By JIM BUTLER

The Alexandria City Council is being petitioned to annex a tract adjacent to St. Andrews Estates on Coliseum Boulevard.

An ordinance annexing the almost 27 acres is scheduled for introduction at this afternoon’s Council meeting.

The petition consists of two tracts — 6.71 acres fronting Coliseum Boulevard, 1,600 feet by 963 feet requesting general commercial zoning designation, and 20.02 acres stretching east-west and bordered on the north by St. Andrew’s pond, single family residential zoning.

Monceaux, Buller & Associates is making the request; property is owned by Weilland Enterprises.

The St. Andrews development is adjacent to The Links on the Bayou Golf Course.

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I got a text recently from Pete Hegseth.  Bob, you’re invited … to Trump’s  Ballroom. Are you in?

Frankly, I’d rather go to Yosemite.

That note from the Secretary of Defense, or excuse me, Secretary of War, is small potatoes, though.

A little over a week ago, I got an urgent text from the White House. Almost every text I get like that is urgent.

A direct order has just come down from the Oval Office with YOUR name on it. We need your immediate response.

Amidst the texts from relatives and friends or my examiners such as my Journal editor, my pastor or my dentist, I am overwhelmed with a surplus of unsolicited texts 

and emails each day from President Trump, J.D. Vance, Mike Johnson, Don Jr., John Kennedy, Ken Paxton, Susan Collins, and on and on. Not long ago I got a text from Elon Musk, and it was urgent. MAJOR WARNING FROM ELON MUSK Pleading with you not to ignore this, Bob. It went on to tell me every Trump voter would read the attached link.

I didn’t read it.

One of the best I got recently was a “personal” one from the 45^th and 47^th President of the United States, announcing, Bob, I just dropped everything to send you this email. Because of dedicated supporters like you, I DROPPED EVERYTHING to contact you.

I bet you didn’t know the president (along with Elon Musk) and I are on a first-name basis. I sure didn’t know it. Much less did I ever expect that the President, as busy as he is, reportedly getting just three hours of sleep a night, would “DROP EVERYTHING” to send me an email.

I can just picture it now. He’s in a meeting with J.D. and Pete and Marco, and they are talking about Iran or China or Vladimir or Volodymyr.

(Confession: I am not on a first-name basis … yet … with either Vladimir or Volodymyr, so I will refer to them as Putin and Zelensky. That’s less confusing, too.) Then, during this top-level discussion, the Secretary of State looks at them each, straight in the eye, and gravely suggests, “Mr. President, don’t you think you should DROP EVERYTHING and email Bob?”

“My God, Little Marco, you’re so right,” he surely would react. “I should’ve thought of that earlier! I get along very well with Bob. I’ve known him for a long time – him and his wife, Janet. I read where someone referred to him as a central Louisiana ‘icon.’ I call him Bobcat! You can find lots of bobcats in central Louisiana, but only one Bobcat.” The president stops and immediately starts typing to tell me he’s “DROPPED EVERYTHING” to send this message, and then he types in a link for me to click on, presumably with a request to contribute.

I thought AI was churning out these kinds of texts and emails, but I have since learned real people on the staffs of big shot politicos are generating most of them. Whatever they get paid to do that job, it’s too much. 

Since that last email from the president, he sent me another, proclaiming I AM PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP! I haven’t heard back from you for so long. … Are you seriously ignoring me?

I was told not to reply to that email, but I can reply here by saying, I know who you are Mr. President, and there’s no need to proclaim who you are in all caps. The next thing you know, you’ll be trotting around an MMA ring in MAGA red boxing shorts shouting, “I AM THE GREATEST!”    

Fortunately, I have not received texts or emails from Newsom, Harris, Schumer or Mamdani or any Democrat, socialist or communist. Nor any Democrat Socialist, nor any Democrat Communist. Not even Democrat political advisor James Carville, a fellow Louisianan, has texted or emailed. No point in reaching out to Bob, they probably concluded with Carville’s help. He’s on a first-name basis with Trump and Musk.

A famous lawyer once said that boasting and seeking praise are empty and foolish. He warned that a person who brags to gain glory from others is just “feeding himself with wind.” He also compared human pride to a mouse that falsely boasts about ruling over other mice. President Trump and Musk and Newsom and Mamdani and all the so-called political elite could do well to heed that wise man’s words. 

That wise man, by the way, was Thomas More, Lord Chancellor of England during the reign of King Henry VIII. As in Saint Thomas More.

The patron saint of politicians.

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Ball Elementary School has welcomed Mrs. Carmen Brown as a first grade teacher for the upcoming school year.

Brown holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in reading and literacy. She has six years of teaching experience and said she has developed a passion for teaching young students to read and write.

Outside the classroom, Brown said she enjoys coffee, bread-making, vacations and game nights with her family.

Ball Elementary welcomed Brown to its Bobcat family in a social media announcement.

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Deputy U.S. Marshal Killed During Fugitive Arrest Operation in Alexandria

A Deputy United States Marshal was shot and killed Monday afternoon during a law enforcement operation in Alexandria, marking one of the most significant officer-involved incidents in Rapides Parish in recent memory.

The shooting occurred around 3 p.m. in the Rutland Road area, where Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives and members of the U.S. Marshals Violent Offender Task Force were conducting a joint operation to arrest a wanted fugitive. A shooting involving the deputy occurred during the arrest attempt. Following a standoff that lasted approximately three hours, the suspect was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the encounter.

The deputy was assigned to the Western District of Louisiana Fugitive Task Force. Per U.S. Marshals Service policy, the deputy’s name will not be released until all investigations surrounding the shooting are complete.

The FBI New Orleans Field Office is leading the federal investigation, which it is treating as an assault on a federal officer. The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office is separately investigating the circumstances of the shooting. Louisiana State Police is also investigating potential violations of state law. The Alexandria Police Department responded to the scene as well.

The FBI confirmed Monday evening there is no ongoing threat to the public. The investigation remains active.

Photo Credit: Sean Marcentel

Officer-involved shooting occurs during fugitive arrest operation on Rutland Road

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Too hot to not: With newborn back home, Burns will play in British Open

By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

The Sam Burns family is a foursome now, so Dad has gone back to work.

Wife Caroline has given birth to the couple’s second child, according to media reports, and Burns has flown to England for the British Open. He played the back nine of Royal Birkdale Monday to prepare for the season’s final major.

He has recently been among the top players in golf, notably finishing runner-up at the U.S. Open in mid-June after tying for seventh at The Masters in April. He has five top 10 finishes on the PGA Tour this season, and is 18^th in the Official World Golf Rankings and 10^th in FedEx Cup standings.

The Choudrant resident was one shot off the lead in the third round at Augusta, shared the lead on the 17^th tee and ultimately finished in a fourth-place tie at The Memorial, and battled for first down to his last putt at Shinnecock Hills last month, missing a playoff when his 22-foot birdie putt on the closing hole slid outside the right edge of the cup.

The Shreveport native, who turns 30 on July 23, also led the U.S. Open for much of the final three days last summer and finished tied for seventh.

Burns did not play in last week’s Genesis Scottish Open, a signature event that typically serves as a warmup for The Open Championship. In the aftermath of his near-miss at the U.S. Open, his mother told a reporter from The Athletic that her son wouldn’t travel overseas due to the impending arrival of the newborn expected in mid-July.

He didn’t confirm that, simply noting his wife was near her due date, but despite withdrawing from the Scottish Open, didn’t WD for this week’s tournament and when the field was set Monday, he was on the pairings sheet.

Burns, a Calvary Baptist Academy graduate and former two-time LSU All-American, has an 8:31 CDT tee time Thursday with Chris Gotterup and Adam Scott.

While his best finish at the Open Championship is a 31^st place tie at Royal Troon in 2024, Burns was briefly within one shot of the lead in that event in the third round. He played exceptionally well on the links-style course at Shinnecock Hills a month ago.

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In an effort to strengthen the local healthcare workforce and create new opportunities for aspiring clinicians, CHRISTUS Health is expanding its tuition-free cohort program to Northwestern State University (NSU) Cenla campus, Louisiana State University Eunice (LSUE) and Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC). The expansion will help remove financial barriers for students pursuing healthcare careers while creating a more accessible, integrated pipeline of skilled professionals to serve communities across Central Louisiana. 

CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Health System launched its inaugural cohort program in 2024 at Louisiana State University of Alexandria to support nursing students through specialized training opportunities, certification preparation and access to additional academic resources. 

Beginning this fall, the program will expand to serve nursing students at NSU’s Cenla campus, respiratory therapy students at LSUE and licensed practical nursing students at CLTCC. 

“We have a powerful opportunity to help strengthen and sustain our communities by continuing to invest in and grow a reliable healthcare workforce,” said Monte Wilson, CEO of CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Health System. “We are proud to partner with these incredible schools to prepare the next generation of highly skilled caregivers while also removing the burden of paying for tuition.”

The cohort program provides up to $25,000 in tuition coverage for selected students. In addition to financial assistance, participants receive specialized training and other resources designed to support their academic and professional success. 

Upon graduation and licensure, students are also guaranteed employment at CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Health System, creating a direct, integrated pathway from education to workforce readiness while helping to meet the region’s growing demand for healthcare professionals. 

Applications for this program will open this fall with campus-specific deadlines that will be announced by each institution. The opportunity is uniquely open to eligible students at any stage of their academic program. Interested applicants should visit their program’s faculty supervisor for more details.  

“By creating more integrated and accessible pathways from education to employment, we are able to offer students a more personal and supportive experience,” Wilson said. “This program reflects our shared commitment to building a reliable, highly trained workforce that can meet the evolving needs of our communities.”

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Mayor Joe Bishop and the Pineville City Council will host the Third Annual Back to School Splash Bash on Saturday, Aug. 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kees Park Splash Pad.

The event will feature the splash pad, water slide, playground, music and other activities as families celebrate the end of summer before the new school year begins.

Free backpacks filled with school supplies will be distributed while supplies last. Students must be present to receive a backpack. Free food will also be available while supplies last.

The City of Pineville recognized the Kiwanis Club of Pineville and Sayes Office Supply for supporting the event. The city also thanked Mac’s Fresh Market, Ford’s Pancake House, Paragon Casino Resort and Raising Cane’s of Pineville for their support.

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By Brad Dison

William Bruce “Bill” Rose was an unsavory character.  Police arrested him numerous times for non-violent crimes.  In 1964, 22-year-old Bill left his 18-year-old wife Sharon and their two-year-old son William Bruce Rose Jr. and infant daughter Amy.  In 1965, Sharon met Stephen Bailey and married him the following January.  When they married, Sharon told Billy and Amy that Stephen was their father, and they took his last name.  As a teenager, Billy disliked the name because kids teased him for being Bill Bailey.  Stephen and Sharon raised Billy, Amy, and their only child together, Stuart, in a Pentecostal church.  Their children often performed in church as the Bailey Trio, but there were problems at home.  Billy and his stepfather fought constantly.  When he was 17 years old, Billy accidentally learned that Stephen was not his biological father.  Billy knew nothing about his biological father, but he began going by the name Billy Rose.  For better or worse, Billy never met his father as an adult.

In 1984, Bill Rose, who had recently been paroled from prison, disappeared from Marion, Illinois.  Three years later, in May 1987, police arrested 39-year-old James Faulkner for murdering Bill sometime between May 1 and July 4, 1984.  The family had kept the murder a secret until James’s son Jimmy revealed it to Katie Adams, a counselor with the area Youth Services Bureau.  At her insistence, Jimmy contacted the police.  Jimmy told investigators that Bill was killed in their home at 409 E. DeYoung Street in Marion.  Jimmy said that on the night of Bill’s murder, “My mom and dad and Bill went out drinking.”  Later, they returned to the Faulkner’s home where the trio began having intercourse.  At some point, James left the bedroom, went to Jimmy’s bedroom, and woke him.  James told his then 15-year-old son that he needed him to see something.  Jimmy followed instructions and walked toward the bedroom.  He noticed that his father was holding a long knife.  As Jimmy stood there in shocked silence, his father stabbed Bill, then dragged Bill into the bathroom.  He said “Sayonara, Bill” and finished him off with a baseball bat.  Jimmy said his parents wrapped Bill in painter’s cloth and tied it with a piece of clothesline.  James put the knife into a jug of bleach.  James had his wife and son help load Bill’s body into the trunk of their car, and the family drove five miles to a remote wooded area known as Crenshaw Crossing.  James, Judith, and Jimmy removed the body from their trunk, and they rolled it down one of the area’s many embankments.  James covered the body with debris to disguise it.  The family returned home and James and Judith began scrubbing the floor and carpet in the bedroom.  James told Jimmy to throw the knife in the city reservoir a few blocks south of their home and to put the baseball bat on a public baseball diamond.  Jimmy complied.  Jimmy later showed investigators where he had thrown the knife and divers retrieved the weapon.  Judith’s testimony initially agreed with Jimmy’s, but she later changed her story to help James.  On September 9, 1987, James was found guilty of murder even though Bill’s body had not been found, and he was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole.  Bill’s body has never been found. 

Had Billy Rose wanted to meet his biological father as an adult, he never had the chance.  Like his father, Billy was arrested numerous times for various crimes.  Just as he had done as a child in church, Billy always found comfort in singing.  Billy became a famous singer.  The world knows William Bruce “Billy” Rose Jr. as Axl Rose, lead singer for Guns N Roses.

Sources:

1.     Southern Illinoisan, May 7, 1987, p.1.

2.     Southern Illinoisan, August 13, 1987, p.9.

3.     Southern Illinoisan, August 24, 1987, p.9.

4.     Southern Illinoisan, September 2, 1987, p.21.

5.     Evansville Courier and Press, September 4, 1987, p.1.

6.     Southern Illinoisan, September 10, 1987, p.1.

7.     Dave Basner, “25 Things You Might Not Know About Birthday Boy Axl Rose,” February 6, 2025, IHeart Radio, https://kfmqrock1061.iheart.com/content/2020-02-06-25-things-you-might-not-know-about-birthday-boy-axl-rose/.       

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Funeral services for Cattaleya Piper-Michelle White will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Clear Creek Cemetery, Pollock, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

Cattaleya Piper-Michelle White was embraced by her mother and father, and surrounded by family, passed away at Rapides Regional Medical Center on July 9, 2026, in an unfortunate accident.

Cattaleya was born on February 20, 2025, to Jessie White, joining her loving brothers and sisters, Grayson White, Evelynn White, and Noah Naquin.

Despite Cattaleya’s short time in this life on our beloved planet Earth, she was deeply loved and brought immense joy to everyone around her. Lord knows she was talking up a storm and pointing that finger at you.

Cattaleya didn’t start life with a father whom we, her family, were all aware of. She was loved no less and had a wonderful and great guy she took for her dad, Michael Gerald. She was also a fortunate young lady to have another role model, Seth Jones.

Cattaleya was as precious as the flower she was named after. A name she received in infancy after her grandmother, Susan, watched the movie Colombiana, our sweet Piper-Michelle’s name changed to Cattaleya Piper-Michelle, beautiful enchanted flower that she was. Showered in love by her family, she loved dancing to any music as soon as she heard it, hands up bouncing and smiling with excitement. Even though her time with us was far too short, she brought immeasurable joy and laughter to everyone around her.

Cattaleya will forever be loved and remembered by her parents, Jessie White and Michael Gerald; her siblings, Grayson White, Evelynn White, Noah Naquin, Seth Jones, Jr., and Kylie Jones; her grandparents, Joey and Susan Dubea; her great-grandparents, Dawn Mackie and Jeannie Gibbs; her aunts and uncles, Aunt Suzanne “Coles” Dupre and Uncle Bevin Dupre, Uncle James Rohrback, Uncle Clayton Folse and Aunt Gracie Jackson, Uncle Dillon Barker, and Aunt Caitlyn Folse; her cousins, Landon Folse, Blakley Folse, Hadley Dupre, Blakley Valor, and Cooper Jones; and her godparents, David Paul and Riley Small.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are: Hunter Blood, Isiah Borque, Mike Gerald, and Seth Jones. Honorary pallbearers will be Joey Dubea and David Paul.

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A Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. George Edwin DeSoto will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Tioga, with Father Rick Gremillion officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Ball, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

George Edwin DeSoto, 87, of Pineville, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2026, in Pineville, Louisiana. George, known to his family and friends as “Ed”, was born on September 26, 1938, in Mansfield, Louisiana, to George and Mary DeSoto.

Through his life, Ed was a member of the Louisiana National Guard, and worked for LADOTD and Cleco, forming lasting relationships with colleagues.

A devout, lifelong Catholic, Ed practiced his faith at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Tioga, where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He could be found in the church hall kitchen after mass serving coffee and donuts and assisting in every Knights of Columbus plate lunch fundraiser.

Ed loved retirement, spending many hours with his wife and friends on the golf course. He also spent time woodworking, restoring a vintage MG, and serving as the frequent holiday host for his large family.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary; and his brothers, Marion, Ronnie, and Kenneth.

Ed is survived by his wife of sixty-five years, Patricia. Also left to cherish his memory are his son, Mark DeSoto (Tonya); and two daughters, Angie Johnston (Jerry), and Monica Campbell; one brother, Larry DeSoto (Wendy); three sisters, Diane Lamb (Doug), Donna Frederick (Bud), and Debbie Campbell (Mike); seven grandchildren, Michelle Helminger (Nick), Julia Montoya (Simon), Thomas Campbell (Emily), Michael DeSoto, Emily DeSoto, Sydney DeSoto, and Jennifer Webb; and eight treasured great-grandchildren.

A time of visitation will be held at Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. until time of departure to the church. A Holy Rosary will be recited at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the medical professionals, nursing home staff, family, and friends who have cared for Ed in the final weeks of his life.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are: Thomas Campbell, Danny Campbell, Nick Helminger, Simon Montoya, and Michael DeSoto.

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Phonetic: /dé·​tente/

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition

the relaxation of strained relations or tensions (as between nations)

diplomats brokering a détente

a policy promoting this

a period of détente

the beginning of a détente

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Play Sudoku online!

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At approximately 3 p.m. on July 13, 2026, sheriff’s detectives, along with members of the U.S. Marshals Violent Offender Task Force, were conducting a law enforcement operation in the Rutland Road area to arrest a wanted fugitive when an officer-involved shooting occurred.

After a lengthy standoff, the suspect, who sustained injuries, was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Because the incident remains an ongoing joint investigation involving the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, the FBI and Louisiana State Police, no further information will be released at this time.

According to authorities, any future updates will be provided by the FBI.

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By JIM BUTLER

The Police Jury advises it intends to put four tax proposals rejected in April back before voters this Fall.

Jurors will officially announce at their meeting today plans to call the special elections at their August 10 meeting, giving citizens the opportunity to speak on the matter at that time.

Whether the propositions are as previously posed or will include changes is not yet known.

The entities involved are Fire District 2, Service Area 1 of Fire District 2, Fire District 19 and Road District 2C.

The District 2 proposals called for millage increases in lieu of renewal of current levies; the District 19 request was continuation of the  current rate, as was the Road District’s.

Also today, the jury will:

• Be asked to approve hourly pay rate increases for part-time positions in four work areas. In June, jurors approved a new pay parish pay plan effective July 1, capping any individual raise at 20 percent. Minutes do not reflect projected annual cost of the consultant-recommended changes;

• Award road contracts totaling about $1.79 million. The projects are Downs Lanes improvements, Curtis Park pavement rehab, Munson Road widening, West River Road overlay.

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By JIM BUTLER

Housing — the need for more, the choice to do without — seems universally discussed in government these days.

And this week meetings of three public bodies in the parish are in the mix.

Today, the Police Jury at its monthly gathering, is asked to approve development of sites for 77 mobile homes and/or RVs.

BHM Mobile Home Park wants to provide space for 30 units at 4749 LA 121, Boyce. Addressing indicates the site lies between LA 1200 west of the highway and LA 1200 east of it.

Bayou Rapides RV Park proposes to provide setup for 47 units on Brown’s Bend Road a short distance from England Drive.

Both propositions have cleared Planning Commission steps.

And approval of a committee-endorsed resolution supporting the Capital Area Finance Authority adding a bond program to its grant program assisting home buyers is expected.

The non-profit Authority is not a government entity.

Tuesday morning, GAEDA’s Economic Development Committee will discuss two proposed Community Endeavor Agreements with the Inner-City Revitalization Corporation, a non-profit created for community development and housing development activities.

Since 1997 the agency has completed or has in development more than 100 rental or purchase housing construction or renovation projects.

One CEA would assist with the Senior and Disabled Home Repair Program; the other with the Financial Education Literacy Program.

The meeting agenda does not list further details and does not include a fiscal note.

Also to be heard: requests for $20,000 for a Lodge annual meeting in October and $5,000 for a VFW gathering in August.

Both were to be heard previously but apparently were not.

As of Sunday, GAEDA had not posted minutes of any activity since May 5 when a special meeting did not have a quorum.

The posted agenda for regular meetings in May and June were not listed in the agenda archive.

GAEDA’s next regular monthly meeting is scheduled for July 21.

Tuesday afternoon, the Alexandria City Council Public Safety, Public Works and Transportation Committee will meet at 4:45 to discuss unhoused in the city and surrounding area.

What that might entail — solutions or lamentations — isn’t ascertained from the posting.

Chairman Malcolm Larvadain has been an affordable housing advocate since his first council term. Elected in 2016, he lost reelection in 2020, then regained the seat in 2024.

That he is an announced candidate for mayor could be coincidental to the topic of the day.

The seats of the other panel members — Jim Villard and Lizzie Felter — are up for election this year. Neither has formally announced whether they’re in or out for another term.

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LSU of Alexandria has announced the appointment of Nathan Sammons, Ph.D., as Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. As the university’s chief academic officer, Sammons will provide leadership for LSUA’s academic enterprise, overseeing academic programs, faculty development, accreditation, institutional effectiveness, and strategic initiatives that advance student success and academic excellence.

Sammons currently serves as Dean of LSUA’s College of Science, Technology, and Mathematics and Assistant Vice Chancellor for Engaged Teaching and Learning. During his tenure at LSUA, he has served as a faculty member, department chair, assistant vice chancellor, and dean, helping guide the university through a period of unprecedented enrollment growth, academic innovation, and national recognition. He has led the development of new academic programs in artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, information technology, cybersecurity, and healthcare while expanding professional school pathways, workforce partnerships, and innovative approaches to student success.

A recipient of LSUA’s Bolton Award for Teaching Excellence, the university’s highest faculty honor, and the Innovative Contributions to Online Learning Award, Sammons is the founder of the university’s Engaged Teaching and Learning framework, which integrates faculty development, experiential learning, career readiness, undergraduate research, and student success into a unified institutional strategy. His leadership has also helped establish the Center for Teaching Excellence, the Command Your Career initiative, the Center for Opportunity, Research, and Experiential Learning (CORE), Career Advisory Councils, and numerous academic innovations that have strengthened LSUA’s position as a leader in workforce-aligned education.

“Dr. Sammons has played an instrumental role in shaping the academic culture that has fueled LSUA’s remarkable growth,” said LSUA Chancellor Elizabeth Beard, Ph.D. “He understands our students, our faculty, and our mission. His vision for academic innovation, commitment to teaching excellence, and focus on workforce readiness make him exceptionally well prepared to lead Academic Affairs as LSUA continues building on its national momentum.”

Sammons said he is honored by the opportunity to serve the university in a broader academic leadership role and remains committed to building on the strong foundation established by LSUA’s faculty and staff.

“LSUA has never been content to prepare students for yesterday’s jobs,” Sammons said. “Our faculty continually challenge themselves to create new pathways, strengthen teaching, and respond to the changing needs of our students and our region. I look forward to working alongside our academic community as we continue building programs that are innovative, academically rigorous, and closely connected to the workforce and graduate opportunities our students deserve.”

In the months ahead, Sammons will work with faculty, deans, and university leadership to continue expanding workforce-aligned academic programs, strengthen faculty development and student success initiatives, and guide the implementation of innovative teaching and learning strategies across the university. His leadership will help advance LSUA’s next generation of academic programs while ensuring graduates are prepared to meet Louisiana’s evolving workforce needs and contribute to the continued growth of the region.

Written by Adam Lord

Photo credit – Nathan Parish

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises the public that beginning Monday, July 20, at 7 p.m., weather permitting, there will be nightly alternating lane closures from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. at the following intersections:

• US 165 (Masonic Drive) at Horseshoe Drive
• US 165 (Masonic Drive) at South MacArthur (Service Road near Home Depot)
• MacArthur Drive at Sugar House Road
• Broadway Avenue at Dallas Avenue
• LA 28 at Cloverleaf Boulevard
• Eddie Williams Avenue and Broadway Avenue

One lane in each direction will remain open at all times.

The closures are necessary to allow for the installation of new mast arms on the signal pole foundations for the new flashing yellow left-turn arrows and related work.

All work is anticipated to be completed at the listed intersections by late July 2026, with progress dependent on weather conditions and other factors that can impact construction timelines.

The contract was awarded to Jack B. Harper Electrical, LLC in the amount of $9,040,462.73.

There are no detours or lane width restrictions associated with the project.

DOTD reminds motorists that all construction activity is weather dependent and may be rescheduled due to inclement weather. Drivers are urged to use caution when traveling through work zones and to watch for work crews and equipment.

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The City of Alexandria and its partners will host a Back-to-School Bash Supply Giveaway on Thursday, July 30, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Randolph Riverfront Center.

The event is open to Rapides Parish School District students in kindergarten through 12th grade. A parent or guardian must accompany students.

School supplies will be available while supplies last.

The Randolph Riverfront Center is located at 707 Second St. in Alexandria.

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The Cotile Lake Study Committee of the Rapides Parish Police Jury will meet today, July 13, at 1 p.m.

The meeting will be held in the Rapides Parish Police Jury Meeting Room.

Committee members are asked to make every effort to attend.

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Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

July 12

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

Elizabeth Hope Day, 22, Pineville – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, driving under suspension, contempt of court, $5,600 bail;

Lyndell Roy Hall II, 35, Alexandria – two counts possession of CDS, paraphernalia, driving lamps, contempt of court, $2,600 bail;

Anquedatta Vercher, 42, Alexandria – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, $1,100 bail.

July 11

Tony Wayne Bowman Jr., 36, Boyce – OWI third offense, careless operation of vehicle, operating a vehicle while under suspension for certain offenses, $101,000 bail;

Clayton Jack Campbell, 63, Ball – three counts contempt of court, $75,000 bail;

Olivia Mae Christian, 23, Alexandria – OWI first offense, driving across a median, failure to change driver license address, $1,200 bail;

Amiracle L. Davis, 25, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, $3,500 bail;

Quincy Ducote, 42, Cheneyville – OWI first offense, open container, improper turn, $1,200 bail;

Nicholas Evan Fisk, 25, Forest Hill – domestic abuse strangulation, $25,000 bail;

Sabrina Latrice Hines, 35, Alexandria – possession of CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, disturbing the peace, paraphernalia, probation violation, $5,000 bail;

Audra Celesti Knapp, 38, Pineville – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, contempt of court, $3,500 bail;

Thomas Austin Meehan, 21, Deville – OWI second offense, speeding, driving under suspension, $1,700 bail;

John David Miller Jr., 32, Boyce – domestic abuse battery with child present, no bail data;

James Derrick Morris, 35, Forest Hill – burglary of inhabited dwelling, obstruction of justice, no bail data;

Donald Ray Parker Jr., 34, Alexandria – five counts contempt of court, $18,000 bail;

Johnta Patterson, 32, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, disturbing the peace, illegal carry firearm with drugs, violation of protective orders, $7,500 bail;

Alexis Payton, 33, Alexandria – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, $1,100 bail;

Damon Jerome Taylor Jr., 24, Pineville – nine counts contempt of court, $114,000 bail;

Harry Walker III, 36, Pineville – sex offender failure to renew, speeding, no passing zone, no vehicle registration, no motorcycle endorsement, careless operation of a vehicle, $500 bail.

July 10

Robert Wayne Brossett Jr., 23, Alexandria – aggravated battery, three counts contempt of court, $16,000 bail;

Arthur Ray Fleming Jr., 50, Alexandria – aggravated battery, criminal trespass, resisting an officer, six counts contempt of court, $5,500 bail;

John Fleming Jr., 43, Natchez, Miss. – OWI first offense, $1,000 bail;

Douglas Wayne Gilbert, 49, Boyce – two counts contempt of court, $100,000 bail;

Crystal Mae Gordon, 37, Boyce – trespassing/remaining, criminal trespass, resisting an officer, three counts contempt of court, $4,500 bail;

Eric Matthew Maginley Sr., 44, Alexandria – two counts possession of CDS, paraphernalia, driving under suspension, tail lamps, $2,700 bail;

Geanne Louise Pardee, 45, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, theft, $2,500 bail;

Christopher James Stafford, 40, Lecompte – sex offender failure to register, failure to notify change of address, possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, probation violation, $21,000 bail;

Quarnette B. Veal, 45, Alexandria – OWI first offense, driving under suspension, tail lamps, open container, $1,300 bail;

William Todd White, 44, Pineville – possession of CDS, contempt of court, $101,500 bail;

Shawn Williams, 35, Colfax – OWI first offense, open container, wrong way on one way street, turning position, $1,300 bail.

July 9

Ashton Blaise Basco, 27, Pineville – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, resisting an officer, bicycle reflectors, $1,600 bail;

Anya Jaichelle Franklin, 17, Pineville – two counts domestic abuse battery, $6,000 bail;

Ian Scott Gaspard, 22, Alexandria – possession of CDS, improper lane usage, expired plate/registration, failure to secure registration, driver license address, contempt of court, $1,900 bail;

Kevedric Humphrey, 30, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery with child present, $1,000 bail;

Alton Jones, 44, Alexandria – three counts producing manufacturing distributing CDS, paraphernalia, use of CDS in presence of minors, $1.501 million bail;

James Jeromy Keene, 56, Alexandria – eight counts contempt of court, $16,000 bail;

Simon Jarrod Labbe, 44, Alexandria – four counts bank fraud, false statements, $5,000 bail;

Daniel Delta Manuel, 64, Ville Platte – stalking, $10,000 bail;

Daniel Christopher Meginley, 45, Boyce – stalking, $50,000 bail;

David James Normand, 63, Alexandria – three counts possession of CDS, legend drug possession, solicitation on interstate highway, five counts contempt of court, $255,000 bail;

Jordan Oliver, 37, Rayne – driving under suspension/revocation, Louisiana fugitive, switched license plate, operating without insurance, tail lamps, $400 bail;

Michael Loren Reeder, 46, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, contempt of court, $3,000 bail.

July 8

Marquise Myon Armstrong, 35, Winnfield – aggravated second degree battery, taking contraband to and from penal institutions, $17,500 bail;

Anthony Ray Blue Sr., 44, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, parole violations, $2,000 bail;

Alvin Ray Brown Jr., 35, Alexandria – criminal damage to property, possession of CDS, $2,500 bail;

Tyana Meshea Brown, 25, Alexandria – second degree battery, $20,000 bail;

Kenneth Alan Ford Jr., 38, Glenmora – simple assault, disturbing the peace, $1,000 bail;

Christopher James, 49, Alexandria – three counts violation of protective orders, criminal damage to property, $60,000 bail;

Taymarius Juane Jones, 42, Pineville – aggravated assault domestic abuse (Jan. 24), five counts aggravated resisting a police officer with force or violence (Jan. 24), parole violations, $55,000 bail;

Charles Ray Lachney Jr., 44, Pineville – unlawful presence of sex offender, probation violation, $10,000 bail;

William Davis Melbert, 44, Pineville – OWI third offense, operating a vehicle while under suspension for certain prior offenses, expired plate/registration, $100,600 bail;

Daviyone Mock, 25, Alexandria – second degree murder, $1 million bail;

Talbert Frank Ortego, 67, Pineville – sex offender failure to renew registration, disturbing the peace, unlawful presence of sex offender, contempt of court, $30,500 bail.

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On the quiet morning of Friday, July 10, 2026, Kenneth Wayne McBride entered his eternal home in glory. While the tears were many in the days that followed, they were far outweighed by the quiet laughter as we remembered the man we were blessed to call our PawPaw.

Funeral services for Kenneth will be held at 12:00 p.m., Monday, July 13, 2026 in the chapel of Hixson Brothers, Pineville with Reverend Jamie Brunson and Reverend Calvin Lasyone officiating. Burial will be in Big Creek Cemetery, Pollock.

The family requests visitation be observed at the funeral home Monday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service.

Pallbearers will be Wayne McBride, Paul McBride, David M. McBride, David R. McBride, Jeremy McBride, and Kenneth McBride.

Our memories are filled with silly goodbye waves, sideways hats, and upside-down glasses; endless tractor rides, watermelons on the counter, countless bowls of Blue Bell ice cream, and chocolate was his favorite fruit. If you knew him well, then you knew he loved driving his trains and as a railroad engineer with the Union Pacific Railroad, he spent years behind the locomotive. Every one of his grandkids knew that, secretly, each of us was his favorite we just couldn’t tell the others.

He once said he’d never been addicted to anything except MawMaw, and we know that was true. A devoted husband for 75 years, he fell asleep every night holding her hand. Still flirting at 93, it was obvious that, right until the end, he was still smitten with the prettiest girl he’d ever seen.

He was truly a treasure to our family. He led us well, loved us well, and served God faithfully. He leaves behind a legacy of generosity, laughter, loyalty, love, devotion, and obedience to the Lord. And because of his faith in Jesus Christ, we know this is not goodbye forever. We look forward with joyful hope to the day we will see him again.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Clarence and Ava Hataway McBride; son, Leonard “Wayne” McBride; brothers, W.C. “Buck” McBride, and Robert McBride; sisters, Juanita Draper, Bobbie Richmond, Louise Floyd, Pat Garner, and Betty Brunson.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 75 years, JoAnn “Sharbono” McBride; sons, Kenneth Michael “Mickey” McBride (Karen), Larry Stephen “Steve” McBride (Joanne), and David Randall “Randy” McBride (Janet); daughter, Cheryl Ann McBride Squyres (Steve); 20 grandchildren; 77 great grandchildren; 33 great, great grandchildren, and numerous other family and friends.

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