City police got Gordons, who figure to be jailed for a while

By JIM BUTLER

Details of what landed the Gordons in jail have not been released (probably won’t until court) but they’re likely to be in parish custody some time.

Josiah, 17, is held under $1.25 million bail; Caleb, 23, is held under $150,000.

Both, of the same Alexandria address, were booked after a 9:30 p.m. encounter last Wednesday.

It was no routine disagreement. Josiah, allegedly armed with a machine gun, allegedly attempted to kill two persons; Caleb is also alleged to have been armed.

Authorities have not said who was shot or shot at, where it occurred or what the rumble was, though the charges give some idea.

The teenager is charged with two counts of attempted second-degree murder, manufacture/transfer/possession of a machine gun, having a firearm with drugs and possession of narcotics with intent to sell.

The older suspect is charged with possession with intent and with being a convicted felon possessing a firearm.

His parish arrest record dates to at least November 2022, when he was charged with armed robbery.

In May 2023 he was charged with being a felon with a firearm, allegedly stolen.

In October same year he was again charged with firearm possession as well as narcotics possession and probation violation.


Public notice: Relocation of Voting Precincts C24-25

The Rapides Parish Police Jury announced that due to Horseshoe Elementary School being under construction, Voting Precinct C24 and C25 have been relocated to Common Point Shopping Center (3720 South MacArthur Dr., Alexandria) for the March 29 election. 

Contact the RPPJ for further information at 318-473-6660. 


Runway rehabilitation project at the Pineville Municipal Airport is complete

The City of Pineville is excited to announce the completion of the runway rehabilitation project at the Pineville Municipal Airport. 

Thanks to a $1.8 million grant, the 30+ year old runway received a much-needed upgrade, consisting of 6,221.04 tons of asphalt and 771.5 tons of Portland cement.

The project was completed in just 127 days. Daytime operations resumed on Feb. 27.


ASH, Peabody boys march into quarterfinals; two more second-round playoff games tonight

 Tyshawn Duncan and the Alexandria Senior High Trojans won Monday night and moved into the state quarterfinals to be played Friday, at ASH if Bonnabel upsets St. Augustine tonight. (Photo courtesy Alexandria Sr. High School)

Second-round games involving Rapides Parish schools tonight and Monday’s scores in the LHSAA boys basketball playoffs (note, all parish schools play in the Select category for postseason competition):

 

MONDAY’S SCORES

ASH 46, Carencro 38 (Division I)

Peabody 64, Washington-Marion 42 (Division II)

Avoyelles Public Charter 73, Glenmora 41 (Class B)

 

TONIGHT’S GAMES

DIVISION I

Tioga (14) at St. Thomas More (3), 7 p.m. in Lafayette

 

CLASS C

Plainview (2) hosts Ebarb (15), 6 p.m.


Summerfield rallies past Plainview in Marsh Madness semifinal; Oak Hill girls play today

Cameron Sutton finished her outstanding Plainview High School career with a double-double performance Monday in the Class C semifinals but Summerfield rallied to end the Lady Hornets’ season at Marsh Madness in Hammond. (Photo by MICHAEL ODENDAHL, GeauxPreps.com)

HAMMOND — Plainview got off to a good start but didn’t finish well Monday, and Summerfield did. That propelled Summerfield into Friday’s Class C girls state championship game after beating the Lady Hornets 51-44 in the LHSAA state semifinals at Marsh Madness.

Plainview (25-8), sustaining its second straight semifinal exit, jumped out to an 8-0 advantage, led by as much as 11, 21-10, in the first half and was ahead 24-20 at halftime. Summerfield rallied to grab a 38-36 edge going into the final quarter, and that’s when everything seemed to go right for the Lady Rebels and not so good for the Lady Hornets.

The Lady Hornets made just 2 of their 14 shots in the final eight minutes as Summerfield (30-6) gradually expanded its lead, which creeped into double digits late in the contest.  .

Plainview owned a 47-29 rebounding advantage but that was partly due to the Lady Hornets’ offensive rebounding after missed shots as they connected on only 27 percent overall to 39 percent by Summerfield. Also pivotal in the outcome:  20 turnovers to 12 by Summerfield, and the Lady Rebels’ 28-18 advantage in points in the paint.

Summerfield’s Williams was the dominant force Monday, scoring 31 points and making 7 steals.

Cameron Sutton capped her Plainview career with a 14-point, 12-rebound performance. Libby Tarver’s 15 points topped the Lady Hornets and she added 9 rebounds in a rematch of the 2017 state championship game, also won by Summerfield.

Today, the only remaining Rapides Parish representative, the No. 3 Oak Hill girls (30-10), battle second-seeded Bell City (24-3) in a Class B semifinal at 4:30 in the University Center.


Alexandria man arrested for multiple vehicle burglaries

The Alexandria Police Department has arrested a local man in connection with a series of vehicle burglaries that occurred between November 2024 and January 2025 in the West Pointe Subdivision.

Torrence Bowens Jr., 19, of Alexandria, was taken into custody on March 2. He has been charged with thirteen counts of vehicle burglary, seven counts of attempted vehicle burglary, and one count of theft $1,000 to $5,000.

Bowens was booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center, where his bond has been set at $210,000.

The Alexandria Police Department continues to investigate these incidents and urges residents to report any suspicious activity. Anyone with additional information related to these crimes is encouraged to contact the Alexandria Police Department.

This is currently an ongoing investigation.

If anyone has any information about this incident or any other type of crime in the Alexandria area, please contact the Alexandria Police Detective Division at the phone number 318-441-6416, or APD Dispatch 318-441-6559. Information can be emailed to detectives at: APDDetectives@cityofalex.com.

For a cash reward, call Crime Stoppers of CenLa at 318-443-7867. The Crime Stoppers P3 Tipster App can also be downloaded to leave tips and get a claim number for a cash reward at www.p3tips.com/community/mobile.


Drive-by shooting reported in the 900 Block of Stracener St.

The Alexandria Police Department responded to the 900 block of Stracener Street in reference to a drive-by shooting on Sunday, March 2, at approximately 10:06pm. One person suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital.

This is currently an ongoing investigation.

If anyone has any information about this incident or any other type of crime in the Alexandria area, please contact the Alexandria Police Detective Division at the phone number (318) 441-6416 or APD Dispatch (318) 441-6559. Information can be emailed to detectives at APDDetectives@cityofalex.com.

For a cash reward, call Crime Stoppers of CenLa at 318-443-7867. The Crime Stoppers P3 Tipster App can also be downloaded to leave tips and get a claim number for a cash reward at www.p3tips.com/community/mobile.


Alex Zoo to host World Wildlife Day celebration

The Alexandria Zoo invites the public to enjoy a little something extra this Saturday during World Wildlife Day, part of the Zoo’s Lagniappe Series. On Saturday, March 8, from 9:30am to 12:30pm, discover the future of wildlife conservation. Learn about the cutting-edge tools and technology being used to protect the planet’s most precious species. Explore their interactive Discovery Carts, hear from the zookeepers, and learn to make a difference.

Entrance is Regular Zoo admission; FOTAZ Members enter free with card and photo ID.

The Zoo thanks the LSU AgCenter’s Youth Wetlands Program and the U.S. Forest Service for making this event possible.


Lane closures: I-49 – 2 miles north LA 3265 to 4 miles north LA 1

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) advises the public that beginning Monday, March 10, at 6pm, weather permitting, northbound and southbound I-49 from Exit 80 (MacArthur Drive) to Exit 99 (LA 8 – Boyce) will experience daytime and nighttime lane closures. These closures are necessary to facilitate the installation of interstate signage. All work associated with the lane closures is expected to be completed by Friday, March 21, at 6pm.

A 12-foot width restriction will be in place for both northbound and southbound directions of I-49 from Exit 80 (MacArthur Drive) to Exit 99 (LA 8 – Boyce).

All construction activity is weather-dependent and may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. DOTD appreciates the motoring public’s patience and reminds drivers to please exercise caution when traveling through work zone areas and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.

Motorists can access the latest updates on real-time traffic and road conditions using the 511 Traveler Information System by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region on which they are seeking information. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Travelers can also access this information by visiting the 511 Traveler Information Web site at www.511la.org.

Additionally, follow the Traffic Management Center on Twitter: (@Alex Traffic). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website @ www.dotd.la.gov and the DOTD Facebook page.


Remember This? “The Last Song”

by Brad Dison

Wallace Hartley’s father, Albion, was a mill manager in Colne, England.  He served as choirmaster and Sunday school teacher at the local church in Colne.  Wallace eventually joined the chapel choir that his father led.  While a member of the choir, Wallace discovered his passion for music.  A fellow choir member introduced Wallace to the Violin, and he took to the instrument with a fervent passion.  With his violin, Wallace had the power to excite people, to energize people, and to even make them cry.

When Wallace was a teenager, he decided he wanted to become a professional violinist.  Albion was a supportive father, but he insisted that Wallace pursue a more reliable profession.  To please his father, Wallace became a bank clerk.  The teenage Wallace was uninspired by the day-to-day transactions of coin and currency.  He could eventually work his way up to become a bank manager someday, but his thoughts always wandered to his violin.  Whenever he spoke of his desire to try to become a professional violinist, his father dissuaded him.  When Wallace was 22 years old, his conversation with his father eventually returned to his violin, but this time, to Wallace’s surprise, his father gave him his blessing. 

Wallace was thrilled.  He quit his job and began playing violin in the Bridlington municipal orchestra.  He then toured with the Carl Ross Opera Company and with the Moody Manners Company.  When Wallace was 30 years old, he was recruited by the C.W. & F.N. Black talent agency of Liverpool as second violinist in a traveling troupe.  Within three years, he became the band leader of the Mauretania Orchestra.  When he was 33, Wallace fell in love with and proposed to Maria Robinson.  Maria said yes without hesitation.  To celebrate their engagement, Wallace gave Maria a yellow metal locket which contained his photograph.  In return, Maria gave Wallace a violin with an inscription on its tailpiece which read, “For Wallace on the occasion of our engagement, from Maria.”  Shortly after their engagement, Wallace was transferred to another traveling troupe where he was promoted to musical conductor.  He hesitated to take the position because he did not want to leave his fiancé, but he could not turn it down. 

Unfortunately, Wallace and Maria never married.  While traveling with the band, Wallace was involved in an accident and drowned.  When he realized his fate, at that last moment, he put the violin Maria had given him in its case and strapped it to his chest.  When his body was found several days later, he was identified by the inscription on the violin.  Three years after his death, a bronze bust of Wallace was erected on the grounds of the Colne public library.  Streets in several English towns are named in honor of Wallace.  His violin is on display in a museum in Dublin, Ireland.  Wallace Hartley was just one of over 1500 people who died in the accident.  To calm others, Wallace led his band in their last song, “Nearer, My God, To Thee,” as the Titanic sank.        

 Sources:

1.      Wallace Hartley Memorial, Titanic Memorials, accessed March 2, 2025, https://www.titanic.memorial/post/memorial/wallace+hartley+memorial+colne/.

2.      Hartford Courant (Hartford, Connecticut), April 1, 1912, p.14.

3.      Huddersfield Daily Examiner, April 16, 1912, p.4.

4.      North Mail, Newcastle Daily Chronicle, February 19, 1915, p.6.

5.      South Wales Argus, April 20, 1912, p.3.

6.      Biddeford-Saco Journal, April 27, 1912, p.6.

7.      “The locket behind tragic Titanic love story,” Henry Aldridge & Son Ltd, April 9, 2021, accessed March 2, 2025, https://www.henryaldridge.com/about-us/news/the-locket-behind-tragic-titanic-love-story/.

8.      Linton, Siena, “The miracle 110-year-old violin that survived the sinking of the Titanic,” Classic FM, December 19, 2022, accessed March 2, 2025, https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/instruments/violin/titanic-survived-history/                                 


Celebrating Mardi Gras and National Grammar Day

March 4, 2025, is a day of vibrant celebrations and cultural observances, notably Mardi Gras and National Grammar Day. Each event offers unique insights into traditions and the importance of language in our daily lives.

Mardi Gras: A Time of Revelry and Tradition

Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is celebrated globally with festivities that include parades, masquerades, and culinary delights. The term “Mardi Gras” is French for “Fat Tuesday,” reflecting the practice of indulging in rich foods before the Lenten season begins on Ash Wednesday. This year, Mardi Gras falls on March 4, a date that varies annually based on the lunar calendar and the timing of Easter.

The origins of Mardi Gras trace back to medieval Europe, with traditions evolving over centuries. In the United States, New Orleans, Louisiana, is renowned for its extravagant Mardi Gras celebrations, characterized by elaborate floats, masked balls, and a vibrant display of music and dance. The city’s unique blend of French, Spanish, and African cultures has shaped Mardi Gras into a distinctive festival that attracts visitors worldwide.

One of the hallmark traditions of Mardi Gras is the consumption of King Cake, a sweet pastry adorned with purple, green, and gold sugars—colors symbolizing justice, faith, and power, respectively. A small figurine, often representing a baby, is hidden inside the cake; the person who finds it is said to have good luck and is typically tasked with providing the next cake or hosting the next party. This custom fosters a sense of community and shared celebration.

In addition to New Orleans, numerous communities across the United States and around the world observe Mardi Gras with local customs and events. For instance, in parts of Germany, the day is celebrated as Fasnacht Day, marked by the preparation of doughnuts known as “fasnachts,” symbolizing the use of up all fats before Lent.

holidays-and-observances.com

National Grammar Day: Honoring the Structure of Language

Coinciding with Mardi Gras, March 4 also marks National Grammar Day, a day dedicated to appreciating the rules and structure that govern language. Established in 2008 by Martha Brockenbrough, founder of the Society for the Promotion of Good Grammar, this observance encourages individuals to reflect on the importance of clear and effective communication.

Grammar serves as the foundation of language, enabling us to convey ideas accurately and understand one another. Proper grammar usage enhances clarity, reduces misunderstandings, and allows for more nuanced expression. National Grammar Day is an opportunity for educators, students, writers, and language enthusiasts to engage in activities that promote grammatical awareness, such as workshops, quizzes, and discussions.

In the digital age, where informal communication is prevalent, the significance of grammar remains pertinent. While texting and social media platforms often embrace relaxed language norms, maintaining grammatical standards ensures professionalism and credibility, particularly in formal writing and professional settings.

Balancing Celebration and Reflection

The concurrence of Mardi Gras and National Grammar Day on March 4, 2025, presents a unique juxtaposition of exuberant celebration and thoughtful reflection. While Mardi Gras invites indulgence and communal festivities, National Grammar Day offers a moment to consider the intricacies of language that facilitate our interactions.

For educators and community organizers, this overlap provides an opportunity to blend cultural and educational activities. Schools might host Mardi Gras-themed events that incorporate lessons on the history and cultural significance of the festival, alongside grammar workshops that emphasize effective communication. Such integrated approaches can enrich students’ understanding of both cultural diversity and linguistic precision.

Conclusion

March 4, 2025, encapsulates the richness of human tradition and the essential role of language in our lives. As communities come together to celebrate Mardi Gras with its vibrant customs, there is also space to acknowledge and appreciate the structure of language through National Grammar Day. This day serves as a reminder that while we revel in cultural festivities, the words and grammar we use are the threads that weave our shared experiences.


March 3, 2025

Rapides among parishes where lead public defenders to be replaced this summer

By JIM BUTLER

State Public Defender Remy Starnes has notified Chief Rapides Public Defender Deirdre Fuller and several other parishes’ Chief Defenders their contracts will not be renewed in July.  

The other 32 district defenders were advised last week their status is under review, according to a report by Louisiana Illuminator.

The primary bone that Starnes is picking is whether he should control salary setting for the local defenders. 

According to the Rapides office annual legislative audit report, that contains no adverse findings, Fuller was paid $104,638 in the fiscal year ending last June 30.

Contract attorneys were paid a total of $918,000 to defend clients  (About nine of 10 persons accused of crimes in Louisiana are represented by public defenders).

The office’s General fund received $958,000 in state funding and $495,000 from local judicial fees.

Fuller and the others getting pink slips have been in the lead opposing Starns and his legislative efforts to wrest control from the local level.

That began after his appointment by former Gov. John Bel Edwards and continues following his reappointment last year by Jeff Landry.   

(By law, Starns is paid the same salary as an associate justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court, about $190,009.)

Last year, Starns and Landry helped pass a bill to weaken the state public defender board and strengthen his influence, according to Louisiana Illuminator.

According to that report:

The new law dissolved the old state public defender board, which had to approve the hiring and firing of district defenders. Instead, a new public defender oversight board the governor controls has been put in place.

The new board doesn’t have the authority to directly hire or fire district defenders. Instead, most of that power has been transferred to Starns. 

In 2023, the previous state public defender board put a standardized compensation plan in place for district defenders that Starns believes was too generous.

At the time, board members said they were trying to make up for the fact that district defenders hadn’t received a pay increase or cost of living adjustment in at least 16 years. 

After board members voted to increase the pay, Starns helped push through the legislation that dissolved the first public defender board and set up a new panel.

But the second board has also voted to overrule Starns twice and keep the old board’s pay scale for district defenders in place.

The pay proposal Starns pushed as an alternative would have cut some district defenders’ pay by tens of thousands of dollars annually.

Legislators had also put some measures in place to try to prevent Starns from firing district defenders – at least in the short term. The new law blocked him from getting rid of anyone in that position without cause until July 2025. 

Earlier this month, Starns sought an opinion from Attorney General Liz Murrill’s office stating that he could unilaterally end district defender contracts this summer when they expire.

“There is no right to a hearing or an investigation if the annual contract is simply not renewed,” Assistant Attorney General Chimene St. Amant wrote in the memo of opinion.


LCU biology dept. debuts new tech for students

Example of an Anatomage Table in use

Louisiana Christian University has acquired several new pieces of technology to enhance learning for their students. On Friday, Feb. 28, faculty demonstrated their new Anatomage Table. This technology allows students to view real human cadavers in a digital format and interact virtually with the bodies. 

Dr. Wade Warren, the Biology Department Coordinator for LCU, said this equipment will allow for a different style of learning for many students on campus, not to mention different disciplines and departments.

“There’s so many advantages to having it,” said Dr. Warren. “We teach standard anatomy, but not every human body is the same. We do anatomy dissections, now we do cadaver dissections. It is going to be integrated at every level. It’s a game changer for us. We’re so thrilled it’s here.”

Warren said that he and the faculty are looking forward to implementing this new technology into course curricula in the near future. 


The Mardi Gras Children’s Parade Rolls in Alexandria!

The streets of downtown Alexandria were lined by thousands of area residents and visitors who came to be a part of what has become one of the most enjoyable events in our city, the Alexandria Mardi Gras Association’s Children’s Parade on March 1. This year’s parade, along with the other parades sponsored by the association, have become a beloved feature of life in Central Louisiana for the past 25 years. This year’s parade featured an eclectic selection of units led by motorcycle officers from various agencies and the Peabody High School Army JROTC Color Guard. Superb bands and spirit groups from Rapides parish schools provided a non-stop musical accompaniment to the festivities. Dance groups, Mardi Gras Krewes and community organizations rounded out the lineup. This year’s Grand Marshal was the accomplished Ms. Melissa Le, Miss Louisiana Outstanding Teen 2024.

The Krewe members on the colorfully decorated floats drew from a seemingly endless supply of beads and trinkets for the delighted crowd. Mardi Gras celebrations are one of the things that make life in Louisiana so special. The Alexandria parades are a true delight for bead aficionados of all ages.


Francis Mitchell running for Mayor of Cheneyville

Francis Mitchell

Francis Mitchell is one of two candidates running for Cheneyville mayor.

The announcement comes after current Mayor Derrick Johnson announced he will not seek re-election.

Mitchell has served as a Cheneyville alderman for about eight years. She said she has always been involved with the town and wants to continue to serve, particularly focusing on the youth through several organizations. She wants to encourage the community to be involved as well.

“My plan is to make sure that the community is always involved,” she said. “I want them to come out and make decisions and give us ideas to bring revenue, beautify the Town of Cheneyville, to keep to speaking with our elders, also our youth department, because we are here for the town. We’re not here for ourselves.”

Mitchell stated that voters should elect her because she is always there when her constituents need her. She said her door is always open to them; she will continue to have her door open if elected.

Mitchell is running against her fellow alderman, Ronny Green, Jr.

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ASH, Peabody, Glenmora boys in second-round playoff games tonight

Second-round games involving Rapides Parish schools tonight and Tuesday, and first-round scores in the LHSAA boys basketball playoffs (note, all parish schools play in the Select category for postseason competition):

 

DIVISION I

ASH (seeded 5th) hosts Carencro, tonight, 6 p.m.

Tioga (14) at St. Thomas More (3), Tuesday, 7 p.m. in Lafayette

 

DIVISION II

Peabody (3) hosts Washington-Marion (14), tonight, 6 p.m.

 

CLASS B

Glenmora (15) at Avoyelles Public Charter (2), tonight, 6 p.m.

 

CLASS C

Plainview (2) hosts Ebarb (15), Tuesday, 6 p.m.

 

First-round scores involving parish schools in games played Friday night:

Tioga 48, Woodlawn-Baton Rouge 36 (Division I)

Westminster Christian 60, Northwood-Lena 45 (Division IV)

Glenmora 53, Oak Hill 50 (Class B)


LSUA gets 36 from Natt in comeback championship win, women nearly make it a sweep

LSUA players gathered for a team photo Sunday at the Rapides Parish Coliseum after the Generals wo their second straight Red River Athletic Conference Tournament championship. (Photo courtesy LSUA)

With conference player of the year Kashie Natt pouring in a season-high 36 points Sunday, the LSUA Generals men’s basketball team earned its second straight Red River Athletic Conference Tournament championship with an 88-79 victory over the University of the Southwest (N.M.) at the Rapides Parish Coliseum.

Natt sank 15-for-24 from the field for the Generals (28-2, 22-2) against the upset-minded Mustangs (17-13, 12-12 RRAC), who led by as much as 14 in the first half. Trailing 39-25 with four-and-a-half minutes left in the opening period, the Generals went to work chipping away and tied it at 41 on a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from EJ McQuillan.

“Not the way we wanted to start, for sure,” LSUA coach Dimario Jackson said. “Southwest is a good team. As a team, they are very well-rounded.

“We knew at some point we’d get going offensively,” Jackson added. “It was just a matter of getting stops.”

The Generals’ run continued at the start of the second to cap a span sandwiching halftime and covering seven-minutes where LSUA outscored Southwest 22-2.

A 10-1 burst gave LSUA a 57-44 advantage seven minutes into the back half but over the next five minutes, Southwest chipped away to bring the score within one, 64-63.

But the Mustangs couldn’t regain the lead. With under 2:30 left, a layup from Natt and free throws by Kaleb Pouncy gave the Generals breathing room, 80-74, and the Generals stretched the spread at the end. 
Pouncy finished with 16 points off the bench. Jordan Decuir tallied 17, also coming off the bench.

The Generals now await their opponent in the NAIA Men’s Basketball Championship rirst round. LSUA has already been announced as a host site for first and second-round games March 14-15, with the regional winner advancing to the national tournament. The other three teams in the Alexandria  regional and pairings will be announced Thursday.

 

LSUA WOMEN NIPPED IN FINAL: A tie-breaking three-point play by Erynn Williams with seven seconds left was the difference for regular-season champion LSU Shreveport to capture its second straight RRAC women’s tournament crown Sunday evening, with a 54-51 final denying LSUA (23-8) back-to-back upsets to win the tourney.

Senior Dannah Martin-Hartwick, who scored 22 twice to lead LSUA in its first and second-round wins, nailed a 3-pointer with 18.2 seconds remaining to tie the championship game. But LSUS (27-3) got the go-ahead layup and free throw from Williams, the RRAC’s Defensive Player of the Year, and survived after a last-gasp 3-pointer from LSUA was off the mark.

LSUA beat Louisiana Christian (10-17) in the first round Friday 74-60, pulling away by outscoring the Wildcats 25-10 in the third quarter, then upset second-seeded Xavier Saturday evening 70-63 to beat the Gold Nuggets (27-3) for the first time in three tries this season.

In each of its three tournament games, LSUA held the opponent to 31 percent shooting aim. But after making 53 percent in the upset of Xavier, LSUA connected on just 34 percent in the final. The Generals barely missed upsetting LSUS on the road in the regular-season finale, falling by 1 in Shreveport.

LSUA will wait to see if it gets an at-large NAIA playoff invitation when the field is announced Thursday.

 

LCU MEN REACH SEMIS: The sixth-seeded Wildcats got 19 points off the bench from Kevin Wiltz, 18 by Devin Carter and 14 from Bryce Weinmunson Friday to upset third-seeded Our Lady of the Lake (20-9). Wiltz carried a 4.5 scoring average into the contest but rose to the occasion to get LCU to the RRAC semis for the fourth time in five seasons.

But seventh-seeded Southwest pulled the surprise in the semifinals, shooting 54 percent overall in a 75-63 decision that ended the Wildcats’ season with a 16-14 record. Carter led LCU with 18 points.


Plainview girls in state semis today, Oak Hill gets Tuesday slot in Hammond

There’s not much waiting around for the two Rapides Parish girls basketball teams still standing as the state semifinals and finals are staged this week in Hammond at the LHSAA’s Marsh Madness tournament.

The Plainview girls play today at 4:30 against Summerfield. Oak Hill’s girls have the same tip time Tuesday with both hoping to advance to Friday state championship games at the University Center on the Southeastern Louisiana University campus.

Plainview (25-7) is the third seed in the Class C bracket and meets second-seeded Summerfield (29-6) this afternoon. The other two top-seeded teams are in the other semifinal, No. 1 Simpson (39-2) and fourth-seeded Reeves (22-7). The Class C state final is Friday at noon.

Oak Hill (30-10) is also the No. 3 seed meeting the second-seeded team in its classification in Class B bracket semifinal action Tuesday. Oak Hill meets Bell City (24-3) at 4:30 and the winner moves to a Friday 6 p.m. championship game against either No. 1 Fairview (35-5) or fifth-seeded Anacoco (24-11).

Both parish teams were dominant in their state quarterfinal victories Thursday. Oak Hill dumped Pitkin 66-44 and Plainview smacked Gibsland-Coleman 76-59.

Streaming subscription coverage of Marsh Madness can be viewed at a fee on nfhsnetwork.com.


RADE makes arrests following reports of THC vapes to high school students

In early February 2025, agents with the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Unit received information that Dion Derek Duran, Jr., was allegedly selling THC vape pens to high school students out of his residence in Alexandria. RADE agents immediately opened an investigation and began to confirm these complaints through a variety of surveillance and investigative techniques. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive and illegal chemical of cannabis.

Through their investigation, RADE agents established sufficient probable cause to obtain a narcotic search warrant for 1220 Warshauer Street in Alexandria. On Feb. 25, agents executed the search warrant at the residence and located Antonio Malik Daniels in the residence at the time of the warrant service. Agents secured the residence and waited for Duran, Jr. who arrived shortly thereafter.

A search of the residence uncovered the following:

  • 252 THC vape pens and a variety of THC edibles and high-grade marijuana
  • Approximately 200 Xanax pills, approximately 500 Fentanyl pressed pills and 5 ecstasy pills.
  • Seven firearms
  • 1.5 ounces powder cocaine
  • Approximately $30,000.00 dollars in cash
  • Multiple other items of drug paraphernalia

Daniels was placed under arrest and transported to the Rapides Parish Detention Center and booked for Possession of CDS II (Powder Cocaine) with Intent to Distribute, Possession of CDS I (Marijuana Derivatives) with Intent to Distribute, Possession of CDS I (Marijuana), Illegal Carrying of Firearms with Drugs, and Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses.

Dion Derek Duran, Jr., 33, was placed under arrest and transported to the Rapides Parish Detention Center and booked for Possession of CDS I (Marijuana Derivatives) with Intent to Distribute, Possession of CDS I (Fentanyl) with Intent to Distribute, Possession of CDS IV (Xanax) with Intent to Distribute, Possession of CDS I (Marijuana), Illegal Carrying of Firearms with Drugs, and Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses. Duran remains in jail being held on a $75,000.00 bond.

Louisiana has one of the highest rates of teen vaping in the country. In 2023, 30% of high school students in Louisiana reported using e-cigarettes in the past month, compared with 17% of high schoolers nationwide, according to state and federal surveys.

According to Tobacco Free Living (https://tobaccofreeliving.org) approximately 1 in 4 (26%) middle school students and half (51.5%) of high school students in Louisiana have used e-cigarettes. Approximately 1 in 7 (15.4%) middle school students and 1 in 3 (31.6%) high school students have used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days.

“We want to encourage our parents to discuss the dangers of these THC vapes being sold to their children” said Sheriff Mark Wood. “The concentration strength of these THC vape pens is a lot stronger and can cause THC poisoning, not to mention other ingredients that could damage their lungs or brain cells.”

The Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Unit is a multi-jurisdictional team comprised of the Alexandria Police Department, Ball Police Department, Boyce Police Department, Cheneyville Police Department, Forest Hill Police Department, Glenmora Police Department, Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office Lecompte Police Department, McNary Police Department, Pineville Police Department, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Woodworth Police Department, Grant Parish District Attorney’s Office and the Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office.

The RADE Unit continues to target individuals suspected of trafficking narcotics in the Central Louisiana area. If anyone has information or would like to report any narcotics activity, they may do so by sending direct messages to the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RADEunit/.


Alexandria teen faces $1.25 million bail on attempted murder, gun charges; alleged rapist looking at $500K bail

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

March 2

Theresa A. Bordelon, 50, Alexandria – Louisiana fugitive, disturbing the peace, $500 bail;

Curtis Dwight Brossett Sr, 59, Cloutierville – OWI first offense, careless operation, open container, $1,200 bail;

Robert Stephen Paul, 41, Pineville – battery on a dating partner, no bail data;

Jeffrey D. Richard, 43, Pineville – possession of controlled dangerous substance, criminal trespass, $1,000 bail;

 

March 1

Ken’shala K. Bowers, 21, Alexandria – OWI first offense, $1,000 bail;

Michael Todd Bynog, 56, Boyce – three counts possession of controlled dangerous substance, paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, resisting police with force or violence, battery on a police officer, reckless operation of an off-road vehicle, four counts contempt of court, $90,000 bail;

Mauricio Labrada-Hernandez, 26, Glenmora – producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, display of temporary license plates, contempt of court, $2,600 bail;

Alpichon Lavalaias Jr, 29, Marksville – OWI first offense, two counts possession of controlled dangerous substance, improper lane usage, $3,100 bail;

Exavion Philson, 17, Pineville – possession of handgun by juvenile, illegal possession of a stolen firearm, $2,000 bail;

Bryan Keith Tippen, 39, Alexandria – simple burglary, $5,000 bail;

 

Feb. 28

Patrick Allen Brown, 42, Woodworth – two counts theft, simple burglary, criminal conspiracy, illegal possession of stolen things, $151,000 bail;

Makari Kieon Cotton, 20, Alexandria – producing manufacturing dispensing controlled dangerous substance, criminal trespass, $500 bail;

Calvin Wayne Giddings, 56, Deville – first-degree rape, $500,000 bail;

Sherterroca Ladrelle Henderson, 47, Alexandria – simple burglary, two counts contempt of court, $4,000 bail;

Tamera Kay Johnson, 58, Deville – possession of controlled dangerous substance, illegal carry firearm with drugs, paraphernalia, $5,500 bail;

Saidrick Tyrone Johnson Jr, 27, Alexandria – possession of controlled dangerous substance, bicycle lamps and reflectors, four counts contempt of court, $7,100 bail;

Aaron Joseph Lacaze, 25, Pineville – simple assault, disturbing the peace, $1,000 bail;

Reginald Bernard Meeks, 59, Pineville – two counts aggravated battery, one count aggravated assault, disturbing the peace, $10,500 bail;

Jared Lee Nelson, 44, Alexandria – theft, simple burglary, two counts resisting an officer, intentional exposure to the AIDS virus, simple battery of a police officer, unauthorized entry into place of business, $31,000 bail;

Randy Benedict Perry, 43, Alexandria – home invasion aggravated assault, probation violation, contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Logan Ray Thomas, 28, Oakdale – three counts intimidation threatening of a public official, simple public intimidation and retaliation, violation of protective orders, $1,500 bail;

 

Feb. 27

Miracle Roshell Bush, 30, Alexandria – simple arson, six counts contempt of court, $17,000 bail;

Quentin Dewayne Clay Sr, 40, Alexandria – criminal damage to property, unauthorized entry of inhabited dwelling, $2,000 bail;

Jat’orie Travon Green, 27, Alexandria – obscenity, criminal trespass, criminal mischief, $5,500 bail;

Jordan Levi Guin, 38, Pineville – theft, Louisiana fugitive, contempt of court, $1,500 bail;

Stephen Hall, 34, Walker – possession of controlled dangerous substance schedule 4, improper display of license plate, driver’s license not in possession, $1,700 bail;

Danglio Harris, 38, Bunkie – four counts Louisiana fugitive, contempt of court, $2,500 bail;

Reese Wendell Johnson, 59, Pineville – possession of controlled dangerous substance, illegal carry firearm with drugs, drug paraphernalia, improper display of license plate, modified exhaust, $5,700 bail;

Connie Lacour, 52, Winnfield – Louisiana fugitive, four counts monetary instrument abuse, $10,000 bail;

Keith William Noce, 45, Pineville – three counts possession of controlled dangerous substance, driving under suspension/revocation, improper lane usage, paraphernalia, $6,200 bail;

David Panzica, 39, Colfax – three counts simple burglary, four counts contempt of court, $55,000 bail;

Randy Benedict Perry, 43, Alexandria – home invasion aggravated assault, probation violation, contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Edna Janell Robinson, 61, Lecompte – legend drug possession, paraphernalia, driving under suspension/revocation, no driver’s license, expired plate/registration, no insurance, canceled plates, probation violation, contempt of court, $4,500 bail;

L.E. Salone Jr, 75, Colfax – OWI first offense, required position and method of turning at intersections, open container, $1,200 bail;

Lawrence Farrar West Jr, 48, Pineville – OWI fourth offense, operating a vehicle while under suspension for certain prior offenses, open container, careless operation of vehicle, $100,700 bail;

Kenneth Yost, 30, New Braunfels, Texas – simple burglary, criminal damage to property, $5,500 bail.


Feb. 26

Jason Damion Battiste Jr, 33, Alexandria – two counts possession of controlled dangerous substance schedule 2, three counts producing manufacturing distributing with intent controlled dangerous substances, possession of schedule 5, illegal possession of stolen firearm, possession of firearm by convicted felon, illegal carry firearm with drugs, probation violation, $87,500 bail;

Eric Lamon Branch, 23, Pineville – simple burglary, $5,000 bail;

Briviante Datwan Conston, 33, Pineville – illegal carrying of weapon, aggravated assault domestic abuse, possession of firearm by convicted felon, probation violation, $40,500 bail;

Courtney Holt Dixon, 44, Alexandria –  producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, producing manufacturing distributing hallucinogenic plants, paraphernalia, illegal carry firearm with drugs, $13,000 bail;

April Charlotte George, 49, Alexandria – Louisiana fugitive, driving under suspension/revocation, stop lamps on vehicle required, two counts contempt of court, $3,200 bail;

Caleb Joshua Gordon, 23, Alexandria — producing manufacturing distributing with intent controlled dangerous substance, possession of firearm by convicted felon, $150,000 bail;

Josiah Gordon, 17, Alexandria – two counts attempted second degree murder, manufacture transfer or possession of machine guns unlawful, possession of controlled dangerous substances to produce manufacture or dispense, illegal carry firearm with drugs, $1,250,000 bail;

Mike McCoy Justice II, 48, Alexandria – OWI fourth offense, speeding, driving on highway in two-way turn lane, no driver’s license, unlawful refusal to submit to chemical test, obstructing court orders, $151,300 bail;

David Dewayne Williams, 37, Pineville – battery of dating partner first offense, resisting an officer, possession of controlled dangerous substance, unlawful telephone harassing, $10,000 bail;

Jamarious Davon Young, 23, Alexandria – theft, simple battery, contempt of court, $3,000 bail.


RPL to host Easter Basket Read-Off

The Rapides Parish Library System – all locations – will host an Easter Basket Read-Off between March 17 and April 17 that puts young readers into a drawing for an Easter Basket prize.

All participants have to do is login to their Beanstack account at any time of the day starting March 17 and log their reading minutes. Each minute a reader reads will put them into the drawing for the prize – the more minutes, the more chances to win. The window to log minutes closes on April 17. 

There will be two winners per branch – one for readers 0-5 years and one for 6-12 years. 

Winners will be notified on April 21. 

Contact any Rapides Parish Library location for more information.