England panel ponders public assembly rules

By JIM BUTLER

Time was assemblies at England Air Force Base were flag-waving gatherings, wishing deploying forces Godspeed or welcoming them home – no rules necessary.

Things change.

Issues of today’s world prompt sincere and emotional expression for and against.

England Airpark is no exception to the fact that some activities (ICE, data center, for example) draw a crowd.

Today, an England Authority committee will discuss how to manage use of public property for “expressive activities”.

The Admin/Legal Committee meets at noon to review a proposed addition to the Authority Code of Ordinances.  

Under the 1st Amendment, protest is a guaranteed right but restrictions can be imposed as long as all groups are treated the same.

The England proposal provides for “reasonable” content-neutral regulation of demonstrations, protests, rallies, vigils, picketing and other expressive assemblies on Authority property.

It also proposes establishing permit procedures for certain planned demonstrations and addresses “spontaneous” demonstrations.

Peaceful assembly without rights infringement, minus illegal civil disobedience, is the obvious objective.

Committee members are Myron Lawson Jr., chair; Charlie Weems, vice chair; and Steve Mansour. Authority Chairman Oday Lavergne is an executive official member.

Any committee recommendation would ordinarily be forwarded to next Thursday’s monthly Authority session.


Rapides Parish Police Jury committee meetings and regular meeting scheduled for August

The Rapides Parish Police Jury has announced that several committees will meet on Monday, August 3, beginning at 3 p.m. in the meeting room of the Police Jury Office.

Committees scheduled to meet include the Finance Committee; Public Works, Watershed and Agricultural Affairs Committee; Workforce Development and Grants Committee; and the Tourism and Economic Planning and Development Committee.

Officials said the agenda for the committee meetings will be posted at 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, on the meeting room door.

The Police Jury also announced that its regular meeting will be held Monday, August 10, at 3 p.m. at the Rapides Parish Courthouse in Alexandria. The agenda for that meeting is scheduled to be posted at 4 p.m. on Thursday, August 6 9.

Both the committee meetings and the regular meeting will be streamed live online.

Additional information is available through Rapides Parish Police Jury and RPPJ YouTube Channel.


Alternating lane closures scheduled on U.S. 167 in Pineville

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) advises motorists that alternating lane closures will take place on US 167 near Melrose Street in Pineville beginning Thursday, July 16, weather permitting.

On Thursday, July 16, alternating lane closures will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on US 167 northbound near Melrose Street (LA 107).

Beginning Friday, July 17, alternating lane closures will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the following locations:

  • US 167 northbound near Melrose Street (LA 107)
  • US 167 southbound near Melrose Street (Zion Hill Church)

The closures are necessary to install Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) infrastructure along the US 167 Expressway corridor and install new guardrail.

DOTD anticipates work at these locations will be completed by July 17, weather permitting and subject to other factors that may impact construction schedules.

The project, identified as H.011504.6, Alexandria ITS – Phase 2, was awarded to Grady Crawford Construction Co. Inc. for $2,195,805.53.

A 12-foot lane width restriction will be in place. No detours are associated with the project.

DOTD reminds motorists that construction activities are weather dependent and encourages drivers to use caution while traveling through work zones and watch for workers and equipment.


UL System report shows Northwestern State has strongest unrestricted cash position among current universities

Third-quarter financial report ranks NSU first in unrestricted liquidity and second in total cash among current University of Louisiana System institutions.

By Richard Searles

Northwestern State University entered the final quarter of fiscal year 2026 with the strongest unrestricted cash position among the current universities in the University of Louisiana System, according to a third-quarter financial report presented to the UL System Board of Supervisors.

The report shows Northwestern State averaging 148 days of unrestricted cash on hand through March 31 — nearly five months of unrestricted operating liquidity and the highest level reported among the system’s current universities.

Grambling State University ranked second with 99 days, placing Northwestern State 49 days ahead of the next-highest institution.

UL System Universities Ranked by Unrestricted Cash

Quarter-average days of unrestricted cash through March 31, 2026

Northwestern State University
148
Grambling State University
99
Nicholls State University
79
McNeese State University
64
Southeastern Louisiana University
48
University of Louisiana Monroe
27
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
17
Louisiana Tech University
-2
Source: University of Louisiana System, Fiscal Year 2025-26 Third Quarter Financial Report, Page 7.

NSU leads the system in unrestricted liquidity

“Days of unrestricted cash” is a measure of institutional liquidity. It estimates how many days a university could continue paying unrestricted operating expenses using available unrestricted cash resources.

Unlike restricted money designated for grants, scholarships, capital projects or other specific purposes, unrestricted cash generally provides greater flexibility for meeting payroll, vendor obligations and other ordinary operating expenses.

The quarter-average rankings were:

  • Northwestern State University — 148 days
  • Grambling State University — 99 days
  • Nicholls State University — 79 days
  • McNeese State University — 64 days
  • Southeastern Louisiana University — 48 days
  • University of Louisiana Monroe — 27 days
  • University of Louisiana at Lafayette — 17 days
  • Louisiana Tech University — negative two days

Northwestern State reported nearly five months of unrestricted operating liquidity — more than any other current University of Louisiana System institution.

Louisiana Tech’s negative quarter average and UL Lafayette’s 17-day average indicate substantially tighter unrestricted liquidity than Northwestern State reported during the same period.

The report, however, does not establish that either university delayed vendor payments, experienced difficulty meeting payroll or transferred money between funds. Determining whether those practices occurred would require additional records, including accounts-payable aging reports, cash-by-fund schedules and payment-timing data.

NSU ranks second in total cash

The report also measured total cash on hand, which includes both unrestricted cash and funds that may be legally or contractually restricted for specific purposes.

McNeese State University ranked first in total cash with a quarter average of 163 days. Northwestern State ranked second with 120 days, followed closely by Grambling State with 118 days.

UL System Universities Ranked by Total Cash

Quarter-average days of total cash through March 31, 2026

McNeese State University
163
Northwestern State University
120
Grambling State University
118
Nicholls State University
91
Southeastern Louisiana University
68
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
37
University of Louisiana Monroe
36
Louisiana Tech University
12
Source: University of Louisiana System, Fiscal Year 2025-26 Third Quarter Financial Report, Page 7.

Nicholls reported 91 days of total cash, Southeastern Louisiana 68 days, UL Lafayette 37 days, UL Monroe 36 days and Louisiana Tech 12 days.

The distinction between unrestricted and total cash is important. A university can report a substantial total cash balance while having far less money available for general operating purposes because portions of the cash may be restricted.

Two measures show NSU among system’s strongest

Quarter-Average Days of Cash on Hand

Unrestricted cash compared with total cash through March 31, 2026

Unrestricted cash Total cash Negative unrestricted cash
Northwestern State University
Unrestricted
148
Total cash
120
Grambling State University
Unrestricted
99
Total cash
118
Nicholls State University
Unrestricted
79
Total cash
91
McNeese State University
Unrestricted
64
Total cash
163
Southeastern Louisiana University
Unrestricted
48
Total cash
68
University of Louisiana Monroe
Unrestricted
27
Total cash
36
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Unrestricted
17
Total cash
37
Louisiana Tech University
Unrestricted
-2
Total cash
12
Source: University of Louisiana System, Fiscal Year 2025-26 Third Quarter Financial Report, Page 7.

Taken together, the two measures show Northwestern State entered the final quarter of fiscal year 2026 with one of the strongest liquidity positions in the UL System.

NSU ranked:

  • First in unrestricted cash, at 148 days
  • Second in total cash, at 120 days

The findings also provide important context for discussions surrounding Northwestern State’s projected fiscal year 2026 operating deficit.

A projected budget deficit and cash liquidity measure different aspects of an institution’s finances. The budget projection estimates whether revenues will cover planned expenses during the year. Days of cash on hand measure the university’s existing liquidity and its ability to continue meeting obligations from available cash resources.

While Northwestern State faces a projected budget imbalance, the third-quarter report shows the university maintained the strongest unrestricted cash position among the current institutions in the UL System.

The report was based on financial submissions from each university for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. It was presented to the UL System Board of Supervisors for discussion and required no board action.


Footnote: The University of New Orleans was included in the March 31, 2026, University of Louisiana System report but left the UL System effective June 30, 2026. UNO has therefore been excluded from the rankings in this article.

Source: University of Louisiana System, Fiscal Year 2025-26 Third Quarter Financial Report, Page 7.


Pineville First United Methodist Church welcomes Rev. Austin Rinehart

Pineville First United Methodist Church recently welcomed Rev. Austin Rinehart during a gathering with members of the church family.

According to the church, members came together to welcome their new pastor with fellowship, food and an opportunity to introduce him to the congregation.

The church thanked everyone who attended the event and expressed excitement for the season ahead under Rev. Rinehart’s leadership.


A new chapter of service for Pineville Chaplain, Community Liaison Program

Last night, the Pineville Police Department, alongside Mayor Bishop and the Pineville City Council, formally inducted members of the new Chaplain and Community Liaison Program: Vance Curtis, Keith Dickens, James Greer, Mark Johnson, Dale Meade and Mohammad.

These dedicated volunteers have answered the call to serve our officers, our department, and our community by providing spiritual guidance, emotional support, encouragement, and compassionate outreach during times of crisis, loss, and celebration.

As we reflected on the recent tragic event in our neighboring community of Alexandria, we were reminded just how important this program truly is. During life’s most difficult moments, people need more than a police response—they need compassion, hope, comfort, and someone willing to stand beside them. Our Chaplains and Community Liaisons will serve as a source of strength for victims, families, first responders, and our community when they need it most.

We sincerely thank Mayor Bishop for his support of this important initiative and for joining us in recognizing these outstanding individuals. We are also grateful to each of our inductees for their willingness to answer this calling. Their commitment to serving others will help strengthen the bond between the Pineville Police Department and the community we proudly serve.

Congratulations, and welcome to the Pineville Police Department family. Together, we will continue working to make Pineville a safer, stronger, and more compassionate community.


Bride convinced new dad Burns to take his shot at British Open beginning today

Former LSU All-American Sam Burns tees off at 8:31 CDT today in the opening round of the 154th British Open. (Photo courtesy PGATour.com)

Bride convinced new dad Burns to take his shot at British Open beginning today

By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

Golf’s fourth major begins this morning in Southport, England, and it’s the only thing that could carry Sam Burns across the pond and away from his newborn baby daughter Belle.

That, and his wife Caroline’s encouragement.

Belle was born 11 days early, on July 3. With the due date Tuesday, Burns fully expected to be at home in Choudrant with his wife and 2-year-old son Bear, and probably a newborn, this week.

Instead, he arrived Monday and played Royal Birkdale’s back nine to begin preparing for the 154th British Open.

Burns has a mid-afternoon tee time (local time) on the storied links course with Chris Gotterup and Adam Scott as he takes aim at his first major championship after close calls in three of the last five.

He led through much of the 2025 U.S. Open and was first with four holes to go before a dubious ruling forced him to play from a waterlogged lie, leading to a double bogey. He staggered home for a seventh-place tie.

Burns tied for seventh in April at The Masters, then was runner-up last month at the U.S. Open, barely missing a 22-foot birdie putt on the 18th that would have forced a playoff with Wyndham Clark.

In May, in the second major of the season, Burns was 26th at the PGA Championship. Three-quarters (12 of 16) of his most recent rounds have been in the 60s, including all four in his last start, a 12th place finish two weeks ago at The Travelers.

The native Shreveporter, a Calvary Baptist Academy graduate and two-time LSU All-American, has four straight top 20 finishes this summer.

The combination of the allure of what the locals call The Open Championship, and Burns’ extremely sharp level of play beginning with The Masters in mid-April, was a powerful enough tug for Burns to change his plans and cross the pond to play this week.

“We only get four of these (majors) a year,” Burns told PGATour.com reporter Paul Hodowanic after Wednesday’s practice outing. “If it was a different event, I probably wouldn’t be here. I was expecting to be at home.”

Struggling with the idea of leaving Caroline, Belle and Bear, Burns got encouragement and  the green light from his wife that convinced him to travel. He had asked his good friend Scottie Scheffler, the world’s No. 1 and defending Open champion, since Scheffler also recently became a second-time dad.

Family is surrounding Caroline, and big brother Bear is enthusiastic about his baby sister.

“I still wasn’t sure if I could get there mentally,” Burns said Wednesday. “It’s just a weird dynamic of having a new baby, and you want to be there for them and your family. I think it was ultimately my decision of, could I get there from a mental standpoint of having to leave?”

After Belle was born, Burns did not touch a golf club until the middle of last week, but feels good about the state of his game. He has played nine holes each day at Royal Birkdale, going around the back nine again Wednesday with Scheffler.

His best finish in this event came in 2024, when he tied for 31st, soaring to a final-round 80 after a Saturday 65 that briefly had him within a shot of the lead. He tied for 45th last summer.

Burns, who turns 30 next Thursday, is one of five players CBS Sports analyst Robby Kalland cited as his top “sleeper” picks to win. Burns goes off at 50-1 odds due largely to his uncertain status in the run-up to The Open.

He stands 10th in FedEx Cup PGA Tour standings, seventh in Presidents Cup points to represent America in international play in September, and is 18th in the Official World Golf Rankings. He has four top 10 finishes and nine top 25s in 16 events this season, capturing $6.4 million in official purse money to raise his career winnings to over $41 million.

Peacock and USA Network have TV coverage of the first two rounds, beginning on Peacock at 12:30 a.m. today and Friday and switching to USA Network from 3 a.m.-1:30 p.m. each day.  After early USA Network coverage on the weekend, NBC will take over from 6 a.m. until the end of play Saturday and Sunday.


Ruston Rifle’s No. 7 jersey will be retired at LSU, fifth Tigers’ great given that distinction

LSU will retire Bert Jones’ No. 7 jersey on Nov. 14, recognizing the Ruston native’s exceptional career with the Tigers and in the NFL, where he was the 1976 MVP highlighting a 10-year pro career. He is shown acknowledging cheers after his introduction at the 2005 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony’s Walk of Legends.  (Photo courtesy LaSportsHall.com)

BATON ROUGE – Bert Jones, the first all-America quarterback in LSU history, will have his jersey retired, the school announced on Wednesday. 

The LSU Athletic Hall of Fame Committee unanimously approved Jones’ jersey retirement. His No. 7 jersey will be retired on Nov. 14 when LSU hosts Texas in Tiger Stadium.  

The No. 7 worn by Jones will join the Billy Cannon’s No. 20, Tommy Casanova’s No. 37, Jerry Stovall’s No. 21 and Charles Alexander’s No. 4 as retired jerseys in the LSU football program. All retired jersey numbers are displayed on the façade in the south end zone of Tiger Stadium. All but Cannon’s No. 20 are still worn by current players. Cannon has the only retired number in LSU football history. 

“I had no idea that there was anything in the works so this is totally unsuspecting,” Jones said. “I have been the beneficiary of a lot of good things and received a lot of accolades and a lot of awards, but this is at the top of the list. 

“To be (name and number) hung up in Tiger Stadium, where my father played, my brother played and cousins played, is special and what’s even equally as special is that I will be up there with my LSU roommate Tommy Casanova.”

Jones and Casanova, a defensive back and return specialist, played together for three years (1969-71). Casanova, who remains the only three-time first-team all-American in school history, had his jersey retired in 2009. Jones and Casanova are both members of the College Football Hall of Fame. 

Jones is also a member of the LSU Athletics Hall of Fame and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. 

Jones, a native of Ruston and a starter for the Tigers from 1970-72, compiled a 26-6-1 mark at quarterback for LSU, leading the program to three bowl games and the 1970 SEC Championship. During his three seasons at LSU, the Tigers won nine games each year. 

Known as “the Ruston Rifle,” he capped his career as the school’s record holder at the time for passing yards (3,255), touchdown passes (28), attempts (418) and completions (220). In 1972, Jones became the first quarterback in LSU history to top the 3,000-yard mark for passing yards in a career.

He also set the school mark for passing yards in a game (242 vs. Alabama, 1972) and passing yards in a season (1,446 in 1972). His 14 passing TDs in 1972 was a school record and he became only the sixth player in program history to pass for three touchdowns in a game, doing it three times – vs. Auburn, 1972, vs. Texas A&M, 1972 and vs. Tulane, 1971.

After directing the Tigers to a 9-2-1 mark in 1972, Jones became the first player in LSU history to earn first-team all-America honors as a quarterback. He went on to finish fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting that year.

Jones earned first-team All-SEC honors as a senior in 1972 after leading the league in completion percentage (51.8), touchdown passes (14), total yards (1,464) and TDs responsible for (18). LSU finished the year with a 9-2-1 mark which included wins over Texas A&M, Wisconsin, Auburn, and Ole Miss.  

Jones went on to be selected No. 2 overall in the 1973 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts. During his 10-year NFL career, Jones appeared in 102 games with 96 starts. He led the Colts to an 11-3 regular-season mark in 1976 on his way to earning NFL MVP honors.

A neck injury forced Jones to retire from the NFL following the 1982 season after passing for 17,7663 yards and 122 touchdowns in a career that spanned nine years with the Colts and one season with the Rams. 


Rapides Parish District Attorney announces conviction, sentencing and parole decision

Rapides Parish District Attorney Phillip Terrell announced recent court actions involving three criminal cases.

Benjamin Horace Coco was convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and has been sentenced to five years in prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney June Wells Foster. According to the District Attorney’s Office, parole was denied.

In the case of State of Louisiana v. Cedric Howard, the Louisiana Board of Pardons and Committee on Parole denied Howard’s request for parole. District Attorney Phillip Terrell argued the state’s objection during the hearing, resulting in parole being denied.

Howard is currently serving a life sentence after being convicted of first-degree murder on May 23, 1997.

In a separate case, Cortavius Markell Hicks was sentenced to 50 years at hard labor following his conviction for attempted second-degree murder.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Kenneth A. Doggett Jr.


Alexandria suspect faces six-figure bail on weapons charges

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

July 15

Theodore Channing King, 33, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, $1,500 bail;

Joseph Edward Owen Jr., 44, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, disturbing the peace, theft, $750 bail.

July 14

Antwine Butler, 23, N/A – possession of firearm by convicted felon, Louisiana fugitive, $5,000 bail;

Derrick Demonte Goodman, 28, Alexandria – two counts contempt of court, $8,000 bail;

Kenny Kennard Henry, 46, Boyce – possession of fentanyl, possession of CDS, criminal conspiracy, criminal damage to property, simple battery, paraphernalia, resisting an officer, $61,500 bail;

Mark Allen Hill, 64, Boyce – simple assault, criminal damage to property, $10,500 bail;

Dani Louise Hoolihan, 66, Alexandria – possession of fentanyl, $5,000 bail;

Alton James Horn III, 38, Alexandria – possession of CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, expired plate/registration, no insurance, driving under suspension, three counts contempt of court, $20,300 bail;

Lisa Littleton, 45, Pineville – possession of marijuana, possession of CDS, paraphernalia, $2,500 bail;

Victoria McGoogan, 25, Alexandria – possession of fentanyl, paraphernalia, $500 bail;

Tyshaun L. Pace, 39, N/A – illegal possession of a stolen firearm, $5,000 bail;

Zachary Scott Strother, 33, Oakdale – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, parole violations, possession of paraphernalia, $1,500 bail;

Kenneth Dewayne Stroud, 48, Ball – hit and run driving, driving under suspension, canceled plate violation, failure to secure registration, three counts Louisiana fugitive, $1,200 bail;

Korion D’aquan Williams, 21, Alexandria – two counts possession of firearm by convicted felon, Louisiana fugitive, $115,000 bail;

James Randall Willingham II, 29, Alexandria – possession of CDS, no signals, $2,100 bail.

July 13

Ashley Marie Ambush, 33, Alexandria – unauthorized entry of inhabited dwelling, two counts contempt of court, $7,500 bail;

Cole Child, 23, Yorba Linda, Calif. – simple burglary, criminal conspiracy, criminal damage to property, $7,000 bail;

Brian Matthew Guillory, 43, Alexandria – two counts possession of CDS, $26,500 bail;

Jakyria M. Hobbs, 18, Pineville – OWI first offense, speeding, contributing to delinquency of juveniles, possession of CDS, $2,100 bail;

Joshua Leavitt, 26, Los Molinos, Calif. – simple burglary, criminal conspiracy, criminal damage to property, $7,000 bail;

Sara Ellen Ray, 54, Pineville – OWI first offense, careless operation of a vehicle, prohibited use of wireless telecom device, $1,200 bail.

July 12

William Belton Bailey, 30, Forest Hill – two counts possession of CDS, contempt of court, lamps must be red, $3,100 bail;

Kim Michelle Christian, 52, Ball – OWI first offense, disturbing the peace, resisting an officer, $2,000 bail;

Elizabeth Hope Day, 22, Pineville – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, driving under suspension, failure to appear, $7,100 bail;

Lyndell Roy Hall II, 35, Alexandria – two counts possession of CDS, paraphernalia, driving lamps required, contempt of non-support, $2,600 bail.


Remembering Caroline Ashley Kaplan Lemoine

Caroline Ashley Kaplan Lemoine was born October 3, 1972 in Alexandria, LA to parents Edward Alan Kaplan and Lawlene Bowers Kaplan. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Carol Silverman Bowers, Delores Irving Wright Bowers, Joseph Harold Kaplan, and Norma Harris Kaplan, as well as her aunt Judith Wright Bowers and uncle Robert Irving Bowers.

Caroline is survived by husband Paul Kevin Lemoine, her children Connor Blake Lemoine and Crawford Chase Lemoine, and siblings Lisa Swain Beychok Kaplan, Laura Ellen Kaplan, Deborah Lynn Kaplan McKinnon (Shannon Patrick McKinnon), David Alan Kaplan (Aysha Mahmoud Kaplan), and Michael Crawford Kaplan.

Caroline attended and graduated high school from The Pennington School in Pennington, New Jersey. She attended Brenau University and Louisiana College.

Caroline was one of the most patient, giving people you could ever meet. No matter the situation, she stepped in with thoughtfulness and care, a light in every room.

Above all, Caroline was a devoted and loving mother, daughter, sister, and aunt. She spent a beautiful life with her family and enjoyed traveling, holidays, and everyday moments that meant just as much as the grand adventures in her life.

Every morning, right before she dropped Connor and Crawford off at school, they would put their hands together and exclaim, “1… 2… 3… we’re a team!” Family togetherness was always the goal, and she loved her sons more than anything. Her greatest joy was her children. She would listen to her sons’ stories from every stuffed animal play session (laughing at all the right parts), boast about them to anyone who would listen, and snuggle all morning, the Today Show always playing softly in the background. Her greatest happiness came from loving and caring for Connor and Crawford, and we still feel her warmth in our hearts. In that way, she’ll always be with us, a team forever and ever.

Caroline’s legacy lives on in the love she gave, the relationships she built, and the family she treasured so dearly.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Graveside Service at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 17, 2026 at Hebrew Rest #3 Cemetery, 2101 Pelopidas Street, New Orleans, LA 70122. Arrangements entrusted to Tharp Funeral Home. Expressions of love and sympathy may be placed and viewed at http://www.tharpcares.com. 


Remembering Martha Faye Oliver Cain

Services for Martha Faye Oliver Cain will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, July 16, 2026, in the chapel of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Pineville, with Pastor Dennis Dunn and Reverend Ricky Belgard officiating. Interment will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Pineville.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 16, 2026, until shortly before service time in the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Timothy Toler, Damon Cain, Daniel Murphy, Cody Toler, Austin Aymond, and Barry Lavespere.

Martha Faye Oliver Cain, a long-time resident of Louisiana, passed away on Monday, July 13, 2026, at the age of 83 years at her residence.

She was born on February 26, 1943, in Lake Village, Arkansas, to the union of William M. and Minnie Bertha Cruse Oliver.

Martha graduated from Lakeside High School in Lake Village, Arkansas. She was a member of River Outreach Church, Pineville. Martha worked in accounting for many years for Eudora Lumber Company, Ross Van Ness School, and Scott Truck and Tractor, until her retirement.

She was a homemaker who loved God and her family.

Martha loved Gospel music, tending her yard, and traveling to new places with her husband.

She was preceded in death by George Cain, the love of her life for 45 years, in 2008. Martha is also preceded by her parents, William M. and Minnie B. Cruse Oliver; her sister, Mabel Eugenia Chaney; her brother-in-law, Herbert “Billy” Chaney; her nephew, Homer Chaney; her niece, Susan Chaney Ross, and her nephew, Ricky Chaney.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughters, Regina Toler and husband, Timothy, and Danita Murphy; grandchildren, Damon Cain, Daniel Murphy and wife, Rebekah, and Cody Toler; great-grandchildren, Adyn Cain, Atreyu Cain, Callie Murphy, and Everly Toler.


Word of the Day: Compulsory

Phonetic: /com·​pul·​so·​ry/

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition

mandatory, enforced
compulsory retirement

coercive, compelling
compulsory measures



Notice of Death – July 15, 2026

Martha Faye Oliver Cain
February 26, 1943 – July 13, 2026
Service: Thursday, July 16, 2026, 1pm at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville.

Vivian Ann Kurtz
April 23, 1946 – July 13, 2026
Service: Friday, July 17, 2026, 10am at Elwood Baptist Church, Forest Hill.

Martha Jean Fluker Parish
April 26, 1952 – July 13, 2026
Service: Friday, July 17, 2026, 2pm at HIS Church, Pineville.

George Edwin DeSoto
September 26, 1938 – July 12, 2026
Service: Thursday, July 16, 2026, 11:30am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Tioga.

Edna Bea Sanders
October 10, 1940 – July 11, 2026
Service: Thursday, July 16, 2026, 11am at St. Matthew Baptist Church, Boyce.

Judy Mae Lemoine Holloway
April 22, 1940 – July 11, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 18, 2026, 11am at Calvary Baptist Church, Alexandria.

JaKobey X. Kahey
December 31, 2003 – July 9, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 1pm at Zion Hill Church Family, Pineville.

A’Layna Laiken Kali Duruisseau
October 22, 2003 — July 8, 2026
Service: Tuesday, July 21, 2026, 11am at St. Matthew’s Baptist Church, Boyce.

Michael Alan Martin
May 22, 1967 – July 8, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 18, 2026, 11am at Kramer & Son Funeral Home, Alexandria.

Joseph Larry Skillern
October 3, 1970 – July 8, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 18, 2026, 2pm at First Union Historic Baptist Church, Alexandria.

Glendon Michael Bethard
May 13, 1948 – July 7, 2026
Service: Thursday, July 16, 2026, 1pm at Kramer & Son Funeral Home, Alexandria.

Carlton Sims
December 26, 1934 – July 7, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 18, 2026, 11am at Newman United Methodist Church, Alexandria.

Kendrick Dewayne Dotson, Sr.
September 5, 1982 – July 4, 2026
Service: Friday, July 17, 2026, 11am at New Scott Olly Baptist Church, Alexandria.

Kim Alayne Gordy
December 15, 1963 – July 4, 2026
Service: Friday, July 24, 2026, 3pm at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball.

John Eugene Perkins
October 17, 1968 – July 3, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 18, 2026, 2pm at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville.

William “Sonar” Patrick Vlk
October 10, 1965 – July 2, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 18, 2026, 2pm at American Legion Post 3, Alexandria.

Roland Daniel Kraushaar
April 19, 1952 – June 28, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 18, 2026, 2pm at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Alexandria.

Mary Jo Loper Bazar
August 28, 1943 – June 26, 2026
Service: Sunday, July 19, 2026, 3pm at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball.

Rose Marie Bell Roberts
May 31, 1952 – June 25, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 18, 2026, 11am at The Citadel Church of God in Christ, Alexandria.

Brenda Sue White
December 14, 1958 – May 27, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 22, 2026, 11am at Calvary Baptist Church, Alexandria.

The Rapides Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.