By JIM BUTLER

The Pineville City Council this evening will consider establishing a three-month moratorium on accepting any applications for barndominium construction.

Another residential-related matter is consideration of proposed permits and agreements with a subdivision developer.

Barndominiums are an in-vogue alternative to traditional home construction.

They are initially lower in cost per square foot and offer dual-use capabilities. But they are not universally popular, particularly in established neighborhoods.

The developer agreements would be with J.A.W.S. Holding for Phase IV of Shadow Creek Ranch.

The pacts would cover water distribution, fire protection, roadway, drainage, street signage and the like as well as gravity wastewater improvements.

The development is east of Bayou Maria, between Susek Drive and Hwy. 28 East.

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By JIM BUTLER

The city administration sees Alexandria’s Masonic Drive corridor as opportunity.

Today it is providing citizens the chance to see a proposed development plan and to share thoughts on what they would like included.

From 3-7 p.m. in the Mall Food Court city representatives want to chew the fat regarding what the corridor, mall on one end, Lee Street the other, could become. The mall property, artifact of retail’s golden age, is key as a gateway to a zone of retail, recreational and health care activity.

The city Project Reignite envisions private dollars paying for mall redevelopment; public dollars, an estimated $82 million over time, for infrastructure changes in the corridor.

Public funding would be a combination of municipal bonds, capital outlay allocation and state-federal grants.

What, the city asks, do you want?

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Allison Frye, on a rainy Friday morning in the girls’ gym at Pineville High School, was reflecting on her softball team’s LHSAA Division I Select state championship the previous weekend. It was the school’s eighth state softball championship but the first since capping a threepeat in 1998.

It was glorious, achieved with utter dominance, outscoring four playoff foes 52-5, run-ruling all four and scoring at least 12 runs in each game. The Lady Rebels, who were runners-up in District 2-5A to West Monroe, finished the season 29-9, closing with a 12-game winning streak.

Frye had been an all-star infielder at Pineville High School 20 years ago, and she has been the Lady Rebels head coach since 2018. She understandably felt the satisfaction of guiding her alma mater to a state title she never enjoyed while she had been a three-time all-state infielder and the district MVP as a senior in 2006.

She had nothing but plaudits for her players, but she said, “They don’t understand how big a deal and how hard it is to win a state championship,” she said. “I don’t think they understand how much it means to our town, our community and our past players, but one day they will.”

Just as a state title eluded Frye during her playing time at Pineville, she missed enjoying a national title at Louisiana Christian University, then Louisiana College. The bar had been set for such softball excellence since coach Tim Whitman led the Lady Wildcats to the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) softball championship in 2003.

Although Frye enjoyed multiple all-conference honors in the American Southwest Conference from 2007 through 2010 and was the league’s defensive player of the year as a freshman second baseman in ’07, the closest she and her teammates got to a national title was third place at the NCCAA World Series in ‘08.

“State champ” is a term that’s been in the Frye family for decades. Frye’s father, Steve, a retired cable company veteran, played football and baseball at St. Mary’s High School in Natchitoches, and he was a left guard and linebacker for the Tigers’ Class A state championship football team in 1977. Her mother Kim, a retired hygienist, encouraged her to take dancing lessons early in life but she soon switched to softball, and it was as good a match as eggs to bacon.

She was playing travel ball on a 12-under team, which was rare at that time. “I was the only kid in Pineville my age that played on the team,” she said. “Now, there are so many that play, even on the 8-and-under teams.”

Ever the epitome of an unselfish team player, Allison willingly volunteered to play the outfield her final two seasons at LCU after years as a middle infield wizard.  And she said she received the “Coaches Award” more than once in recognition for her sacrificing for the team.

“I was a little uncomfortable in the outfield at first, but I understood that was best for the team,” she said. “I didn’t think the ‘Coaches Award’ was too highly regarded at the time, but now I know, and I give Coaches Awards, and I make it a big deal to my kids. Being coachable is one of the most important things an athlete can have.”

Although this year’s PHS softball season finished strong, there was a rough stretch when the Lady Rebels lost four in a row, to West Monroe (7-4), Ruston (5-4), Walker (8-6) and French Settlement (2-0).

“That was the lowest point of our season,” Frye said. “We were having some  internal issues and trying to really find ourselves as a team and create an identity and get everyone on board. Our vibe was a little down … but I told ’em our record does not matter, as long as we get past those losses and make adjustments, we’ll be where we need to be at the end of the season.

“And to their credit, this team never got too high or too low,” she continued. “They are not emotional players on the field. They don’t get down on themselves too much. They can quickly adjust and get over mistakes, and for high school girls, especially, that’s important and has had a lot to do with our success.”

Frye enjoyed earlier success as a softball coach at Menard, leading the Lady Eagles to the Class 2A a state title in 2015, her first year there as head coach. She also coached them to state runner-up finishes in 2106 and 2018. Jensen Howell, who later helped LSUE win the NCAA Division II softball championship in 2019, was a sophomore star pitcher in Menard’s title run, and she was the Gatorade National Player of the Year as a junior. She finished her prep career with more than 1,000 strikeouts.

Another former star pitcher for Frye at Menard, Kayla Busby, whose attempts to play college softball at Louisiana-Lafayette and LCU were thwarted by back surgery, and later had a bout with jaw cancer, is now Frye’s top assistant coach at Pineville.  

Although Frye said her team wasn’t emotional on the field, the Lady Rebels rightly enjoyed an emotional celebration after senior Ava Moore belted a grand-slam to give Pineville a run-rule 12-1 victory over John Curtis at Sulphur’s North Frasch Park for the state crown. Moore, 2-for-4 with 6 RBIs in the contest, was named the tournament’s Division I outstanding player.

Her turn in the spotlight, as a senior after three years mostly on the bench, was most deserved, said Frye.

“She’s one of those mature ballplayers that respect the game and the program and is extremely coachable,” said Frye. “She stayed the course. She’s never been the ‘star,’ but you wouldn’t know it to see the attitude she has every day. She can help instill in the younger players the culture and standard of Pineville softball.

“It shows younger kids,” she continued, “if you can trust the process and stay the course, that your time will come.”

Just as Allison Frye’s time, after much patience, finally came to be part of a championship team at her alma mater.   

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Louisiana Christian University held a baccalaureate service Friday evening at First Baptist Church in Pineville for its graduating seniors.

This was the first baccalaureate service for the university, but President Dr. Mark Johnson said it will become an important tradition moving forward.

“This was a time of prayer and to show our thankfulness to God for the conclusion of this journey for these students,” Johnson said. “Commencement is a time for awards and congratulations. The baccalaureate is a time for honoring the Lord with praise.”

Dr. Stewart Holloway, pastor of First Baptist in Pineville, delivered a charge to the graduates.

He encouraged the students to continue believing in God even though they may feel uncertainty in their future paths.

“Graduation is a time of disorientation,” he said. “One day, you know exactly what you are. You have a routine, a schedule, and the very next day you don’t.”

Reading from Ecclesiastes 3, he told the students their lives will be full of highs and lows and everything between, but that God is in control of all of it—even when the purpose may be unclear.

“Behind every season of life stands the good purpose and plans of God,” Holloway said. “There will be moments you’ll feel at the top of your game and moments you’ll feel forgotten, but God wastes nothing. He uses every extreme of life to shape you and write your story. God teaches us and strengthens us through the highs and the lows.”

Holloway encouraged the students to fix their eyes on God and listen to His calling on their lives.

“Look up and also look within,” he said. “The ache inside the human heart is for God. Nothing earthly can completely satisfy because we are built for something greater, beyond what we can see. That something is a someone, and that someone is God. We see only a small part—a joy, a sorrow, but God sees the whole picture.

“When you stand back, you realize God has made everything beautiful in His time.”

At the conclusion of the service, Johnson called all the seniors to the front of the sanctuary for the faculty, staff, and families to pray for them. 

Student Government Association President Camille Allgood, a history major, said the service was very special.

“This was a perfect ending to my LCU career,” Allgood said. “Dr. Johnson really shows he cares about the students. This made us feel cared for and prepared to leave. 

Lexi Broussard, an exercise science major, echoed Allgood’s sentiments. 

“This meant everything,” she said. “It was good to hear the words everyone spoke. I feel very blessed with all the support we got throughout the year from our faculty, our family and Dr. Johnson.”

Following the baccalaureate service, seniors were invited to the president’s home to share a celebratory non-alcoholic toast.

The Senior Class Commencement Toast was created by the president and his wife, Heather, as a newly established tradition designed to provide something that graduation ceremonies often cannot fully offer: intimacy, reflection and one final shared moment as a class family. 

“Hosting the event at the president’s home made the evening even more meaningful for us, as it symbolized both welcome and farewell,” Johnson said. “Just as our freshman class was welcomed at the beginning of their journey, our seniors were celebrated and sent forward as they prepared to begin a new chapter.”

The toast revealed late-night conversations, chapel experiences, classroom discussions, athletic victories, spiritual growth, friendships formed, challenges overcome, and memories made across campus. The toast was designed to honor those moments in a meaningful and relational setting.

Allgood beautifully captured that spirit by lifting a toast “to a prosperous future” for the graduates. 

“Her words reflected both gratitude for the journey behind them and hope for the calling ahead,” Johnson said. “In many ways, the moment represented what we strive to be: a place where students are known, celebrated, challenged, and prepared to walk faithfully into their future.”

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Louisiana Christian University held its 171^st commencement exercises Saturday in Guinn Auditorium on campus. 

Conferred were 72 master’s degrees and 120 undergraduate degrees. Graduates included students who finished their degrees in December 2025, May 2026, and who will complete their coursework in August 2026.

The 10 a.m. ceremony included the undergraduates who earned degrees from the School of Sciences, Computing and Artificial Intelligence, the School of Christian Studies, the College of Health and Professional Programs, the Schools of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the School of Media, Communication and Fine Arts. The 2 p.m. ceremony included the undergraduates and graduate students from the Ray and Dorothy Young School of Business, the School of Education, and the School of Social Work.

Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Henry Robertson, who has served the university for 20 years, offered his reflections on his time as a professor and as an administrator. This was his last commencement at LCU. 

“This has been my biggest joy, to be your instructor,” he said. “These are moments and times of service never to be forgotten.”

He also thanked the faculty and staff for their commitment to the students, telling the graduates, “We are your biggest fans—the faculty and staff here.”

Students and faculty offered reflections at both ceremonies. 

Camille Allgood, Student Government Association president and history major, said what she loved most about LCU is the sense of community. 

“It’s bittersweet to leave a place I love so much, but I’m excited to see what happens next,” she said. “It’s not a goodbye, it’s an LCU later.”

Dr. Amy Chandler, assistant professor of education, remarked on her own time graduating from LC and what an impression the worldview taught at the school made on her future.

“It’s now up to you to apply your Christian worldview as you go into the profession you were called to,” Chandler said. “We are the builders of civilization, and God is the project manager. Leave something better than you find it. Go and do great things in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Master of Social Work graduate Shequantna Sanders gave a testimony of her nontraditional and oftentimes difficult journey while she was at LCU.

A single mother who held down two jobs while working on her degree, Sanders also fought through two cancer diagnoses, but she never gave up.

“God blessed me with some amazing professors and awesome classmates, who prayed for me and prayed with me,” she said. “Let the Lord lead you. Keep God first. Put in the work. Treat everyone with grace.”

Dr. Marcia Hardy, dean of the Young School of Business, congratulated graduates on their accomplishments.

“We are excited for you,” she said. “You will have the opportunity to excel in what you do best, to bring your light into the world. Every day, you have the opportunity to bring your one tiny candle that can illuminate a thousand. Go light your world, and your LCU faculty, staff, and friends will continue to support you and uplift you.”

Dr. Victory Lindo-Lemons, dean of the School of Education, and an alumnus of LC, told students that the day wasn’t simply about earning a degree but also about becoming who God has called them to be. She said that the school had not been her first choice when she was choosing a college to attend, but that she became a Christian while a student.

Lindo-Lemons told students that just as some of them were, she was the first person in her family to attend college.

“God has a way of planting us right where we need to grow and planting others you need to help you grow,” she said. “Today, I want to honor your perseverance. Perseverance is holy work. Some of you are changing the generational outcome of your families forever.”

After the conferring of degrees, Johnson offered the presidential charge to the graduates.

Johnson encouraged the students to be faithful, regardless of whether it brings them the level of success they expect to achieve.

“The Lord never said to be successful,” Johnson said. “He said to be faithful. It may take you to places that even surprise you. So why be faithful instead of successful? When you hit hard times, if you keep the faith, the faith will keep you. He will hold you tight. It is faith that keeps us in the most difficult times of our lives.

“You will take hits, and you’re going to fall, but the Lord will be with you along the way. When you fall, you will get back up again. The Lord placed something inside you to get back up. You can face whatever you’re going to face because the Lord is with you.”

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Louisiana Central will host Rally the Region, a collaborative initiative aimed at bridging the gap between education, workforce readiness, and economic development across a 10-parish region.

The event features nationally recognized workforce expert Mark C. Perna and Nathan Ohle, president and CEO of the International Economic Development Council. Local leaders from the Rapides Parish School Board, Central Louisiana Technical Community College, and the Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce will join regional stakeholders to discuss creating stronger pathways from the classroom to the local workforce.

WHAT: Rally the Region: Business & Industry Partners Session

WHEN: Tuesday, May 12, 2026 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

WHERE: England Airpark Community Center Alexandria, Louisiana

WHO:

• Chris Masingill, president and CEO, Louisiana Central

• Mark C. Perna, author and workforce expert

• Nathan Ohle, president and CEO, International Economic Development Council

• Jeff Powell, superintendent, Rapides Parish School Board

• Dr. Heather Poole, chancellor, Central Louisiana Technical Community College

• Deborah Randolph, president, Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce

• Regional business leaders, educators, and community stakeholders

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The Alexandria Senior High track and field teams headed into last Saturday’s state championships at LSU’s Bernie Moore Stadium among the favorites, based on their impressive Region 1-5A triumphs.

It was on display in Baton Rouge. The ASH girls won the team championship going away, with 85 points. It was the school’s first state track and field team title since the 2007 Lady Trojans took state.

There were four event champions for the ASH girls:

• Brielle Texada, javelin

• Nyla Stewart, discus

• 4×100, and 4×200 relays (Jamaria Byrd, Amari Dupar, Devan Williams, Ja’Nya Gray)

Other pivotal performances included a second in the triple jump and third in the long jump by Noelle Williams; third in the 4×400 relay (Evelyn Wold, Dupar, Byrd, Madeline Davis); Alyssa Skipper’s third-place shot put; a 3-4 finish in the 100 meter dash by Gray and Dupar; Gray taking fourth in the 200; and fourth in the 4×800 relay (Makiera Keys, Wold, Davis, Sophia Reish).

Rapides Parish produced six more state champions.

ASH’s Joseph Carter Rivet took the 5A boys discus with a 186-7 mark, winning by over 25 feet.

Tioga’s Shawniya Dixon won the 4A girls high jump with a 5-3 ¾ clearance.

Lady Indians teammate Naomi Dishman was the 4A girls 400 meter champion, clocking 56.85.

In Class 2A, Menard’s Carly Menard was the girls discus winner with a 112-5 throw.

Grace Christian’s Ben Stokes was the Class B boys discus king, marking 119-1.

Audrey Tarver of Grace Christian took the Class B girls 100 meter hurdles in 16.83.

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LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – Louisiana Christian weathered an eighth-inning go-ahead rally by Marian and got a walk-off, pitch-hit two-run home run by Gavin Vordick Monday to win 4-3 in the Lawrenceville Bracket of the NAIA Baseball Opening Round.

The Wildcats, ranked 24^th nationally and seeded second in the regional, advanced to a 2 p.m. (CT) winner’s bracket battle with host Georgia Gwinnett, ranked fourth nationally and seeded first in the regional.

Marian, No. 23 nationally and the third seed at the regional, will play today at 10 a.m. in an elimination game and if it survives, will face elimination again in the third and final game today.

LCU (36-13) got a solo homer in the second inning by Matthew Cody, but Marion tied the game in the fourth on an RBI double. The Wildcats quickly regained the lead on Harrison Waxley’s double scoring Drake Aldridge, who had singled to open the bottom of the fourth.

With the Wildcats three outs from advancing, the Knights found their offense. A lead-off walk was sacrificed over to second, and then a RBI single and a RBI double on back-to-back hits gave Marian its first lead of the game at 3-2 before reliever Owen Simoneaux came on to put out the fire, retiring the two batters he faced. 
Caleb Brown led off the bottom of the ninth by dropping a base hit into left-center. Waxley laid down a sacrifice bunt to move Brown into scoring position. Vordick was called on to pinch hit and took a 2-2 pitch over the wall in left, into the LCU bullpen for the walk-off home run.

Vordick’s blast was his fourth home run of the season.

TENNESSEE WESLEYAN 7, LSUA 0: In Kingsport, Tenn., the third-seeded Generals (33-17) managed just two hits and struck out 10 times against the second-seeded winners (41-14).

LSUA will meet fifth-seeded William Woods at 10 a.m. (CT) in an elimination game. The winner will play again tomorrow at 5 in an elimination contest against top-seeded Webber International, upset Monday by No. 4 Indiana Wesleyan 10-6.

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The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) approved a Notice of Intent (NOI) for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) to conduct a recreational alligator hunting season from Oct. 1-31, 2026. The action came during the LWFC’s May meeting Thursday (May 7) in Baton Rouge.

“We are proud to increase recreational opportunity for Louisiana sportsmen and women across the state with this exciting new season,” said LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth. “The American Alligator is a true conservation success story, and by being able to have a recreational season, we are able to further promote this success and the rich hunting heritage that makes up the Louisiana way of life.”

The recreational season would be separate from the commercial season. Properties already issued commercial harvest tags are excluded from recreational eligibility. Alligators, hides, meat and parts taken under a recreational hide tag may not be sold, bartered or commingled with commercial-tag alligators.

The recreational season would be conducted by lottery. Only Louisiana residents may apply. A total of 5,000 participants would be selected with two recreational alligator hide tags issued to each participant. Immediate tag attachment upon harvest and tag validation within 72 hours via department portal, LA Wallet, phone, or LouisianaOutdoors.com, is required.

Method of take is restricted to hook and line, or snatch hook only — anchored, tethered, or originating from immovable eligible property with written landowner permission. Pole hunting and free shooting is prohibited.

There would be eight zones statewide with recreational opportunity in each zone. Zones B and C would have 1,250 participants, Zone A 500 participants and zones D, E, F, G and H 400 participants each.. A recreational alligator hunter must possess a basic hunting license, the recreational alligator hunting license, valid recreational hide tags and written proof of land ownership or permission.  A recreational alligator hunting license would be $25 for residents and $150 for non-residents.

To see the full NOI, visit the LDWF Alligator Hunting webpage.

Public comment on the NOI will be accepted through June 26. Comments may be submitted to LDWF Alligator Program Manager Jeb Linscombe at LDWF, 200 Dulles Drive, Lafayette, LA, 70506, or by email at jlinscombe@wlf.la.gov.

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Burger joints are as much a part of our American culture as the fish and chip shops are in England.  On April 25, 1960, Michael James “Jim” Delligatti opened a drive-in restaurant franchise in Uniontown, Pennsylvania.  Jim’s drive-in operated on a streamlined technique in which they could deliver a hamburger, French fires, and a milkshake in 50 seconds or less.  The menu consisted of just ten items: hamburgers, cheeseburgers, French fries, triple thick milkshakes, Coca Cola, root beer, Orangeade, milk, coffee, and hot chocolate.  By using their assembly line process, they could prepare 36 hamburgers in just 110 seconds.  Jim’s drive-in had the space to prepare 6,000 hamburgers a day.  At $.15 each, the profit margin per hamburger was small, but they made up for it in volume.  Customers flocked to Jim’s drive-in.  The food was inexpensive, quick, and tasted good.  A bright neon sign identified the drive-in.  The brightly lit food preparation area was enclosed by 900 square feet of quarter-inch plate glass so customers could see that their food was served quickly in spotless surroundings.  Business was so good that by 1971, Jim owned a dozen drive-in restaurant franchises in western Pennsylvania.  Jim eventually owned 48 restaurants in the drive-in restaurant chain.      

Jim always paid attention to what his customers wanted.  After hearing that they desired a bigger sandwich, Jim went to work.  After a short time—speed was of the utmost importance—Jim created a bigger sandwich by using items already on his menu and adding a unique sauce made from salted egg yolks, mustard, onion, garlic, and relish.  In March of 1967, Jim used his Uniontown drive-in to test out his new sandwich.  Demand exploded and Jim added his new creation to the menus of his other drive-ins.  The results were the same.  Jim’s larger sandwich was a hit, but the parent company did not want to alter their original menu.  Jim explained, “they figured, why go to something else if (the original menu) was working so well?”  Eventually, Jim’s creation was added to the national chain’s menus with resounding success.  Since 1968, the chain has sold billions of Jim’s larger sandwiches.  In 2006, the parent company estimated that they were selling 550 million of them each year at a rate of 17 each second.            

Jim did not become wealthy off of his creation that is now sold in over 100 countries.  Jim received no payment and no royalties for the creation, but that was okay with Jim.  After more than six and a half decades, Jim’s Drive-In is still open.  From the menu at the drive-in restaurant at 575 Morgantown Street in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, you can still order the sandwich Jim created there by combining two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions, on a sesame seed bun.  It is said to be the most popular sandwich on the planet.  Jim, the owner of a McDonald’s franchise, was the creator of the Big Mac.  …and it’s time for lunch.

Sources:

1.     The Evening Standard (Uniontown, Pennsylvania), April 12, 1960, p.7.

2.     The Evening Standard, March 2, 1971, p.69.

3.     Valley News (West Lebanon, New Hampshire), December 4, 2016, p.12.

4.     “Michael James Delligatti,” Devlin Funeral Home, accessed May 3, 2026, https://www.devlinfuneralhome.com/obituaries/michael-james-delligatti/.

5.     “Inventor of the Big Mac dies, aged 98,” BBC News, November 30, 2016, accessed May 3, 2026, https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-38162497.

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Karl Benjamin Diegelmann died May 9 at his home in Alexandria after a brief illness and 91 years of life.

Karl was born February 8, 1935, in Washington, D.C. His childhood was spent playing among the historic buildings in the heart of the city and fishing for crabs in the local waters along the Chesapeake Bay. He became a master plumber and house builder, and he moved to the Alexandria area in the 1970s during the construction of Timber Trails. For the last 20 years of his career, he served as the Mechanical Supervisor for Rapides Hospital.

Karl and his wife, Norene, loved their weekends at “The Camp,” which Karl built at Nantachie Lake — and which was generously opened for decades of family gatherings and visits from grandchildren. He cultivated an appreciation for what it means to be in nature, teaching them to fish, ordering dirt piles for the kids, and preparing bonfires to light the songs, stories, and jokes of the night. The lake property was legendary for Karl’s prolific garden and the golden view from the upstairs balcony.

Karl liked to say that he could fix anything except a broken heart and the crack of dawn, and a dinner party wasn’t complete until he left them all laughing with a mischievous toast or limerick.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Norene Diegelmann, and his three children: Sheri Ruff (George) and Carla O’Gwinn (Tim) of Gaithersburg, Maryland, and Gregory Diegelmann of Mount Airy, Maryland, as well as his sister, Marion Judy of Hartford, Connecticut.

He also leaves behind his five stepchildren: Dan Diefenderfer (Terry), Lori Kees (Lynn), Joanie Curry (Marty), Jill Abadie (Chris), and Chris Diefenderfer, as well as 49 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Karl cherished the long-time friendship of his first and best friend in Alexandria, Richard Meyer.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Karl Diegelmann will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church, with Rev. John Brocato officiating. Interment will follow at Alexandria Memorial Gardens under the direction of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 4:30 pm until 6:30 pm with a recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 pm.

Memorials in Karl’s honor can be made to The Arc Rapides, 1700 Ashley Street, Alexandria, Louisiana 71301.

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Memorial services celebrating the life of Mr. Joseph Coutee will be celebrated at 6:00PM on Monday, May 18, 2026 in the chapel of Fall Creek Funeral Home, 1800 Military Hwy., Pineville, La.

Visitation and gathering of friends will begin at 4:00PM on Monday until time of services in the funeral home.

A private interment service will be held by the family.

Mr. Coutee, age 78 of Alexandria, formerly of Flatwoods, entered eternal rest on Sunday, May 10, 2026 in the Summit Retirement Center, Alexandria, La.

He was a native of Flatwoods, La., and was a retired operator with Hexion Chemical Plant. He loved fishing, mowing grass and spending time with his family.

Joseph is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Ruth Coutee,

his children, Kimberly Coutee and Joey Coutee, one sister, Sue Collins and two brothers, Thelton Coutee and Delton Coutee.

He is survived by his son, Joseph T. Coutee (Alysha) of Tioga and his step-daughter, Marcie Guffey of Tioga, two sisters, Rose Anderson of Flatwoods and Ruth Rachal of Flatwoods, one brother, Felix Coutee of Texas and six grandchildren, Isabella Coutee, Gatlyn Coutee, Jesslyn Craig, Johnathan Craig, Aunna Craig and Lucas Guffey.

All arrangements have been placed in the care of Fall Creek Funeral Home, Pineville, Robbie Dauzat, Director.

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Phonetic: /HAL-see-un/

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition

• Halcyon is most often used to describe a happy and successful time in the past that is remembered as being better than today. It can also mean “calm, peaceful” or “prosperous, affluent.”
  
  She does not regret retiring, but looks back fondly on the halcyon years of her career.

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The Alexandria Police Department is investigating the death of a four-year-old child following an accidental shooting incident involving a stolen firearm.

According to authorities, officers responded to a local hospital at approximately 10:48 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, after a child arrived with an apparent gunshot wound. The child later died from injuries sustained in the incident.

Detectives determined the shooting occurred in the 3000 block of Houston Street following a birthday party. Investigators said two four-year-old children were playing unsupervised inside a residence with an illegally possessed stolen firearm when the weapon discharged, fatally striking one of the children.

Police said the investigation remains active and ongoing, and charges are pending.

Alexandria Police Chief Chad Gremillion called the incident a preventable tragedy and urged firearm owners to properly secure weapons by keeping them unloaded, locked away, and inaccessible to children at all times.

The Alexandria Police Department said it is working with the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services in connection with the case.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Alexandria Police Detective Division at (318) 441-6416 or APD Dispatch at (318) 441-6559. Information may also be emailed to APDDetectives@cityofalex.com.

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development is reminding motorists of upcoming lane closures scheduled for bridge maintenance work on the Pineville Expressway beginning Monday, May 11.

According to DOTD, US 165 Southbound will be reduced to one lane from May 11 through May 15 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day, weather permitting. The closures are necessary for maintenance work on the Pineville Expressway overpass bridge located at the intersection of US 165 and US 167 in Kingsville.

DOTD also announced that the turning lane from southbound US 165 to southbound US 167 will be closed during the project.

Officials noted that lane closures may alternate throughout the duration of the work and advised motorists to expect delays and consider alternate routes when possible.

DOTD reminded drivers to use caution in construction zones and remain alert for workers and equipment while traveling through the area.

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Louisiana Christian University’s tennis team may be young—the program restarted just three years ago—but it’s definitely a smash!

The tennis team, led by Coach Alexandra Starkova, who began resurrecting the team in 2022 thanks to some generous donors, finished its regular season ranked No. 13 in the nation, with a 12-6 record, including conference matches, some of which are D1 schools.

LCU previously had both men’s and women’s tennis from 1997 until 2016, when the program was disbanded. 

“The opportunity to join LCU came from an unexpected place, and now the program is healthier than ever with its first-ever winning records, national appearances, updated facilities, and frequent visits from fans that the courts had not seen since the tennis team’s inception,” Starkova said. 

The hard work that Starkova and her players have put in has paid off. In a history-making season, the tennis team heads to the NAIA National Tournament Championship being held in Mobile, Alabama, May 12-16. Only 24 teams in the country will be competing for the title. 

“Congratulations to our LCU tennis team on an outstanding season,” said President Dr. Mark Johnson. “Your hard work, discipline and sportsmanship have made the entire Wildcat family proud. Thank you for representing Louisiana Christian University with excellence on and off the court. Go Wildcats!”

The seven-member team includes Raquel Rodrigues, of Portugal; Elizaveta Mikhailova, of Russia; Farren Sandy, of Indonesia; Valeria Callejo, of Spain; Sofia Ferrer, of Mexico; Akari Uchiyama, of Japan; and Claudia Garcia, of Spain.

LCU will play in three doubles matches and six singles matches. 

“These college teams that are competing in this specific tournament have competed consistently against Top 25 opponents year-round,” Starkova said. “We are one of the elite teams, and we are excited to compete in the NAIA National tournament.”

In addition to its overall ranking, the team is also ranked #8 through the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, which ranks players on their individual and group performances.

Starkova credits much of her and her team’s success to a lot of hard work, discipline and faith.

She herself knows a lot about overcoming obstacles and finding another pathway to success. Following God’s call on your life often looks quite different than what we plan for ourselves. 

Starkova, who is from Spain, was competing on the country’s national tennis tour, with a dream of building a career in the sport she loved.

“But like many athletes, my journey was interrupted by something unexpected, an injury,” she said. “A meniscus tear forced me off the court for six months. In a sport where rhythm and consistency are everything, that kind of pause doesn’t just affect your body; it challenges your identity. It made me step back and rethink what my future in tennis could look like.

“Coming to the United States gave me a second opportunity, not just to compete at a high level again, but to grow in ways I hadn’t considered before.” 

 Starkova played tennis for Louisiana Tech University while pursuing her degree. She went on to McNeese State University in Lake Charles to serve as the graduate assistant tennis coach while she earned her master’s degree. 

“That experience was transformative,” Starkova said. “It allowed me to see the game from a different angle, not just as a player, but as a mentor and leader. I began to understand the impact a coach can have, shaping not only athletes but also individuals.”

She then took the assistant tennis coach position at ULL before coming to LCU to restart the women’s tennis program.

“Looking back, the injury that once felt like a major obstacle ended up redefining my path,” Starkova said. “It pushed me to explore new opportunities, grow academically, and ultimately discover my passion for coaching. My journey is a reminder that setbacks don’t have to end a dream, they can reshape it into something even more meaningful.”

Starkova said she had a vision of one day leading a program of her own, and her faith ultimately led her to LCU.

“I carried with me the desire to build something meaningful, something rooted not only in performance, but in purpose,” she said. “At LCU, I found a place that embraced both my ambitions and my beliefs. It gave me the opportunity to implement my philosophy, to grow as a leader, and to create an environment where faith and sport go hand in hand. Our program has developed into something special, competitive, driven, and united by something deeper than just results.”

Faith has strengthened the team’s mindset, she said, and elevated the way they compete. The focus is not just about winning matches but competing with intention, trusting the process, and knowing they are representing something larger than themselves every time they step onto the court. 

She said she is proud of the work ethic and sportsmanship of her players. They come to practice every day ready to improve, and their strong sense of accountability has allowed them to elevate the level of the program.

“From day one, they embraced the vision of what we are trying to build, and that’s not always easy. It takes discipline, trust, and a lot of selflessness to put the team first, and they’ve done that consistently,” Starkova said. “They are a very resilient group. No matter the situation, whether it’s a tough match, adversity or high-pressure moments, they compete with composure and belief. They don’t back down, and they’ve learned how to respond the right way, which says a lot about their mindset and growth.”

Senior player Racquel Rodrigues, a psychology major, has been on the team since its re-establishment. She said the improvement and success of the team is due in large part to the intense, competitive practices.

 “She pushes us to our limits every single day and expects a lot from us, both physically and mentally,” Rodrigues said. “A lot of times, practices can be very challenging, but it is all because she wants us to reach our full potential. What I respect most about her is that she truly believes in us and constantly encourages us. She pushes us out of our comfort zones, which helps us become stronger athletes and more confident people.” 

Rodrigues said the disappointment of not making it to the national tournament last year, despite the team being ranked #18 in the nation, lit a fire in them to work even harder this year.

Teammate Elizaveta Mikhailova, a business administration major, has also been with the team for three years. She said her dream since joining the team was to make it to nationals. 

“It was one of the goals since my first year here, and each year we were coming closer,” Mikhailova said. “I am really proud of what we achieved this year with the girls because it was the hard work of the whole team, including coaches and supporting staff.”

Both women said Starkova’s expectations of the team were high, but she created a tight-knit, supportive environment for them to grow as players and as people. 

“Coming in, the goal wasn’t just to win matches, it was to create a culture where players could develop at a high level, believe in something bigger than themselves, and compete with intention every single day,” Starkova said. “Seeing that vision come to life has been the most rewarding part. From elevating the level of competition to achieving national recognition to reaching milestones like qualifying for nationals for the first time in program history, those moments reflect the work, trust, and commitment of everyone involved.”

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Second-seeded Glenmora is the last Rapides Parish team standing in the LHSAA baseball playoffs, after another parish team, Grace Christian, went down in a tough 5-4 loss Friday averting a possible all Rapides semifinal game in Class B.

Grace Christian was edged by visiting Family Community. On Thursday, Glenmora run-ruled Stanley10-0.

Glenmora and Family Community, the sixth seed, meet at 2 o’clock Tuesday in Sulphur at McMurry Park on Field 37.

Baseball playoff results, schedule

Class B (quarterfinals, single-elimination)

Glenmora 10, Stanley 0

Family Community 5, Grace Christian 4

(Tuesday’s semifinals at McMurry Park, Sulphur) 

Glenmora vs. Family Community, 2:00

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BOM Bank is proud to sponsor the Midstate Arts & Athletics Golf Tournament!

Midstate Homeschool Organization is a Christian nonprofit serving homeschool families in the greater Alexandria area, providing Christ-honoring opportunities for social, physical, and educational growth through sports, classes, and special events.

Pictured left to right: BOM’s Titan Marler and Dylan Stokes.

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Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

May 10

Brandon Jerod Dorn, 36, Alexandria – home invasion, resisting an officer, contempt of court, $2,500 bail;

Breana Samuel, 29, Alexandria – two counts assault on emergency personnel, disturbing the peace by public intoxication, $2,000 bail.

May 9

Edwin Bryan Allen, 39, Alexandria – OWI first offense, open container, driving under suspension, improper lane usage, three counts contempt of court, $2,000 bail;

Justin Michael Cole, 26, Deville – speeding, reckless operation of a vehicle, no vehicle registration, no driver’s license, no MVI sticker, failure to secure registration, $1,000 bail;

Malana Lynn Crooks, 47, Alexandria – identity theft, victim 65 years or older or disabled, no bail data;

Michael Wayne Gagnard, 31, Pineville – aggravated obstruction of highway, reckless operation of a vehicle, speeding, failure to yield emergency vehicle, driving under suspension, no passing zone, no vehicle registration, no MVI sticker, failure to secure registration, signal lamps and devices, improper riding motorcycle, $1,400 bail;

Kristopher Amondorashawn Gibson, 31, Alexandria – driving under suspension, windshield required, no insurance, failure to secure registration, display of temporary registration, seven counts contempt of court, $14,500 bail;

Blaine Odell Gillespie, 33, Gilbert – OWI first offense, speeding, following too close, $1,200 bail;

Ellis Bernard Jackson, 46, Pineville —  OWI second offense, $1,500 bail;

Eric Dewayne Jones, 53, Pineville – OWI first offense, wrong way one way street, driving under suspension, $1,200 bail;

Daniel Melder, 47, Pineville – violation of protective orders, $25,000 bail;

Angela Marie Morlte, 49, Alexandria – theft, five counts contempt of court, $7,500 bail.

May 8

Gail Glendolia Bass, 48, Ball – aggravated assault domestic abuse, disturbing the peace, $5,500 bail;

Cashman Cain Cage, 27, Alexandria – criminal damage, two counts simple battery, disturbing the peace violent and tumultuous, contempt of court, $3,750 bail;

Joshua Dewayne Daniels, 26, Pineville – attempted first degree murder, possession of firearm by convicted felon, parole violations, resisting an officer, $125,500 bail;

John Anthony Dubois, 27, Calcasieu – theft, $25,000 bail;

Casey Joseph Fontenot, 27, Ville Platte – possession of firearm by convicted felon, paraphernalia, $10,500 bail;

Britney Nicole Jackson, 39, Alexandria – two counts domestic abuse battery, $1,000 bail;

Etrene Raenell Johnson, 40, Alexandria – two counts second degree battery, $50,000 bail;

Chantal Marie Kerry, 44, Pineville – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, speeding, canceled plate violation, no registration in vehicle, $2,300 bail;

Cameron Lane Leger, 24, Ville Platte – possession of firearm by convicted felon, wrong way one way street, no driver’s license, $10,200 bail;

Riley Cole Norris, 23, Ball – aggravated assault domestic abuse, illegal carry firearm with drugs, terrorizing, possession of marijuana, $75,500 bail;

Sherry Marie Smith, 55, Pineville – impersonating a peace officer, resisting an officer, contempt of court, $5,000 bail;

Abdelrasoal Taha, 46, Alexandria – criminal damage to property, $1,500 bail.

May 7

Erick Antonio, 22, Alexandria – OWI first offense, improper driving on left, improper lane usage, no driver’s license, open container, no license plate light, $1,500 bail;

James Alden Beard, 24, Pineville – simple strangulation domestic abuse, false imprisonment, second degree battery, probation violation, failure to appear, $28,000 bail;

Tonya Buxton, 33, Alexandria – criminal damage to property, Louisiana fugitive, contempt of court, $100,500 bail;

Derek Morris Colwell, 35, Pineville – hit and run, careless operation of a vehicle, improper lane usage, operating vehicle while under suspension for certain prior offenses, OWI second offense, $2,700 bail;

Jake Desoto, 39, Marksville – OWI fourth offense, careless operation of a vehicle, safety belt violation, intentional littering, Louisiana fugitive, $200,700 bail;

Tamescho Lacorea Gold, 39, Pineville – accessory after the fact, paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, no driver’s license, no signals, five counts contempt of court, $116,200 bail;

Reginald Christopher Hill, 41, Alexandria – criminal trespass, two counts theft (second/subsequent), $25,500 bail;

Justin Roth Hinton, 42, Pineville – possession of stolen vehicle, simple escape, two counts criminal trespass, contempt of court, paraphernalia, producing manufacturing distributing CDS, theft (second/subsequent conviction), criminal damage to property, simple burglary, criminal conspiracy, illegal possession of stolen things, $202,000 bail;

Montavion Ladez Lott, 27, Alexandria – theft, contempt of court, $2,500 bail;

Tevin Martel, McClain, 34, Alexandria – transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses, three counts possession of CDS, four counts producing manufacturing distributing CDS, $394,500 bail;

Jerry Mickles, 34, Alexandria – driving under suspension, display of temp registration, no insurance, possession of marijuana, resisting an officer, contempt of court, $2,300 bail;

Jared Lee Nelson, 45, Alexandria – possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, obscenity, parole violations, $4,000 bail;

Paul D. Soderlund, 59, Alexandria – simple burglary, two counts contempt of court, $60,000 bail;

Kentavious Washington, 24, Glenmora – domestic abuse battery with child present, $3,000 bail;

Seneca Lee Wells, 27, Baton Rouge – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, improper lane usage, no driver’s license, $50,200 bail.

May 6

Kevie Laine Bordelon, 39, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, $5,500 bail;

Sterling D. Dyer, 66, Alexandria – theft, contempt of court, Louisiana fugitive, $4,000 bail;

Lawrence Eugene Fuglaar III, 54, Pineville – aggravated battery, domestic abuse battery strangulation, resisting an officer, violation of protective order, $102,000 bail;

Eliza Joy Hernandez, 36, Alexandria – forgery, exploitation of the infirmed, insurance fraud, three counts contempt of court, $25,500 bail;

Cody James McGuire, 38, Ball – Louisiana fugitive, no bail data;

Carlos Jay Ramos, 51, Waco, Texas – four counts simple burglary, $40,000 bail;

Nevada Michael Richard, 49, Alexandria – two counts contempt of court, $100,000 bail;

Jason Wesley Taylor, 49, Pineville – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, careless operation of vehicle, $2,100 bail;

Alexis Brooke Wyllie, 33, Alexandria – home invasion, $50,000 bail.

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