Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

April 1

Andrain Griffin, 36, Alexandria – eight counts contempt of court, $19,000 bail.

March 31

Cortez Vastee Brown, 66, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, $500 bail;

Jared Lee Goudeaux, 37, Pineville – aggravated battery, no bail data;

Harold Dwayne Henry, 43, Alexandria – possession of synthetic CDS, possession of fentanyl, resisting an officer, obscenity, $1,000 bail;

Courtland Matthew James, 45, Alexandria – possession of fentanyl, two counts contempt of court, $200 bail;

Chandler Michael Lewis, 25, Pollock – criminal damage to property, simple arson, no bail data;

Cameron Shiloh Miller, 32, Pineville – aggravated battery of a police officer, possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, resisting an officer, $1,500 bail;

Heather E. Talley, 43, Pineville – possession of CDS, no bail data;

Christina Gray Taylor, 44, Alexandria – possession of CDS, two counts contempt of court, $5,500 bail.

March 30

Laken Nicole Afeman, 40, Hineston – simple burglary, two counts contempt of court, $10,000 bail;

Edwin Ray Barron, 31, Alexandria – contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Christina Diane Bolgiano, 41, Pineville – contempt of court, failure to appear, $50,410 bail;

Lloyd Aaron Coburn, 63, Pineville – Louisiana fugitive, no bail data;

Vaughn Darbon, 38, Boyce – theft of a motor vehicle, $5,000 bail;

Herbert Lee Dotson Jr., 50, Alexandria – Louisiana fugitive, criminal conspiracy, producing manufacturing distributing fentanyl, $150,000 bail;

Anguelic Fells, 44, Alexandria – theft, Louisiana fugitive, contempt of court, $1,000 bail;

David Dewayne Glenn Jr., 23, Boyce – three counts contempt of court, $3,000 bail;

Audra Celesti Knapp, 38, Pineville – three counts contempt of court, $15,000 bail;

Kedrick Dewayne Logan, 40, Alexandria – two counts simple burglary, unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, $8,500 bail;

Jason Malone, 43, Deville – domestic abuse battery strangulation, $10,000 bail;

Michael McDowell, 70, Baton Rouge – OWI first offense, driving under suspension, canceled plate violation, improper riding motorcycle, $1,300 bail;

Markas C. McMahan, 31, Pineville – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, resisting an officer, contempt of court, $7,500 bail;

Amyra Denise Williams, 21, Simmesport – three counts contempt of court, $75,000 bail;

Kashawna Williams, 17, Alexandria – aggravated battery, domestic abuse battery, $25,000 bail.

March 29

Joseph Allen, 46, Port Allen – hit and run, improper lane usage, $600 bail;

Cashman Cain Cage, 27, Alexandria – aggravated assault, criminal trespass, $1,000 bail;

Baylon Joseph Dupont, 18, Pineville – theft, identity theft, $3,000 bail;

Quentin P. Guillot, 48, Marksville – possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, threatening a public official (intimidation), simple battery of a police officer, two counts resisting an officer, $8,500 bail;

Dre’von Tyrez McClinton, 26, Alexandria – theft, resisting an officer, threatening a public official (intimidation), possession of marijuana, contempt of court, $7,000 bail.

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will host its annual Father-Child Families Understanding Nature (FUN) Camp on May 1-2 at the Woodworth Education Center, located at 661 Robinson Bridge Road.

The camp is designed for fathers and children ages 9-13, offering a weekend outdoors focused on building bonds and learning outdoor skills.

Participants will take part in hands-on activities while spending time in a natural setting. The program also emphasizes family connection and introducing children to outdoor recreation and wildlife appreciation.

Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. The cost is $50 per family, which includes one father and one child. Additional children may attend for $25 each, with a limit of two children per adult.

The registration fee covers meals, lodging, and supplies, including tents. However, participants are responsible for bringing their own bed linens and sleeping bags.

For more information interested families can contact Mitch Hukins at mhukins@wlf.la.gov or Amber Breaux at abreaux@wlf.la.gov. To register go online to wlf.louisiana.gov/page/fun-camp.

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Louisiana Christian University’s 4^th Annual Dr. Maggie Martin Marketplace Leadership Summit will be held April 14 at the Granberry Conference Center.

The keynote speaker for this year’s event is comedian Mike Goodwin.

His signature bowtie represents his expectation-defying brand of comedy that leaves a variety of audiences – from churches to corporate events to swanky galas laughing hysterically and completely inspired, without a foul or vulgar word spoken, according to mikegoodwin.com.

Goodwin, a South Carolina native, holds a master’s degree in education from the University of South Carolina and is a veteran of the U.S. Army. He is a former primary and secondary education professional. He infuses his varied life experiences into his act, making him relatable to all.

Using his ability to merge leadership and laughter, Mike is a powerful communicator whose primary goal is to leave places and people better than he found them. He has appeared on America’s Got Talent, Dry Bar Comedy, Today Show, Lifetime, BET, Amazon Prime, TBN, Daystar, USA, the Word Network, Circle TV and SiriusXM.

Tickets are still available for this highly anticipated annual event and can be purchased at lcuniversity.edu/leadershipsummit. Individual tickets are $25, and tables may be purchased for $150. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. 

The event is held from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Lunch is provided. 

The Dr. Maggie Martin Marketplace Leadership Summit was established through a generous donation by Natalie and Darryl Monroe as an annual spring event for business and industry leaders in Central Louisiana who live out their faith in their workplaces. It was named in honor of Natalie’s mother, an outstanding community volunteer and philanthropist. 

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Judy Arlene Littleton, age 75, entered eternal rest on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Oak Haven in Center Point.

The Visitation for Mrs. Judy will be held on April 2, 2026, at Gallagher Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Services will follow on Friday, April 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. with Bro. Gary Wiley officiating. Interment will follow at Littleton Family Cemetery in Deville under the direction of Gallagher Funeral Home.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. A faithful member of Landmark Tabernacle, her love for the Lord and her devotion to her family were the cornerstones of her life. She found great joy in the simple and meaningful moments-spending time with those she loved most, shopping, bird watching, enjoying a good meal, hunting and fishing, listening to music, and visiting with her dear friend and neighbor, Mrs. Helen Wilmore.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and cherished memories that will continue to live on in all who knew her.

She was preceeded in death by her parents Grover and Faler Johnson, and her two brothers Leonard and Rodney Johnson.

Those left to mourn her loss and cherish her memory are her husband of fifty seven years Albert Dean Littleton of Deville; three daughters Carolyn Wiley (Ray Dell) of Deville, Tina Littleton of Lynchburg Va, Dawn Nugent of Deville; one sister Debra Albin of Austin TX; six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Jr. Littleton, Todd Littleton, Tanner Cannon, Matthew Slater, Kendall Boyer, Dave Albin, Toby Corley

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Charles Wilmore and Donald Ray Paul and Ray Dell Wiley

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Born 19th of December 1961 in Fairfax County, Virginia. Parents are Glenwood Porter Goad Sr. and Lotti Bruce Goad Diehl. Raised in Harrisonburg and Broadway, Virginia. Graduated from Broadway High School, 1979. Joined the air force in 1979. He lived in Florida and Louisiana for several years. Died in Alexandria, Louisiana on March 30th, 2026. Preceded in Death by his father Glenwood Porter Goad Sr.

Survived by Mother, Lottie Diehl, Sister Annette Peaden and husband Lenny Peaden in Hartford, North Carolina. Brother, Billy Goad and his wife Corinne Goad in Watertown SD, Sister, Donna Haymon and husband Terry Haymon in Anacoco, LA. Several Nieces and Nephews. Michael, Queen Creek AZ, Jonathan, Brian, & Jacob, Watertown SD, Harry Greaves II, Elizabeth City, NC. Wayne Greaves, Hartford, NC, and Kristi Ortiz, Hartford NC, Winston Bynog, Hicks, LA, Charlie Burge and Husband Wayne Burge, Leesville, LA.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 12:30 PM at the Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 3348 University Parkway, Leesville, LA, under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service.

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By JIM BUTLER

Enrollment in parish public schools is expected to continue to decline in the next academic year.

The School Board will consider staffing recommendations at its meeting next Tuesday.

Student counts have been declining for a decade statewide, a trend attributed to overall population loss, fewer school age children and growth in home schooling.

Statewide, public school enrollment is down 5 percent over the past four  years and, according to the state Department of Education, enrollment statewide is 140,000 fewer than in 2000.

Rapides is down about 3 percent since 2021-22, according to data to be reviewed next week.

Projected Minimum Foundation Program pupil count is 20,090, compared to 20,432 for the current year.

MFP is the formula under which the state financially assists schools on a per student basis. Currently the payment is about $4,000 per student.

The staffing recommendation for the board’s consideration is for 1,591 teachers (not counting pre-k), 50 fewer than this school year.

Overall student-teacher ratio would continue below set limits, the recommendation notes.

The number of paraprofessionals would grow to 424 from the current 410.

More definitive program for exceptional students services as well as more interventional behavioral support is also envisioned.

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BATON ROUGE — A proposal to eliminate private companies’ ability to use eminent domain for carbon capture projects in Louisiana failed Tuesday in a House committee, while two related measures that would give local governments authority over such projects remain pending.

House Bill 7, known as the Louisiana Landowners Protection Act and authored by House Speaker Pro Tempore Mike Johnson (R-Pineville), was defeated on a 12–7 vote in the House Committee on Natural Resources and Energy following an extended and heavily attended hearing.

The measure sought to repeal provisions in Louisiana law that allow certain carbon capture and pipeline projects to be treated as serving a public purpose, which can permit the use of eminent domain to acquire pipeline easements.

Testimony on the bill drew strong positions from both supporters and opponents. Representatives of state economic and regulatory agencies expressed concerns that removing eminent domain authority could hinder development of carbon capture infrastructure, which is often linked to industrial investment and emissions reduction strategies. Supporters of the bill, including landowners, argued the current framework allows private companies to take property for projects they contend primarily benefit private industry.

Two related bills remain under consideration.

• House Bill 6 would allow the governing authority of Rapides Parish to determine whether carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) projects and associated CO₂ pipelines may operate within the parish.
• House Bill 5 would extend similar local decision-making authority to all parishes statewide.

Neither measure had been scheduled for a committee hearing as of Tuesday.

Louisiana has emerged as a focal point for carbon capture development due to its industrial corridor and geologic capacity for underground carbon storage. The debate reflects a broader statewide conflict between economic development priorities and private property rights.

The 2026 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature is scheduled to continue through June 1.

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Federal authorities say a major drug seizure in Alexandria is part of a broader Homeland Security Task Force effort targeting trafficking networks across Louisiana, including connections to cases impacting Rapides Parish.

Officials said the following five cases build upon HSTF’s cases in the Vernon Parish and Natchitoches areas that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has prosecuted recently.

The Rapides Parish-related case, United States v. Elijah Jones, No. 26-cr-00074, involves the trafficking of approximately 6.2 kilograms of fentanyl, 2 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 1 kilogram of oxycodone pills, along with approximately $34,000 in cash, all concealed in a storage unit in Alexandria. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement group at the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities say the seizure highlights how traffickers use storage facilities within communities like Rapides Parish to conceal large quantities of narcotics and cash as part of broader distribution operations.

Other cases across Louisiana include:

• United States v. Willie Baker et al., No. 25-cr-00296, involving fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking tied to one death and multiple defendants facing life sentences
• United States v. Ranulfo Garcia Rodriguez and Christian Antonio Sanchez Ramirez, No. 26-cr-00070, involving 147 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in ice cream freezers
• United States v. Lance Fields and Ronald Adams, Jr., No. 26-cr-00102, involving 100 kilograms of cocaine concealed in an 18-wheeler
• United States v. Juan Francisco Gonzalez de Leon et al., No. 26-cr-00106, involving 15 kilograms of cocaine tied to a transnational cartel

Officials say these investigations reflect continued federal focus on dismantling drug trafficking operations impacting Rapides Parish and surrounding communities.

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The Cotile Lake Study Committee of the Rapides Parish Police Jury will hold a meeting on Monday, April 6, 2026, at 2 p.m. in the Police Jury Conference Room.

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For the past two years, Winn residents have watched the rise of the impressive three-story complex on West Court Street that will house the array of services of Winn Community Health Center as well as the seven-parish organizational support of Trinity Community Health Centers of Louisiana.

Now the time has arrived. On Monday, April 13, the public is invited to the Grand Opening of the center beginning at 11 a.m., announced CEO Deano Thornton. There will be a tent, music with a DJ, refreshments of Dana’s Pulled Pork Sandwiches and giveaways.

“Who would have thought that it would come to this when we first started talking about this kind of medical care for our community in 2005?” he said. “We were funded in 2009, opened our doors July 1 that same year, outgrew that office and moved to our current location in 2011 and are now poised to move into this wonderful structure.”

Over those years, WCHC also expanded beyond its Winn Parish borders to seven parishes with 11 clinics and 60 school-based centers under the inclusive name of Trinity Community Health Centers of Louisiana.

“So how have we come so far? I’ve always said that when you surround yourself with good people, good things happen,” Thornton continued. “Our organization is made up of people who care about the well being of the folks in their community and it shows. We’re in the business of taking care of people. This is an amazing, state of the art facility which we’ve been proud to add to the heart of Winnfield.”

The center’s staff held an early preview of this new structure on March 31. The Grand Opening for the general public is Monday, April 13. The following morning, Tuesday, April 14, medical services at the new center will commence.

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A warm and breezy pattern will continue through midweek before unsettled weather returns with increasing chances of showers and thunderstorms heading into the weekend.

Wednesday will be mostly sunny with a chance of afternoon showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Highs will reach the mid-80s with south winds increasing to 10 to 15 mph and a 30% chance of rain.

Wednesday night brings partly cloudy skies early, becoming mostly cloudy overnight. Lows will settle in the upper 60s with south winds around 5 to 10 mph and occasional gusts up to 20 mph.

Thursday will be more active, with mostly cloudy skies and a chance of thunderstorms throughout the day. Showers are likely by the afternoon, with highs in the lower 80s and a 60% chance of rain under south winds of 10 to 15 mph.

Thursday night remains mostly cloudy with lows in the upper 60s and light southeast winds.

Friday starts mostly cloudy with a chance of morning showers, then becomes partly sunny with showers likely and a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs will reach the mid-80s, with a 60% chance of rain.

Friday night stays mostly cloudy with lows in the upper 60s.

The weekend will be increasingly unsettled. Saturday brings mostly cloudy skies with a chance of thunderstorms. Showers are possible in the morning, with higher chances in the afternoon. Highs will be in the mid-80s with a 70% chance of rain.

Saturday night will be cloudy with showers likely, mainly in the evening, as cooler air moves in. Lows will drop into the mid-50s with continued rain chances.

Sunday remains cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning, with much cooler highs in the upper 60s and a 40% chance of rain.

Sunday night into Monday will stay mostly cloudy and cool, with lows in the upper 40s and highs in the upper 60s.

The forecast begins to improve early next week, with partly cloudy skies Monday night and lows in the mid-40s, followed by sunny skies and highs in the mid-70s on Tuesday.

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Pulling up to the gas pump has started to feel less like a routine stop and more like a scene straight out of a horror movie. You swipe your card, start fueling up, and suddenly—there it is—the total climbing faster than you can look away. At $100 and still rising, it’s the kind of moment that makes you question every decision that led you to that pump. The real twist? No jump scare soundtrack needed—just the quiet panic of watching the numbers roll. And honestly, the caption says it best: “Based on a true story.”

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Each year on April 1, pranksters around the world embrace a day dedicated to practical jokes, hoaxes and harmless mischief. While the exact origins of April Fools’ Day remain debated, historians trace its roots back several centuries.

One popular theory links the tradition to 16th-century France. When the country shifted from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar in 1582 under Pope Gregory XIII, New Year’s Day moved from late March to January 1. Those who continued celebrating the old New Year in early spring were reportedly mocked as “April fools.”

Over time, the tradition of playful deception spread across Europe and eventually to North America. Newspapers, radio stations and television networks have long joined the fun, publishing elaborate hoaxes on April 1.

In 1957, the BBC famously aired a segment about Swiss farmers harvesting spaghetti from trees — a prank that reportedly fooled thousands of viewers. Tech companies have also embraced the tradition, occasionally announcing outlandish fake products to entertain audiences.

While April Fools’ Day is generally lighthearted, experts advise keeping pranks safe and harmless. The best April 1 jokes are those that leave everyone laughing — not confused or hurt.

Today, social media amplifies the reach of April Fools’ jokes, allowing pranks to travel worldwide in seconds. From fake celebrity announcements to imaginary product launches, April 1 continues to blur the line between fact and fiction.

So as the calendar turns, readers may want to double-check headlines, confirm surprising announcements and approach the day with a healthy dose of skepticism.

After all, on April 1, not everything is quite what it seems.

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Junior guard E.J. McQuillan of the LSU Alexandria men’s basketball team has been named to the 2025-26 NAIA All-American team.

A second-team selection, McQuillan averaged 20.4 points per game this season, helping guide the Generals to a NAIA Tournament appearance. He shot 39.5 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from 3-point range. McQuillan added a team-high 78 assists, 36 steals, and four blocks.

Twice this season, McQuillan recorded at least 40 points. He tied the LSUA single-game points record with 41 on October 31 against Texas Wesleyan and put up 40 points against Texas A&M-Texarkana on December 13.

McQuillan, a Port Allen product, was named first-team All-Red River Athletic Conference as LSUA went 23-9, including 18-4 for second in the league.

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By all accounts, LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson is the baseball version of Nick Saban. With two College World Series championships in the past three years, he has the Tigers positioned as the sport’s gold standard.

Despite LSU’s stumbles and wobbles over the past month, does anyone really doubt Johnson’s 2026 club will make at least a deep postseason run? Have Tiger fans cancelled their hotel rooms in Omaha? Has Rocco’s lowered its Jell-O order?

Johnson has displayed a Midas touch that has college baseball’s modern-era goat, Skip Bertman, beaming with pride as he watches the program he built doing the things he made possible.

Except Sunday’s cloud-parting bat flip by home run hero Seth Dardar.

The moment was electric. The bat flip itself, predictable. From the big leagues to biddy league, bat flips have become as frequent as President Trump’s posts on Truth Social.

There was, as there has been since before Ty Cobb pulled up stirrups and sharpened his spikes, plenty of bench banter between the clubs. Sunday’s game decided the series. Kentucky wanted a statement win. LSU needed, for at least its own self-respect, to defend Skip Bertman Field, Alex Box Stadium.

Dardar’s tape-measure, three-run sixth-inning bomb put LSU ahead to stay. He justifiably bounded around the bases, feeding off the crowd energy and the joy of his teammates.  Goosebump stuff.

But that bat flip. To call it exuberant doesn’t do it justice. I’ll say excessive, at least. Of all the bats ever flipped, this may have been the most majestic/mortifying, depending on your perspective.

“Put it in the Bat Flip Hall of Fame,” said my pal Matt Moscona, the tone-setting Baton Rouge sports talk show host. “And if there isn’t a Bat Flip Hall of Fame, create one for this.”

Nobody in the LSU math faculty or department of science has calculated just how high the bat went. I expect more from the school that had a seismograph reading within hours after Eddie Fuller’s game-winning touchdown in the 1988 “Earthquake Game” win over Auburn at Tiger Stadium.

The stick could be seen tumbling, downward, to the level of the top of the outfield bleachers, as ESPN’s home plate camera panned to track the homer sailing toward the huge Intimidator sign listing the program’s eight CWS crowns, above and behind the right field stands.

Like most other NCAA regulations, the recent (2023) rule on bat flips has been unevenly, and recently, rarely enforced. It’s designed to avoid bench-clearing incidents. But the same rule, 5-17 Unsportsmanlike Conduct, also claims a standard preventing “negative comments directed at an opponent, umpire or spectator” and we all know that’s as valid as a Congressional investigation.

There is, however, common sense. Dardar was beyond excited. It was a spectacular moment, at an intense time. Few players could resist a bat flip. Fewer still could flip their sticks to threaten birds flying overhead. He tossed it FarFar.

The SEC umpiring crew briefly conferred and inexplicably didn’t eject him, presumably because the bat didn’t land near a Kentucky player. The Wildcats dugout was on the third base side. Nobody’s safety was threatened, partly because of Dardar’s accidental accuracy. Kentucky raged, and the Wildcats’ pitching coach apparently challenged Johnson to a scrap in a briefly heated dugout-to-dugout exchange, as the crowd cheered on.

If a player pulled a comparable act in a football or basketball game, at the very least there would be flags or technical fouls. In baseball, there at least should have been warnings issued.

Postgame, an understandably elated Tiger coach said, smiling, “I told him to flip it a little lower next time.” Johnson didn’t want to be the buzz kill.

Backstage, based on who he’s been and what he’s stood for, have to believe Johnson probably found a moment Monday to share with his players that Dardar’s heave – which appeared to be delivered with the same thrust used by an Olympic hammer thrower – was more than a bit much.

Hope so. I’ll give Dardar his due, but not to the height that bat flew.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

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Life has so many variables out of our control that makes navigating our daily situations difficult. But in some instances, there are a few things we can control and it’s up to each of us to make it happen. 

One thing we have zero control over is who our parents are. We as individuals have zero say on the DNA we are blessed with, nor the people it came from. Even though we are who we are, we do have the ability to become the person we truly want to be. In most cases, we can pave our own path to success or failure with the skills we have been blessed with. 

Even with bad DNA flowing through our bodies, we still have the task of shaping our lives into whatever we want to be. But only if we as individuals take control and ownership of who we are will our direction in life be confirmed. 

I learned at a very early age that the good Lord above had blessed me with good athletic abilities. I figured out before the age of 10 that it would be through sports, with hard work and determination, that I could possibly have some success. Sports gave me a purpose!

That’s what we’re all looking for … a purpose! Even if it goes against the beliefs of the people who raised us, we have to take control of our own destiny at some point.

Even when the odds are against us, there are also times when we have to accept the consequences of our actions. We have to make decisions that not only affect ourselves, but those around us.

Sometimes this means hurting the ones we love the most because the direction they want us to go may not be the same as the destination we had in mind. 

By the time we reach 17 or 18 years old, most people know who they are and possibly what direction or path they might want to take. They start to see things in a different light than, say, their parents. But as parents, we must recognize that even though we think we know what’s best for our children, that may not always be the case. We must allow them to spread their wings and continue to grow even if they make a few mistakes along the way. It’s called growing up! 

I’ve always heard the excuse that he or she was a product of the environment in which they were raised. Sometimes this can be true, but it doesn’t always have to be that way. 

For example, my stepdad was a wife beater and treated women like they were worthless. Even though I witnessed many of these incidents first-hand at a young age, I always knew in my heart that this was wrong, and I made a conscious decision to never be that kind of person.

I always felt that God instills in each of us the ability to know right from wrong when we are born.  He gave all of us a brain and the ability to reason when we see things that are not right. 

Just because you grow up in a house with little to no guidance doesn’t give you the excuse to ignore what is right. Subconsciously we still know right from wrong and it’s up to each of us to make good decisions and do the right thing. 

We all need direction in our lives, which was lacking early in my childhood.  Hopefully, we have those we can turn to for advice like a parent or maybe a grandparent, aunt, uncle, preacher, teacher or maybe a coach. No matter who it is, it should be someone we trust. A person who has our best interest at heart. 

Bottom line is this — at some point in our lives we must take control over our destiny no matter what our background is. But when we make a decision, we must accept the consequences for our actions. This is what we call accountability!   

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The creative ministries of First United Methodist Church of Alexandria continue to build momentum, with a season of art gatherings and community events over recent months setting the stage for a full spring across April and May.

Since October 2025, the church’s Urban Sketching group—led by Artist-in-Residence Rev. Jean Sanders—has met regularly throughout the Alexandria–Pineville area. Gathering at locations such as Tamp & Grind Coffee, the Alexandria Farmer’s Market, and other community spaces, the group has emphasized presence, observation, and shared experience over artistic skill. These meet-ups, along with hands-on offerings like the March “Painting on Denim” pop-up session, have created accessible opportunities for creative expression, encouraging participants to slow down and engage their surroundings through direct observation.

That rhythm continues into the spring with the next Urban Sketching gathering scheduled for Saturday, April 11 at 10AM at the Alexandria Museum of Art. The morning will begin with a guided presentation by Gar Pickering inside the museum’s 13th-century Spanish chapel reproduction from the 2003 Heart of Spain exhibition, exploring biblical themes and the role of sacred imagery in Christian teaching and Western art. From there, participants may sketch within the chapel or move outdoors to capture downtown Alexandria and the Red River. As with previous gatherings, the event is free and open to the public, with museum admission also free during Second Saturday programming.

A central highlight of the season is the Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Festival, now in its 58th year, taking place April 17–26, 2026. The festival opens with a reception at 6PM on April 17, launching ten days of visual art exhibits and community programming. Exhibits will be open daily from 10AM to 4PM, as well as during scheduled special events, all offered free and open to the public. A full festival schedule is expected soon, with additional details to follow.

As one of the longest-running arts events in the region, the festival reflects the church’s longstanding commitment to fostering creativity and making the arts accessible to the wider community. It also stands as a natural extension of the same vision seen in the Urban Sketching gatherings—creating space for people to engage, reflect, and connect through shared creative experience.

Alongside the visual arts, the church has also introduced the “Be Kind Concert Series,” a new outdoor gathering designed to bring neighbors together through live music in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. The series began in late March and will continue with upcoming dates on April 23 and May 28. Held in the church courtyard, the concerts invite guests to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and enjoy an evening centered on connection and community. Admission remains free, with opportunities to support participating musicians.

Supported by Operation Kindness, the concert series and broader arts programming share a common goal: to cultivate spaces where belonging is nurtured, connections are formed, and community is strengthened.

With ongoing sketching meet-ups, a major arts festival, and a growing calendar of gatherings, First United Methodist Church of Alexandria continues to offer open invitations to participate in creative life together—where art, hospitality, and faith in Christ meet in simple but meaningful ways. Visit fumca.org to keep up with what is going on.

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“How do I set boundaries with my in-laws without becoming the family villain”

 See what Ida says 

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Memorial services for Mr. Greg Havard will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, with Chaplain William Tisdale officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. Inurnment will follow in Alexandria Memorial Gardens, Woodworth, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

Mr. Havard, 62, of Alexandria, entered eternal rest on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in his residence surrounded by his loving family.

Greg was raised in the Baptist faith, which remained a guiding foundation throughout his life. He found great joy in the outdoors, especially deep-sea fishing and dove hunting, where he embraced both the adventure and the peace of nature. He also loved traveling, always eager to experience new places and create lasting memories. Greg was known for his generous spirit, he gave back to others in times of need, volunteering during hurricane relief efforts and offering support to those affected. His life was marked by faith, compassion, and a genuine love for both people and the world around him. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Ruby Havard; and one brother, David Havard.

Those left to mourn his loss and cherish his memory include his loving wife of forty years, Bridget Havard of Alexandria; one daughter, Taylor Havard of Alexandria; and two sisters, Cheryl and Marilyn.

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Memorial services for Mr. Charles Raymond Erwin will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Main Street Mission, Pineville, with Reverends Sam West, Rod Lenoix, and Josh Bester officiating. Visitation will begin at 8:00 a.m., under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

Mr. Erwin, 83, of Pineville, entered eternal rest on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in his residence surrounded by his loving family.

Charles was a devoted member of his church, Main Street Mission, where his faith guided his life and relationships. He found great joy in woodworking, creating pieces that reflected both his skill and patience. He also loved riding his Harley, embracing the freedom and adventure it brought him. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by one son, Shawn Beeson; one daughter, Sherry Moreau; two grandsons, Willie Dryden and Josh Hall; his parents, Jack and Wilma Erwin; one brother, Paul Erwin; his mother-in-law, Noma B. Walters; and brother-in-law, Steve Walters.

Those left to mourn his loss and cherish his memory include his loving wife of forty years, Bettye Erwin of Pineville; two sons, James Erwin of Pineville, and Ronnie Erwin (Pam) of Ball; two daughters, Charlie Slaughter (Dennis) of Pollock, and Shelby Beeson of Pineville; one sister, Joyce Carter of Baton Rouge; five grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; and eight great-great grandchildren.

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