By JIM BUTLER

The percentage of Rapides students achieving mastery or above on this year’s LEAP tests rose three points from last, reaching the state average of 35.

The parish results put it at number two among the 14 top-improving systems. 

Mastery is defined as proficient and ready for the next level without remediation.

Hold the champagne — nine of 20 parish elementary schools testing had fewer than 25% reach that bar; middle schools had three of nine, high schools one of 11.

That’s not to disparage progress. On the positive end, five elementary schools reached 50% or more, as did two middle schools and one high school.

Grades 3-8 are tested in English Language Arts, math and science. Upper grades are measured in English 1 & 2, Algebra, Geometry, U.S. History and Biology.

Often cited as key to educational success is a three-cornered base – facilities (and materials), faculty(and staff, management), family (socio-economic). The school system controls two of the three.

The LEAP exam changes next year, the result of state Department of Education revisions. Time will tell that impact.

This year’s results show there are long rows still to be hoed. By division, school, percentage of those tested reaching mastery:

Elementary

Acadian 21

Ball 47

Barron 44

Brasher 17

Cherokee 32

Goff 52

Horseshoe Dr. 10

Huddle 18

Martin Park 18

Moore 30

Nachman 46

Paradise 53

Redwine 21

Rosenthal 55

Pineville 23

Ruby-Wise 62

Rugg 13

Tioga 41

Lawrence Upper 49

Phoenix Magnet 76

Middle/Jr. High

Alexandria Middle Magnet 14

Brame 31

Smith Middle Magnet 19

Dorman 65

Forest Hill 40

Pineville 40

Poland 57

Raymond 21

Tioga 48

High School

Alexandria Senior 42

Bolton Academy 75 (79 for 3-8 component)

Buckeye 50 (53)

Glenmora 32

Northwood 34 (35)

Oak Hill 38 (39)

Menard 35

Northwood 34 (35)

Peabody Magnet 15

Pineville 43

Plainview 42 (41)

Rapides 29

Tioga 41

Rapides Positive Program for Students 17

Midday on July 5, a combined 12-member team from Louisiana Task Force 2 (LATF-2) and Louisiana Task Force 3 (LATF-3) deployed to Texas to support ongoing emergency efforts in response to catastrophic flooding across the region.

“Once again, when our support is needed, our Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams step up without hesitation,” said DPS Principal Assistant Bryan J. Adams. “Our dedicated Louisiana firefighters are on their way to assist with the tragic flooding scene in Texas. I am incredibly proud of our teams and their unwavering willingness to stand alongside our sister states in times of need. We are truly “One Team.”

LATF-2 includes highly trained personnel from the Baton Rouge, Zachary, West Feliciana, and East Side Fire Departments. LATF-3 is comprised of responders from the Shreveport Fire Department. Together, the team brings specialized training and equipment to conduct swiftwater rescue and Urban Search and Rescue operations under the most challenging conditions.

These first responders train year-round to prepare for missions like this, where rapid deployment, coordination, and expertise can mean the difference between life and death. Their presence will provide critical support to local emergency services currently overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster.

The State Fire Marshal expressed pride in the professionalism, courage, and selflessness these men and women demonstrate each time they are called upon. Their willingness to leave their homes and families to help others in need is a true testament to the spirit of Louisiana’s first responders.

Downtown Alexandria was the place to be for music, fireworks and family fun as over 1,000 people packed the area around city hall for Rock the Red, the city’s annual Independence Day celebration.

From a Mount Everest sized water slide to a foam filled play area, portable basketball court, and children’s games, there was plenty of fun for the younger set. Savory aromas filled the air as food trucks served up a wide variety of foods for every taste.

Louisiana Music Hall of Fame member and Billboard Hot Country Songs Top 100 Chart singer Trini Triggs kicked off the evening’s concert with an energetic hour long set that ranged from Gospel to Rock to Country. Trini was followed by the superb musicality of ROI Chip Anthony, a singer and group that kept the crowd pumped up and the dance area filled.

It would not be Independence Day without fireworks and Rockin’ the Red did not disappoint! The evening culminated with an incredible fireworks show that could not be beat.

The Department of Health has rescinded the boil advisories in the Village of Forest Hill on Willis Gunter Rd. and Bell Rd. as well as Fish Hatchery Rd. and Nall Rd.  The Village appreciates the public’s patience during these boil advisories.

The Pineville Police Department responded to reports of a shooting in the area of Hayes Street and Pelican Drive on July 3 at approximately 1:13am.

The PPD Criminal Investigations Bureau responded and immediately began working the case. Detectives worked throughout the day, and secured multiple search warrants related to the investigation. With the assistance of Pineville Police Department SWAT team and the Alexandria Police Department SWAT team, those search warrants were executed and a total of four subjects were apprehended. Evidence recovered during the investigation ultimately led to several arrests.

Reyma Leshay Irwin was charged with 3 counts of Attempted Second Degree Murder, Criminal Conspiracy, Possession of CDS I with Intent to Distribute, and Possession of CDS II (Cocaine). 

Victoria Renee Bell was charged with 3 counts of Attempted Second Degree Murder and Criminal Conspiracy. 

Dashawn Lamarcus Davis was charged with 3 counts of Attempted Second Degree Murder and Criminal Conspiracy. 

Kirstin Ardoin was charged with 3 counts of Attempted Second Degree Murder and Criminal Conspiracy. 

This investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming. 

The PPD extended their appreciation to the Alexandria Police Department for their assistance. 

Arrests are accusations, not convictions. 

July 6

Brian Matthew Guillory, 42, Alexandria – three counts possession of CDS, possession of fentanyl, $1,500 bail;

Tytianna Nicole Robinson, 24, Pineville – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, $1,100 bail;

Tamyra T. Sanders, 20, Alexandria – OWI first offense, speeding, $1,100 bail.

July 5

Tyche Banks, 41, Alexandria – aggravated battery, possession of CDS, failure to appear, $3,764.50 bail;

Jeremy T. Beaudion, 25, Natchitoches – Louisiana fugitive, no bail data;

Omar Kenyetta Coleman, 37, Pineville – simple battery, two counts failure to appear, three counts contempt of court, $7,000 bail;

Kyrin Cooper-White, 27, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, discharging firearms, $2,000 bail;

Harold James Dwellingham, 66, Alexandria – OWI first offense, running a stop sign, improper lane usage, reckless operation of a vehicle, flight from an officer, resisting an officer, three counts open container, driving under suspension, $2,600 bail;

Javonte Dontrell Green, 28, Pineville – OWI first offense, driving under suspension, $1,100 bail;

Kedrick Gullette, 33, Alexandria – legend drugs obtained by misrepresentation or fraud, three counts contempt of court, probation violation, $15,500 bail;

Jermaine Johnson, 52, Alexandria – possession of CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, possession of firearm by convicted felon, $27,500 bail;

Michael Dewayne Johnson, 45, Alexandria – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, $1,100 bail;

Mikalia Reed, 22, Alexandria – OWI first offense, speeding, driving under suspension, $1,200 bail;

Joseph Schoolcraft II, 24, Pineville – OWI first offense, improper turn, $1,100 bail;

Mitchell A. St. Julien Jr, 48, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, $2,500 bail;

Timothy Emanuel Victor, 53, Alexandria – OWI second offense, improper lane usage, $1,600 bail.

July 4

Desiree Ashley Ambrose, 35, Boyce – Louisiana fugitive, two counts contempt of court, $8,000 bail;

Tammy Lynn Brevelle, 52, Pineville – legend drug possession, criminal trespass, disturbing the peace, $1,500 bail;

Jayvonta Clark, 18, Alexandria – illegal possession of stolen firearms, illegal use of weapons/dangerous instrumentalities, contributing to the delinquency of juveniles, $3,000 bail;

Teeanna Coleman, 33, Alexandria —  four counts contempt of court, $75,500 bail;

Errol Hakeem Cunningham, 35, Boyce – criminal trespass, two counts failure to appear, $2,250 bail;

Charles Demonte Hall, 44, Alexandria – possession of fentanyl, misrepresentation, obstruction of justice, safety belt violation, resisting an officer, six counts contempt of court, $13,100 bail;

Brian Jackson, 27, Pineville – cruelty to the infirmed, $50,000 bail;

Tyler J Lutrick, 27, Pollock – OWI second offense, open container, improper turn, modified exhaust, $1,800 bail;

Robert Glenn Scott, 75, Ball – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, improper driving on left, $1,200 bail;

Michael Wayne Smith, 50, Alexandria – five counts contempt of court, $25,000 bail;

Daniel K. Vanoverschelde, 54, Lewisville, Texas – OWI first offense, running a stop sign, $1,100 bail;

Robert G. Walker, 46, Jonesville – OWI first offense, open container, improper left turn, possession of CDS, $1,700 bail;

Kimberly Yolanda Woods, 44, Pineville – OWI, $500 bail.

July 3

Kirstin Michelle Dion Ardion, 23, Alexandria – three counts attempted second degree murder, criminal conspiracy, $1.6 million bail;

Victoria Renee Bell, 24, Alexandria – three counts attempted second degree murder, criminal conspiracy, $1.6 million bail;

Javier Arkuis Brown, 34, N/A – possession of marijuana, criminal trespass, three counts contempt of court, $43,500 bail;

Douglas W. Cross, 71, Pineville – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, $1,100 bail;

Dashawn L. Davis, 22, Alexandria — three counts attempted second degree murder, criminal conspiracy, $1.6 million bail;

Kyrica Greenwell, 26, Elizabeth – contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Donald Dewayne Hampton, 46, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, wearing hood/mask in public places, $3,500 bail;

Sergio D. Hernandez, 23, Pineville – second degree rape, $250,000 bail;

Remya Leshay Irwin, 20, Alexandria – three counts attempted second degree murder, criminal conspiracy, two counts producing manufacturing distributing with intent CDS, paraphernalia, $1,650,500 bail;

Lavonne Lea King, 50, Alexandria – three counts theft, 15 counts contempt of court, $31,500 bail;

Matthew Paul Koepke II, 37, Deville – OWI first offense, open container, improper lane usage, following too close, improper driving on left, expired MVI sticker, $1,500 bail;

Kendrick Michael Perry, 33, Alexandria – OWI first offense, open container, driving under suspension, following too close, $1,300 bail;

David Lee Reed, 53, N/A – attempted second degree murder, aggravated cruelty to animals, probation violation, $600,000 bail;

Eli Dillon Stewart, 28, Alexandria – parish probation violation, parole violations, simple burglary, $10,000 bail.

July 2

Devetrick Bush, 19, Pineville – possession of CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, manufacture, transfer, or possession of unlawful machine guns, $15,000 bail;

Louie Von Cole, 45, Alexandria – simple burglary, $5,000 bail;

Da’Michael Darrel Deal, 18, Pineville — possession of CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, manufacture, transfer, or possession of unlawful machine guns, $15,000 bail;

Bradley Gene Durison, 22, Ball – Louisiana fugitive, two counts contempt of court, $100,000 bail;

Brian Paul Fletcher, 54, Boyce – OWI first offense, careless operation of a vehicle, $1,100 bail;

Thomas Charles Russ, 40, Deville – flight from an officer, no insurance, speeding, driving under suspension, reckless operation of a vehicle, $10,800 bail;

Francis Douglas Russell III, 67, Alexandria – failure to renew sex offender registration, sex offender failure to notify of change of address, $3,000 bail;

Ashton Allen Slocum, 31, Woodworth – possession of CDS, $2,500 bail;

Jeremyah Smith, 21, Houston – producing manufacturing distributing CDS with intent, producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, legend drug possession, illegal carry firearm with drugs, possession of firearm by a convicted felon, transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses, parish probation violation, $55,500 bail;

Terris Strong Jr, 19, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, paraphernalia, illegal use of weapons, second degree murder, $1.10 million;

Christopher Germaine Trowel, 23, Austin, Texas – second degree murder, $100,000 bail;

Adam James Weston, 29, Alexandria – simple burglary, $5,000 bail.

The Town of Cheneyville announced the opening of it splash pad last week.

The splash pad is open every day, Monday through Sunday, 12-8pm. The Town has requested that residents adhere to the rules of the splash pad and be courteous to others. 

Rules are as follows.

• Patrons are requested to shower/bathe prior to entering the splash pad.
• Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
• Proper swim attire must be worn at all times.
• Do not swing, climb, hang, or pull on any splash pad equipment.
• No running or rough play.
• Alcohol is prohibited at the splash pad and Town of Cheneyville Park.

The Town of Cheneyville has the authority to enforce all park rules and reserves the right to remove any person(s) from the splash pad that are not in compliance with these rules and regulations. 

Call the Town of Cheneyville at 318-279-2155 if there are any questions regarding rules and regulations above.

In case of emergency, call 911. 

On June 22, 2025, Patrol Deputies responded to the Tioga Substation for a walk-in complaint of a criminal sexual conduct where the alleged victim was a juvenile. Deputies took the initial report and Sheriff’s Detectives responded to begin their investigation.

Through their investigation, Detectives were able to identify Travante Latrez Williams, 21 of Alexandria, as the suspect.

From their investigation, which consisted of interviews and witness statements, Detectives were able to establish sufficient probable cause that supported the original allegations. On June 30, Detectives obtained warrants for Williams arrest for 2 counts carnal knowledge of a juvenile, indecent behavior with a juvenile and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile.

On June 30, 2025, Sheriff’s Detectives made contact with Williams at his residence on Lisa Street in Alexandria and he was taken into custody without incident and arrested on the outstanding warrants. Williams was transported and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center where he remains at the time of this release, being held on a $350,000 bond.

Sheriff’s Detectives say this is still an active, ongoing investigation and more arrests are possible. If anyone has any information relating to this crime, they are asked to contact Detective Joseph Spence, Criminal Investigations Division-Main Office, at 318-473-6727, RPSO Main Office at 318-473-6700 or Crime Stoppers at 318-443-7867.

“ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW OR ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION.”

Arrestee: Travante Latrez Williams, 21, 5102 Lisa Street, Alexandria LA

Charges: 2 counts carnal knowledge of a juvenile (Felony), indecent behavior with a juvenile (Felony) contributing to the delinquency of juveniles

On May 19, 2025, Sheriff’s Detectives responded to a local hospital in reference to allegations of criminal sexual conduct that occurred in the Pineville area.

According to their initial investigation, the victim alleged they were sexually assaulted while staying at the residence of the suspect. During their investigation, Detectives determined the suspect, identified as Dakota L. Duncan, 29 of Pineville, had allegedly committed this criminal sexual conduct on the victim who was a guest at his residence. From their investigation, Detectives established sufficient probable cause that supported the victims original allegations and Detectives obtained an arrest warrant on Duncan for Third Degree Rape.

On June 11, 2025, Duncan was taken into custody without incident, placed under arrest and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center. Duncan was released the following day on a $75,000.00 bond.

Sheriff’s Detectives say this is still an active investigation. If anyone has any further information relating to this crime, they are asked to contact Detective Tim Stanley, Criminal Investigation Division- Kolin Substation, at 318-484-7350.

“ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW OR ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION.”

Arrestee: Dakota L Duncan, 29, 874 Starlight Trail Road, Pineville LA

Charges: Third Degree Rape

Allowing corporal punishment is only half the loaf.

The School Board decided Tuesday to ask principals for opinions on putting paddling back in the system. It hasn’t been allowed since 2022.

Board member Linda Burgess raised the issue, saying she has been asked by some parents to do so.

The other half of the loaf is the mandatory parental permission to apply it when determined necessary.

State law requires such to be signed, sealed and filed away before the fact and also requires detailed reporting to the Department of Education for any corporal punishment administered.

Based on initial social media comments parents seem as divided as the board on the question.

In 2022 the vote was 5-4 to bar such punishment; last year, though membership had changed, it was 5-4 to retain the ban.

Practicality is that such a discipline alternative is aimed at elementary and perhaps some middle school infractions. High schools are a different matter.

There will not be a Friday edition of the Rapides Parish Journal this week, in deference to the Independence Day holiday.

We will be spending the long holiday weekend with family and friends, enjoying the freedoms that the Declaration of Independence birthed in 1776. Whether your holiday fireworks are in the back yard, down the street or in a larger public celebration, we hope you have a safe and happy July 4.

You can count on the Journal to resume publishing Monday morning, free of charge to all, with locally-based content that is relevant to you and your neighbors.

Rapides Regional Medical Center will close its three local Rapides Urgent Care Clinic locations in late August, according to an announcement Wednesday.

The Rapides Urgent Care Clinic locations closing Aug. 23 are on Jackson Street and Coliseum Blvd. in Alexandria and Hwy 28 East in Pineville.

The announcement cited an “saturated urgent care market, evolving healthcare needs, and changes in reimbursement models.”

It stated: “We are grateful to our patients for allowing us to be part of their care and to our urgent care staff for their dedicated service over the years. Rapides Regional Medical Center remains committed to providing high-quality care through our hospital services and emergency care for Central Louisiana.”

When the Louisiana heat index reaches triple digits, many of us long for an island oasis—ice-cold drinks and palm trees. Louisiana Christian University student Morgan Tradewell and her family decided to bring a little bit of that dream to Pineville.

Palmettos Shave Ice opened in the summer of 2024, bringing a little bit of Hawaii to Central Louisiana.
Morgan, a senior Smith Scholar majoring in biology, and her family took a trip to Oahu, Hawaii, in 2022, and the idea for Palmettos was born.

“I’ve always loved Icees,” she said. “Someone told us to try shaved ice, and I fell in love. Shave ice started in the Hawaiian sugar cane fields. Sitting in Waikiki, I wished I could bring it back home with me because it’s just so good. I joked about opening our own shop.”

Morgan drew her idea out on a napkin—and her family turned the joke into a reality.

Parents Tony and Darla Tradewell, along with her younger brother Marshall, a student at Pineville High School, all bought into the idea and now all help run Palmettos.

“We wanted a place to sit and enjoy and slow down,” Darla said. “We had no idea of the response of the community. We just pinch ourselves.”

Tony is a landscape architect and designed the space.

“The palmetto is similar to a Hawaiian palm tree, but is a tropical native plant to Louisiana. And it is very hospitable to Louisiana’s climate,” Tony said. Hence the name and the beautiful landscaping of the establishment.

Darla runs the business side and handles the graphics, and Marshall is the numbers guy.

Morgan handles the marketing and social media side of the business.

“We all have our little parts to play,” Morgan said. “I’m not a coffee shop girl; this is my vibe.”

Palmetto’s just celebrated its first anniversary, and Morgan said it’s been a huge but fun learning experience.

“We’re helping to build community over here,” she said.

Several high school and college students work at the shop, and even more patronize the establishment, hang out with friends, and share part of their lives with each other.

LCU students have come over and played music, and Palmettos hosted the February March for Life. In addition, this summer Palmettos is hosting a flavor surfer competition and a cornhole tournament, which will raise funds for St. Jude’s Children’ Research Hospital.

Palmettos currently offers 64 flavors, including a line of Hawaiian flavors. But there is literally no end to the flavor and ice cream combinations that customers come up with.

“It’s just a place to relax,” Darla said. “Shoes off, lying on the lawn, it gives that illusion you are somewhere else.”

People have just welcomed the Tradewells and Palmettos into their families, Darla said.

“You come here and people aren’t on their phones, they are visiting, talking and praying together,” she said.

“People come by on their best and worst days,” Darla said. “And we take the time to visit with them and share Jesus.”

Regular customer Gayle Murrell, who is a librarian at LCU, said grape is her favorite flavor.

“I love Palmettos because it has the perfect shaved ice that melts in your mouth,” she said. “I’ve known Darla and Tony Tradewell for over 20 years, as we are members of Philadelphia Baptist Church together. When I bring my granddaughters, Ellie and Hannah, to dance on Mondays, we stop at Palmettos.”

Ellie prefers Darla’s special mix of clear tiger’s blood with cream, while Hannah loves wedding cake with cream.

Morgan, who graduates in December, plans to head off to pursue her Occupational Therapy doctorate.

“I feel like I’ve earned a business degree, I’ve learned so much,” she jokes.

She said she will still be running the social media for Palmettos and won’t ever be too far to drive back and fill her shave ice fix.

The 2025 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration last Saturday night at the Natchitoches Events Center was a spectacular showcase of state sports greatness.

You can see this first-hand Sunday afternoon from 1:30-4 on Louisiana Public Broadcasting. LPB will replay its live coverage of the induction ceremony which has plenty of content showcasing the three-day celebration.

The telecast is also available on the LaSportsHall.com website, the LPB.org website or their YouTube channel.

The Class of 2025 was headlined by two men pivotal in LSU’s 2003 football national championship – coach Nick Saban and Andrew Whitworth, a champion at West Monroe High School, LSU and in the NFL during a 16-year pro career. More sparkle was provided by pro basketball All-Stars Danny Granger and Vickie Johnson, the state’s winningest all-time college baseball coach Joe Scheuermann and Danny Broussard, one of the nation’s most successful high school basketball coaches, in this year’s induction class.

It also includes LSU gymnastics great and NCAA individual champion April Burkholder, transformational Catholic-Baton Rouge high school football coach Dale Weiner and George “Bobby” Soileau, a four-time high school and 1956 NCAA boxing champion at LSU who also won a state crown as a football coach at his alma mater, Sacred Heart High School in Ville Platte.

LSU graduate Herb Vincent, now a longstanding associate commissioner of the Southeastern Conference, received the Hall’s Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award with his enshrinement.

Also honored: Ed Daniels, a generational television sports broadcaster in New Orleans, and Glenn Guilbeau, one of the nation’s more decorated sportswriters in a career that has seen him cover LSU, state college, high school and pro sports along with stories across the South and around the SEC. They were inducted as recipients of the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism.

Additionally, more than two dozen previously inducted Hall of Fame members returned to the 2025 ceremony to participate in the opening Walk of Legends.

Oak Hill Fire Department has released its data relating to calls made between June 24 and June 29.