Alexandria Garden Club celebrates 100th anniversary

The Junior Garden Club in one of the Alexandria Christmas parades. (Archival photo)

The Alexandria Garden Club celebrated its 100th anniversary with a reception Friday at the LSU-Alexandria James Bolton Library by looking back at its many achievements.

The Alexandria branch was formed before any other locale in the state. In honor of the anniversary, a special $1,000 scholarship was awarded to Colin Green of Pineville, who is a freshman at LSU, majoring in landscape architecture.

Some of the milestones through the years include:

  • The formation of the original Litter Control Program for the city, which it continued through this year with the Cleanest City Contest;
  • When Habitat for Humanity built multiple home in Alexandria, the Garden Club did the landscaping;
  • Formation of a bird sanctuary in Alexandria;
  • Erection and maintenance of a Roadside Memorial at England Air Park and a Blue Star Memorial in Pineville.

During World War II, the Garden Club made visits and donations to soldiers at the VA Hospital.

In recent years, the club has worked to redo the gardens of the historic Huie-Dellmon House, where the Rapides Parish Library Office is domiciled. They offer free workshops for children and adults through the Rapides Parish Library.

One of the club’s claims to fame involves the club flower, the marigold. In the 1930s, Mrs. A.A. Daspit was able to propagate further seed specimens of the Marigold Gigantea Sunset variety which was picked up by Burpee Seeds.

Current president is Jessica Perry and past president is Marilyn Wellan. The LSU-A Library holds the historical records in its archives for the club.


Perkins throws four touchdown passes as Wildcats roll

Omarius Davis had a touchdown reception Saturday in Louisiana Christian’s lopsided homefield victory. (Photo by LANDON TINSLEY, courtesy LCU Athletics)

By RICHARD THIBERVILLE JR., Louisiana Christian Sports Information Director

Quarterback Bryce Perkins passed for four touchdowns and the Louisiana Christian University football team scored 21 first quarter points in a dominant 42-6 win over the Fort Lauderdale Eagles Saturday afternoon at Wildcat Field in Pineville.
 
It took about half of the quarter for the offense to awaken, but once it did, the Wildcats (4-2) moved almost at will. Perkins ended a nine-play, 47-yard drive by finding Trace Williams from seven yards out to open the scoring with 8:42 left in the first.
 
LCU’s next drive took nine plays and 3:52 off the clock to traverse 60 yards, ending on an eight-yard James Owens scoring run.
 
The Wildcats executed a perfect onside kick, recovering it uncontested at the Fort Lauderdale 49-yard line. LCU turned that into another touchdown four plays later as Perkins found Omarius Davis from 13 yards out to go up 21-0 with 1:26 left in the opening period.
 
The defense and special teams added to the score in the second quarter. The Eagle punter couldn’t handle the snap cleanly and was tackled quickly in the end zone for a safety, giving LCU a 23-0 lead.
 
Fort Lauderdale (0-5) scored on its next chance, getting a 19-yard touchdown pass to cut the Wildcat lead down to 23-6 after the PAT was missed.
 
LCU answered with a touchdown of its own on the ensuing drive, going 61 yards in 10 plays over 3:34 with Perkins and Xavion Butler connecting on an 18-yard TD, putting the Wildcats up 30-0.
 
Levi Hilborn booted two field goals, from 43 and 45 yards, the latter as time expired to make the score 36-6 Wildcats at halftime.
 
The only scoring in the second half came midway through the third quarter as the Wildcats drove 91 yards in eight plays, thanks in part to several big rushes by Owens and Ashontis Brooks, Jr. A 25-yard rush by Owens set up the Wildcats at the 12 and Perkins and Butler hooked up again for a touchdown.
 
Perkins hit on 15 of his 30 pass attempts for 175 yards. His favorite targets were Butler, who made four catches for 67 yards, and Brenen Hawkins, whose four receptions covered 36 yards. Davis got 55 yards on three catches.
 
Brooks was the top Wildcat running back on the day, getting 14 carries for 117 yards.
 
Leonard and Jermarian Jackson both had interceptions.
 
The Wildcats posted 329 total yards of offense while the LCU defense held the Eagles to just 133 yards overall. LCU scored on six of seven trips inside the Fort Lauderdale red zone.
 
With non-conference play now behind them, the Wildcats visit Texas Wesleyan next Saturday to resume Sooner Athletic Conference competition for the remainder of the season.


Alexandria man racks up $3 million bail on multiple murder charges; First offense OWI arrest leads to $166,100 bail

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

 

Oct. 5

Deltric Anthony Carpenter, 35, Alexandria – four counts contempt of court, $15,500 bail;

Nina Hazard, 43, Lafayette – OWI first offense, open container, turn signal lamp, $1,200 bail;

Germany G. Lard, 45, Alexandria – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, $1,100 bail;

Lacey Danae Meaux, 41, Pineville – illegal possession of stolen things, contempt of court, $3,000 bail;

Carlos O’Bryan Tatum, 37, Pineville – misrepresentation during booking, resisting an officer, safety belt violation, contempt of court, $2,600 bail;

Alexis Lynn Welch, 33, Alexandria – DWI second offense, improper lane usage, improper display license plate, $985 bail;

Lashawnda Racquel Welch, 42, Alexandria – criminal damage to property, domestic abuse battery, misrepresentation during booking contempt of court, $4,500 bail;

Dvetric Dewayne Williams Sr., 26, Alexandria – OWI first offense, speeding, six counts contempt of court, $166,100 bail.

 

Oct. 4

Brandon Lasalle Allen, 39, Alexandria – possession of CDS, intentional littering prohibited, trespassing, $2,500 bail;

Jeremiah Bryant, 17, Alexandria – speeding, no license, resisting a police officer with force or violence, three counts resisting an officer, simple burglary, simple battery of police officer, aggravated criminal damage, illegal possession of stolen things, simple assault, $23,700 bail;

Casmyn Jer’Wayne Claiborne, 26, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, criminal damage to property, $2,000 bail;

Sarah Ann Coolman, 23, Pineville – DWI first offense, improper lane usage, $800 bail;

Shane A. Dupuy, 55, Bunkie – OWI first offense, two counts vehicular negligent injury, reckless operation of a vehicle, driving under suspension, $2,600 bail;

Mitchell Albia Godwin, 41, Pineville – two counts contempt of court, probation violation, $50,000 bail;

Steven Michael Lee, 40, Alexandria – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, modified exhaust, open container, $1,300 bail;

Ethan Meginley, 21, Alexandria – OWI child endangerment, improper headlight, no head light, $1,700 bail;

Brice Richard Olson, 42, Alexandria – resisting an officer, criminal trespass, unauthorized entry of inhabited dwelling, two counts contempt of court, $5,000 bail;

Lakesha Lynn Young, 40, Pineville – two counts possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, open container, driving under suspension, paraphernalia, OWI first offense, $6,200 bail.

 

Oct. 3

Johnathan Casey Baker, 32, Alexandria – home invasion, two counts domestic abuse assault with child endangerment, aggravated assault with a firearm, false imprisonment, possession of firearm by convicted felon, illegal carry firearm with drugs, possession of marijuana, $110,500 bail;

Cedric Markeese Brown, 41, Alexandria – possession of CDS, possession of a firearm by convicted felon, tail lamps, obstruction of justice, contempt of court, $9,100 bail;

Gregory Eugee Carlock, 46, Boyce – theft, trespassing, resisting an officer, four counts contempt of court, $19,000 bail;

Ronald Remond Cooks, 34, Alexandria – possession of firearm by convicted felon, illegal use of weapons, $75,000 bail;

Terry James Gilbert, 51, Boyce – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, probation violation, switch MVI, $3,100 bail;

Lee Andrew Glynn, 41, Boyce – aggravated assault with a firearm, $15,000 bail;

Tiffany Dominique Gordon, 39, Alexandria – simple robbery, simple battery, six counts contempt of court, $40,600 bail;

Larry Charles Hargrove, 29, Alexandria – possession of firearm by convicted felon, possession of marijuana, violation of protective orders, illegal possession of stolen things, parole violations, possess firearm with obliterated serial number, $23,500 bail;

McNeal Sanders, 26, Alexandria – aggravated battery, carnal knowledge of a juvenile, two counts home invasion, resisting an officer, aggravated battery of a dating partner, two counts contempt of court, probation violation, simple battery, $80,500 bail;

Diante Obrian Smith, 32, Alexandria – criminal damage to property, domestic abuse battery, $1,750 bail;

Derrick Dewayne Swafford, 31, Alexandria – criminal conspiracy, producing manufacturing distributing CDS with intent, taking contraband to and from penal institutions, second degree murder, attempt to introduce contraband to correctional institution, possession of CDS, possession of synthetic CDS, $159,500 bail.

 

Oct. 2

Luke Michael Austin, 25, Pollock – three counts contempt of court, $50,500 bail;

Austin Mathis Butler, 38, Elmer – malfeasance in office, simple battery, $1,500 bail;

Logan Matthew Carter, 30, Pollock – three counts contempt of court, $75,000 bail;

Johnathan Lee Christal, 31, Lettsworth – second degree murder, $1 million bail;

Jordan Daniels, 17, Natchitoches – six counts simple burglary, criminal conspiracy, resisting an officer, Louisiana fugitive, $200,500 bail;

Robert Edward Dauzart, 51, Alexandria – aggravated second degree battery, simple escape, theft, illegal possession of stolen things, exploitation of the infirmed, forgery, three counts contempt of court, $126,500 bail;

Jaleel Lashawn Felix, 27, Alexandria – second degree attempted murder, home invasion, parole invasions, $525,000 bail;

Shelby William Glover, 31, Boyce – battery of a dating partner, burglary of an inhabited dwelling, criminal damage to property, $10,500 bail;

Ronald Deson Montgomery Jr., 38, Pineville – Louisiana fugitive, improper lane usage, driving under suspension, two counts contempt of court, $51,000 bail;

Diante Jerome Peace, 25, Alexandria – six counts producing manufacturing distributing CDS with intent, possession of firearm by convicted felon, manufacture transfer or possession of machine guns, illegal carry firearm with drugs, illegal possession of stolen firearms, $600,000 bail;

Jennifer Schewe, 57, Pineville – aggravated battery, no bail data;

Anthony Thurmon Jr., 39, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing with intent, illegal carry firearm with drugs, producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, two counts obstruction of justice, $130,000 bail;

Dylan Christopher Tritle, 32, Ball – malfeasance in office, $1,000 bail;

Arthur Jamall Wallace, 35, Alexandria – first degree murder, second degree murder, attempted first degree murder, attempted second degree murder, $3 million bail;

Travis Terrell Wilson, 39, Alexandria – forgery, no bail data.

 

Oct. 1

Christopher Reid Carlton, 41, Colfax – criminal damage to property, theft, $1,500 bail;

Ray Donald Corbett, 44, Deville – possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, temporary display of registration license plates, $3,600 bail;

Stephen B. Gremillion Jr., 47, Boyce – illegal carry firearm with drugs, two counts possession of CDS, trespassing, concealed negligent carry handgun, two counts aggravated assault with a firearm, $65,500 bail;

Deshaun V. Spivey, 39, Pineville – issuing worthless checks, forgery, monetary instrument abuse, two counts contempt of court, $204,200 bail.


Four join Menard Distinguished Alumni

Menard graduates (left to right) Gayle Crotty Aertker; Allen Eskew; Terry Mathews; and Timothy Petrus.

By JIM BUTLER

Four graduates with accomplishments in different fields are the second group to be recognized as Distinguished Alumni of Holy Savior Menard High, Providence Central High and Menard Memorial High.

Their selection was announced by the Alumni Association which will honor the quartet at the school’s October 10 Homecoming football game.

Selected from more than 8,000 graduates of the schools are Gayle Crotty Aertker, Class of 1973; the late Allen Eskew, Class of 1966; the late Terry Mathews, Class of 1983; and Timothy Petrus, Class of 1972.

The program recognizes outstanding service and accomplishment, on both professional and civic fronts, civilian and military.

“Gay” Aertker was a trailblazer of sorts during a 48-year career in corporate real estate development and retail growth strategy.

She joined Tudor Development after NSU graduation (finance major), eventually working in corporate retail real estate for several national companies.

Her civic involvement continues in retirement as a CASA board member in the Tennessee county in which she resides.

Eskew’s New Orleans architecture firm helped shaped that city’s and the state’s cultural landscape and was a key contributor in the Crescent City’s Riverfront redevelopment.

Eskew, who died in 2013, was a recipient of the LSU College of Art & Design Distinguished Alumnus award.

Mathews may be the selection most readily recognized by the general public. He was a Major League Baseball pitcher for 13 years.

Before that he was among the best to ever play the game at the school known statewide for baseball players it produced.

And was a record-setting player at then-Northeast Louisiana University, where he is a member of its Hall of Fame.

After retiring Mathews served as volunteer baseball coach at the school and was the Sheriff’s Office Resource Officer at the school at his 2012 death.

Petrus studied electrical engineering at Louisiana Tech (2016 Tech Alumnus of the Year) and found his professional niche in oil and gas in Texas.

In 1988 he joined a newly formed company that became publicly traded as XTO. He became executive vice president of the firm sold to ExxonMobil in 2010 for $41 billion.

He and three others subsequently formed Morning Star Partners, a privately held oil and gas venture from which he retired in 2021.

Petrus remains active in a host of civic and community organizations.


Wildcats look primed for a big splash Saturday at home against winless Florida visitors

The Louisiana Christian Wildcats, who have scored a combined 130 points in their three victories, will host Fort Lauderdale’s winless Eagles Saturday in a non-conference football game.

Kickoff is noon at Wildcat Field. LCU is 3-2, coming off a 56-27 victory at Oklahoma Panhandle State in a Sooner Athletic Conference game. UFL is 0-4, outscored 162-24 after a 36-12 loss to Ave Maria. The Eagles play in the National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association.

The Wildcats have won three of their last four games, building a 3-0 record in SAC games.

They average 253 passing yards per game behind quarterback Bryce Perkins, who has thrown for 1,198 yards and seven scores while completing 55 percent of his 139 passes with five interceptions.

Alexandria Senior High grad E.J. Scott (23 receptions, 367 yards) and Omarius Davis (22 catches, 365 yards and four TDs) are the top producers at receiver.

A productive running attack averaging 161 yards is led by ASH product Datlan Cunningham, who is averaging 98 yards per game and has scored four touchdowns.

Kylon Polk’s 36 tackles leads the defense, with Brandon Johnson II at 30 stops. Polk has two interceptions and four pass breakups while Johnson has one pickoff and five pass breakups.

Marques Hamilton’s 21 tackles include 4 ½ for lost yards (2 sacks).


Keys of life

It started with a simple question — have you seen my car key?

A complex answer boiled down to a no.

So the search turned to her purse, discovering a ring containing more than 40 keys, each with a label stuck on. Who keeps such?

Keys of all shapes and sizes, keys for various functions, each unlocking a memory tucked away and perhaps never again to be recalled by her.

Keys to our first garage apartment, three rooms (kitchen, bathroom, living room/bedroom). $60 monthly.

And the second, larger with separate bedroom (daughter had arrived.) $70 monthly.

Keys to a series of houses purchased over the years, each with its own place in our lives.

Hotel keys (remember them, before electronic cards?), most as result of work-related travel – Peabody and its ducks, Fairmont and cable cars, Del Coronado and movie celebrities, Plaza and THE city.

Two rental space keys, where things eventually disposed of are put until they fade from consciousness.

Key to Hot Springs Village property sold when beach held more appeal.

Ditto Gulf Shores condo when travel became complicated.

Speaking of travel, one Samsonite key. Suitcase, about $90 at the time, last seen at Athens check-in, bound for Turkey. Perhaps someone thought she was smuggling antiquities.

Car keys from various models over the years, conjuring images of vacations near and far.

And the treasure – GM key to 1956 Chevy, fondly labeled the Honeymoon Mobile.

Ten years old but new to us as we set out on this journey called life.

And a good ride it’s been, flat tires, detours and all.

Note: Never found her current key. Hallelujah.


Simmesport woman’s bond nears $1 million on kidnapping, weapons charges; Simmesport man arrested for second degree murder

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

 

Oct. 1

Taylor Rose Arnold, 24, Deville – possession of CDS, $2,500 bail;

Anais Yvonne Brown, 28, Simmesport – three counts aggravated kidnapping, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, illegal use of weapons/dangerous instrumentalities, home invasion, $900,000 bail;

Jimmie Michael Burch, 48, Pineville – three counts contempt of court, $100,500 bail;

Jasmine Teniqque Celestine, 32, Pineville – possession of CDS, theft, $1,500 bail;

Kelvon Kyle, 25, Cottonport – disarming a police officer, flight from an officer, resisting a police officer with force or violence, driving under suspension, tail lamps must emit red light, two counts contempt of court, $53,700 bail;

Warren C. Lovely, 25, Alexandria – domestic abuse aggravated assault with child endangerment, no bail data;

Kristopher Michael Marks, 26, Alexandria – sex offender failure to notify change of address, failure to comply with provisions of supervised release, no bail data;

Devacheay Tray Martin, 24, Pineville – possession of firearm by convicted felon, attempted second degree murder, possession of marijuana, possession of fentanyl, simple escape, $575,500 bail;

Susan Delaine Purvis, 51, Pineville – OWI fourth offense, careless operation of vehicle, hit and run, open container, $100,700 bail.

 

Sept. 30

Benjamin Cal Brown Jr., 51, Alexandria – OWI second offense, improper lane usage, possession of marijuana, open container state law, $2,200 bail;

Javon Maurice Chappelle, 49, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing CDS with intent, possession of marijuana, improper lane usage, $1,600 bail;

Justice Jimwalter Farris, 27, Pineville – aggravated kidnapping, simple battery, first degree robbery, simple escape, criminal damage to property, two counts contempt of court, $650,500 bail;

Caleb MacKenzie Hill, 39, Boyce – two counts possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, Louisiana fugitive, illegal possession of stolen things, $25,000 bail;

Britney Nicole Johnson, 37, Pineville – possession of fentanyl, illegal possession of stolen things, two counts contempt of court, $107,500 bail;

Brian Keith Laroche, 63, Alexandria – attempted murder of a law officer, reckless operation of a vehicle, flight from an officer, contempt of court, $2,500 bail;

Lindan Lee Lemoine, 20, Lecompte – speeding, no passing in school zone, flight from an officer, aggravated obstruction of highway, improper lane usage, prohibited flashing lights driving under suspension, improper window tint, $30,700 bail;

Rkeizmond Miles, 21, Alexandria – aggravated assault with a firearm, domestic abuse battery with child present, stalking, home invasion aggravated assault, contempt of court, $105,000 bail;

Shelton Ray Morris Jr., 48, Lecompte – three counts simple burglary, aggravated burglary, criminal damage to property, $13,500 bail;

Elizabeth M. Newcomb, 58, Deville – OWI second offense, improper lane usage, expired driver’s license, $2,200 bail;

Nikki Valine Perkins, 40, Pineville – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, $3,000 bail;

Christopher Logan Poole, 31, Cheneyville – possession of CDS, theft, possession of marijuana, $3,500 bail;

Devetrick Dewayne Sanders, 27, Alexandria – possession of marijuana, possession of firearm by convicted felon, two counts contempt of court, $70,500 bail;

Christian Matthew Scott, 28, Simmesport – second degree murder, $1 million bail;

Catherine Skeeles, 40, Hineston – fraud in obtaining public assistance, theft, $1,500 bail;

Nachia Renee Stafford, 37, Alexandria – possession of CDS, bicycle reflectors, contempt of court, $4,600 bail;

Dereck Darnell Taylor Sr., 54, Alexandria – possession of CDS, contempt of court, $51,000 bail.

 

Sept. 29

Chloe Dauzart, 20, Alexandria – aggravated assault domestic abuse, $1,000 bail;

Elijah Mardel Eddie, 21, Colfax – possession of CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, headlamps required, $2,600 bail;

William Clayton Folse, 29, Pollock – reckless operation of a vehicle, hit and run driving, criminal damage to property, driving under suspension, $7,100 bail;

Caleb MacKenzie Hill, 39, Boyce – possession of firearm by convicted felon, illegal possession of stolen things, Louisiana fugitive, possession of firearm by convicted felon, $25,000 bail;

Jerald Wayne Huel, 30, Alexandria – possession of a firearm by convicted felon, illegal carry weapons, probation violation, $25,000 bail;

Jacobe Christiam Smading, 31, Ball – possession of marijuana, possession of CDS, paraphernalia, safety belt violation, driving under suspension, $3,700 bail;

Courtney L. Smith, 29, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery with children present, $1,000 bail;

Kendrick D. Sylvester, 35, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery with child present, $1,000 bail;

Christopher Morley Tiner, 29, Jena – possession of fentanyl, two counts taking contraband to and from penal institutions, producing manufacturing distributing CDS, criminal conspiracy, $110,000 bail;

Deonte Devon Walker, 31, Alexandria – possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, $2,000 bail.

 

Sept. 28

Rhonda Carla Davenport, 62, Alexandria – criminal damage to property, theft, remaiaing on premises, illegal possession of stolen things, four counts contempt of court, $9,500 bail;

Kenneth Fajardo, 27, Otis – sexual battery, $1,000 bail;


Port note allows major project to begin

By JIM BUTLER

Central Louisiana Regional Port officials expect to issue a $10 million note today to effectively launch development and construction of an electrical substation manufacturing complex.

Commissioners voted last week to incur the debt under state provision for a Grant Anticipation Note.

It allows the project to move forward, secured by a grant pledge from the state, and any other lawfully available funds, without having the grant yet in the bank.

The grant is pledged by DOTD’s Port Construction and Development Priority Program though when it might occur is a legislative guess.

Meanwhile, under what is sometimes referred to as a bridge loan, the port can get started on on necessary preliminaries to what is a protracted, expensive manufacturing undertaking.

The note will be held by Regions Commercial Equipment Finance, with first interest payment (5.94%) on unpaid principal due April 1, 2026.

Terms of the indenture provide for optional $1 million minimum prepayments by the Port Authority.

They also include mandatory prepayment within 20 days of receipt of any of the grant proceeds.

Since the DOTD program began about 30 years ago the port has received more than $18.3 million in grants and guarantees, records show. That does not include the anticipated grant.


Alexandria plans new Sports Court

A practice wall (left background), its net line visible, still stands at Alexandria’s first tennis courts. It, a tree that shaded scores of waiting players in its younger days (and theirs) and everything else at the site will be razed to make way for a new sports court. Far beyond the tree is Bolton Academy.
 

By JIM BUTLER

A century after taking their place among Alexandria recreation sites and about a half-century after becoming an afterthought the city’s initial public tennis courts are about to become relevant again.

The four-court site on Hickory Street just off the Masonic Drive-Lee Street intersection are getting a facelift to provide modern recreation opportunity.

The City Council last week authorized bid solicitation for bringing the location back into the city’s play-time inventory.

On what are now the ruins of a once-premier facility the city intends to spend about a million dollars to essentially return an asset to productive use.

Before there were private tennis facilities, before there were Frank O. Hunter Park courts, before there was the Tennis Facility on Masonic Drive, there were the Hickory Street hard courts where city, state and regional championships were held year to year, where players of all ages and both sexes stood in line for the next available court (use limited to one hour when someone waiting).

Tennis on the renovated Sports Court will be limited to two places of the table variety. Three chess tables will also be provided.

Included in the plans:

  • Four cornhole sets;
  • A basketball court;
  • Four 4-corner squares;
  • Six pickleball courts.

Estimated cost of the multi-purpose court is $691,000. Parking lot construction is figured at $165,000 and lighting at $133,000.

Bids will be received through mid-morning on November 4.

The bid documents provide 90 working days.


When Scott gets fiery, you know the place is scorching

This past weekend’s Ryder Cup did nothing to “lower the temperature” in our hot-tempered country.

Not only did the feverish rally by the previously inept Americans on Sunday increase the voltage, tempers flared between the two squads and between the Europeans and the rowdy crowds at the Bethpage Black course in Farmingdale, N.Y. To show how pervasive it got, even Scottie Scheffler’s laid-back caddie, Ted Scott, nearly blew his stack on Saturday. 

Scott grew up in Lafayette and has fond memories of playing golf at Bringhurst Golf Course in Alexandria as a youngster with his father, Ted Scott Sr., and grandfather, Don Scott, who were from Alexandria.

His grandfather, Don, was one of the first players from Menard ever to be named to an all-state football team, in 1936, as a center. He later coached golf at Menard and, as a city employee, lived in what is now the clubhouse at the Bringhurst Golf Course. He had two sons, Don Jr., and Ted, the caddie’s father. Both were athletic, playing multiple sports. His uncle, Don Jr., was once the golf coach at McNeese State.

During four-ball play Saturday, Ted had a brusque reaction with European vice-captain Francesco Molinari that stunned many, given how calm Scott usually is.

The tension between the two teams was so heavy at one point that Molinari

decided to step between Scott and Tommy Fleetwood, despite the two simply walking alongside each other and not even speaking. Scott and Bryson DeChambeau had just been in a heated discussion with Justin Rose after Rose, at the 15th green, had asked DeChambeau’s caddie to move away from his line.

It doesn’t take much at a Ryder Cup to trigger irritation between rivals from the different countries.  When Molinari stepped between Scott and Fleetwood, he reportedly put his hand on Scott’s shoulder. Scott removed Molinari’s hand from his shoulder and was quickly jawing in his face, and Fleetwood’s caddie, Ian Finnis, acted as the peacemaker.

To his credit, Scott tried to bury the hatchet Sunday morning. He released a video on his Instagram account apologizing to Molinari for his actions Saturday. In the video, he puts his arm around Molinari’s shoulder, said some nice things about him and acknowledged the “heated moment” they had.

“But what many of you don’t realize,” he added, is they soon got over it.

“Neither of us want to make this competition about us,” he went on. “We want to let the players go out there and do their thing. Ultimately, I just want to spread love and joy. It’s a great competition, it’s great fun and this is a great man right here, so I just want to say I’m sorry.”

After the two shook hands, Molinari said, “I appreciate you. I have huge admiration for you, and I love you.”

If only the crowds at Bethpage would’ve followed Scott’s example, but no. They continued to be crass as they harassed the European golfers, especially Rory McIlroy. I found that odd since he was the darling of the patrons in Augusta, Ga., when he won the Masters last spring.

As an example, they made noise with squeaky rubber ducks, free giveaways with cocktails, when Rory was at the 10th tee. Many spectators were removed over the course of the tournament, but not enough, as European captain Luke Donald accused the crowd of “crossing the line.”

“Crossing the line” didn’t work. It backfired. On one occasion Sunday, McIlroy stepped away from a putt twice because of the fans’ disruption and wouldn’t play for four minutes until the atmosphere cooled, but he answered their taunting by making a 34-foot putt.

What looked like an unprecedented rout by Europe, which led by seven points going into Sunday’s single matches, became a tense duel Sunday. No team has ever come back from such a deficit to win, but the Americans came close. The Americans rallied from four down to win in 1999, and the Europeans came back from a four-point deficit in 2012 to win.

That was the last year an away team won on foreign soil.

Although disappointed in defeat, the Americans got some solace in knowing they fought valiantly at the end in nearly pulling off the most remarkable comeback ever. Scottie beat Rory. Cam Young and Justin Thomas won white-knuckler duels at 18 against Justin Rose and Fleetwood. Xavier Schauffele crushed Jon Rahm 4&3.

The Europeans clinched it before Shreveport’s Sam Burns, the former LSU star, finished his match by tying Rob MacIntyre, the Scotsman who played a season at McNeese before getting homesick.

The Irish like limericks, even when the stories are sad. Well, here’s one for us that’s sad:

 

There once was a caddie named Scott,

Who, touched by Molinari, got hot,

He said he was sorry,

And Scheffler nipped Rory,

But ‘twere not enough wins in the pot.


Trojans edge up again in Class 5A poll, Tioga builds support

The unbeaten Alexandria Senior High Trojans football team rolled over Opelousas last week and moved up a spot to fifth in the Week 5 Class 5A Top 10 statewide poll conducted by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association.

ASH took advantage of a loss by last week’s No. 3 team, Catholic of Baton Rouge, to climb in the rankings. The Trojans’ only competitive game was a win two weeks ago over Destrehan, and their next game shapes up as a massive mismatch, a visit to struggling Class 2A Many, which lost at St. Mary’s last Friday.

But District 2-5A play begins the following week and the Trojans will face state powers Ruston, West Monroe and Neville along that path toward the state playoffs.

Tioga, out to a strong 3-1 start, is picking up voting support in Class 4A. The Indians get a chance to make a big impression this Friday when they travel to unbeaten Jena, the No. 6 team in the Class 3A top 10.

The Week 5 LSWA Top 10 polls:

 

Class 5A

School (1st place votes), points, last week’s rank

1. Karr (11), 4-0, 132, 1

2. Ruston, 4-0, 116, 3

3. Central, 4-0, 95, 4

4. St. Augustine, 4-0, 92, 5

5. Alexandria Senior High, 4-0, 83, 6

6. Catholic-Baton Rouge, 3-1, 80, 2

7. John Curtis, 3-0, 73, 8

8. Zachary, 3-0, 56, 9

9. Brother Martin, 4-0, 36, 10

10. West Monroe, 3-1, 33, NR

Others receiving votes: Neville 16, Terrebonne 16, Evangel Christian 10, Ouachita 5, Destrehan 5, Parkway 2, Archbishop Rummel 2, Carencro 2, Airline 1, East Ascension 1.

 

Class 4A

1. North DeSoto (9), 4-0, 127, 1

2. Teurlings Catholic (2), 4-0, 120, 2

3. St. Thomas More, 2-2, 102, T3

4. Franklin Parish, 3-1, 101, T3

5. Franklinton, 3-1, 78, 5

6. Lakeshore, 4-0, 76, 6

7. St. Charles, 4-0, 70, 7

8. Plaquemine, 3-1, 58, 8

9. Iowa, 4-0, 46, 9

10. Archbishop Shaw, 2-2, 40, 10

Others receiving votes: Vandebilt Catholic 14, Tioga 7, Belle Chasse 5, E.D. White 5, Lutcher 5, Westgate 3.

 

Class 3A

1. Jewel Sumner (5), 4-0, 117, 1

2. St. James (2), 3-1, 113, 2

3. Sterlington (1), 3-1, 110, 3

4. Madison Prep (1), 3-1, 95, 4

5. Bunkie (1), 4-0, 94, 5

6. Jena, 4-0, 78, 6

7. University (1), 2-2, 73, 7

8. Lake Charles College Prep, 3-1, 50, 8

9. Erath, 4-0, 42, 10

10. Church Point, 3-1, 36, 9

Others receiving votes: Jennings 29, Marksville 8, Amite 6, John F. Kennedy 5, Westlake 2.

 

Class 2A

1. Ouachita Christian (8), 4-0, 125, 2

2. Dunham (1), 3-1, 113, 4

3. Lafayette Christian Academy, 3-1, 108, 1

4. Calvary Baptist (1), 3-1, 97, 5

5. Notre Dame, 3-1, 91, 6

6. Catholic-New Iberia (1), 3-1, 82, 3

7. Lafayette Renaissance Charter, 4-0, 58, 7

8. Oak Grove, 3-1, 54, 8

9. Ferriday, 4-0, 40, 9

10. South Plaquemines, 3-1, 37, 10

Others receiving votes: Kinder 13, Mangham 13, Newman 9, Union Parish 9, Northlake Christian 6, East Feliciana 3.

 

Class 1A

1. Haynesville (11), 4-0, 132, 1

2. Jeanerette, 4-0, 115, 3

3. Covenant Christian, 3-1, 99, 4

4. Southern Lab, 3-1, 93, 5

5. Hamilton Christian, 4-0, 83, 6

6. Opelousas Catholic, 3-1, 79, 2

7. Riverside, 3-1, 72, 8

8. Kentwood, 2-2, 59, 9

9. Ascension Episcopal, 4-0, 26, NR

10. Vermilion Catholic, 1-3, 22, 7  

Others receiving votes: Sacred Heart-Ville Platte 18, North Iberville 15, Logansport 13, Ascension Catholic 12, Westminster-Opelousas 10, St. Edmund 7, Grand Lake 2, General Trass 1.


Remember This: Flight of the Condor

On May 24, 2025, 137 passengers and six crew members boarded an Airbus A320 for flight DE1234 from Zurich, Switzerland to Heraklion, Greece.  Many of the passengers were anticipating a relaxing, fun-filled vacation in Heraklion, which is on the beautiful island of Crete in the Mediterranean Sea.  Vacationers planned to visit any number of famous beaches, the Archaeological Museum, and the ancient Palace of Knossos.  They just had to get there first.  The flight was supposed to depart at 6:20 a.m. and routinely took about 2 hours and 55 minutes, but this was not a routine flight from the beginning.  After a short delay, the jet took off at 6:51 a.m. and flew its usual route to the southeast.  Two hours into the flight, the pilot began the jet’s descent as they passed over Athens, Greece.  As they neared the idyllic Greek isle, winds buffeted the jet.  The turbulence worsened exponentially as they descended.  The turbulence was such that some of the passengers became nauseous and some vomited.  Air Traffic Control told the pilot that the winds were too strong to land at the moment.  The pilot had no choice but to pull up and circle around the airport until the winds died down.  When the pilot announced the delay to the cabin, a few people groaned, but most of the passengers were relieved to be out of the turbulence.  The pilot and co-pilot watched their fuel gauges carefully to ensure that if the wind did not subside, they had enough fuel to make it to another airport to refuel.  After circling for nearly an hour, that time had come.  Despite groans from the passengers, the pilot aimed the A320 to Athens, Greece.  The jet landed safely at the Greek capital after a three-and-a-half-hour flight.  Standard airline practice is not to top off the fuel tanks, but to add enough fuel plus a little reserve to make it to the intended destination to reduce the risk of fire in case of an emergency landing.     

After refueling, flight DE1234 departed from Athens at 1:50 p.m. and flew towards Heraklion.  The flight should have taken about 45 minutes.  Just as before, turbulence buffeted the plane horrendously as it descended and the pilot was forced to climb into a circling pattern.  Again, passengers had become nauseous and some vomited.  The pilot and co-pilot, always aware of the fuel gauges, circled as long as they could, but the wind had not subsided.  This time, the pilot diverted the jet to the island of Kos, Greece, about 55 minutes to the northwest.  Once the jet was refueled, flight DE1234 departed KOS, but did not fly southwestward toward their original destination of Heraklion.  The wind at Heraklion still had not subsided and the flight crew had nearly exhausted the allotted time that they could fly.  They were legally required to get some sleep.  Condor airlines determined that Thessaloniki, Greece, was the best place for the crew and passengers to spend the night.  The passengers groaned as they learned they would not make it to their destination on that date, but what could they do?  The pilot aimed the A320 to the northwest and, after a flight of just over an hour, the jet landed in Thessaloniki without incident about 11 hours after they first departed Zurich. 

On the following morning, flight DE1234 with its 137 passengers and 6 crew members departed Thessaloniki for Heraklion.  Once again, severe weather prevented them from landing and, after circling for a prolonged length of time, the jet was diverted to Athens to refuel.  At 1:24 p.m., the jet departed from Athens.  An hour and 20 minutes later, the jet landed in perfect weather, but not at its originally intended destination of Heraklion.  After two days in the jet, after five takeoffs and landings, 32 hours after they departed Zurich, the airline brought the passengers back to Zurich.  They were right back where they started. 

Sources:

1.     Ben Schlappig, “Condor A320 Operates 32-Hour Journey To Nowhere, With Five Landings,” One Mile At A Time, June 6, 2025, accessed September 21, 2025, https://onemileatatime.com/news/condor-a320-32-hour-journey-nowhere-five-landings/.          

2.     Ben Cost, “Horrid flight as passengers stuck on 32-hour trip to nowhere  — and wind up right back where they started,” New York Post, June 9, 2025, accessed September 21, 2025, https://nypost.com/2025/06/09/lifestyle/passengers-endure-32-hour-flight-to-nowhere-after-5-emergency-landings/.

3.     Kathleen Wong, “Passengers stuck on a 32-hour flight with multiple diversions never made it to destination,” USA Today, June 13, 2025, accessed September 21, 2025, https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2025/06/13/condor-passengers-trapped-flight-diversions-greece/84187436007/.            

 

Sunday rally falls short as Burns, USA bow to Europe in Ryder Cup

It was a frustrating weekend in the Ryder Cup for Sam Burns and the USA team.

Former LSU All-American golfer Sam Burns and the USA team nearly conjured up a magical comeback Sunday at the 45th Ryder Cup, but could not overcome Europe’s brilliant play over the first two days and clutch shots on the final day in a closer-than-expected 15-13 defeat.

Europe dominated the American side in the first 72 holes of competition, in foursomes and four-ball play on Friday and Saturday, and was on the brink of one of the biggest winning margins in Ryder Cup history.

The USA sparkled Sunday in singles play, as Europe struggled to score the clinching points until very late in the day, before Burns’ match with Scotsman Robert McIntyre was complete.

It ended when Burns’ drive on the 18th hole found a sand trap leading to his eventual bogey, and allowing McIntyre’s par to earn a tie for the afternoon, giving each side a half point. That completed the day’s competition.

Europe won only one singles match Sunday, but tied in four. The foreigners needed only 14 points for an overall team tie to retain possession of the Ryder Cup that they won in 2023, and bot that when Shane Lowry birdied the 18th to tie the USA’s Russell Henley. Tyrell Hatton’s draw with Collin Morikawa in the match in front of Burns-McIntyre put the visitors over the top and gave them the overall win.

Though Burns’ forte’, his putting, was not a strong suit over the weekend, the Choudrant resident was competitive in all three of his starts.

Friday afternoon the Shreveport native teamed with Patrick Cantlay, whose sizzling birdie binge on the back nine led the USA pair to a draw with the Irish duo of Rory McIlroy and Lowry.

Saturday afternoon, again in four-ball competition, Burns/Cantlay were in a tight match but this time fell 1-up to Hatton and Matt Fitzpatrick.


ASH, Menard, Tioga, Pineville prevail in Week 4 prep action

ASH quarterback Karsen Sellers threw four touchdown passes Friday night. (Journal photo by KEVIN SHANNAHAN)

By LORI LYONS, Journal Sports

Alexandria Senior High and Tioga continued to roll, Pineville won the Battle of the Villes, but Buckeye stumbled in Week 3 of Rapides Parish football action.

Alexandria (4-0) had no trouble with Opelousas, taking a 59-6 homecoming win at J.L. “Butch” Stoker Stadium on Friday. It was the 15th consecutive regular season win for the Trojans.

Quarterback Karsen Sellers passed for 199 yards and a season-high four touchdowns, all in the first half, hitting four different receivers. Sophomore running back Kason Willias rushed for 166 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Tioga travelled to Richwood on Thursday and came home with a 54-30 victory to improve to 3-1.

Jackson Tarver scored on a 50-yard punt return in the first quarter. Kenny Ponthier scored four rushing touchdowns to pace the Indians. Quarterback Case Malone ran for two scored and connected with Kervin Johnson on a 60-yard touchdown pass.

Pineville (3-1) scored two fourth quarter touchdowns, one with about 30 seconds remaining, to overtake Leesville for a 28-21 homecoming win. Leesville led 21-14 after three periods of play.

After going 3-0 for the first time since 2014, the Buckeye Panthers were flying high. But Avoyelles smelled upset. And just like last year, the Mustangs took Buckeye down to earth with a 46-14 win to spoil the Panthers’ homecoming.

Holy Savior Menard edged past Class 3A Abbeville 15-6. Quarterback Jake Vaughan ran for one touchdown and passed for another to Matthew Hicks. Vaughan finished with 116 rushing yards.

Northwood Lena fell to 1-3 following a 42-6 loss to Lakeside. Bolton Academy lost to LaGrange 60-0 on Thursday. Peabody’s homecoming game against Franklin was canceled.


Wildcats run away in fourth quarter for impressive win at Oklahoma Panhandle, go 3-0 in conference play

LCU’s Brandon Johnson II breaks up a pass Saturday in the Wildcats’ win at Oklahoma Panhandle State. (Photo by CODI RODRIGUEZ , OPSU Athletics)

By RICHARD THIBERVILLE JR., LCU Sports Information Director

GOODWELL, Okla. – The Louisiana Christian University football team scored 28 points in the second quarter to take control and 21 points in the fourth to pull away from Oklahoma Panhandle State for a 56-27 win over the Aggies Saturday night at Carl Wooten Field.

It was a slow start for the Wildcats (3-2, 3-0 SAC) in the contest as LCU was held scoreless through the first 15 minutes. At the end of the first quarter, OPSU (1-3, 0-2 SAC) held a 3-0 lead.

But when the second 15 minutes started, the points started rolling in for the Wildcats. Less than two minutes into the quarter Jaterrius Johnson capped an 11-play, 98-yard march with a one-yard plunge, giving Louisiana Christian the lead, 7-3, which they would not relinquish.

Less than five minutes later, Omarius Davis reeled in a four-yard Bryce Perkins scoring pass, extending the Wildcat lead out to 14-3.

The Aggies used a big play to pull closer, hitting on a 76-yard pass and catch to get back within four at 14-10.

But the Wildcats were undeterred, needing less than 90 seconds to answer that score with a 27-yard scoring scamper by Tyrese Mosby.

LCU seemed to take firm command of the game just three minutes later as Perkins found Jaden Wells for a 25-yard touchdown pass, putting the Wildcats up 28-10 with just three minutes remaining before halftime.

But the end of the first half tightened things back up considerably as OPSU hit another big pass, this one from 55 yards out, to cut the deficit down to 28-17. The Wildcats were then stripped of the ball on the ensuing kickoff, immediately giving the Aggies another possession. Panhandle State took advantage of the extra opportunity, hitting a 41-yard field goal as time expired to cut the LCU lead down to 28-20 at the break.

Both teams added touchdowns in the third quarter. The Wildcats got it started with a 20-yard rush by Darrell Waldon to end a 10-play, 76-yard drive which took more than 5:30 to complete. The Aggies answered with a 14-play, 75-yard drive of their own which ate up more than six minute off of the clock and capped it with a one-yard shove into the end zone to make it 35-27 Wildcats.

The fourth quarter belonged to LCU. Johnson got his second touchdown rush, this one from seven yards out. Wells added his second scoring reception of the evening to end a 13-play, 83-yard drive which took off a valuable 4:44 off of the clock. Datlan Cunningham added a four-yard plunge with just over 3:30 left for the game’s final score.

Perkins had one of his best games as a Wildcat, completing 21 of his 30 pass attempts, accumulating 299 yards and three scores.

His top target on the evening was Davis, who had five catches for 73 yards and a score.  Wells had just two catches on the evening, but the 38 yards he got on them was the maximum he could get as he scored on both.

Cunningham had a big night on the ground, rushing 18 times for 151 yards and a touchdown. Johnson added 51 yards and two scores on 13 carries. Mosby toted the ball eight time and accrued 48 yards with a score. Waldon’s only rush on the evening was the 20-yard touchdown jaunt. As a team, the Wildcats accrued 264 yards rushing on their way to 563 total yards of offense against the Aggies

The Wildcats step out of Sooner Athletic Conference play for the final time this season next week, coming home to host Fort Lauderdale. Kickoff of Saturday’s contest against the Eagles (0-4) is noon at Wildcat Field.


Alexandria woman faces $1.5 million bail on murder charges; 63-year-old man charged with various drug distribution offenses

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

 

Sept. 28

Juan Roberto Arevalo-Lopez, 57, Pineville – OWI first offense, careless operation of a vehicle, $1,100 bail;

Kevin James Craig Sr., 56, Pineville – two counts contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Hoyt Donaldson Goodger, 26, Ball – OWI first offense, modified exhaust, improper fenders/mudguards, $1,200 bail;

Garrett Michael Kelly, 34, Hessmer – OWI first offense, improper backing, driving under suspension, open container, $1,300 bail;

Donald Edward Martin Jr., 53, Alexandria – two counts possession of CDS, $2,500 bail;

Joshua James Pryor, 32, Deville – two counts contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Thomas Wells, 71, Alexandria – two counts contempt of court, $50,000 bail.

 

Sept. 27

Quantez Windell Carter, 34, Colfax – theft, possession of drug paraphernalia, misrepresentation during booking, two counts probation violation, failure to appear, Louisiana fugitive, two counts contempt of court, $4,500 bail;

Jamarrious D. Dorsey, 23, Alexandria – four counts contempt of court, $120,000 bail;

Trystian Zenobia Eli, 24, Alexandria – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, running a stop sign, $1,200 bail;

Alvaro Gomez-Beltran, 28, Glenmora – OWI first offense, OWI child endangerment, speeding, open container, $1,700 bail;

Amanda Arian Johnson, 30, Pineville – OWI first offense, expired MVI sticker, $1,100 bail;

Ladarian Damon Johnson, 19, Alexandria – operating an unsafe vehicle, improper tint, improper driving on left, running a red light, running a stop sign, expired MVI sticker, safety belt violation, reckless operation of a vehicle, possession of drug paraphernalia, producing manufacturing distributing CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, illegal possession of stolen firearm, aggravated obstruction of highway, flight from an officer, $87,200 bail;

Matthew Wesley Johnson, 44, Pineville – theft, four counts contempt of court, $56,500 bail;

Monica Cherese McGlothlin, 40, Ball – three counts contempt of court, $75,000 bail;

Ty’juarr Dion Mix, 19, Lecompte – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, obstruction of justice, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of firearm by a convicted felon, intentional littering, safety belt violation, criminal damage to property, probation violation, $86,600 bail;

Renee Cornelia Nelson, 37, Pineville – theft, resisting an officer, 14 counts contempt of court, $162,000 bail.

 

Sept. 26

Larry Doniel Allen, 63, Alexandria – five counts producing manufacturing distributing CDS with intent, possession of paraphernalia, $500,500 bail;

Jennifer Ann Barber, 62, Boyce – Louisiana fugitive, no bail data;

Jimmie Rodney Bryan II, 52, Boyce – Louisiana fugitive, driving under suspension/revocation, $100 bail;

Janesha Nasha Bush, 29, Alexandria – possession of CDS, contempt of court, $5,500 bail;

Louis Maurice Courville, 25, Pineville – aggravated battery, $50,000 bail;

Michael Cox, 40, Pineville – two counts contempt of court, failure to appear/pay fine, $50,500 bail;

Aaron Lawrence Freeman, 18, Alexandria – possession of CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, illegal possession of a stolen firearm, headlamps required, $12,600 bail;

Jimmy Allen Johnson Jr., 58, Pineville – OWI second offense, operating a vehicle under suspension for certain prior offenses, careless operation of a vehicle, open container state law, $2,200 bail;

Eric Dewayne Jones, 52, Alexandria – two counts possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, two counts driving under suspension, improper parking, two counts contempt of court, $55,800 bail;

Janice Marie Lee, 56, Alexandria – seven counts of theft, $140,000 bail;

Lonnie Ray Peterson II, 23, Alexandria – possession of CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, brake lamp required, $5,600 bail;

Casey Paul Rachal, 27, Lena – contempt of court, $15,000 bail;

Doris Marie Smith, 17, Pineville – six counts identity theft, $30,000 bail;

Marcus Terrell Smith, 37, Alexandria – possession of CDS, open container, obstruction of justice, flight from an officer, driving under suspension, no license plate light, three counts contempt of court, $10,300 bail;

Ronald Louis Taylor Jr, 58, Deville – seven counts contempt of court, $350,000 bail;

Derrick Dewayne Voorhies, 42, Alexandria – two counts possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, $4,500 bail;

Kayla Leigh Wooten, 39, Alexandria – two counts second degree murder, two counts attempted second degree murder, aggravated criminal damage, three counts contempt of court, $1,505,000 bail;

Tytiana Wright, 32, Alexandria – possession or sell firearm with obliterated serial number, theft, $5,500 bail;

 

Sept. 25

Serlento Ketontay Bowie, 39, Alexandria – taking contraband to and from penal institutions, obstruction of justice, possession of marijuana, $3,500 bail;

Louie Von Cole, 45, Alexandria – possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, $3,000 bail;

William Henry Cole, 38, Center Point – violation of protective orders, no license plate light, $5,100 bail;

Tameka Shontell Ford, 42, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, open container, driving under suspension, failure to secure registration, contempt to pay fine, $2,300 bail;

Richard McComic, 56, Boyce – theft, resisting an officer, two counts contempt of court, $5,000 bail;

Renisha Patterson, 18, Alexandria – possession of CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, $5,500 bail;

Kimberly Ruth Phillips, 41, Alexandria – possession of fentanyl, contempt of court, $7,000 bail;

Terry Reeves Jr, 47, Ragley – producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, criminal conspiracy, taking contraband to and from penal institutions, $30,000 bail;

Colby Dean Ross, 26, Alexandria – OWI second offense, operating a vehicle while under suspension for certain prior offenses, no head light, $2,100 bail;

Dereck Darnell Taylor Sr., 54, Alexandria – possession of heroin, two counts possession of CDS, improper parking, $9,100 bail;

Shania Don’a Tooks, 25, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, contempt of court, $8,000 bail;

Chad Michael Travis, 53, Alexandria – aggravated criminal damage, $5,000 bail;

 

Sept. 24

Charley Authur Armstrong Jr, 65, Alexandria – OWI first offense, intentional littering, no insurance, $1,600 bail;

Tyrin Drakel Boyd, 33, Alexandria – Louisiana fugitive, possession of marijuana, use of CDS in presence of minor, expired MVI sticker, no child restraint system, safety belt violation, $6,300 bail;

Alvin Ray Giddings, 56, Deville – two counts first degree rape, Louisiana fugitive, resisting an officer, $1.105 million bail;

Amy Greenhoward, 41, Alexandria – driving under suspension, resisting an officer, failure to yield, four counts contempt of court, $18,700 bail;

Adrion Daron Harvey, 46, Alexandria – possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, bicycle lamps, $3,100 bail;

Terrance Devonta Leach, 31, Alexandria – three counts possession of CDS, resisting an officer, illegal carry firearm with drugs, possession of firearm by convicted felon, probation violation, two counts contempt of court, $65,500 bail;

Dontae Robert Madden, 20, Alexandria – two counts contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Shaheem Malik White, 22, Alexandria – two counts second degree murder, second degree battery, simple battery, obstruction of justice, taking contraband to and from penal institutions, criminal conspiracy, two counts possession of firearm by convicted felon, illegal use of weapons, $2.4 million bail;

Bryan Winfree, 29, Ville Platte – resisting police officer with force or violence, resisting an officer, theft, $1,500 bail;


Who you take?

Somehow the duffers’ talk shifted from the Ryder Cup to Saturday’s LSU-Ole Miss football game, eventually settling on who’s the best quarterback in each school’s history.

The LSU view was Joe Burrow, with Bert Jones in the running.

Agreement was unanimous on Ole Miss – Archie Manning. No discussion.

Spoiler that I am, couldn’t resist asking- what about Jake Gibbs?

These were by no means young men though perhaps not quite my age yet. I was, and still am, shocked by the blank looks.

Who? Never heard of him? You sure he was Ole Miss? Was he old school, nothing personal?

So I tried best my memory would allow:

Three years at helm, twice national champions; member College Football Hall of Fame; two-sport All-American (also baseball).

Chose baseball career over pro football; 10 years or so catcher with New York Yankees; then longtime baseball coach at Mississippi.

Still not a hint of recollection among my table mates. Saw little point in mentioning Charlie Conerly on Rebels’ side or Y.A. Tittle on Tigers’.

Everyone smiled at one last reference:

“Gibbs to punt; Cannon to receive.” October 31, 1959.


Burns, Trump expected on big stage for afternoon spectacle today at Ryder Cup

Former LSU All-America Sam Burns smiles on the practice range earlier this week while preparing for this weekend’s Ryder Cup competition. (Photo courtesy RyderCup.com)
 

By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

President Trump and Sam Burns, figuratively speaking, will probably arrive at the 45th Ryder Cup competition about the same time today.

The president is expected at Bethpage Black on Long Island outside of New York City in time to watch the afternoon four-ball session between four teams from the USA and Europe.

Burns, the former LSU All-American, will not play in the opening early-morning session of foursomes (alternate shot), but most expect him to be announced late morning as part of an American duo teeing it up in the second round of the day.

The 29-year-old Shreveport native and Choudrant resident, who plays out of Squire Creek Country Club, was left off the starting lineup for morning foursome (alternate shot) action by USA captain Keegan Bradley when this morning’s four matches were unveiled Thursday afternoon. Bradley said the lineup was set a while ago and was no secret among his players, and that pairings for ensuing rounds were already established. Those might be adjusted, but Bradley said he wants to proceed “according to plan.”

Burns and the other players were not available to media after the mid-afternoon pairings announcement. But earlier Thursday, he was bursting with pride about President Trump’s visit today and a massive charitable gift he will direct back home.

“It’s a huge honor to have our president come to this event, support our team,” said Burns. “This is about representing the United States of America, and who better to represent that than our president. I think we are all excited.”

He was also excited discussing about how he will collect a half-million dollars this weekend earmarked for the folks back home. All 12 USA team members will get $500,000 to allocate as they choose to charitable causes, a stipend increased by $300,000 since the 2023 Ryder Cup.

“I’m extremely grateful the PGA of America is doing this. I live in a small town in Louisiana and that amount of money in that community for those charities is going to go a long ways,” said Burns in his media session Thursday morning. “It’s going to have a huge impact on our community and I’m just extremely grateful.

“To steward that money in our own communities at home – that’s a great thing,” he said.

But his main focus is doing what he’s done in two President’s Cup competitions as a pro, and two other international matches in his days at Shreveport’s Calvary Baptist Academy (2014 Junior Ryder Cup) and at LSU (2017 Arnold Palmer Cup). Burns is in it to win it for America.

That did not happen in his first Ryder Cup appearance in 2023 at Rome. Burns went 1-2 over the weekend in Italy. His victory, when paired with Collin Morikawa in four-ball play Saturday afternoon, rekindled American optimism. They rolled 4&3 over Viktor Hovlad and Ludvig Aberg, who had routed two other USA duos, notably the power tandem of Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka.

That sparked a 3-1 afternoon recovery but it was only a temporary surge for the Americans, who were dominated in singles play Sunday and got whipped 16 ½ – 11 ½. That outcome is on the minds of Bradley and his team, determined to prevail on home turf against a European roster that has all but one player and captain Luke Donald back from 2023.

“Losing is never fun. It doesn’t matter what sport or what game, whatever it is you know losing sucks,” said Burns. “We want to use those memories as fuel this week. Everyone that was on that team or watched vividly remembers what that feels like. You don’t want that feeling again.”

Today’s play will be carried on USA Network. NBC picks up coverage Saturday starting at 6 a.m. CT for two more rounds of foursome and four-ball action, and Sunday’s 12 singles matches slated to begin at 11 a.m.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com


Tioga rolls to road win; unbeatens ASH, Buckeye home tonight, along with Peabody, Pineville

Northwood’s A.J. Butler takes a handoff from Carmelo Sarver as the Gators’ offensive front clears the way in last week’s homecoming victory. (Journal photo by KEVIN SHANNAHAN)

By LORI LYONS, Journal Sports

In the game of football, it’s not just all about winning. Coaches know that, sometimes, it’s about how your team reacts to winning.

Alexandria Senior High, Holy Savior Menard, Buckeye, Northwood-Lena and Tioga all are coming off big wins. For Northwood, it was the first win of the season. Alexandria had to hold off a late rally to win at Destrehan. Menard and Buckeye escaped with one-point wins. Tioga got a statement win.

But there’s no time for resting on laurels as we reach Week 4 of the 10-game regular season.

For the first time since 2014, Buckeye is 3-0 following Friday night’s come-from-behind 27-26 win over South Beauregard. Preston Willis ran for 297 yards and two touchdowns, kicking the decisive extra point following his game-tying run with 1:47 remaining in the game.

This week the Panthers will host the Avoyelles Mustangs (0-3) for their homecoming celebration. Last year Avoyelles beat Buckeye 46-0.

“Our rallying cry this week is ‘remember last year,’” Buckeye coach Aaron York said. “We were 2-1 going into it and had just lost to South Beauregard. Mentally we went there and didn’t play very well. This year our focus is on one game at a time.”

After scoring a crushing 56-14 win at Pineville last week, Tioga (3-1 traveled to Monroe on Thursday where the Indias fought for a 54-30 victory over a Richwood Rams club that would not fade away.

This week Pineville (2-1) hosts the Battle of The Villes, hosting Leesville (1-2). The Rebels were in a tight game with Tioga before giving up 42 unanswered points. Kelmarion Phillips scored on a 66-yard run and a 73-yard run for Pineville, which opened with a solid win in Week 1 at New Iberia.

After dominating victories against West Feliciana (54-7) and Union Parish (57-0), Alexandria escaped south Louisiana last week with a 27-26 victory over traditional powerhouse Destrehan, thanks to some big plays and a running game that had to step up.

Running back Kason Williams ran for 116 yards and three touchdowns on 19 carries, plus he caught a touchdown pass from quarterback Karsen Sellers. Sellers was 5 of 10 for 79 yards, 50 of which came on one play.

This week the Trojans (3-0, ranked sixth in Class 5A) welcome another traditional powerhouse, Opelousas, for homecoming. The Tigers, in their first year under former Peabody coach and LSU linebacker Harry Coleman as coach, are 0-2 following a lopsided loss to Teurlings Catholic (48-12) in Week 1 and a closer game against Lake Charles College Prep (41-34) in Week 3. They did not play in Week 2.

Menard may have spent a little time polishing the Bishop’s Bowl Trophy it took from St. Mary’s for the first time after last week’s 7-6 win – but not too much. The Class 2A Eagles (2-1) travel to Class 3A Abbeville (0-3), a team they defeated by just one point last season.

Menard will rely on senior quarterback Jake Vaughan, who passed for 122 yards last week and connected with senior receiver Matthew Hicks for the lone touchdown of the game. Hicks also made an interception in the second half. The Eagles rushed for only 86 yards in what turned out to be a defensive battle that coach David Perkins said was old school.

“It was almost like from my era in the ‘70s,” he said.

Senior Jacob Jeanise had seven tackles and two assists; junior Wyatt Heyward had five tackles and four assists and junior Jack Simpson had two tackles and seven assists.

Northwood notched its first win of the season last week, knocking off Pickering 14-6 for homecoming. This week the Gators will travel north to Sibley and visit Lakeside (2-1), whose running back, Kentravion Miller, averages 9.9 yards per carry.

Peabody had a rough road trip to Fontainebleau last week, leaving with a 30-6 loss after giving up 438 rushing yards. This week the Warhorses host Franklin (1-2), which is coming off a big 56-22 win over Berwick.

After forfeiting its Week 3 game, Bolton Academy returned to the field Thursday night, traveling to LaGrange, which handed the Bears a 60-0 loss.

Contact Lori at sportslyons@gmail.com


Wildcats dive into conference schedule with visit to Oklahoma

GOODWELL, Okla. – Louisiana Christian knows how Oklahoma Panhandle State feels, and vice versa.

Saturday evening, one team will get some relief when they collide in a Sooner Athletic Conference football game that kicks off at 6 at Anchor D Stadium.

The Wildcats (2-2 overall, 2-0 in the SAC) and the Aggies (1-2, 0-1 SAC) both absorbed big defeats at the hands of ranked opponents last weekend.

LCU was blasted 52-17 by the NAIA’s No. 8 team, Hardin-Simmons, in Abilene, Texas. OPSU was drubbed 56-10 by No. 18 Ottawa (Arizona) in a conference game.

The Wildcats will count on a couple of former ASH Trojans offensively. Datlan Cunningham is the leading ground gainer for LCU with 341 yards and three touchdowns. EJ Scott tops the pass catchers with 23 receptions for 367 yards.

Quarterback Bryce Perkins has thrown for 899 yards and four scores, three to Omarius Davis, who has 17 receptions for 292 yards.

Top defenders for LCU are Kylon Allen (31 tackles, 2 interceptions, 3 pass breakups) and Brandon Johnson (22 tackles, 1 interception, 3 pass breakups).

Levi Hilborn has made six of seven field goal tries for the Wildcats.


The Entertainer

Celebration of the first 75 years of Pineville’s Martin Library brings to mind one of my newspaper life’s biggest surprises.

The library began with an endowment by her children to honor Mildred Martin, as in Roy O Martin.

Mildred “Virginia” Martin Howard was one of the children and the surprise in this look back.

When the receptionist rang to say Mrs. Martin was at The Town Talk front desk to see me it meant one of three things.

She thought we were guilty, again, of butchering some part of the King’s English, a music project needed deserved recognition, or something new was happening at the library and deserved our attention.

Mrs. Howard was culture personified, manners ingrained and as persuasive as a Philadelphia lawyer. (And it didn’t hurt she had the, in these parts, legendary family name.)

Yet her causes carried their own weight, though we often disagreed on her grammar challenges.

She felt libraries held the nation’s future, challenging young minds to read and learn life beyond their neighborhoods, and worried reading was taking a backseat in kids’ lives.

Actually she was persuasive enough to get me involved with a gang of 5th graders in the Reading Is Fundamental program in Rapides schools. (Gosh, those kids are now in their 60s).

But Mrs. Howard was most widely known for her music skills, as a teacher, at the keys, or directing choirs.

Compositions on the classical and religious scores were her normal fare.

And so we come to a night in the 1970’s, an after-party celebrating the final rehearsal of that year’s Press Club Gridiron Show. The annual sold-out event spoofing all manner of public figures and fiascos raised scholarship funds for area students planning to study journalism and communications.

The party was at Dooley and Tiz Nunnally’s Cherokee Village place. Tiz was the Gridiron pianist so many years that she was eventually named an honorary Press Club member.

After a periodic of finger food and banter back and forth someone of course urged Tiz to hit the 88 so we all could get more much-needed singing practice.

She approached the piano and from another room came Virginia Howard, a substitution beyond expectation.
In her perfectly tailored outfit she sat and we prepared for a downer.

Then she brought forth Scott Joplin, whose ragtime was enjoying new popularity thanks to a fairly recent Newman-Redford movie “The Sting.” (If you don’t know the music, go to YouTube; too bad the Gridiron productions didn’t end up there.)

Flabbergasted describes her audience. Then out came Ham and Hambone, more widely known as Bill Carter, Town Talk sports editor, and Bill Lynch, KALB TV executive and Gridiron director, with a soft shoe routine.

The prearranged activity closed with Mrs. Howard reminding us that music and a good laugh benefit everyone.

Perhaps as true today as then.

A footnote: The Virginia M. Howard Foundation since 2013 has awarded grants totaling about $500,000 annually to programs in Central Louisiana, including the Alexandria Museum of Art and Hope House, and other areas.


Echo man has six-figure bail for damage to critical infrastructure; Fraud charges for Alexandria man lead to $150K bail

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

Sept. 24

Dillan Aught, 20, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery strangulation, no bail data;

Brian M. Johnson Sr., 44, Evergreen – producing manufacturing distributing dispensing CDS, paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, two counts use of CDS in presence of minor, two counts child desertion, two counts no child restraint system, no head light, driving under suspension, expired MVI sticker, expired plate/registration, contempt of court, $39,100 bail;

Dantaveas Diante Lindsey, 31, Alexandria – theft, resisting an officer, four counts contempt of court, $7,000 bail;

Michael Mayberry, 25, Alexandria – aggravated resisting an officer with force or violence, criminal trespass, $2,000 bail;

Haylee Marie White, 25, Pineville – two counts failure to appear, two counts probation violation, contempt of court, $100,000 bail.

 

Sept. 23

Christian Bonita Carnahan, 35, Alexandria – home invasion, theft, $10,500 bail;

Walter Drago, 64, Alexandria – possession of CDS, contempt of court, $4,000 bail;

Sam Karl Gibson, 36, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, contempt of court, probation violation, $28,000 bail;

Tony Jake Hicks, 47, Echo – two counts criminal damage to critical infrastructure, two counts theft, two counts criminal trespass, $121,000 bail;

Audra Celesti Knapp, 37, Pollock – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, two counts contempt of court, probation violation, $6,000 bail;

Michael Keith Laborde, 63, Boyce – contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Ladonna Laprairie, 37, Deville – possession of firearm by convicted felon, probation violation, no bail data;

Justin Lee Lawrence, 30, Pineville – possession of firearm by convicted felon, probation violation, no bail data;

Monica Marie Morgan, 34, Alexandria – criminal conspiracy, fraud of access device, three counts contempt of court, $55,000 bail;

Jessica Lynn Phillips, 41, Pineville – theft, forgery, two counts contempt of court, $56,000 bail;

Raymond Dale Ray, 37, Alexandria – unauthorized use of a movable vehicle, $5,000 bail;

Yolanda L. Royal, 49, Pineville – two counts possession of CDS, possession of fentanyl, failure to appear/pay fine, $12,500 bail;

Matthew Lavelle Smith, 39, Alexandria – five counts of fraud (access to device), criminal conspiracy, two counts contempt of court, $150,000 bail;

Tony Lynn Smith, 64, Ball – possession of CDS, probation violation, no bail data;

William Whiddon Jr., 52, Alexandria – residential contractor fraud, violation of protective orders, no bail data;

Truman Williams Jr., 56, Boyce – two counts resisting an officer, safety belt violation, four counts contempt of court, $8,600 bail.

 

Sept. 22

Robert Craig Johnson, 42, Pineville – OWI first offense, speeding, $1,100 bail;

Todd Leighton Lucas, 38, Pineville – OWI second offense, speeding, driving under suspension, expired plate/registration, $1,800 bail;

Edward Scott, 19, Alexandria – Louisiana fugitive, no bail data;

Marion Glen Tolbert, 42, Pineville – Louisiana fugitive, drag racing with user injury/death, $5,000 bail;

Hunter Jessie Wiley, 20, Pineville – theft of a motor vehicle, possession of stolen property, drug paraphernalia, resisting an officer, criminal damage to property, probation violation, possession of stolen property, $7,500 bail.

 

Sept. 21

Dameion Dandrea Henry, 21, Alexandria – OWI first offense, possession of CDS, illegal carrying of a weapon, $6,500 bail;

Leslie Christina Howard, 34, Pineville – seven counts theft, two counts contributing to the delinquency of juveniles, $4,500 bail;

Freddie Johnson, 39, Minden – OWI first offense, $1,000 bail;

Karlia Ty’neshia Miles, 31, Colfax – theft, contempt of court, $5,500 bail;

Charles G. Price, 47, Alexandria – OWI first offense, running a stop sign, open container, driving under suspension, two counts contempt of court, $5,300 bail.