By JIM BUTLER

Parish Sewerage District No. 1 plans to issue up to about $2.3 million in revenue bonds to finance needed improvements.

The bonds, to be sold at private sale through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, would be secured by and payable from income from system operations, but not a charge on other system income and revenues.

The fund, fueled by federal EPA funds, creates environmental mental infrastructure financing sources in all 50 states, which match the federal dollars at 20 percent.

District No. 1, like many parish and county systems formed decades ago to serve customers not served by municipalities, faces issues with aging equipment and facilities and rising costs.

It will hold a hearing September 2 at 3 pm to hear any objections to its proposal. Notice of the plan does not specify whether a rate change will be required.

The district’s past two audit reports indicate the extent of the issues.

In 2022, the district had about $807,000 in revenue and $883,000 in expenses.

In 2023, revenue rose to $899,000 and expenses fell to $873,000.

The audit report for 2024 should be released this month by the Legislative Auditor’s Office.

This year began with some of the district’s 1,600 or so customers disgruntled with a rate increase.

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JOURNAL SPORTS

OWINGS MILLS, Md. – Sam Burns got the start he wanted Thursday in the second leg of the PGA Tour playoffs thanks to a very fine finish.

The former two-time LSU All-American fired a 182-yard strike to six feet on the tough par-4 18^th at Caves Valley Golf Club and the tour’s No. 2-ranked putter polished off a closing birdie, posting a 2-under 68 that was good for a seventh-place tie in the field of 50 at the BMW Championship.

The 474-yard 18^th was the fifth-toughest hole Thursday.

Burns notched two front-side birdies, at the par-5 fourth and the par-3 sixth, sinking a 9-footer on the second-toughest hole of the day to get to 2-under. The 29-year-old briefly moved into a tie for the lead at 3-under with a 25-foot, 6-inch birdie putt on the par-4 11^th, but bogeyed two of the next three before his uplifting finish.

Scotsman Robert MacIntyre, who played a year collegiately at McNeese, shot a back-nine 29, carding birdies on seven of the last eight holes including the last six, to build a three-shot lead at 8-under 62.

Burns, a Shreveport native, rolled in 122 feet of putts in Round 1, fifth in the field. His 3.44 strokes gained putting was second. The Choudrant resident hit nine of 14 fairways, ranking in a tie for 18^th I the field, and reached 12 of the 18 greens in regulation, ranking 13^th.

Burns and Sungjae Im (+1, tied 24^th) are the sixth pairing out this morning, going off at 9:16 CDT.

Television coverage today runs from 1-5 p.m. CDT on Golf Channel. Exclusive online coverage via PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ begins early this morning.

NBC will pick up primary weekend coverage.

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By JIM BUTLER

Proposals are being solicited for creating seniors housing on a portion of the former Central Louisiana State Hospital grounds.

The Pineville Downtown Development District is offering for sale and development three centrally located parcels totaling about 25 1/2 acres for senior housing or related residential or light commercial use.

Light commercial incorporates enterprises such as retail sales outlets, offices, restaurants, small medical or other professional facilities.

Central, which housed about 3,000 persons in need of mental health care in its heyday, had fewer than 150 when it moved to a new facility off Esler Field Road last year.

A 2023 consultant report counted 202 abandoned acres of the U.S. 71-165-167-fronting grounds suitable for development and about 179 in waterbodies, heavily vegetated open areas and greenway.

Commercial developments already operating on the former grounds include an auto dealership and a convenience store.

The solicitation is under auspices of Pan American Engineers, which will accept proposals through September 5. Grant Cooper is project engineer.

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James R. “Jimmy” Sawtelle III, chancellor of Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) in Alexandria, on Wednesday announced his intention to retire next spring, concluding a 30+ year career in higher education and workforce development.

Dr. Monty Sullivan, president, said the Board of Supervisors will begin an immediate search for a new chancellor.

Sawtelle has led CLTCC since 2014 and previously served as chancellor from 2011 to 2012.

His career also includes leadership roles across the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS), including senior vice president for workforce solutions, vice president for career and technical education, and regional director for multiple colleges.

During his tenure, CLTCC has become a statewide model for rural college innovation. Last year, the college earned accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and has since expanded healthcare and manufacturing programs and launched new offerings in forestry, fiber optics, commercial truck driving, and linework.

Under Sawtelle’s leadership, CLTCC relocated its main campus to downtown Alexandria with the construction of a $22 million facility, expanded university transfer pathways, and secured more than $10 million in philanthropic, grant, and industry funding to strengthen workforce training and support student success.

“It has been the honor of my professional life to serve as chancellor of Central Louisiana Technical Community College,” said Sawtelle. “Over the past decade, our students, faculty, and staff have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to transforming lives and elevating our communities, and I will forever be proud of what we have accomplished together—with the continued support of our incredible Central Louisiana partners.”

Sullivan commended Sawtelle for his decades of service and lasting contributions to CLTCC and Central Louisiana, noting the impact of his leadership on the college and the broader region.

“Jimmy’s career has been defined by a steadfast dedication to the students, faculty, and communities he has served. His commitment to our mission and steady guidance have inspired those around him and strengthened the fabric of our system. We are grateful for the legacy he leaves and wish him and his family much joy in this next chapter.”

CLTCC is positioned to build on its recent double-digit enrollment growth. In the past 14 months, the college has awarded degrees and credentials to more than 400 allied health professionals, meeting critical workforce needs in the region.

New capital projects, including the Rod Brady Campus in Jena and the Ward H. Nash Avoyelles Campus in Cottonport, both authorized during the 2025 legislative session, along with ongoing community and industry partnerships, will continue to expand educational opportunities and strengthen the regional economy.

“The future is bright for CLTCC,” Sawtelle said. “I’m deeply grateful to Dr. Sullivan, the LCTCS Board of Supervisors, and many colleagues for the opportunity to lead such a special institution, and I look forward to cheering it on in the years to come.”

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Sam Burns has had by anyone’s yardstick, a pretty good year on the PGA Tour, with $4.6 million in official earnings and 19 of 22 cuts made.

He has been that close to much better. He shot a final round 62 to get into a playoff for the Canadian Open title (finished runner-up), then a week later led the U.S. Open, after a 65 in Round 2, until the final three holes Sunday (wound up 8^th, shooting 78 on a rain-soaked Oakmont CC track).

To make it a great year, Burns probably needs to add to his 2025 top 10 total of four as the second leg of the Tour’s playoffs begins today – the BMW Championship at Caves Valley Golf Club in Owings Mills, Maryland. A $20 million purse includes a $3.6 winner’s take.

The Shreveport native, Calvary Baptist graduate and two-time LSU All-American tees off at 11:49 a.m. CDT with Sungjae Im. Golf Channel will air tournament play from 1-5 today, while extensive coverage begins early this morning through the PGA Tour Live streaming service on ESPN+.

Burns, 29, still has hopes of getting a spot on Team USA for next month’s Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black on Long Island, N.Y.

He remains 16^th in Ryder Cup points after his 28^th place finish last week in Memphis, shooting 6-under on the final two rounds at the FedEx St. Jude Championship.  Team captain Keegan Bradley will supplement the top six in the standings with six captain’s picks – with the rankings a factor but not necessarily decisive — after next week’s Tour Championship involving the top 30 players in the FedEx Cup point totals.

Burns is 24^th in the FedEx Cup standings. The top 50 players are in the field this week.

He is in a group of six likely still in the mix for a Ryder Cup roster invitation. How Burns fares this week (and next) compared to Nos. 11-15 Maverick McNealy, Andrew Novak, Brian Harman, Cameron Young and Patrick Cantlay will determine if he gets to play in a fourth consecutive international competition (2022, 2024 Presidents Cup, 2023 Ryder Cup).

Now a Choudrant resident, playing out of Squire Creek Country Club, Burns is the 16^th pick by oddsmakers in this weekend’s event.

He ranks second in PGA Tour strokes gained putting (+0.862) and 18^th overall in strokes gained (+0.841), but to fare well he must improve in shots gained on approaches to the green (ranking 121^st) and shots gained off the tee (78^th)

Burns was runner-up at last year’s BMW Championship contested at Castle Pines in Colorado.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

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Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

 

Aug. 13

Monique Marie Aaron, 59, Alexandria – two counts theft (second/subsequent conviction), probation violation, $100,000 bail;

Demottria Shundra Fuller, 41, Pineville – three counts possession of CDS, paraphernalia, contempt of court, parole violations, $3,500 bail;

Eugene Lee, 37, Alexandria – contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Kevin Dewone Martin, 26, Grambling – simple burglary, identity theft, possession of CDS, Louisiana fugitive, resisting an officer, $16,000 bail;

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

 

Aug. 12

Rodney Gene Breland Sr, 71, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, $3,000 bail;

Damon Bryant, 48, Pineville – theft, possession of CDS, two counts contempt of court, $3,650 bail;

Anthony Keith Drummer, 45, Alexandria – sex offender failure to renew registration, sex offender failure to notify change of address, parole violations, no bail data;

Ismael Gonzalez, 72, Pineville – domestic abuse battery, resisting officer, $2,000 bail;

Joseph Ward Goodwin, 54, Alexandria – sex offender failure to renew registration, probation violation, $5,000 bail;

Tanita Marie James, 45, Inglewood, Calif. – producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, paraphernalia, improper lane usage, $15,600 bail;

Roosevelt Dewayne Lacarte III, 25, Bunkie – indecent behavior with juveniles, $100,000 bail;

Anthony Jerome Mitchell Jr, 31, Boyce – unauthorized entry into inhabited dwelling, criminal trespass, contempt of court, parole violations, $6,500 bail;

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

Lisa Theresa Ozaeta, 50, Inglewood, Calif. – producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, paraphernalia, $15,500 bail;

Tara Lee Ozaeta, 43, Inglewood, Calif. – producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, paraphernalia, $15,500 bail;

Donald Ray Parker Jr, 33, Alexandria – simple assault home invasion, two counts contempt of court, $12,500 bail;

Michael Wallace Proveaux Jr, 30, Pineville – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, contempt of court, $103,000 bail;

Kenneth Dean Rabalais, 60, Alexandria – illegal possession of a stolen firearm, $5,000 bail;

Jeffery Jermaine Ross, 40, Deville – create distribute possess counterfeit CDS with intent, obstruction of justice, resisting an officer, $23,000 bail;

Michael Wayne Smith, 50, Alexandria – burglary of an inhabited dwelling, monetary instruction abuse, $6,500 bail;

Blaise H. Vidrine, 37, Elton – possession of firearm by convicted felon, possession of firearm with obliterated serial number, speeding, driving under suspension, no insurance, two counts contempt of court, $25,300 bail;

Joshua Eli Ward, 44, Pineville – contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Jarvis Dontay White, 30, Alexandria – second degree murder, four counts second degree battery, simple battery, two counts possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, resisting an officer, probation violation, $2.211 million bail;

Tyshel Dayshone White, 20, Pineville – OWI first offense, two counts running a red light, failure to change driver’s license address, safety belt violation, no driver’s license, $1,500 bail.

 

Aug. 11

Hollie Ann Brooks, 31, Pineville – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, bicycle reflectors required, two counts failure to appear, $4,100 bail;

Cashman Cain Cage, 26, Alexandria – intentional exposure to the AIDS virus, aggravated battery of healthcare professional, simple assault, disturbing the peace, possession or introduce contraband to a municipal jail, possession of fentanyl, obstruction of justice, $66,000 bail;

Alexander Steve Carter, 25, Deville – two counts simple burglary, theft of a firearm, two counts criminal damage to critical infrastructure, parole violations, $225,000 bail;

Katlin Marie Cutts, 28, Alexandria – simple burglary, five counts contempt of court, $11,000 bail;

Alex Paul Deville, 46, Port Barre – possession of a firearm by convicted felon, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under suspension, $5,600 bail;

Michael Dewayne Fontenot Jr, 36, Basile – two counts possession of CDS to distribute, paraphernalia, monetary instrument abuse, $5,500 bail;

David N. Fuselier, 65, Alexandria – OWI first offense, contempt of court, failure to appear, $1,500 bail;

Cartier Green 25, Alexandria – four counts attempted murder, second degree battery, $2.25 million bail;

James Carrol Knapp, 48, Alexandria – two counts contempt of court, probation violation, $50,000 bail;

Rowdy Tod Lopez, 43, Brazoria, Texas – OWI first offense, failure to yield to emergency vehicle, $1,100 bail;

Austin Auzlle Maxwell, 26, Dry Prong – violation of protective orders, violent, criminal trespass, $2,000 bail;

Makennie Rudd, 26, Boyce – no head lights, expired MVI sticker, driving under suspension, possession of marijuana, 13 counts contempt of court, $21,500 bail;

Devon Ryan, 29, Boyce – OWI first offense, failure to yield, failure to change driver’s license address, $1,200 bail;

Dravon Chasera Sellers, 43, Pineville – sex offender failure to register, parole violations, $1,500 bail;

Dezaric Shykie Sweazie, 24, Alexandria – contempt of court, $75,000 bail.

 

Aug. 10

Jackson Samuel Blais, 19, Pineville – domestic abuse battery, $15,000 bail;

Jason Blake Bush, 49, Wiergate, Texas – simple battery, disturbing the peace, $1,000 bail;

Nicholas Anthony Coco, 34, Alexandria – three counts possession of firearm by convicted felon, illegal carry firearm with drugs, two counts possession of CDS, paraphernalia, producing manufacturing distributing CDS with intent, legend drug possession, parole violations, $82,000 bail.

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By JIM BUTLER

Alexandria’s crime rate hasn’t drawn a White House response but it is getting attention.

Two different media reports place the city as the third most-dangerous in Louisiana. Both cite the Federal Uniform Crime Reporting system though they give different numbers.

The city ranks higher than several larger ones, including New Orleans and Baton Rouge, on both lists. (Incidentally, Marksville tops one of the lists and is fourth on the other.) Only in Louisiana touts good and bad on its reports; Reolink postings are most often related to the security equipment company field of enterprise.

According to Only in Louisiana, an Alexandria resident has a 1 in 68 chance of being a violent crime victim and a 1 in 12 chance of being a property crime victim.

Reolink puts those odds at 1 in 50 and 1 in 16.

Numbers in the FBI report are from information submitted by local law enforcement agencies.

The totals are a global view, not taking into account time of a crime or location within the jurisdiction, nor how many are committed by repeat offenders.

The numbers reflect complaints responded to, not charges made in connection with them.

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By JIM BUTLER

Helping or harboring? The ultimate answer is key to JT Lindsey’s future, football or otherwise.

Lindsey, a coveted running back out of Alexandria Senior High, is accused of being an accessory after the fact to second-degree murder by allowing two friends/fugitives to hide in his LSU housing.

Instead of repetitions learning his role as a heralded freshman this month he is suspended while the case is open. Through his attorney, Lindsey, 18, asserts he was only trying to help Keldrick Jordan, 18, and Shemell Jacobs, 17, with a place to stay and had no knowledge of them being wanted on murder charges.

The state claims otherwise in its felony arrest warrant, saying Lindsey told acquaintances of the situation.

The accused killers allegedly shot Corey Brooks, 17, and two others in an ill-fated armed robbery attempt on the afternoon of May 21. Brooks died the next day.

A week later a suspect was arrested and police appealed for whereabouts information regarding Jordan and Jacobs.

The shooting happened on Clark Street, about a block from the fugitives’ residences.

Authorities have yet to comment on circumstances regarding the incident or identify the other two victims.

Lindsey graduated two days before the shooting, with a whirlwind summer ahead before reporting to Baton Rouge.

Was he aware of the killing and suspects search? Or out of touch with hometown matters?

Teens have their own telegraph. What, if anything, was it telling Lindsey about the murder of an ASH student?

At one point authorities seem convinced the fugitives were in the Lafayette area. The trail went cold and the search became Page 2 news.

That changed when an arrest warrant, claiming Lindsey had spoken with others about the matter, was issued and “Quick Six” turned himself in.

The fugitives are being held in Rapides lockup under $3 million bond. Lindsey posted $5,000 bond in Baton Rouge.

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With summer basically over since school has started, I gazed back into summers of yore in Alexandria. The memory that gazed back was City Park Funland.

It was the Circle of Life. The Carousel went round and round. The boats went round and round. The planes rose up and down and went round and round.

Granted, this wasn’t the amusement park of my youth. That would’ve been Pontchartrain Beach in New Orleans. Comparing that to City Park Funland isn’t fair. It would be like comparing New Orleans to Alexandria. But Funland, thanks to the late Jimmie Thompson, found its niche in Central Louisiana for nearly four decades, and brought countless smiles to generations of youngsters in small town Americana.

It opened in 1953, and Thompson, after thinking about it for several years, shut it down in 1990 – 11 years before he died in 2001 at age 83.

To know about Funland, you’ve got to know about Jimmie Thompson, an entrepreneur unmatched in my experience in Alexandria. He was into everything, it seemed, when it came to promoting, buying, selling or trading anything. He did it all with an optimism and confidence and seek-until-ye-find determination.

Don Thompson, one of his three sons who worked at the zoo as a youth, said his father, as a young adult, opened a skating rink on the corner of Rapides and Madison when Alexandria and the surrounding area overflowed with military personnel involved with the Louisiana Maneuvers, a large-scale military training exercise held in central Louisiana in 1941, involving approximately 400,000 troops. These exercises were crucial in preparing the US Army for World War II.

He and a friend got involved in the theater business, Don said, gradually expanding beyond Alexandria and Natchitoches to cover many theaters and drive-ins across the state, north of I-10. Then he opened the Jimmie Thompson Arena on North MacArthur Drive (site of the current Sai Convention Center) mostly to host professional wrestling, although a young Elvis performed there during his Louisiana Hayride days.

Then he got involved hosting rodeos. “The story is,” said Don, 66, “he went to a big rodeo in Texas and saw how much the cowboys were making, and he saw how many people were there to watch, and thought about what they paid to get in, and he did the math on what he figured might be the expenses, and decided to give it a shot.”      

Not one to go into anything cold cocked, Jimmie Thompson decided he must learn more about rodeoing first. He bought some livestock and property by Browns Bend Road. He learned how to rope and ride. “He even patented a stadium design,” said Don, “feeling there was a need for such stadiums that could be easily assembled. He sold stadiums all over the country. Some are still around.”

We’ll get back to Funland soon, but he and two other fellows started Bowlero Bowling Lanes, and when it didn’t go as expected, the other two wanted out, so Jimmie bought them out. This was in 1958. “He stumbled on a deal in Japan, which was having a big bowling boom,” said Don. “They were building several multi-storied bowling centers. They flooded the market, the popularity waned, and several went out of business.”

Thompson, then, started importing used bowling equipment from Japan and “sold it all over the country – pin setters, lanes, the whole shooting match.” He used an abandoned Sears warehouse as his base for shipping and building. He had a big shop with industrial type equipment where he could “build about anything,” Don said.

Bowlero eventually shut down, to be replaced by a honky tonk and then the current Surgical Center.

Back to Funland. It was initially named Kiddie Land. Oldtimers might remember Virgil Adams and his wife ran the place early on. Virgil was the general manager, and his wife ran the concession stand. Thompson’s daughter, Fay, and her husband John Day eventually took over.

If you’re wondering what inspired Thompson to open Kiddie Land, he told the Town Talk he did so at the behest of then Streets and Parks Commissioner Bill Lambdin. Lambdin said the city wanted some rides in City Park and wanted Thompson to help them, since he was a buyer and seller of carnival rides and park equipment at that time.

“The next time he met with me,” Thompson said, “he was saying, ‘We’re going to do this and we’ll do that.’ A few weeks later he came over and said, ‘When you put the rides in, you need to do this and that. It had gone from ‘us’ and ‘we’ to ‘you.’”

Anyway, against his better judgment Thompson agreed to put the rides in City Park. He’d have preferred putting the amusement park on MacArthur Drive, where he already owned land where it could have been built.

John and Fay Day’s daughter, Kitty, worked several years there, including when it was Kiddie Land.

“I was part of the park; I’m Kitty Lynn, and it was Kiddie Land,” she said, recalling her parents took over the management in 1962. “I worked there in the concession stand and moved up to the ticket booth after I learned how to count money and be responsible.”

Kitty, 60, said a benefit of the job was being able to ride all the rides for free, and there was a game room for a while, which was popular with teenagers.

The park’s longest surviving ride, the carousel, didn’t sell at auction for what Thompson was hoping. He said he turned down an offer of $65,000 when he thought he’d get a four-year lease on the park from the city and continue operating the park. When the City Council offered only a two-year lease, Thompson shut it down.

At the closing auction, the carousel was sold to a buyer from Oregon for $27,000. The Funland Express Train sold for $15,500 to a man who ran a large amusement park in Fort Worth. The black “Octopus” ride was sold to a man from Bunkie for $5,000.

“It’ll make a lot of money for him,” said Thompson, who insisted he wouldn’t shed a tear about closing the park.

“”I am not a sentimentalist,” he said after closing the park. “I live for tomorrow and always have. I have just a little sentiment about the park because of the children who came to the park to ride the rides.”

I am a sentimentalist, and now, when you drive in the parking lot for the Alexandria Zoo, think for a moment of what used to be there, and thank Jimmie Thompson for bringing that fun place to our town.

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Story and photos by KEVIN SHANNAHAN, Journal Services

Kevin’s Gallery

Season ticket pickup for the NSU Demons’ upcoming football season was a fun family-friendly event this year as the athletic department held “Fan Fest 25” at the Don Kelly Fieldhouse, Saturday, August 9.

Several hundred eager Demon fans came to campus to pick up their season tickets, enjoy a superb free jambalaya lunch, and meet the young men of the Northwestern football team. Two talented students from NSU’s Art Department painted children’s faces while members of NSU’ Tri-Sigma sorority helped children make NSU spirit bracelets.

Winnfield’s Deep Water Rehab performed their signature mix of classics and original songs. Frontman Thomas Little is a 2016 NSU alumni as well as a four year player on the Demon football squad as a two-year starting center, and his cousin Eli is a redshirt freshman offensive lineman on the current team.

The Demons’ extended scrimmage was the cornerstone event Saturday and contributed to the  palpable sense of excitement surrounding the rebuilding program as Coach Blaine McCorkle embarks upon his second year at the helm. This year’s team has a distinctly Louisiana flavor with many of the players coming from a 150-mile area around Natchitoches. In fact, 81 percent of the players McCorkle and staff have brought in are Louisiana natives.

ASH’s Jimmie Duncan and Jason Blackwell II and Pineville’s Jacob Miranda will be continuing their standout football careers at NSU. Be sure to watch for these parish products this fall and in future years at Turpin Stadium and on ESPN+ telecasts of all Demons’ games.

The 105 young men in practice are in high spirits and working hard. The intensity is easy to see. This team is gearing up to show progress this season.

The Demons’ home opener is Thursday, August 28 at 7:00 in Turpin Stadium against Alcorn State. For a modest admission price, you can watch some hard-hitting gridiron action, a superb halftime show from the Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band as well as enjoy a family friendly tailgate before the game.

The Journal Services family is donating access to the photographs from this Saturday’s event. Fans, players and families are welcome to download any photos they wish.

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) advises motorists that on Sunday, August 17, 2025, the US 167 (Pineville Expressway) southbound bridge over Wadley St., railroad tracks, and 4th St. in the City of Pineville, Rapides Parish will be closed.

This bridge closure is scheduled to take place from approximately 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for one day, and is necessary to allow DOTD crews to perform bridge maintenance work.

This bridge is located approximately 0.82 miles north of the Red River (see included map).

Permit/Detour section:
Detour will be via LA 1250/Melrose Street. Signage will be in place directing motorists through the detour.

Safety Reminder:
DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution around the construction sites and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.

Additional Information:
Motorists can access the latest updates on real-time traffic and road conditions using the 511 Traveler Information System by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region on which they are seeking information. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Travelers can also access this information by visiting the 511 Traveler Information Web site at http://www.511la.org. Additionally, you can follow the Traffic Management Center on Twitter: (@Alex Traffic). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website @ http://www.dotd.la.gov and the DOTD Facebook page.

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By JIM BUTLER

The School Board anticipates dipping into its General Fund unrestricted balance for about $1.2 million to cover costs for the year ending next June 30.

Should that figure hold, the fund balance would be a tad over $46 million at the fiscal year conclusion, or about 18 percent of total General Fund revenue for the year.

Public hearing on the budget proposal will be on August 19 at 4:55 pm.

The revenue estimates, totaling $249.75 million, compare to actual income of $250.99 million in the year ending this past June 30, reflect conservative projections for renewable property tax revenue growth, 2 percent to $22.7 million, and sales tax growth, 1.81 percent to $18.6 million.

The State Public School Fund contribution is essentially standstill at $138.51 million.

Substantive hits to the fund are a $1 million decline in transfer of indirect costs to $2 million and a $900,000 drop, to $7 million, in other restricted revenues.

Details of those forecasts could be included in the budget message the board receives from the administration at the public hearing.

General Fund spending is projected at $252.13 million, about 86 percent of that payroll expense Wages and salaries require $147.3 million, with teachers accounting for $96.4 million.

Group health insurance for all employees will cost $40 million and retirement system contributions another $30.4 million.

The overall budget includes a number of individual school district maintenance funds as well special services funds. Those accounts are not reflected in the General Fund unless a transfer is involved.

Not in the overall budget is the Head Start/Early Head Start Fund, eliminated when the system in late July lost its bid to renew the program’s five-year grant.

That grant was $3.69 million in the year ended June 30.

It paid $1.4 million for teachers, $293,000 for therapists/specialists/counselors, $235,000 for officials/administrators, and $426,000 for instructional staff services.

A $541,000 grant paid for the program’s food services.

Save the Children now operates the program in Rapides.

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Louisiana Christian has announced that Reni Mason has relinquished his role as head coach of the Wildcat men’s basketball team, effective immediately, and will continue as the school’s vice president of intercollegiate athletics.

Assistant coach Zach Barnes will take over as interim head coach of the men’s basketball team.

Mason has led LCU men’s basketball since the 2015-16 season. The Shreveport native compiled more than 120 wins, the fourth most in program history, been to seven conference tournaments, including three conference championship appearances, coached a pair of all-Americans, and seen numerous student-athletes chosen for all-conference honors.

He has served as vice president of intercollegiate athletics since 2017. Mason helped guide LCU through a reclassification process, saw multiple programs win and compete for championships and facilitated improvements in student-athlete success in the classroom.

The decision to step away from his coaching duties is part of a strategic shift to focus entirely on overseeing the continued growth and success of the department, LCU officials said.

“Simply put, it’s time — not because Coach Mason says so, but because the Lord has made it clear this season in my life has run its course,” Mason said. “I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to serve as head coach at Louisiana Christian. It was truly a privilege to be part of so many young men’s journeys.

“As I move forward, I’m excited for the opportunity to continue serving our coaches, staff, players and our (new) president, Dr. Mark Johnson. I’m especially thankful to Dr. Johnson for allowing me to continue in my role as Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics.”

Mason led the Wildcats to immediate success in his first season as coach with a trip to the American Southwest Conference Tournament championship game in 2015-16. Three seasons later he guided LC to a 19-7 overall record, its most wins in a season in nearly 20 years. The Wildcats’ returned to the ASC title game 2021 and reached the Red River Athletic Conference Tournament title game in 2022.

Kae’ron Baker was one of two all-Americans coached by Mason and helped lead the Wildcats to those two straight conference tournament title game appearances, while also earning RRAC Player of the Year honors in 2021-22.

“As a coach, his number one goal was to make sure that everybody in that locker room, once they left the team and the university, that they left a better young man than they were when they got there,” Baker said. “Every time that we had a team conversation, whether it was a discipline issue or something strictly about basketball, he always found a way to relate that to the real world and what it takes to be a successful young man.”

Mason’s commitment to seeing his players develop beyond just the game of basketball has been a pillar of his coaching and leadership philosophy throughout his entire career.

“He made it evident to us that sports are a representation of life,” Baker said. “In a game, if things weren’t going our way or we couldn’t see a shot fall, there are going to be issues and adversity in life that feel almost exactly what that basketball game felt like.

“So it puts you in a position where you’re going to keep pushing forward, keep showing up or are you going to give up.  I remember him saying once you give up, that’s when you actually lose. Whatever opportunity you had, you’ll never be able to get it because you gave up. So his belief in us and the program and what he wanted the program to stand for was phenomenal. And he carried that on his sleeve each and every day.”

Since beginning his dual role within the athletic department, the success he has garnered as a coach has set the standard for the entire department under his guidance as vice president of intercollegiate athletics.

“One thing that I appreciated and admired, both as a player and an assistant, was how Godly and straightforward he was when it came to certain matters,” former player and graduate assistant at LC for Mason, Jameal Owusu said. “Whether it was administrative or on the court, he always kept it to the point and real. He always treated us like men and told us exactly how he wanted things done, so I always respected him for that.”

Mason helped lead the Wildcats through a reclassification back to the NAIA, after a 20-year run as a Division III school in the NCAA, where they have competed successfully since the 2021-22 athletic year.

LCU has won three Red River Athletic Conference soccer championships (two men, one women), a baseball title, and a football championship in four short seasons in the league. Wildcat programs have appeared in 28 different conference tournaments and eight tournament championship games over the past four seasons since joining the RRAC.

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By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

Sam Burns was a very good 6-under par in the final 36 holes of this weekend’s FedEx St. Jude Championship, the start of the three-week PGA Tour championship tournament, and finished a solid 28^th.

But when it comes to Burns’ bid for a second consecutive spot on the 12-man USA Ryder Cup roster to be set after the playoffs finish, the two-time LSU All-American and 2016 collegiate player of the year didn’t improve his stock.

Burns, now a Choudrant resident who plays out of Squire Creek Country Club, entered the weekend at 1-over after opening 70-71 in the first two rounds Thursday and Friday. His weekend play brought him to the brink of a top 20 finish, but his closest competition for the Ryder Cup’s captain’s picks equaled or bettered his standing in Memphis.

The Shreveport native began the tournament 16^th in the Ryder Cup points standings, which are  one tool that team captain Keegan Bradley will use when he makes his six captain’s picks. But golfers standing ahead of Burns – except for Bradley – all performed well.

Maverick McNealy (11^th in the Ryder Cup points race) tied Burns’ 28^th place score. Otherwise, No. 12 Brian Harman tied for 22^nd, 13^th-ranked Andrew Novak finished sixth, No. 14 Patrick Cantlay continued his late-season surge in ninth, and 15^th-ranked Cameron Young charged Sunday to a fifth-place tie.

That put the onus on Burns to make a move this week in Owings Mills, Md., at Caves Valley Golf Club in the BMW Championship. Last year Burns was the runner-up at the BMW, held in 2024 at Castle Pines Golf Club near Denver.

The former Calvary Baptist Academy and LSU golfer has made three consecutive appearances on the Team USA roster (2022, 2024 Presidents Cup team wins, and the 2023 Ryder Cup loss in Italy).

Burns, 28, was already a lock to advance from Memphis to the second leg of the playoffs. He stands 24^th in FedEx Cup points (the top 50 advanced) and 23^rd in the Official World Golf Rankings.

With his $139,000 payday Sunday, Burns has $4.6 million in official earnings this season and has made cuts in 19 of his 22 events. He has four top 10 finishes, including a playoff loss at the Canadian Open followed by a painful eighth at the U.S. Open in Jue that he led on Saturday and until the final three holes in the closing round, with heavy rains unquestionably and controversially impacting his finish.

The top 30 in the points standings at the BMW Championship move on to the Tour Championship in Atlanta at East Lake Country Club. A total of $80 million will be paid to the golfers still standing at the end.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

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The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) adopted a two-zone East-West boundary with the option of two splits (three hunting segments) for the 2026-30 waterfowl hunting seasons during its August meeting Thursday (Aug. 7) in Baton Rouge.

The zones will be the same as the previous five seasons.

The west zone will be that portion of the state between the Texas state line and the line going south on Louisiana Highway 79 from the Arkansas border to Homer; then south on Louisiana Highway 9 to Arcadia; then south on Louisiana Highway 147 to Hodge; then south on U.S. Highway 167 to Lafayette; then south and east on U.S. Highway Hwy 90 to the Mississippi state line.

The east zone will be the remainder of the state.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) recommended the option after consideration of hunter preferences from the 2025 Louisiana Waterfowl Hunter Survey.

The new waterfowl hunting zones will take effect for the 2026-27 season and run through the 2029-30 season. To see the upcoming 2025-26 waterfowl hunting zones and dates, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/seasons-and-regulations

For more information, contact Jason Olszak at jolszak@wlf.la.gov.

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Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

Aug. 10

Jackson Samuel Blais, 19, Pineville – domestic abuse battery, no bail data;

Demairay Dashawn Fisher, 31, Alexandria – aggravated second degree battery, flight for an officer, resisting an officer, improper turn, no driver’s license, no head light, five counts contempt of court $14,800 bail;

Dorian Keylond Fleming, 32, Alexandria – OWI first offense, driving under suspension, no signals, $1,200 bail;

Travis Lee Graves, 38, Alexandria – OWI second offense, open container, careless operation of a vehicle, $1,700 bail;

Shavetta Mendraka Kirklin, 38, Alexandria – possession of CDS, bicycle reflectors, $100 bail;

Shavante Toney, 29, Alexandria – OWI second offense, speeding, improper lane usage, contempt of court, $6,700 bail.

 

Aug. 9

Destin Ahart, 21, Hineston – operating vehicle intoxicated with child endangerment, $1,000 bail;

Robert Wayne Aymond Jr, 24, Pineville – three counts contempt of court, $150,000 bail;

Landon Blake Byer, 19, Boyce – OWI first offense, careless operation of a vehicle, safety belt violation, $1,200 bail;

Karen L. Caulk, 59, Pineville – OWI with child endangerment, improper lane usage, $1,100 bail;

Jalhmaar Marquese Conway, 23, Alexandria – criminal damage to property, resisting an officer, $25,500 bail;

Robbie Fountain, 32, Winnfield – possession of firearm by convicted felon, misrepresentation during booking, parish probation violation, $100,500 bail;

Arthur Frazier, 33, Winnfield – possession of firearm by convicted felon, parole violations, $100,000 bail;

Brad Davelle Frazier, 42, Alexandria – theft of a motor vehicle, three counts simple battery of a police officer, flight from an officer, resisting an officer, two counts aggravated assault with motor vehicle on a peace officer, reckless operation of a vehicle, $92,500 bail;

Marquis Petrell Marshall, 54, Alexandria – two counts theft, possession of drug paraphernalia, $2,000 bail;

Ashur McHenry, 28, Natchitoches – producing manufacturing distributing hallucinogenic plants, possession of marijuana, safety belt violation, tail lamps, $10,700 bail;

Jason Deontay Miles, 40, Alexandria – theft, probation violation, $5,000 bail;

Keith Dewayne Terrell, 42, Deville – three counts battery on an officer, criminal damage to property, criminal mischief, $2,500 bail.

 

Aug. 8

Adron Perry Chandler, 47, Deville – sex offender failure to renew registration, domestic abuse battery, contempt of court, $20,000 bail;

Terry Dewayne Cohen Jr, 52, Alexandria – possession of CDS, driving under suspension, two counts contempt of court, $101,600 bail;

Dennis Dean Craig II, 54, Alexandria – third degree rape, $100,000 bail;

Torine Trey Cunningham, 31, Alexandria – stalking, simple battery, domestic abuse battery strangulation, $7,000 bail;

Lamarcus T. Delry Sr, 38, Pineville – possession of CDS, fentanyl, paraphernalia, no insurance, no head light, driver’s license required, $2,300 bail;

Sean Christopher Duffy, 51, Boyce – two counts simple assault, stalking first, $50,500 bail;

Travis Raymond Finex, 43, Alexandria – possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under suspension, no signals, contempt of court, $25,700 bail;

Terry Louis Gullette, 34, Alexandria – two counts possession of fentanyl, resisting an officer, bicycle reflectors, $10,600 bail;

Kayce Lana Hayes, 34, Pineville – simple assault, domestic abuse battery, $2,000 bail;

Marques Dcortez Joseph, 30, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, possession of firearm by convicted felon, illegal carry firearm with drugs, improper headlight equipment, possession of drug paraphernalia, probation violation, $13,100 bail;

Derrick Miller, 51, Alexandria – three counts contempt of court, $100,000 bail;

Shae Alexandra Parler, 29, Alexandria – possession of CDS, contempt of court, $12,500 bail;

Katevius Deunte Perry, 26, Pineville – three counts contempt of court, $15,000 bail;

Jessica Lynn Phillips, 41, Pineville – theft, two counts contempt of court, $53,500 bail;

Donald Dewayne Price, 42, Alexandria – OWI second offense, running a yellow light, $1,600 bail;

Albert Walton, 23, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, possession of paraphernalia, $500 bail.

 

Aug. 7

James Lamar Bradley, 31, Alexandria – OWI first offense, speeding, obstruction of court orders, $1,350 bail;

Katherine Paticia Colson, 40, Alexandria – possession of CDS, OWI with child endangerment, no child restraint system, improper display of license plate, $1,700 bail;

Kadedria Laquintay Fields, 30, Pineville – theft, contributing to delinquency of juveniles, probation violation, parole violation, 12 counts contempt of court, $50,500 bail;

Lance K. Harris, 66, Pineville – six counts cruelty to the infirmed, no bail data;

Cecil Ray Lawrence, 65, Boyce – producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, obstruction of justice, paraphernalia, two counts Louisiana fugitive, $3,500 bail;

Joseph Clay Nugent, 54, Pineville – hit and run driving, criminal damage to property, possession of marijuana, possession of CDS, paraphernalia, obstruction of justice, resisting an officer, driving under suspension, failure to report an accident, improper lane usage, Louisiana fugitive, $6,300 bail;

Roykeydra Osteen, 18, Longview, Texas – producing manufacturing, distributing CDS, no head light, $100 bail;

Drelyn Keandre Robinson, 26, Alexandria – two counts possession of CDS, failure to secure registration, possession of marijuana, safety belt violation, improper inspection, $3,950 bail;

Alonda De’janee Williams, 36, Alexandria – two counts possession of CDS, paraphernalia, expired MVI sticker, driving under suspension, two counts contempt of court, $103,700 bail;

Taranieka Annquanette Williams, 41, Alexandria – taking contraband to an from penal institutions, criminal conspiracy, obstruction of justice, simple assault and simple battery, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, possession of CDS, paraphernalia, two counts contempt of court, $18,500 bail.

 

Aug. 6

Jessica Nicole Charrier, 40, Pineville – contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Felicia M. Gilchrist, 46, Glenmora – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, contempt of court, $6,000 bail;

Shemell Jacobs, 17, Alexandria – second degree murder, two counts attempted second degree murder, three counts armed robbery, $3.5 million bail;

Tyler Mitchell Jeffrey, 39, Pineville – two counts create distribute or possess counterfeit CDS with intent, $100,000 bail;

Keldrick Jordan, 18, Alexandria — second degree murder, two counts attempted second degree murder, three counts armed robbery, $3.05 million bail;

Shandrieka N. Sanders, 42, Alexandria – forgery, Louisiana fugitive, contempt of court, $21,000 bail;

Jason Chad Smith, 55, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing CDS with intent, two counts possession of firearm by convicted felon, illegal carry firearm with drugs, $15,500 bail;

Derrick Dewayne Swafford, 31, Alexandria – second degree murder, taking contraband to and from penal institutions, attempt to introduce contraband into a correctional facility, producing manufacturing distributing CDS with intent, criminal conspiracy, two counts possession of CDS, $159,500 bail;

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Corn harvest marks the end of summer along our bayou.

Sure there’s plenty of August remaining and September beyond that, but we consider summer finished.

As corn stalks disappear so too are remnants of vegetable gardens long since overwhelmed by heat and dry ground though okra stubbornly resists.

Corn taken in means school opening is at hand, and football’s fast approaching.

Doves, picking through stover seeking cracked kernels remaining behind the harvesters, will soon be targets of wing shooters ringing the fields.

Teal, beginning to appear in sunrise sweeps across the horizon, will be legal quarry in a flip of the calendar.

There’s still plenty to be done on the back 40 – soybeans, milo and cotton harvests remain.

But corn headed to the silo is the benchmark. Summer’s done.

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Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

Aug. 6

Kelmond Dwayne Hamilton, 45, Alexandria – two counts simple burglary, contempt of court, $20,575 bail;

Michael J. Lacoste, 70, Boyce – simple assault, littering, two counts contempt of court, $21,000 bail;

Derrick Dewayne Swafford, 31, Alexandria – second degree murder, introduction of contraband into a correctional facility, taking contraband to and from penal institutions, producing manufacturing distributing with intent, criminal conspiracy, two counts possession of CDS, $159,000 bail.

 

Aug. 5

Ameilea Grace Delrie, 21, Pineville – two counts illegal use of weapons/dangerous instrumentalities, aggravated criminal damage, resisting an officer, misrepresentation during booking, disturbing the peace, $31,500 bail;

Brian Paul Fletcher, 54, Boyce – OWI second offense, $1,500 bail;

Laramy Shane Dunn, 46, Pineville – possession of CDS, possession marijuana, paraphernalia, $3,500 bail;

Demetrius Dewayne Goodman, 46, Alexandria – solicitation on a highway, criminal trespass, eight counts contempt of court, $14,000 bail;

Cedric Dione Jefferson, 48, Pineville – contempt of court, $25,000 bail;

Jayden Johnson, 19, Natchitoches – OWI first offense, illegal carrying of a weapon, producing manufacturing distributing CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia, improper lane usage, $16,000 bail;

Leroy Dewayne Kirklin, 27, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, safety belt violation, no driver’s license, parole violations, $200 bail;

Feyton Clerion Payne, 19, Alexandria – four counts attempted second degree murder, $2 million bail;

Dwight Edwin Poole, 69, Boyce – simple battery, simple assault, criminal trespass, possession of CDS, paraphernalia, probation violation, simple escape, six counts contempt of court, $144,000 bail;

Demitrus Kendrick Smith, 42, Alexandria – armed robbery, contributing to the delinquency of juveniles, criminal conspiracy, probation violation, $251,000 bail;

Tishaunna Sharell Spearman, 24, Alexandria – aggravated assault domestic abuse, domestic abuse battery, possession of marijuana, aggravated assault with a firearm, $12,000 bail;

Bailey S. Summerlin, 22, Pineville – theft, $10,000 bail;

Jerry Lewis Swafford Jr, 38, Pineville – domestic abuse battery strangulation, possession of marijuana, resisting an officer, contempt of court, $26,500 bail;

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

Desmon Marquis Williams, 28, Alexandria – unauthorized entry into inhabited dwelling, resisting an officer, parole violations, three counts burglary of inhabited dwelling, $100,500 bail.

 

Aug. 4

Jeremy Wayne Belgard, 33, Pineville – theft of a motor vehicle, $1,000 bail;

Andre Lamonte Blakemore, 36, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, $3,000 bail;

Dennis Ray Blue, 41, Alexandria – aggravated assault with a firearm, $5,000 bail;

Michael Todd Bynog, 56, Hineston – Louisiana fugitive, possession of fentanyl, paraphernalia, theft of a motor vehicle, unauthorized entry into inhabited dwelling, $14,000 bail;

Michael Scott Coldiron, 41, Pollock – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, running a yellow light, driving under suspension, $3,200 bail;

Steven Darcell Darbon, 46, Alexandria – two counts possession of CDS, paraphernalia, three counts contempt of court, $13,500 bail;

Tycarius Jerome Davis, 28, Pineville – possession of fentanyl, possession of CDS, paraphernalia, bicycle reflectors, three counts contempt of court, probation violation, $14,100 bail;

Totteaanna Nicole Dunbar, 33, Alexandria – obscenity, 11 counts contempt of court, $20,000 bail;

Raydrian Jaquan Fisher, 19, Alexandria – attempted second degree murder, second degree battery, firearm-free zone, contempt of court, $175,000 bail;

Sheila Marie Goodman, 44, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, $3,000 bail;

Payton Guidry, 25, Lake Charles – simple burglary, criminal damage to property, obstruction of justice, possession of drug paraphernalia, $200,000 bail;

Nicholas Trey Johnson, 21, Calcasieu – theft of a firearm, $5,000 bail;

Gerald C. Jones Jr, 35, Alexandria – possession of firearm by convicted felon, contempt of court, $13,000 bail;

Bobbie Rose, 43, Metairie – three counts contempt of court, $55,000 bail;

Tavarious Demond Thomas, 20, Alexandria – six counts attempted second degree murder, criminal conspiracy, $3.05 million bail;

Dyllan Earl Whiddon Sr, 22, Glenmora – aggravated assault domestic abuse, $10,000 bail.

 

Aug. 3

Jo Michael Boudreaux, 36, Pineville – domestic abuse battery intentional serious injury, domestic abuse battery with child present, $20,000 bail;

Kaylee Alexis Brister, 27, Pineville – OWI first offense, hit and run driving, possession of CDS, paraphernalia, careless operation, $4,600 bail;

Daniel W. Chelette Jr, 52, Pineville – resisting a police officer with force or violence, resisting an officer, disturbing the peace, $1,250 bail;

Keldrick Dewone Mitchell, 39, Alexandria – theft, contempt of court, $5,500 bail;

Chandler Raymond Richey, 28, Boyce – OWI second offense, open container, improper window tint, aggravated obstruction of highway, $11,700 bail;

Anthony T. Wilson, 39, Alexandria – theft, criminal trespass, resisting an officer, $1,250 bail.

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By JIM BUTLER

Students gathering for the new semester this month will encounter a changing LSU Alexandria campus.

Projects aimed at modernizing the grounds, meeting student needs and enhancing their collegiate experience are being launched or nearing completion.

Perhaps most noticeable is a spectacular tower in the Welcoming Plaza roundabout. Even in the slow summer days between semesters it has become a landmark. It will provide students an entrance to their campus career and an exit point on graduation.

Adjacent to it is the Martin Family Student Services Center, where campus life will eventually begin for every student.

The $12 million project is well under way by M.D. Descant Construction. RoyOMartin contributed $2 million of the cost; a host of donors gave another $5 million.

Across campus to the north preliminary work has begun on construction of new student housing.

Occupying a portion of the now-closed university golf course the project will provide much-needed quarters for 352 students.

It is the first phase of redevelopment of the 40 acres formerly occupied by the golf course.

And there’s a tank now on site, an outsized reminder of LSU’s military tradition, the Louisiana Manuevers and a natural fit for the Generals teams.

The M60 behemoth came from Vivian with National Guard escort.

Not as readily apparent is completion of drainage improvements that promise to move water off streets and grounds in a more expeditious manner.

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By JIM BUTLER

Superintendent Jeff Powell will elaborate at today’s School Board meeting on the system’s loss of the federal Head Start program, according to the posted agenda.

The board learned in late July its application to retain the program management had been rejected in favor of Save the Children, which lost it to the parish in 2020.

This time a year ago the board was split on seeking to renew its grant. By January overhaul in the program operation led to a vote to seek renewal.

As it was regarding why Save the Children lost Head Start five years ago the government is tight lipped regarding why the national non-profit regained the grant.

The competitive grant process has a number of objective and subjective assessment categories.

Focus on Early Childhood Education is a factor, as is incorporating Head Start teachers into the parish system.

The parish Early Learning Centers and its Pre K program seem strong points.

Powell, perhaps, will shed more light.

Under normal circumstances the board can apply again for the program grant in 2030.

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(Editor’s note – Bob Tompkins is taking a break this week recuperating from a nasty bug, so he’s sharing this “Best of Bob” piece from just after Christmas 2023 for your enjoyment.)

Overheard someone last week talking about “a 1957 Chevy convertible,” and it got me to thinking. When 1957 is mentioned, the first thing that comes to my mind is our family’s green 1957 Chevrolet — a fine-looking car with matching pointy fins on the back of each side.

And that got me to thinking about a year-association exercise. Mention a year and think of the first thing that pops into your mind. As you might

imagine, being a sportswriter for so many years, many years conjure sports memories for me, but not all. Some years bring more than one memory.

There are, without a doubt, tons of other huge events that have happened that aren’t included here. Again, this is just a sampling. It’s an exercise in word association(s) reflecting on timelines in a year-end stretch when we all tend to do – and should do – the same.  

As we approach 2024 and wonder what it will bring, here are 40 “flash card” years with a particular memory or associations that year has for me.

1 AD: Birth of Christ

33 AD: Passion, crucifixion, death and resurrection of Christ

1776: Birth of America

1865: Appomattox, Lincoln assassinated

1927: All-time greatest New York Yankees team, possibly the overall best

1936: Berlin Summer Olympics, Jesse Owens

1941: Pearl Harbor

1944: D-Day

1958: LSU football national champions

1959: LSU’s Billy Cannon wins Heisman Trophy

1961: Roger Maris gets 61 homers in ’61.

1962: John Glenn orbits Earth

1963: JFK assassinated

1968: MLK, RFK assassinated; Chicago Democratic Convention

1969: Apollo moon landing; Jets upset Colts in Super Bowl; ‘Miracle Mets’

1970: Tom Dempsey

1972: Mark Spitz

1973: Secretariat

1974: Hank Aaron

1975: Reds-Red Sox World Series

1976: America’s Bicentennial; Nadia Comaneci

1978: Affirmed and Alydar

1979: Seattle Slew; Pittsburgh Steelers; Pittsburgh Pirates

1981: President Reagan and Pope John Paul II survive assassination attempts

1984: Mary Lou Retton

1986: Space Shuttle Challenger tragedy; LSU basketball makes NCAA Final Four

1989: Berlin Wall comes down

1996: LSU’s Warren Morris hits 2-out homer in bottom of 9^th to win College World Series

2001: 9-11

2003: LSU football national championship; Space Shuttle Columbia disaster

2004: Red Sox break 86-year World Series title drought

2007: LSU football national championship

2008: Michael Phelps

2009: Saints Super Bowl season; LSU baseball wins national championship

2015: American Pharoah

2016: Cubs end 108-year World Series title drought

2017: Trash-can banging Astros win their first World Series

2019: LSU football national champions; Joe Burrow wins Heisman

2020: Covid, one nightmare after another

2023: LSU wins NCAA championships in women’s basketball and baseball, and LSU’s Jayden Daniels wins Heisman Trophy 

Happy 2024!

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By JIM BUTLER

Alexandria officials want to hear from individuals and organizations with ideas regarding development of a Bolton Avenue site as location for a relocated bus transfer station.

The one-time headquarters of Rush Cleaners at 210 Bolton Avenue first must be rid of chemical pollutants detected in soil and water to 32 feet.

Demolition of improvements on the property, a laundry operation for about 50 years, began with a contract awarded in May 2024.

The city’s has a Brownfield cleanup and redevelopment grant from the federal government through 2028.

A condition of the continuing grant process is hearing from the public regarding use of the restored tract.

The city proposes to move the transfer station (dubbed a Mobility Hub as it incorporates first mile-last mile vehicle sharing, bicycle and pedestrian connections) from 2nd & Murray to the Rush site, a locale more suitable to current transit commuter usage and part of a Bolton Avenue rejuvenation plan.

The discussion with project consultants will be August 14 from 1:00-3:30 p.m. at the Bolton Avenue Community Center, 315 Bolton.

Written comments can be directed to cda.cityofalex.com or City of Alexandria, 625 Murray Suite 7, Alexandria 71301, Attn: Chad Reed.

Additional information is available by telephoning 318-449-5071.

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