By JIM BUTLER

Kent House will get $12,000 in GAEDA funds for its annual late-summer biking and walking event. 

The La. Sports Hall of Fame didn’t get a hearing of its request for $4,000 to assist in a celebrity bowling event this month.

Both were pitched in May as economic development opportunities by the respective non-profit organizations.

The split decision caps an unsettled spring for the Authority.

The headlines have gone to the Weiss & Goldring Building back and forth, pushing to the background other agency activity.

Recapping a not-so-silent Spring:

March 4 – special meeting to respond to lawsuit from former Commissioner John Callis; March 10 – Economic Development Committee recommends $30,000 for Steubenville Youth Conference, $7,000 for La. Animal Control Association gathering. (Committee meeting notices not posted on web site); March 17 – No posted meeting agenda reflected on web site archive. Minutes record Rod Noles oath-taking, consent agenda approval, project sites (project not delineated) discussion;

April 14 – Economic Development Committee receives request regarding Celebrity Bowling Bash, no motion to consider, thus rejected. Kent House request motion passed; April 14 – Operations & Human Resources tables for a week motion to approve and adopt job description for a Director of Communications and to authorize posting and solicitation of applicants. Motion passes to add executive director evaluation discussion in executive session to next commission meeting agenda; April 21 – No quorum for monthly meeting. No agenda apparently on web postings.

May – no committee minutes posted if any held; May 5 – Special call meeting, no quorum, only Zendrea Whitehead present. Agenda does not include Director of Communications or executive director evaluation items. Agenda does include motion to adopt job description for a Manager of Strategic Initiatives, posting and solicitation of applicants. Agenda does include executive session to discuss character, professional competence or physical or mental health of a person. Rod Noles has resigned.

May 19 – Agenda includes items from May 5 call, including lease agreements with tenants in new building and use policy/fee schedule for conference room but does not include executive session for any reason and adds Brad Smith oath-taking.

Through May 31 the Authority web site indicated no posting of either the Communications or Strategic Initiatives positions.

---

The Rapides Parish School Board recognized several outstanding student accomplishments during its May board meeting, highlighting achievements in academics, athletics, leadership and extracurricular activities.

The Pineville Junior High and J.I. Barron Archery Team was recognized for its performance at the 2026 Centershot Western National Archery Tournament, where the team earned second place overall. The team also finished among the top 20 competitors at both the 2026 Western National Archery Tournament and the 2026 3D Western National Archery Tournament.

Pineville High School’s Lady Rebels softball team was honored after capturing the program’s eighth state championship and its first state title since 1998 with a victory over John Curtis.

Members of the Bolton Academy Drone Team were recognized for a successful season that included participation in five tournaments across Louisiana and Mississippi. The team won the teamwork championship at each event before claiming both the Teamwork Championship and Judges’ Award at the Louisiana State Championship in Slidell. At the Southeast Regional Championship in Huntsville, Alabama, the high school team earned second place in teamwork, while the middle school team finished third.

Alexandria Senior High School student Clark W. was recognized for receiving appointments to all three of the nation’s premier military service academies: the United States Military Academy at West Point, the United States Naval Academy and the United States Air Force Academy. He has chosen to attend the Air Force Academy.

Bolton Academy student Hannah F. was recognized for serving as the 2025-26 Louisiana Society Children of the American Revolution state president. During the organization’s national conference in Washington, D.C., she represented Louisiana members, reported on her work as state president and presented her state project.

Buckeye High School student Bailee H. was recognized as her school’s Student of the Year. She plans to attend Louisiana Tech University, where she will major in history and political science before pursuing law school.

The Alexandria Senior High School junior varsity cheerleading team was also honored after winning the NCA Freshman JV Virtual Championship. The competition was moved to a virtual format because of Winter Storm Fern.

School officials congratulated the students and teams for their accomplishments and for representing Rapides Parish schools at a high level throughout the year.

---

The Alexandria Lions Cub Club hosted its “Sizzlin Summer Spectacular” fundraiser Saturday at Horseshoe Drive United Methodist Church.

Members of the Alexandria Lions Club assisted with the event, which was held to raise funds for the Louisiana Lions Children’s Camp.

Organizers said the event featured activities and entertainment for attendees of all ages, with both children and adults participating throughout the day.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will support the Louisiana Lions Children’s Camp and its programs serving children across the state.

Event organizers described the day as a successful community gathering that combined fun and fellowship while supporting a worthwhile cause.

---

The Pineville Police Department is advising residents that a social media post describing a fictional event in Pineville is circulating online and incorrectly identifies the department as the media contact.

In a statement released Sunday, the department said the post is satirical in nature and is not associated with, endorsed by or connected to the Pineville Police Department in any way.

Officials encouraged the public to verify information before sharing it on social media or accepting it as fact.

The department reminded residents to use caution when viewing content online, noting that not everything shared on the internet is accurate.

Police did not identify the specific post but issued the clarification after becoming aware of its circulation on social media platforms.

Social Media Post:

Pineville Police Department issued a statement regarding an incident at the former Pineville cannery site involving local resident Casey Saucier Piazza.

According to the statement, Pineville Police Department officers took Piazza into custody earlier in the evening following an incident at the condemned property. Officers reported that Piazza was inside the structure and had located and retrieved three neighborhood children who had wandered into the building while playing hide-and-seek.

The department noted that while the children were safely returned, the investigation determined that Piazza entered the property despite posted no trespassing signs, scaled a perimeter fence, and used a flashlight she reportedly kept for emergency use.

A department spokesperson said that while the community’s concern for local youth is appreciated, entering condemned structures is not advised. The spokesperson also noted that Piazza was booked for trespassing and later released, and that she reportedly continued sketching the building while in the back of a patrol unit.

The children were safely returned to their homes following the incident.

The Pineville Police Department reminded residents that if they encounter unsafe situations, they should contact law enforcement rather than enter dangerous or restricted areas.

---

Deputies with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office are investigating a reported drive-by shooting that occurred Friday evening in the 5000 block of Lanny Street off Louisiana Highway 1 North.

According to the sheriff’s office, patrol deputies responded to the area at approximately 6:30 p.m. on May 29 after receiving reports of shots being fired.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered a vehicle that had been struck by gunfire. No injuries were reported.

Sheriff’s detectives and members of the Crime Scene Unit responded to process the scene and continue the investigation.

Preliminary information indicates an altercation involving juveniles occurred earlier in the day. Investigators believe one of the individuals involved may have later returned to the area and fired shots.

The investigation remains active and ongoing.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-473-6700 or Crime Stoppers at 318-443-7867.

---

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

May 31

Lary J. Brooks III, 22, Alexandria – possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, illegal carry firearm with drugs, $2,000 bail;

Jackson Matthew Devanie, 24, Alexandria – possession of marijuana, illegal carry firearm with drugs, running a stop sign, $600 bail.

May 30

Derrick Demond Davis Sr., 42, Alexandria – theft, contempt of court, $5,500 bail;

Lauren Ellen Ebert, 35, Alexandria – 16 counts of theft (second/subsequent conviction), 12 counts contempt of court, simple escape, three counts criminal conspiracy, $992,000 bail;

Paul T. Edmonds, 61, Pineville – OWI first offense, $1,000 bail;

Scott Paul Gaspard, 39, Deville – six counts contempt of court, $53,200 bail;

Jerard Detorian Melbert, 34, Alexandria – possession of CDS, obstruction of public passages, 10 counts contempt of court, resisting an officer, $19,000 bail;

Destiny Kapi Mitchell, 36, Boyce – criminal trespass, unauthorized entry of inhabited dwelling, contempt of court, $3,000 bail;

Christian Caleb Pete, 21, Pineville – domestic abuse battery strangulation, aggravated assault domestic abuse, home invasion, no bail data;

Thurseon Jeremiah Price, 27, Alexandria – domestic abuse aggravated assault child endangerment, parole violations, no bail data;

Kevin Bradshaw Reed, 19, Ball – criminal damage to property, resisting an officer, off road vehicle on public road, reckless operation of off road, flight from officer, aggravated obstruction of highway, contempt of court, $2,100 bail;

Reko Dewayne Russell, 50, Alexandria – six counts contempt of court, home invasion, $15,000 bail;

Thomas Jackson Smith, 19, Pineville – OWI first offense, careless operation of a vehicle, $1,100 bail.

May 29

Lindsey Anderson, 43, Pineville – three counts possession of CDS, paraphernalia, contempt of court, $6,000 bail;

Jacob Richey Boone, 36, Pineville – theft of a motor vehicle, criminal trespass, $5,500 bail;

Shaginna L. Chaney, 33, Ball – five counts contempt of court, $22,500 bail;

Christina Gray, 44, Alexandria – three counts contempt of court, possession of CDS, parole violations, $5,650 bail;

Seth Alan McMickens, 30, Alexandria – second degree battery, $10,000 bail;

Naphratite Monique Metoyer, 26, Alexandria – criminal conspiracy, simple burglary, $6,000 bail;

Jamie D. Robinson Jr., 22, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery strangulation, $5,000 bail;

Ralph Robinson, 18, Alexandria – simple burglary, resisting an officer, $5,500 bail;

Tarneshia Quayonta Thompson, 36, Alexandria – theft, criminal trespass, organized retail theft, criminal conspiracy, six counts contempt of court, unlawful communication, fraud refund of access device, failure to appear, $66,250 bail.

May 28

Zachary Tyler Babin, 29, Walldoboro, Maine – three counts domestic abuse battery, $75,000 bail;

Andre Dewanye Batiste, 36, Alexandria – two counts possession of CDS, paraphernalia, threatening a public official, disturbing the peace, resisting an officer, $4,000 bail;

Ladarius Q. Bazile, 32, Boyce – attempted second degree murder, $500,000 bail;

Zoey Sha Deville, 20, Pineville – four counts carnal knowledge of a juvenile, four counts indecent behavior with juveniles, obstruction of justice, $805,000 bail;

Aiden Isaiah Edwards, 17, Alexandria – simple battery, aggravated assault, $1,000 bail;

Bennie Griffin III, 24, Alexandria – three counts contempt of court, $75,000 bail;

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

Jonterias Desmond Jackson, 36, Alexandria – two counts possession of CDS, improper window tint, $2,600 bail;

Lacey Renee Miller, 47, Pineville – vehicular homicide DWI, improper driving on left, reckless operation of vehicle, speeding, driving under suspension, $25,800 bail;

Christopher Lynn Neal, 49, Boyce – two counts domestic abuse battery strangulation, domestic abuse aggravated assault child endangerment, cruelty to juveniles, off road vehicle on public road, resisting an officer, $200,600 bail;

Shamya Tanjulia Simmons, 22, Alexandria – possession of marijuana, two counts contempt of court, $4,500 bail;

Brian Maurice Terry, 42, Alexandria – simple burglary, $2,000 bail.

May 27

Terry Dale Gaspard Jr., 46, Pineville – filing or maintaining false public records, obstruction of justice, $10,000 bail;

Trinity Alexis Grant, 18, Alexandria – OWI first offense, three counts vehicular negligent injuring, three counts contributing to the delinquency of juveniles, possession or purchase of alcohol, reckless operation of vehicle, safety belt, no driver’s license, running a stop sign, $5,300 bail;

Michael Hayes Joseph, 35, Lecompte – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, $2,000 bail;

Cameron Shiloh Miller, 32, Pineville – possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, aggravated battery of a police officer, resisting an officer, $6,500 bail;

John David Normand, 53, Deville – theft, possession of firearm by convicted felon, criminal trespass, $11,000 bail;

Jonathan Dewayne Ward, 25, Pineville – driving under suspension, three counts contempt of court, running a red light, $5,500 bail;

Joshua White, 47, Ball – filing or maintaining false public records, negligent homicide, carless operation, obstruction of justice, $110,000 bail.

---

With heavy hearts, we announce the untimely passing of Charles “Andrew” Richards, a beloved son and friend to many, who left us on May 27, 2026, at the age of 31. Andrew was born on December 6, 1994, and grew up in Pineville, Louisiana.

Funeral services to celebrate Andrew’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home in Alexandria with Father Phil Michiels officiating.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at the funeral home from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. We invite friends and family to gather, share stories, and honor the beautiful spirit of this remarkable young man. Let us come together to remember Andrew and the joy he brought to our lives.

Andrew had a heart full of wanderlust and a passion for exploring the world. He enjoyed traveling and connecting with people from all walks of life. His spirit of generosity was evident in his involvement with the Free People Food Kitchen, where he dedicated his time to helping those in need.

An avid music lover, Andrew taught himself to play the guitar, finding joy in every strum. He loved to exercise and stay active, embodying a vibrant, energetic lifestyle.

Andrew worked in construction, specializing in hanging drywall, a trade he took pride in. He was a hard worker who often lent a helping hand to friends and family in need. Those who knew him appreciated his laid-back attitude and his ability to light up a room with a joke or a story. He had a big heart and cared deeply for the people around him. Above all else, Andrew cherished his family.

Those left to cherish his memory include his mother, Terri Deen (Justin); brother, Terrence Bruff; grandmother, Judy Brossett; aunt, Thelma Bruff (Anthony); uncles, Bradley Bruff and George Jacks; cousins, Megan, Lindsey, Tyler, Jasmine, Alajia, Caleb, Abby, Nate, and Max.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Richards; grandfather, Terrence L. Bruff, and aunt, Angela Jacks.

Andrew’s light may have dimmed too soon, but his love and kindness will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew him.

---

We are heartbroken to announce that our dear Carolyn Williamson Van Gossen passed away peacefully on May 29, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2026, in the Chapel of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home in Alexandria, with Deacon Ken Primeaux officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park in Pineville.

A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., where Carolyn’s family invites everyone who knew her to join them in celebrating her beautiful life and the legacy she leaves behind.

Pallbearers honored to serve will be her Grandsons, Christopher Goatley, Preston Fontenot, Zachary Van Gossen, Cameron Van Gossen, Waylon Van Gossen, Chandler Van Gossen, Timmy Bigelow, and Jayden Van Gossen. Honorary pallbearers will be her great-grandchildren.

Carolyn lived a life defined by love, devotion, and family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, and friend whose greatest joy came from people she held dear to her. Her kindness, strength, and unwavering support touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her. She cherished time spent with her husband and family, creating memories that will be cherished for generations. Whether through simple moments together or family gatherings, she made those around her feel loved, valued, and at home.

Carolyn was a devoted member of St. Rita’s Catholic Church, where she found community and friendship.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Donald F. Van Gossen, Jr. (Phyllis), Jimmy W. Van Gossen (Stephanie), Mylinda D. Van Gossen (Regina), and Carol J. Collins (Walter); sisters, Mary Evans and Tillie Webb; Grandsons, Christopher Goatley, Preston Fontenot, Zachary Van Gossen, Camron Van Gossen, Waylon Van Gossen, Chandler Van Gossen, Timmy Bigelow, and Jayden Van Gossen; Granddaughters, Stacy Goatley, Nichole Cox and Allison Mitchell; 14 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and a host of extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James Williamson, Jr. and Helen E. Merrifield Williamson; her wonderful husband, Donald F. Van Gossen, Sr.; brother, James Williamson, III; and sister, Jimmie Lee Duplissey.

Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on through the love she shared, the family she nurtured, and the countless lives she touched. Her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at https://www.stjude.org/donate or by mail to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

---

Phonetic: /so·​bri·​quet/

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition

• a descriptive name or epithet
• a nickname

---

Loading crossword puzzle. One moment please.

Play Sudoku online!

The Louisiana Legislature passed SB 121 Thursday, sending a new congressional map to Governor Jeff Landry for his signature following months of debate prompted by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down the state’s previous district lines.

The Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais found that the previous map unconstitutionally prioritized race over traditional redistricting principles such as compactness and communities of interest. The new map was drawn without race as the predominant factor in determining district boundaries.

The legislation creates five Republican-leaning congressional districts statewide. A review of the enacted map shows that some parishes are split between congressional districts. 

For Caddo and Bossier parishes, both remain unified within the Fourth Congressional District alongside De Soto, Red River, Natchitoches, Sabine, Webster, Claiborne, and Bienville parishes. Central Louisiana, including Rapides Parish, is kept whole within the Fifth Congressional District.

The map now heads to the Governor for signature. If signed, it will govern Louisiana’s congressional representation through the remainder of the decade.

The Shreveport-Bossier Journal will continue to monitor developments.

@import url(‘https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Playfair+Display:wght@600;700&family=Source+Serif+4:ital,wght@0,400;1,400&display=swap’); *, *::before, *::after { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; } body { font-family: ‘Source Serif 4’, Georgia, serif; background: #f7f4ef; color: #1a1a1a; padding: 2.5rem 2rem; } .container { max-width: 1100px; margin: 0 auto; } .header { border-top: 6px solid #1a1a1a; border-bottom: 1px solid #1a1a1a; padding: 1.2rem 0 1rem; margin-bottom: 0.5rem; } .pub-name { font-family: ‘Playfair Display’, Georgia, serif; font-size: 1rem; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: 0.2em; text-transform: uppercase; color: #555; } .headline { font-family: ‘Playfair Display’, Georgia, serif; font-size: 2.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.15; margin: 0.35rem 0 0.25rem; color: #1a1a1a; } .subhead { font-size: 1rem; color: #666; font-style: italic; } .dateline { font-size: 0.9rem; letter-spacing: 0.12em; text-transform: uppercase; color: #888; margin: 0.8rem 0 1.4rem; border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding-bottom: 0.6rem; } /* TABLE ONLY — larger fonts */ table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 1.35rem; } thead tr { background: #1a1a1a; color: #f7f4ef; } thead th { font-family: ‘Playfair Display’, Georgia, serif; font-weight: 600; font-size: 1.1rem; letter-spacing: 0.12em; text-transform: uppercase; padding: 1rem 1.3rem; text-align: left; } tbody tr { border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; } tbody tr:hover { background: #efe9de; } tbody tr:nth-child(even) { background: #f0ece5; } tbody tr:nth-child(even):hover { background: #efe9de; } td { padding: 1.1rem 1.3rem; vertical-align: middle; line-height: 1.6; font-size: 1.25rem; } td:first-child { white-space: nowrap; width: 140px; } .district-badge { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; background: #1a1a1a; color: #f7f4ef; font-family: ‘Playfair Display’, Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; width: 2.2rem; height: 2.2rem; border-radius: 50%; } .parishes { color: #333; } .footnote { margin-top: 1rem; font-size: 0.85rem; color: #888; font-style: italic; border-top: 1px solid #ccc; padding-top: 0.6rem; }

---

By JIM BUTLER 

The Police Jury will hear a committee choice for parish public works director at a special meeting Monday. 

It will also hear a consultant study of the parish civil service pay plan at the 1 p.m. session and consider a recommendation to implement revisions. 

Ryan Elkins has been interim public works chief since jurors fired Cory Ashmore, without comment, in late February. 

Today’s recommendation, according to the posted agenda, is from the Hiring Committee. 

There is no such panel listed among the jury’s standing committees. There is a Personnel, Elections and Insurance.

Whether the two are one and the same could not be determined from information on the parish website. 

No “Hiring Committee” meeting notice and agenda has been posted. Personnel, Elections and Insurance has not taken up the subject, according to public postings, March-May. 

Information such as number of applicants, their names, who was interviewed when, is not reflected in any minutes on the jury site. 

The pay study by SSG Consultants, an acclaimed firm headquartered in Baton Rouge, has not been discussed in Personnel, according to minutes.

---

A new congressional map passed overwhelmingly in the Louisiana House on May 28 and now moves to the Senate for concurrence.

State Representative Mike Johnson said the map complies with legal requirements following rulings from the United States Supreme Court. He noted that the revised plan keeps Rapides Parish whole and places it back within the Fifth Congressional District alongside much of Central Louisiana.

Supporters of the map say it is intended to keep communities of interest together, pointing to shared economic, educational, transportation, agricultural and cultural ties across Central Louisiana. They also say the changes better reflect long-standing regional connections while maintaining representation in Congress.

The proposal now heads to the state Senate for consideration.

---

Members of the Kiwanis Club of Alexandria recently heard a presentation from Christina Lord, medical director for LDH/OPH Region 6 in Alexandria, about emergency medical resources available throughout Central Louisiana and across the state.

One topic highlighted during the presentation was the emergency shelter near LSU Alexandria. According to the presentation, the facility can house up to 3,000 people and includes medical treatment capabilities for individuals with special medical needs, along with 250 beds.

Attendees also learned about emergency hotline resources available during disasters, including dialing 211 for medical help and 988 for additional disaster-related resources and support.

---

---

By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

NATCHITOCHES – The Billy Cannon exhibit that opened a year-long stay Thursday night at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame celebrates the glory days of LSU’s 1959 Heisman Trophy winning running back.

But that’s just one aspect of a comprehensive collection of items from the Cannon Family Trust tracking his 80 years, ending when he died in his sleep in 2018.  “Billy Cannon: They Called Him Legend” showcases his sports highlights and also shares his fall from glory that landed him in prison. He gradually weathered the aftermath and ultimately regained his status as a sports icon while he became a profoundly positive influence, widely admired in his later years.

It was hard to tell who was more delighted among the museum visitors Thursday evening, but it would be tough to top the smiles from his widow, Dot (who turns 88 next week), his three daughters (Gina McWilliams, Dara Kelsoe, and Bunnie Cannon) and Jay McWilliams, a son-in-law.

“He would be very thrilled that y’all are able to see this and learn from his story,” his youngest daughter, Bunnie, told those who got the first look at the exhibit that will remain in the Natchitoches museum for nearly a year. “It’s important that it stays up here for a while and people can see and know who he truly was.

“He loved the people here. Whenever he would come here, he would always stay for several hours and sign autographs and talk with people. He had a great respect for everybody here and was so proud to be in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame,” she said.

Thursday’s audience included retired Natchitoches dentist Dr. Jerry Ferguson, who was in dental school with Cannon (while he played pro football) at the University of Tennessee. Also among those attending: impending 2026 LSHOF inductee Mike McConathy, former state Sen. Louis Bernard, Northwestern State football coach Blaine McCorkle, an LSU center in the late 1990s, and former Demons coach Jay Thomas, who grew up in Baton Rouge.

It’s a memorabilia-packed extension of an even larger exhibit showcased for the past 14 months at the Capitol Park Museum in Baton Rouge, part of the Louisiana State Museum system. It provides a visual and auditory review of Cannon’s life with items from his days at Istrouma High School in Baton Rouge to his college and pro stardom – and of course, it includes a replay of his classic Halloween Night Run, a weaving fourth-quarter 89-yard punt return as he dodged seven defenders for the only touchdown in an Oct. 31, 1959 7-3 victory over No. 3-ranked Ole Miss in Tiger Stadium.

It also covers his impact during many years of service as the director of dentistry at Angola State Prison, beginning several years after he finished 30 months in a federal minimum security facility in Texarkana after pleading guilty to counterfeiting charges in 1983.

Shreveporter Teddy Allen, who is in the LSHOF as a sports journalist, became close to Dr. Cannon in Baton Rouge following that prison sentence, when Allen covered LSU for the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Cannon, said his daughter, “loved Teddy Allen.”

“Dr. Cannon was good at everything,” said Allen. “He went to dental school, for some time had a thriving practice. Obviously he won the Heisman. Got married to his high school sweetheart, was a wonderful husband for 62 years, had all these children (five) and grandkids.

“The only thing he wasn’t good at was counterfeiting. That was it, the only thing he didn’t master, and it’s good for us that he didn’t, that all of that worked out like it was supposed to.

“The Halloween run story is fascinating. He had a fabled life. But his best run was those last two decades of his life when he turned it around, accepted the love that people wanted to show him. He made them feel valued, and they made him feel back on top of the world.”

As Cannon restored his reputation, and joined LSU teammates for anniversary celebrations of the Tigers’ 1958 national championship, the mutual admiration blossomed.

At LSU’s 2003 homecoming game, he was recognized in an on-field ceremony between the first and second quarters. The crowd gave him an extended standing ovation and LSU players raised their helmets in salute, with LSU athletic director Skip Bertman remarking to a friend, “He’s still the icon, isn’t he?”

Cannon was forthright in his 2016 autobiography, “Billy Cannon, a Long, Long Run,” and people appreciated his frankness. In a book signing at the Hall of Fame museum, hundreds stood for hours in a line winding through the two-story building, out the front door and around the corner. It took so long because Cannon inscribed personal messages on each copy, engaged every fan in conversation and posed for photos during an eight-hour span.

“It didn’t matter where we were,” said Jay McWilliams, “somebody would recognize him, come over and shake his hand. Didn’t matter who it was, he would always take time to shake hands and visit. He appreciated people, had a heart of gold.”

Along with the exhibit, an upcoming Louisiana Public Broadcasting documentary spearheaded by former Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne will debut the week before LSU visits Ole Miss (Sept. 19) this fall, with hopes that it will be picked up by Netflix.

“He would absolutely love this,” said Bunnie Cannon. “He would want LPB to profit, because the support for public broadcasting is not what it used to be, and he was so Louisiana proud.”

“He was just a sweet, sweet man, as sweet a man as he was a ballplayer,” said Allen. “As a ballplayer, he was Herschel Walker 30 years before Herschel hit the field.

“This state was so blessed to have him, and his whole story. Somehow it was supposed to work out like it did,” said Allen. “He was as sorry as he could be for all that (trouble). It was incredible how he made amends for it.”

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

---

The Pineville Police Department announced an arrest has been made in connection with a fatal head-on crash that occurred Sept. 11, 2025, in the 2200 block of Military Highway.

According to police, officers responded to the crash where one driver, Corrinne Jenkins, later died from her injuries. The second driver, identified as Lacey Miller, was injured and transported to a medical facility for treatment.

Due to the severity of the crash, a Pineville Police crash reconstruction investigator worked alongside a crash investigator from Louisiana State Police Troop E to conduct a detailed investigation.

Investigators later determined Miller was allegedly operating a vehicle under the influence of narcotics, violating multiple traffic laws and driving with a suspended license at the time of the collision.

Police said evidence was presented to a judge in the 9th Judicial District Court, where probable cause was found and an arrest warrant was issued.

On May 28, 2026, Miller turned herself in at the Rapides Parish Detention Center.

The department also thanked citizens who stopped to render aid before emergency responders arrived, calling their actions compassionate and impactful. Officers additionally expressed appreciation to Louisiana State Police for assisting throughout the investigation.

---

Carl Newton Allen Jr. born on June 28, 1962, in Pineville, Louisiana, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on May 20, 2026, in Forney, Texas. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories that will resonate with those who knew him. Carl, a devoted husband to Cindy Allen and a proud father to daughters Mindy Turner, Mallory Allen, Marcy Allen, and son-in-law Marshall Turner, was affectionately known as “the man of all men and dad of all dads.”

An avid outdoorsman, Carl took great joy in hunting and fishing, often sharing these activities with his family and friends. His passion for life extended beyond the outdoors, as he also had a remarkable talent for solving problems, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. A beloved member of his community, Carl was known for his unique achievement as the only deacon to receive a unanimous vote, showcasing the love and respect he garnered from everyone around him.

His warm spirit and engaging personality made every moment spent with him unforgettable, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed his path. Carl’s wife, and children will carry forward his memory in their hearts, celebrating the selfless man he was and the joy he brought to their lives.

A memorial service for Carl Allen will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026 at the First Baptist Church in Forney, TX.

---

A memorial service celebrating the life of Ms. Brenda Turnage will be held at 2:00PM on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Lakeside Baptist Church, Pineville, with Bro. Tim Turnage and Bro. Brett Dupuy officiating.

Ms. Turnage, age 65 of Pineville, passed from this life into the loving arms of Jesus on Tuesday May 26, 2026.

Brenda was a loving mother who absolutely adored her grandchildren. She dedicated many years of service working in the cafeteria at Tioga Manor before beginning her work with the Rapides Parish School Board. During her time there, she served in the cafeterias at Brame Junior High and most recently, Caroline Dorman. Brenda was also a longtime, faithful member of Lakeside Baptist Church.

She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Helen Turnage; her nephews, Bill and Britt Wilson; her niece, Kathryn Wilson; and her longtime companion, Gary Rayner.

Brenda leaves behind her two daughters, Shannon Cox (Wayne) of Pollock, Crystal Floyd of Hineston; four beloved grandchildren, Alidya Smith, MacKenzie Cox, Jordon Floyd, and Callie Cox; five siblings, Mike Turnage, Tim Turnage (Stephanie), Raymond Turnage, Kevin Turnage, and Patricia Wilson (Kenneth).

May her memory be cherished by all who knew and loved her.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Fall Creek Funeral Home, Pineville, Randy Chenevert, Director.

---

Phonetic: /KAT-ee-kor-ner/

Part of Speech: Adverb

Definition

• Catercorner is used to describe two things that are located across from each other on opposite corners. It is a less common variant of kitty-corner.
  
  The store is catercorner from the park, making it the perfect location to grab snacks for our picnic.

---

Loading crossword puzzle. One moment please.

Play Sudoku online!