Phonetic: /sed·u·lous/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition
By JIM BUTLER
The England Authority at its meeting today will hear any opposition to creating a subdistrict to provide for a multi-billion dollar data center near Boyce.
Anyone wishing to speak at the 4 p.m. session, about the center or any other item on the agenda, must fill out a card of intent prior to the meeting. Individual comment is limited to three minutes. Those provisions are standard at Authority meetings.
The meeting agenda includes the Authority’s intent to vote on the matter following the hearing.
While data centers have run into issues in some areas no groundswell has been detected regarding this one since it became public knowledge in January.
Details of the incentive package agreed to by Louisiana Central, the regional economic development entity, and Applied Digital, the Dallas-based developer, are to this point shielded by non-disclosure agreement. Applied’s recent loss of a major equity holder, Nvidia, has apparently not adversely impacted its Rapides project plan.
Concerns most often heard regarding data centers are the volume of water and electricity needed to run and maintain the information-storing technology.
Company plans to use natural gas-powered steam generators may allay some of those concerns.
Details of a proposed payment in lieu of taxes likewise are under wraps to this point.
Today’s agenda also includes two items relative to the ongoing national purge of illegal immigrants.
One is an intergovernmental agreement between the district and Homeland Security and ICE.
The other is a proposed Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with LaSalle Corrections Transport to use two buildings and about 10 acres as a staging center.
According to records, LCT is not corporately affiliated with a detention facility in LaSalle Parish near Jena and operated by GEO Group.
LCT is affiliated with LaSalle Corrections, which operates about 20 sites in Louisiana, Texas and Georgia.
A 47-year-old Pineville man was airlifted to a regional trauma center on Feb. 25 around 11 am following a reported fall from a roof in the Cedar Bend area near Natchez.
Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies and emergency personnel with Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS were dispatched by the NATCOM 911 Center to the 300 block of Riverview Drive in reference to a medical emergency involving a person who had fallen from a roof.
Upon arrival, deputies and EMS requested air medical support. Deputies established a landing zone on property just off Riverview Drive to assist responding aircraft.
Pafford Air One responded to the scene and transported the injured man to a regional trauma center for treatment.
Sgt. C. Crow and Cpl. J. Dranguet responded on behalf of the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Louisiana Christian University announces the appointment of Dr. Beth Palmer as Vice President for Institutional Advancement. Palmer will officially begin her position on March 2.
Palmer will transition from Louisiana State University of Alexandria, where she has served as Assistant Vice Chancellor and Director for the Career Center, with her final day at LSUA set for Feb. 27.
In her new role, Palmer will lead LCU’s advancement efforts, including alumni engagement, philanthropic development, and strategic partnership initiatives that support student success and institutional growth. This appointment marks both a professional transition and a personal homecoming, as Louisiana Christian University is Palmer’s alma mater and a place that has long shaped her commitment to faith-centered higher education.
“We are ecstatic to welcome Dr. Beth Palmer,” said LCU President Dr. Mark Johnson. “She is not only a respected leader in higher education, but she is also family. As an alumna of LCU, she understands the heart of this institution, the strength of the Wildcat Nation, and the sacred responsibility we carry to serve both our students and this region. What excites me most is her deep desire to continue serving Central Louisiana, as she did with our partners at LSUA.”
Throughout her career, Johnson said that Palmer has built bridges between education and industry, strengthened community partnerships, and championed student success in ways that create lasting impact beyond the campus gates.
“Her leadership will help us deepen alumni engagement, expand philanthropic partnerships, and ensure that LCU remains strong for generations to come,” he said. “We are grateful for her continued commitment to Central Louisiana and confident that her leadership will help position LCU for a bold and faithful future.”
During her time at LSUA, Palmer provided leadership in career development, employer engagement, and holistic student success initiatives. She worked closely with regional employers and community leaders to strengthen workforce connections, expand opportunities for students, and build partnerships that benefit Central Louisiana. Her leadership helped position the Career Center as a hub for collaboration between education and industry.
“This transition represents both gratitude and calling,” Palmer said. “My time at LSUA has been deeply meaningful, and I am thankful for the relationships built with students, faculty, staff and community partners. I look forward to returning to my alma mater and investing in the mission of Louisiana Christian University through strengthening alumni connections, building partnerships, and supporting the future of the institution.”
While the move reflects a shift into a distinct area of leadership, Palmer sees meaningful opportunity for continued collaboration between LSUA and LCU, recognizing the shared role both institutions play in preparing students for careers, leadership, and service across the region.
Palmer brings decades of experience in higher education leadership, having served in roles at Louisiana State University of Alexandria, Texas Woman’s University, Texas Wesleyan University, and Texas A&M–Commerce, in addition to previous service at Louisiana Christian University. Her career has centered on student development, institutional growth, and building strong partnerships between universities and the communities they serve.
She holds a Ph.D. in Kinesiology and Sport Management and an MBA from Texas Woman’s University, as well as a Master of Education from North Texas State University.
The LSU Alexandria men’s basketball team took care of business Wednesday night at home, moving on to a semi-homecourt at the Rapides Parish Coliseum.
The Generals, the second seed in the Red River Athletic Conference bracket, notched an 83-69 win over No. 7 Jarvis Christian in a tournament quarterfinal contest.
E.J. McQuillan led the Generals (22-7) with 23 points and issued six assists. Courtney McCarthy (17) and P.D. McCraney (13) also scored in double digits. LSUA’s bench recorded 41 points.
The Generals take on third-seeded Xavier on Saturday at 5:30 at the Laborde Earles Rapides Parish Coliseum. Top-seeded LSU Shreveport is in the other men’s semifinal.
WOMEN LOSE: In New Orleans Wednesday night, the fifth-seeded Generals women were eliminated by No. 4 Xavier 66-55 in the RRAC quarterfinals.
Former LCU star Princis Goff, who transferred south for this season, and Justice Young recorded a team-high 13 points with Sydney Person adding 10. LSUA (14-14) shot just 30.5-percent from the floor.
The Menard Lady Eagles play a state quarterfinal basketball game at home tonight, hoping to advance to next week’s state tournament in Hammond.
The girls from Alexandria Senior High and Buckeye hit the road for their quarterfinal contests.
Menard is the fourth seed in Select Division III and hosts fifth-seeded De La Salle. ASH is No. 12 in Division I and visits defending state champion Huntington, the fourth seed, in Shreveport. Buckeye is fifth seeded in Division II and travels to play No. 4 George Washington Carver in New Orleans.
All three games tip off at 6.
Those are the three remaining Rapides Parish teams in the LHSAA girls basketball postseason.
Special Victims Unit Detectives with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office obtained an arrest warrant for Gage Michael Kittinger on Feb. 20 in connection with an alleged incident of domestic violence.
During the investigation, deputies learned Kittinger was at a residence near the victim’s home and had made several threats toward the victim, law enforcement, and himself.
Due to the seriousness of the threats and concern for the safety of everyone involved, a search warrant was obtained and the RPSO SWAT Team was activated to assist.
RPSO SWAT responded to the 1300 block of Vallery Lane in Pineville on Feb. 22 around 5:30 pm to execute the search and arrest warrant for Kittinger. RPSO SWAT and Negotiators implemented a coordinated and controlled response, utilizing communication and less-lethal resources to safely manage the situation. Over the course of approximately three hours, SWAT Negotiators and deputies worked to de-escalate the incident and take Kittinger into custody.
As a result of their efforts, Kittinger and an adult female exited the residence peacefully and were taken into custody without further incident. Kittinger was taken into custody on the warrants but was discovered to have injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident earlier in the weekend. Kitinger was treated at a local hospital and after receiving proper medical care, on February 24, 2026, he was booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center for one count of domestic abuse battery strangulation, resisting, and probation violation.
As their investigation continued, SVU Detectives were able to establish sufficient probable cause to obtain additional arrest warrants for one count of domestic abuse battery strangulation and one count of false imprisonment. Today, Kittinger was re-arrested and booked on those warrants.
Kittinger remains in jail at the time of this release, being held on a $151,000 bond.
SVU Detectives say this is still an active, ongoing investigation. The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting victims of domestic violence and ensuring the safety of our community.
“The successful resolution of this situation reflects the professionalism, restraint, and commitment to public safety demonstrated by our SWAT Team, Negotiators and Patrol Deputies” said Sheriff Mark Wood.
“ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW OR ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION.”
Arrestee: Gage Michael Kittinger, 27 96 Cedar Lane, Pineville, LA
Charges: 2 counts domestic abuse battery-strangulation False imprisonment Resisting an officer Probation Violation
The Alexandria Fire Department responded to a two-alarm commercial structure fire on Feb. 25 morning in the 700 block of Bolton Avenue.
Fire crews were dispatched at approximately 12:26 a.m. and arrived on scene within two minutes of the initial alarm. The first responding unit reported a commercial building fully engulfed in flames.
Firefighters entered the structure in an attempt to suppress the blaze but were forced to evacuate after the roof collapsed. The collapse led to the failure of the building’s front wall.
No injuries were reported.
Following an investigation, the Alexandria Fire Department identified and arrested Justin Garrett in connection with the incident. Garrett has been charged with simple arson.
Arrests are accusations, not convictions.
Feb. 25
Africa Rena Atkins, 29, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery intentional serious injury, contempt of court, $50,000 bail;
Justin Steven Garrett, 40, Alexandria – simple arson, $10,000 bail;
Tylor Anthony Hare, 29, Alexandria – Louisiana fugitive, contempt of court, $10,000 bail;
Shanice Nicole Mack, 33, Pineville – two counts cruelty to juveniles, simple battery, $20,500 bail;
William Jayvan Lyons, 28, Alexandria – aggravated criminal damage, aggravated assault/domestic abuse, criminal trespass, stalking, unlawful telephone communication, $500 bail.
Feb. 24
Ashley Brook Asbury, 37, Alexandria – possession of CDS, $1,500 bail;
Jvaughn Domnic Barnes, 27, Alexandria – two counts attempted second degree murder, illegal carry firearm with drugs, producing manufacturing distributing CDS, possession of firearm by convicted felon, possession of paraphernalia, resisting an officer, tail lamps red light, $120,000 bail;
Damion Dale Brooks, 47, Alexandria – contempt of court, $25,000 bail;
Keyon Gaines, 30, Alexandria – two counts contempt of court, $20,000 bail;
Crystal Mae Gordon, 37, Boyce – 11 counts contempt of court, $38,500 bail;
Lorenzo Jewitt, 35, Alexandria – simple burglary, criminal trespass, false imprisonment, violation of protective orders, home invasion, three counts contempt of court, parole violations, $78,500 bail;
Aaron Demond Jones, 28, Alexandria – four counts attempted second degree murder, two counts producing manufacturing distributing CDS, possession of CDS, $2.15 million bail;
Marquez Dcortez Joseph, 30, Alexandria – three counts possession of CDS, operating a vehicle while under suspension for certain prior offenses, improper turn, probation violation, $4,100 bail;
Clinton Heath Kimble, 32, Alexandria – theft, contempt of court, $2,500 bail;
Gage Michael Kittinger, 27, Pineville – domestic abuse battery strangulation, resisting an officer, parole violations, $75,500 bail;
Roosevelt Jauqvours London Jr., 23, Alexandria – aggravated assault with a firearm, violation of protective orders, domestic abuse battery with child present, false imprisonment armed with dangerous weapon, $101,000 bail;
Grant Crawford Owensby, 26, Dry Prong – OWI first offense, following too close, possession of CDS, possession of synthetic CDS, $3,100 bail;
Mason Taylor, 21, Glenmora – 38 counts of theft by credit card fraud, $38,000 bail;
Phillip Earlo Williams, 30, Alexandria – possession of firearm by convicted felon, resisting an officer, illegal possession of stolen firearms, parole violations, $50,500 bail;
Tyrence Jarelle Williams, 25, Alexandria – possession of marijuana, possession of firearm by convicted felon, resisting an officer, Louisiana fugitive, $26,000 bail.
Feb. 23
Jalan Jamar Chisem, 22, Lecompte – aggravated assault with a firearm, $25,000 bail;
Leonard Emmanuel Dauzart, 56, Alexandria – aggravated criminal damage, $20,000 bail;
Angela Christine Deville, 44, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, possession of CDS, paraphernalia, $26,000 bail;
Donald Wayne Foster Jr., 26, Alexandria – two counts possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, illegal carry firearm with drugs, manufacture transfer or possession of machine guns, possession of firearm by convicted felon, Louisiana fugitive, $153,500 bail;
Donovan Wayne Foster, 22, Alexandria — two counts possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, illegal carry firearm with drugs, manufacture transfer or possession of machine guns, possession of firearm by convicted felon, parole violations, $153,500 bail;
Christopher Lenard Gauthier, 48, New Iberia – domestic abuse battery intentional serious injury, resisting an officer, parole violations, $20,500 bail;
Jammi Jhaderius Jefferson, 21, Alexandria – two counts remaining on premises, two counts contempt of court, $75,500 bail;
Dequincy Jordan, 40, Alexandria – six counts contempt of court, $105,000 bail;
James Daren Treadwell Jr., 21, Pineville – possession of stolen vehicle, two counts aggravated obstruction of highway, flight from an officer, reckless operation of vehicle, criminal conspiracy, no driver’s license, resisting an officer, running a red light, two counts criminal damage to property, unauthorized use of motor vehicle, Louisiana fugitive, flight from an officer, illegal possession of stolen things, no driver’s license, parole violations, $75,100 bail;
Johnathon Trey Tyler, 40, West Monroe – violation of protective orders, theft, $25,500 bail.
Feb. 22
Linzey Erin Dauzart, 28, Pineville – two counts contempt of court, $100,000 bail;
Darin Michael Donathan, 23, Monterey – careless operation of a vehicle, improper driving on left, failure to report accident, obstruction of highway, hit and run, criminal mischief, $1,800 bail;
Javon Dn’que McGlory, 29, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, domestic abuse battery with child present, domestic abuse battery strangulation, aggravated second degree battery, simple battery, domestic abuse battery, concealed negligent carry handgun, three counts contempt of court, $268,500 bail;
Gabrielle Marie Meadows, 31, Pollock – OWI first offense, speeding, improper lane usage, $1,200 bail.
Duane-Lee “Cricket” Cecilia Auenson Granger, 69, of Alexandria, LA was born on Wednesday, February 29, 1956 in Grand Isle, LA and passed away Thursday, February 19, 2026 in Jonesville, LA. Cricket was a light in every room she entered. Known for her sweet spirit and gentle heart, she had a way of making everyone feel seen, heard, and valued. For many years, she faithfully served at Evergreen Assisted Living, where caring for others was not just her job but her calling. She treated every resident like family, offering kindness, patience, and a reassuring smile that meant more than words could say. Cricket never met a stranger; a simple conversation with her often turned into a lasting friendship. In her quiet moments, she found joy in sewing, creating beautiful pieces stitched with love and care. Above all, Cricket’s life was defined by compassion. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, service, and genuine love that will continue to comfort all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lenis and Jean Auenson II, sister, Jean Ann Tisdale, and her brother, Lenis Paul Auenson III.
Those left to cherish her sweet memory are her son, James Auenson Sr. (Latisha) of Coden, AL, three grandsons. Tyler Blaine Strancer, Wade Daniel Chumney, and James Michael Auenson, and also her special friend and roommate Freda Cooper.
Services for Nancy Hargis Lafleur will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Colfax Methodist Church, with Pastor Doris “DeeAnn” Johnson officiating. Interment will follow at Colfax Cemetery under the direction of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home.
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Kramer of Colfax from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm and will resume on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Colfax Methodist Church from 10:00 am until the time of service.
Nancy Hargis Lafleur, 86, passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2026, in Alexandria, LA.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Quincy Hargis Jr. and Lucy Nugent Hargis and her beloved son Thomas “Tom” Lafleur.
Nancy was born into a well-known and respected family involved in farming, mercantile and financial businesses, public service and community service. Her parents and grandparents had their hands on the pulse of this thriving community and contributed to its success. As a young girl Nancy participated in 4-H by showing Hereford and Jersey cattle and sewing. She wasn’t fond of the cattle but excelled in sewing competitions which earned her a trip to Chicago to compete at a national level.
She was a graduate of Colfax High School where she served as Yearbook Editor, Officer of her Freshman class and was chosen as “Miss Flame”. After high school she attended USL in Lafayette. Nancy met a witty, handsome cowboy while visiting her Aunt Mary Nell in Opelousas, she fell in love and married him in 1960. After living in Opelousas for a time they moved to Colfax and settled there to raise their family on the farm. They recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. She was active in the community, enjoyed visiting with her lifelong friends, and began working at the Grant Parish Courthouse as administrative assistant to the District Attorney, and later as Court Report for the Judge’s office. When not working, she enjoyed reading, sewing, shopping, spending time with her grandchildren, and having a good cup of coffee with a “cig” while catching up and visiting with friends and family.
She was “Nanna” to the grandchildren, and “Nano” to her great granddaughter, and was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Nancy loved her family and faced all of life’s challenges bravely, yet privately.
The family wishes to thank everyone who touched our lives during her medical journey. Lagniappe Home Heath, and Compassionate Hospice made it possible for her to be cared for in her daughter’s home; for that we are so grateful. Those that took care of her loved her spunk and sassy personality and often called her Fancy Nancy.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband Donald Lafleur; her daughters, Lydia Lafleur (Jim Creaghan) of Baton Rouge, LA. and Donna Ann Vilar of Alexandria, LA.; her grandson, Donald Matthew Lafleur (Maeve) of Washington, DC; her granddaughters, Morgan Bancroft (Alex), Lucy “Maggie” Fatheree (Jason) of Lafayette, LA., and Jacqueline Creaghan of Baton Rouge, LA; and her great grandchildren, Amelia Bancroft and Isaac Bowman.
Pallbearers honored to serve will be Donald Matthew “Matt” Lafleur, Jason Fatheree, Alex Bancroft, Scott Hargis, Brent Hargis, Steve Hargis, Paul Hargis and Eddie Gatlin.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Nancy’s memory to the Colfax Methodist Church, 407 Main St, Colfax, LA 71417.
By JIM BUTLER
A mediator has been appointed in the Diocese of Alexandria bankruptcy and a hearing set to hear its bid for more time to file a reorganization plan.
Meanwhile, transcript access of a February 17 hearing on the Diocese request for a confidential order on various documents produced in the case is restricted until May 26, with redactions deadline set.
Editing for various reasons is standard procedure for the public version of a hearing transcript, perhaps more so considering the sensitive nature in a case such as this.
The next scheduled court hearing is March 3, when the Diocese will seek an extension to April 30 of its exclusive right to file a reorganization plan.
It filed Chapter 11 last October 31 in the face of projected financial disaster driven by claims from alleged victims of alleged clerical sexual abuse.
The Diocese also seeks to have until July 31 to obtain acceptances of its reorganization plan by parties to the case.
When asking for John W. Perry Jr.’s appointment the Diocese noted he had served it as mediator with representatives of certain sexual abuse claimants prior to the bankruptcy filing and reached a settlement in principle.
Perry, member of the LSU Law School Hall of Fame, has been court-appointed Special Master in such cases as Deepwater Horizon, Chinese Drywall and GM Ignition Switch.
Both of the motions heard on the 17th had objection from the plaintiff side, one to Perry having worked for the Diocese prior to filing and one to what was construed as uncontested sealing of documents.
Residents across Rapides Parish can expect a warming trend and breezy conditions through midweek, with a chance of showers arriving Thursday before clear skies dominate the weekend.
Today will be sunny with highs reaching the mid-60s. South winds will range from 10 to 15 mph, helping usher in warmer air across the parish.
Wednesday brings partly sunny skies and a noticeable warmup, with highs climbing into the mid-70s. South winds will continue at 10 to 15 mph, with gusts reaching up to 30 mph at times. Cloud cover increases Wednesday night, with lows settling in the lower 60s.
Thursday will be partly sunny with a 40 percent chance of showers developing in the afternoon. Highs are expected to reach the upper 70s. Southwest winds will remain between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph. Rain chances increase to 50 percent Thursday evening before tapering off overnight, with lows in the mid-50s.
From Friday through Monday, mostly clear conditions are forecast. Daytime highs will remain in the upper 70s, while overnight lows dip into the lower 50s, providing mild and comfortable conditions heading into the weekend and early next week.
The First United Methodist Church of Alexandria’s “Urban Sketchers” have met regularly since October 2025 throughout the Alexandria–Pineville area, emphasizing presence, community, and creative engagement rather than established artistic skill – It’s FREE!
You can join them this Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 10 AM, when the Urban Sketching Art Ministry with FUMCA Artist-in-Residence Rev. Jean Sanders meets at Tamp & Grind Coffee in downtown Alexandria. Open to the public and free to attend, the event welcomes participants of all experience levels. After coffee and fellowship, the group will head out into the surrounding area to sketch together. No prior experience is required.
So what is urban sketching?
At its core, urban sketching is the practice of drawing on location—indoors or outdoors—capturing what the artist sees through direct observation. It is about recording time and place: something happening, somewhere, at a specific moment.
Urban sketchers use any medium. The goal is not a polished, expertly executed finished piece, but capturing the essence of the moment. A drawing may be quick and loose with a short caption, or more developed over time on site. As long as it is created from firsthand observation and reflects lived experience, it qualifies as urban sketching.
While including the date or location is not required, written notes help strengthen the storytelling aspect. Unlike plein-air painting, which typically emphasizes aesthetic outcome, urban sketching prioritizes witnessing, documentation, and narrative.
Urban sketching does not have to take place in a city. It can happen anywhere—urban, rural, or natural settings. The defining element is drawing on location to tell the story of a place in real time. In its narrative form, known as reportage, urban sketching combines drawing and short written commentary to provide a visual account of events, culture, and human experience.
Another free art offering is coming up next Sunday, March 8, 2026 when a “Painting on Denim” Pop-Up Art Party will be held in the FUMCA art studio from 4–6pm also led by Rev Jean. Bring your own denim (shirt, jacket, pants) to paint on. All other supplies will be available. Please call the church office to reserve your spot.
Upcoming FUMCA Urban Sketching dates will be March 28 at 10 AM at Tamp & Grind, and on April 11 at 10 AM, the group will meet at the Alexandria Museum of Art. That gathering will include a special opportunity to sketch downtown Alexandria and the Red River from the museum grounds and third-floor gallery. The morning will begin with an informative tour by Gar Pickering, FUMCA Creative Engagement Director, in the museum’s medieval Spanish chapel reproduction from the 2003 “Heart of Spain” exhibition. The tour will explore the chapel’s biblical themes, the role of sacred imagery in Christian teaching, and its influence on the development of Western art. Sketchers may then do studies of the frescos or choose another location to capture downtown architecture. Admission to AMoA on Second Saturdays is free, so this event is offered at no additional cost.
Together, these gatherings reflect First United Methodist Church of Alexandria’s commitment to creative ministry, offering accessible spaces for thoughtful engagement with art, community, and spirituality.
The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities (LEH), with support from the State of Louisiana, has awarded $65,000 in Emergency Readiness Grants to 17 cultural organizations across 11 parishes. In Rapides Parish, the Southern Forest Heritage Museum received $3,000 to strengthen its preparedness for natural disasters and other emergencies.
These grants help museums, archives, historic sites, and other cultural institutions develop emergency plans, train staff, make structural improvements, and take steps to protect valuable collections from future threats. Funding can also support insurance deductibles, digital preservation, and other mitigation measures.
“Cultural institutions like the Southern Forest Heritage Museum are vital to preserving Louisiana’s history and heritage,” said LEH representatives. “These grants provide the resources and guidance to help them prepare for emergencies, protecting both their collections and the communities they serve.”
Previous recipients, such as the Opelousas Museum, have used LEH grants to create emergency readiness plans, supply kits, and building improvements—including roof repairs, tree trimming, and termite prevention measures—to ensure long-term protection of collections.
In Rapides Parish, the Southern Forest Heritage Museum plans to use the grant funds to strengthen its emergency preparedness, ensuring its exhibits and resources remain safe for the public while fostering community resilience during disasters.
LEH’s Emergency Readiness Grants are part of an ongoing effort to safeguard Louisiana’s cultural institutions from the impacts of hurricanes, floods, and other emergencies, helping them continue their mission of education, preservation, and community engagement.
Ever notice how quickly opinions travel faster than facts? This week’s cartoon plays with that idea, leaning into the humor of how we debate, react and sometimes overreact in the digital age. Inspired by the game-show energy of Jeopardy!, it’s a lighthearted reminder that not every buzzer needs to be hit — and sometimes it’s okay to wait for the full answer.
Buckeye All-State linebacker Ty Curtis is among nine Class of 2026 high school scholar-athletes from north and central Louisiana selected as winners of $1,000 college scholarships from The National Football Foundation, S.M. McNaughton Chapter to be presented next Wednesday, March 4 in Shreveport.
The scholarship recipients exceeded standards for the annual scholarship grants including a cumulative grade point average of 3.20 or better, earning at least all-district honors on the football field, and extracurricular involvement. Seventeen seniors were named as finalists earlier this month.
The winners include four standouts from Caddo and Bossier parishes: Jeremiah Epps of Airline, Loyola’s Hayden Horton, Luke Miller of Calvary Baptist, and Northwood’s Justin Thomas.
The other NFF scholarship winners along with Curtis are Luke Delafield of North DeSoto, West Monroe’s Hunter Fox, Micah Moser of Ouachita Christian School and North Webster’s Hudson Smith.
Six – Curtis, Delafield, Horton, Hudson, Moser, and Thomas – earned All-State honors as seniors. Smith carried a perfect 4.0 GPA and several others were close to academic perfection.
One of the nine student-athletes will be recognized as the McNaughton Chapter’s nominee for the National Football Foundation’s nationwide scholar-athlete of the year honor, and will be spotlighted for the 2026-27 year in the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.
McNaughton Chapter president Toni Goodin said the winners and other special awards will be recognized next Wednesday at the annual Scholar-Athlete Banquet at East Ridge Country Club in Shreveport. Doors open at 6 with dinner served about a half-hour later.
“These nine young men are tremendous representatives of-all the high school football teams in North Louisiana, and especially their teams, their schools and communities,” said Goodin. “They have been remarkable examples of academic and athletic excellence along with service and involvement in extracurricular activities.”
The McNaughton Chapter has awarded scholarships to senior scholar-athletes since 1981. A Coach of the Year Award has been presented occasionally in the past two decades and will be announced later this week, along with the winners of the annual Contributions to Amateur Football Award and Distinguished American Award.
Tickets are $45 each. Tables seat eight and are $360. Proceeds go to support the scholarships awarded.
For individual tickets and table sales, contact Goodin at 318nffchapter@gmail.com or by calling 318-347-4453.
