you can call him at (318) 451-8800, or you can find him on Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, CashApp, Venmo or GoFundMe.   

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First-round pairings were announced Monday for the LHSAA boys basketball playoffs.

All parish schools are in the Select classification. Seven local teams qualified for the postseason.

First-round games are played Friday night. Second-round and quarterfinal games take place next week.

ASH, Peabody and Plainview earned first-round byes with high seedings in their brackets. Plainview is the highest-seeded parish team, at No. 2 in Class C.

Division I

No. 5 ASH (26-60), bye

No. 14 Tioga (21-10) hosts No. 19 Woodlawn-Baton Rouge (16-15)

Division II

No. 3 Peabody (23-4), bye

Division IV

No. 17 Northwood-Lena (17-6) at No. 16 Westminster Christian (13-11)

Class B

No. 15 Glenmora (15-13) hosts No. 18 Oak Hill (19-17)

Class C

No. 2 Plainview (25-3), bye

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Buckeye’s Natalie Graves hit a game-winning 3-pointer with seven seconds remaining Monday night on the road to give the Lady Panthers a thrilling victory at Frederick A. Douglass in LHSAA girls basketball second-round playoff action.

Other local teams advancing were Alexandria Senior High, Menard, Plainview and Oak Hill.  Buckeye and Menard won on the road.

Scores of Rapides Parish teams in action Monday night (all parish teams play in the Select Division):

Division I

ASH 58,  Riverdale 35

Division II

Buckeye 40,  Frederick A. Douglass 39

Division III

Menard 51, Newman 17

Class B

Oak Hill 67, Hicks 51

Fairview 71, Glenmora 26

Class C

Plainview 63, Claiborne Christian 29

Quarterfinal matchups (Thursday games)

ASH (8^th seed) at John Curtis (1)

Buckeye (9) at University-BR (1)

Menard (10) at Academy of Sacred Heart-New Orleans (2)

Pitkin (6) at Oak Hill (3)

Gibsland-Coleman (6) at Plainview (3)

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Today, February 25, food lovers across the country are celebrating National Clam Chowder Day, a tribute to one of America’s most beloved and enduring comfort foods. Whether you prefer the creamy New England-style chowder or the tomato-based Manhattan variety, there’s no denying that this dish has a rich history and a special place in American cuisine.

The History of Clam Chowder

Clam chowder has roots tracing back to the early 18th century when settlers along the Eastern Seaboard incorporated shellfish into hearty stews. The dish quickly gained popularity in coastal communities, with Boston becoming synonymous with the thick and creamy New England clam chowder. Meanwhile, in New York, a different version emerged—Manhattan clam chowder—distinguished by its tomato base and vegetable-heavy ingredients.

How Clam Chowder Became a National Favorite

By the 20th century, clam chowder had become a staple in American households and restaurants. In 1939, the state of Maine even tried to outlaw the use of tomatoes in chowder, demonstrating just how passionately people feel about their preferred versions.

Celebrating with a Bowl of Chowder

Restaurants and seafood shacks nationwide are offering special deals today in honor of National Clam Chowder Day. Whether you make your own at home or enjoy a bowl at a local seafood spot, it’s the perfect dish to warm up with during the colder months.

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By JIM BUTLER

The next step in Hope House’s providing some clients with transitional housing goes to the Alexandria City Council Tuesday.

On the posted agenda is introduction of a resolution to accept for city operation and maintenance of the street and drainage improvements in the service agency’s residential development subdivision.

Located at Hargis & Duhon streets (east of Lee), the development along Adrienne Drive has 12 lots of about one-quarter acre each, according to a plat submitted with the proposed resolution.

The late Adrienne Dole was an ardent advocate of Hope House, a program launched here more than 30 years ago by Joanne White and Caroline “Polly” Keller-Winter, legends in Cenla charitable efforts.

Initial funding from the Louisiana Housing Corporation and the Community Foundation enabled the housing plan to become reality.

Eventually the subdivision will provide safe, affordable housing to Hope House client-graduates. It will also be open to select referrals from other agencies.

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Tonight’s second round LHSAA girls basketball playoff games involving Rapides Parish schools (all are in the Select category):

 

Division I, Riverdale (No. 9 seed) at ASH (8), 6 o’clock

Division II, Buckeye (9) at Frederick A. Douglass, 6:30

Division III, Menard (10) at Newman (7), 6 o’clock

Class B, Oak Hill (3) vs. Hicks (14), at Northwood-Lena HS, 6 o’clock

Class B, Glenmora (17) at Fairview (1), 6 o’clock

Scores involving parish teams in the first round:

Liberty 46, Tioga 45 (OT)

Buckeye 67, St. Charles 27

Lake Charles College Prep 38, Peabody 35

Glenmora 32, Castor 29

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The Louisiana Christian University men’s basketball team tripled last season’s win total (5 to 15) and more than quadrupled its conference tally (3 to 14) as it secured its first winning season in three campaigns with a 80-72 victory at Texas College on Saturday afternoon.

LCU (15-13, 14-10 in the RRAC) will be the sixth seed in the conference tournament and plays No. 3 Our Lady of the Lake in the first round of the single-elimination tournament Friday morning at 9:30 at the Rapides Parish Coliseum.

Saturday in Tyler, Texas, after recording a season-most 29 personal fouls in their matchup with the Steers on Thursday, the Cats flipped the script with their fewest of 2024-25 at just 14 while boxing out the home five in limiting them to a year-low of 22 rebounds given up en route to a +11 margin on the boards.

Devin Carter scored 26 points and led the Wildcats with six rebounds while posting a season-best three steals. Drew Tibbe scored 11 and led LCU with three assists, while Joseph Holloway added 10 points.

Chukwuemeke Nwaoshai blocked four shots, adding eight points and five rebounds.

TEXAS COLLEGE WOMEN 72, LCU 69 (OT): Kylei Leblanc and McKayla Price each had 20-point performances but the Texas College Steers bottled up Princis Goff to a career-low four points and upset the Wildcats in an extra period for the second time in three days.

Louisiana Christian (10-16, 10-14) will be the No. 6 seed in the RRAC women’s bracket and plays third-seeded LSUA Friday evening at 6:30 in the quarterfinals of the conference tournament at the Rapides Parish Coliseum. 

Leblanc delivered season highs in terms of points (21), field goals (10-of-16), and steals (5) in addition to nine rebounds plus both of the team’s blocks. She was the contest’s top player in all five statistical categories listed above, putting an exclamation point on a potential RRAC Freshman of the Year worthy season.

Price shot 7-for-12 from the field as she posted 20 points for the second time as a Wildcat over a career-best 35 minutes, knocking down all six of her free throws and corralling eight boards.

DaKayla Howard scored 11 points. Goff may have been held in check on the scoreboard, but she still contributed in other ways by handing out a contest-best four dimes.

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