The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office issued its weekly scam alert Monday after receiving reports of scammers attempting to trick residents into sending money by posing as law enforcement officials.

According to the sheriff’s office, family members of an individual who had recently been booked on charges were contacted by scammers who claimed money needed to be deposited through Chime to secure the person’s release or resolve the charges.

The complainant reported that the callers used background noises resembling those of a jail and even transferred the call to someone claiming to be a supervisor in an effort to make the scam appear legitimate.

Authorities said the targeted individual recognized the call as a scam and did not send any money.

The sheriff’s office reminded residents that law enforcement agencies do not call family members to request payment in exchange for releasing an arrested person or dismissing criminal charges.

Officials urged the public to remain cautious of unsolicited calls from individuals claiming to be law enforcement officers and requesting money, and encouraged residents to share the warning with friends and family to help prevent others from becoming victims.

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Louisiana Christian University has a new heart.

The beautiful new heart is one of the latest art installations of the Community Heart Project in central Louisiana, an initiative of the Alexandria/Pineville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The heart was donated by the owners of Louisiana Fireplace in Pineville, Kristetta and Chuck Miller, who are 1994 and 1993 LCU alumni, respectively. Kristetta is also a current student in LCU’s MBA program. The Millers’ daughter Emma is a 2023 graduate.

“I met my husband at LC,” she said. “LC is the reason I live in Pineville. It became my home, and I am still here 35 years later.”

The Pineville Downtown Development District held a presentation on the community project, and Kristetta Miller, a commissioner for the organization, said she loved the idea and knew she wanted to get involved.

She also knew exactly the artist she wanted to design and create the look of the heart.

Michael Williams, who is an art professor at LCU and an alumnus, worked with the Millers at Louisiana Fireplace years ago. 

“When I was first approached by Kristetta Miller, the patron of this project, in late 2025 to serve as the artist, I was ecstatic,” Williams said. “In February 2026, I began the design process by sketching concepts and exploring various compositions. Once I developed front and back designs that worked together cohesively and captured the spirit of the university, I created acrylic paint studies and submitted them for approval.”

After design approval, Williams said he began the work on the heart sculpture itself, using lightfast acrylic paints to ensure the colors will resist fading from prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays. From the initial sketches to the finished sculpture, the project took just less than two months to complete. 

“One side of the heart features an aerial view of campus, centered on Alexandria Hall and topped with the university’s institutional logo,” Williams said. “The reverse side showcases the iconic fountain at the heart of campus, accompanied by the classic LC logo. The entire piece is rendered in the university’s signature colors, orange and blue.”

Williams said his involvement in the project was incredibly meaningful to him.

“Louisiana Christian University has played a significant role in my life, both as a student and as an educator, making this project particularly rewarding,” Williams said. “I thoroughly enjoyed being part of it, and I hope that alumni, current students and future generations alike will feel that the artwork faithfully represents the university we all love.”

LCU President Dr. Mark Johnson expressed his gratitude for the Millers for their generosity and unwavering love for the university.

“Some moments remind us that a university is more than building and classrooms, it is a community of people whose lives have been shaped by its mission,” Johnson said. “This beautiful Community Heart Project installation is one of those times.”

The dedication of the LCU heart by the Millers is especially meaningful to Johnson, he said, because he had the privilege of teaching their daughter Emma at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary before he became LCU’s president.

“This heart represents far more than art,” Johnson said. “It symbolizes community, legacy, generosity and the bonds that unite generations of Wildcats. Thank you to the Millers for this meaningful gift, and to Michael Williams for creating a beautiful tribute to the university we cherish. May this heart always remind us that LCU thrives because of the faithful support of those who believe in our mission.”

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Northwestern State University announces the names of Honor List students for the Fall 2025 semester. Students on the Honor List must be enrolled full-time at Northwestern and have a grade point average of between 3.0 and 3.49.

For questions regarding the Honor Roll, contact the NSU Registrar’s Office at (318) 357- 6171 or email registrar@nsula.edu.

Students listed by hometown are as follows.

Alexandria – Jayla Allen, Shakiya Allen, Brayleigh Briggs, Maggie Creamer, Bianca Dixon, Nyla Durant, E’Myia Hall, Kory Ham, Dexteria King, Trakayle Oneal, Alivia Piotter, Jordan Ray, Sadie Roberson, Kyra Sherman, Zoe Tanner, Taliyah Taylor, Devin Villar, Emma Walker, Shalonda Wells, Zenada Williams

Atlanta – Delia Serigny

Ball – Jesci Lord, Miriam Smart

Barksdale AFB – Brianna Cady

Benton – Niklaus Jordan, Olivia Kolb, Lucie McDearmont, Ava Pollard, Avery Tullos

Bossier City – Madeline Boyer, Emily Brown, Chloe Cannon, LaToris Cary, John Clinger, Alaina Culbertson, Amanda Doyle, Charisma Duncan, Carolyn Glaze, Delicia Glover, Elizabeth Gonzales, John-Michael Head, Duaa Husein, Jayden Jenkins, Haley Johnson, Maria Lara, Landan Lee, Danni Lynch, Natalie McCoy, James McKeown, Jaden Mccoy, Izabella Moreno, Mana Naser, Kierra Nelson, Avery Phillips, Nimra Rajput, Joshua Raschke, Cooper Ray, Tinsley Rowell, Karla Sanchez Hernandez, Avery Schoenborn, Emily Schoth, Samuel Sujana, Jeremiah Taylor, Ariel Vessells, Dagan Webb, Sara Webb

Boyce – Hannah Leslie

Calvin – Karlee Abels

Campti – Kylie Donald, Chloe Jordan, Jordan Kirts, Taylor Lebrun, Alexia Moore, Sabrena Scandurro

Cloutierville – Aleeya Jefferson

Converse – Logan Carter, Riley Downs, Preslye Rivers

Coushatta– Adrianna Bradford, Sarah Cormier, Latoya Gray, Carlena Henry, LaFrances Jones, Lillye Pardue, Rozalyn Taylor

Dodson – Kyle Brown, Dakota Thomas, Hunter Vines

Elm Grove – Macy Scott, Kaylee Thornton, Zhane Vailes

Elmer – Katelynn Riggs

Florien – Malayna Abels, Delana Johnson, Charles Krumholtz, Lexi LaRoux, Rylie Sigler

Forest Hill – Vivian Montalvo, Kari Polakovich

Frierson – Jozey Isom

Gloster – Raven Fields

Goldonna – Halle Roton

Grand Cane – Nickalas Wadsworth

Greenwood – Emelia Salter

Haughton – Aubrey Bass, Wynter Clark, Lauren Coleman, Quinton Coleman, Maryana Croft, Chloe Dettrey, Taylor Eggleton, Aliya Green, Alyson Marmaduke, Jordyn McDonald, Tucker Melton, Fernecia Mitchell, Emilie North, Mya Webb, Katherine Wilson

Hineston – Hailey Nolen, Kathryn Rabalais

Homer – Seth Thurman

Ida – Ella Teer

Keithville – Addison Boyd, Peytan Collier, Katie Hester, Brittany Lee

Logansport – Kelsey Bolden, Jaylie Smith, Ariel Williams

Mansfield – Shaniyah Blaze, London Carter, Mckayla Courtney, Brittany Davis, Reina Gillyard

Many – Levi Booker, Colton Boswell, Ava Brown, Savanah Hall, Sontee Jones, Edward LaFollette, Kheria Leshay, Ava McElwee, Emma Peace, Allayiah Thomas, Kierstyn Williams, Olivia Williams

Marthaville – William Campbell

Mooringsport – Kayla Brock, Peyshance Peek

Natchez – Devin Blake, Skylar Braxton, Josiah Conant, Braylon Normand

Natchitoches – Cayleigh Addison, Londyn Alexander, Moly Sofia Amezquita, Tony Arnold, Ana Baltazar-Lorenzo, Samuel Brunson, Luci Carr, Lucas Childs, Lennon Cooke, Camin Cooper, Aaliyah Creekmore, Cameron Dauzat, Cadence Flournoy, Zelia Frazier, Athina Grigoriadou, Atalaya Hall, Miranda Harrison, Fredy Hernandez, Rafael Hernandez Olmeda, Madison Hicks, Morgan Hunter, Shanice Hutson, Deitra Jackson, Jadah Johnson, Mackenzie Kanehl, Gabriela LaCour, Ella Lilyasta Laning, Helena Liljeberg, Logan Lonadier, David Lupton, Hannah Maggio, Keegan Martinez, Isabella McCall, Evan McDonough, Jennifer McKinney, Anna-Clare Melancon, Avery Myers, Isabela Piedrahita, Gabriel Polo Gomez, Jordan Pursell, Audrey Rasmussen, Valentina Restrepo, Eleya Saba, Marcela Sabillón, Grace Samaha, Maya Smith, Kaylee Stacy, Zoey Suire, Haylee Tousek, James Trindle, Ashlyn Underwood, Hailey Walker, Emily Ware, Hannah Watkins, Meredith Weathers, William Wilson, Elijah Witman

Noble – Paisleigh Rivers

Pineville – Michael Bergeron, Makaylah Brothers, Alfred Gaines, Gabriel Gautier, Evyn Goree, Rilee Hebert, Kiersten Huff, Malik Marzett, Sebastian Molette, Ashleigh Moses, Jessica Nugent, Annmarie Sanders, Ashlyn Saucier, Corbin Smith, Kelsei Spears, Andrew Thiels, Hailee Vines, Candon Wall, Brittany Welch

Pitkin – Carter Tarpley, Destiny Willis

Pleasant Hill – Abigail Bozeman

Pollock – Gabriel Beeson, Landen Roberts

Provencal – Elizabeth Shirley

Ringgold – Jenna Braggs

Robeline – Kristin Bull, Emily Miller, Christopher Paligo, Samuel Pickett, Keith Vascocu

Shreveport – Brody Abraham, Madison Adams, Daniel Anderson, Jamesia Balthazar, Asia Barba-Nsirim, Mariah Barnes, Chelsea Barrett, Anna Marie Bautista, Sharye Belcher, LaShaun Bolden, Kyrah Brown, Meredith Calahan, Ayden Cowell, Anderson Davis, Tyler Dupuis, Sharmaine Dy, Za’Miracle Edwards, Jadyn Espinosa, Rickayla Fleeks, Dezani Fountain, David Gallagher, Nicole Gipa, Precious Green, Marquasia Griffin, KaBreyha Harris, Yasmeen Hasan, Piper Haynes, Zoe Hearron, J’Niya Hill, Miyah Hinton, Cniyah Housley, Logan Hunter, Ryann Jackson, Shakayia James, Bree Launey, Tronja Lewis, Maria Lomas, Sara Mangum, Jacqueline Martinez, McKinley Miller, Dontrice Mitchell, Addison Monk, Kaden Morrison, Sophia Mouton, Samantha Muslow, Roxanne Myers, Julliex Nyachae, Liam Pachankis, Kendall Parker, Rebecca Parker, Maximillian Pinkney, Demarcus Reid, Anna Reynolds, Tamia Richardson, Brandi Robinson, Nickolas Robinson, Raelyn Robinson, Makensley Sugar-Bruce, AYana Taylor, Canya Turner, Mariah Walpool, Lauren Walsworth, Zoe Williams

Stonewall – Carter Ball, Eloise Boudreaux, Sierra Dean, Aja Douglas, Hunter Hanson, Emily Turner, Macy Wiley

Trout – Alison Bohannon

Winnfield – Catheryn Busha, Hayley Duke, Anthony Knight, MaKayla Shelton

Zwolle – Charlea Britt, Camryn Cartinez, Gracie Leone, Kade Meshell, Christian Rivers, Alexis Sepulvado, Malaysha Williams

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On May 13, 2026, Sheriff’s Detectives assigned to Kolin Substation received a report from a local business in Pineville regarding an alleged theft involving a former employee, identified as Molly Goynes, 35 of Deville, LA.

According to the initial report, the alleged theft occurred over a three year timespan and a large amount of money was allegedly taken.  Sheriff’s Detectives began their investigation which included researching bank documents, computer programs and other forms of records held by the business.  During the course of the investigation, detectives discovered evidence that supported the initial allegations.  From their investigation, detectives were able to determine between 2023 and 2026, more than $450,000.00 was unlawfully taken from the business.

Based on the evidence obtained during the investigation, Sheriff’s Detectives were able to obtain an arrest warrant for Goynes for one count Theft Over $25,000 and one count Obstruction of Justice – Evidence Tampering.

On June 5, 2026, Goynes voluntarily reported to the Rapides Parish Detention Center and turned herself in to Detectives.  Goynes was placed under arrest on the outstanding warrants and booked on the charges.   Goynes was later released on a $10,000.00 bond. 

Sheriff’s Detectives say this investigation remains active and ongoing.  Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact Detective Tim Stanley at the Criminal Investigation Division -Kolin Substation, at 318-484-7350, Main Office CID at 318-473-6727, or Crime Stoppers at 318-443-7867.

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

Arrestee: Molly Goynes, 35                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           65 E. Deville Road, LA

Charges: Theft Over $25,000                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Obstruction of Justice – Evidence Tampering

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Herman Jerome “Jerry” Alter and Sara Rita Sinofsky married in 1956 in New York City.  Jerry and Rita both worked for high schools in New York and New Jersey; Jerry was a music teacher, and Rita was a speech therapist.  In 1974, Jerry retired at the young age of 47 and he and Rita bought a 20-acre mesa overlooking a mountain valley near Cliff, New Mexico, about 30 miles northwest of Silver City.  In 1979, they built a ranch-style home on the property overlooking the valley.  Jerry and Rita coauthored three independently published books, all of which were published in 2011.  The first was a blend of fictional and non-fiction adventure travel.  The second was a twist on Aesop’s Fables set in verse.  The third was a book of poetry based on their travel experiences.  The books sold poorly.  In the “about the author” section of the books, Jerry claimed that he had “visited over 140 countries on all continents, including both polar regions.”  

On April 9, 2012, 81-year-old Jerry died of natural causes, followed by 81-year-old Rita on June 5, 2017.  Rita’s nephew Ron Roseman, a resident of Houston, Texas, was the executor of her estate.  Ron contacted real estate agent Ruth Seawolf the following month to sell the property.  In an email discussing the property Ron said, “Ruthie, I’ve gone through the home, and I don’t think there is anything of value, but help yourself.”  Ruthie visited the home in preparation for putting it on the market and noted that it was “a little dated, older home,” but one she thought would “be fairly easy to sell.”  Ruthie contacted the owners of Manzanita Ridge Furniture & Antiques in Silver City, to visit the house to see how best to dispose of its contents.  Everything in the home was old and covered in dust.  When they removed the pictures and paintings from the walls, it was evident by the dust patterns that they had been hanging in the same positions for decades.  The antique store owners saw nothing they considered especially valuable and bought the entire contents for around $2,000.  

The antique store owners carted a few select items including furniture, small art pieces, and paintings back to their store and donated most of the contents to a local thrift store.  David Van Auker, one of the antique store owners, liked one of the paintings which had hung behind the Alter’s bedroom door for decades and intended to display it in his guest house.  Back at the store, customers were drawn to the painting in the cheap gold frame and said they recognized it.  After several customers independently expressed their belief that the painting looked familiar, David did some internet research.  He was stunned to learn that over three decades earlier, on the day after Thanksgiving in 1985, a man and woman who resembled Jerry and Rita stole a Willem de Kooning painting called Woman-Ochre from the University of Arizona Museum of Art in Tucson.  The painting was valued at over $160 million, but David returned the painting to the museum of art and refused a reward.  This was just the first of many valuable paintings that the FBI learned that Jerry and Rita Alter had stolen.  Everyone, especially their friends and family, were stunned to learn that Jerry and Rita Alter were professional art thieves.  

Sources:

1.     “Herman Jerome ‘Jerry’ Alter,” FindAGrave.com, accessed June 7, 2026, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/190759614/herman-jerome-alter.

2.     “Sara Rita Sinofsky Alter,” FindAGrave.com, accessed June 7, 2026, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/190758039/sara_rita-alter.

3.     Arizona Daily Star, November 30, 1985, p.1.

4.     Silver City Sun-News, August 18, 2017, p.A4.

5.     The Santa Fe New Mexican, September 10, 2017, p.A2.

6.     Carlsbad Current-Argus, December 28, 2024, p.3.

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Carol Ann Gilbert Morrison, age 60, of Cowpens, North Carolina, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at her residence.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents.

Survived by her husband of 26 years, Edward Morrison; her children, Eric Gilbert and wife Annie, Michael Mitchell, Kambriana Mitchell, Kawrene Lewis and husband Colin, Sean Morrison and wife Ginger; her 12 grandchildren; her three brothers, one sister, and many other family and friends.

Born on September 2, 1965, in Jackson, Mississippi, Carol spent many years as a cosmetologist, finding joy in serving others and helping them feel confident and beautiful. Gifted with a creative spirit, she had a deep love for arts and crafts, especially painting and crocheting, where her talent shone brightly. She cherished traveling alongside her husband and found happiness in fishing.

Above all else, her greatest passion was the love she shared with her family, friends, and her beloved dog, Nelly. Her heart was generous, her spirit was kind, and her presence brought joy to those around her. To know her was to love her. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at New Sunrise Baptist Church in Otis, Louisiana. Starting at 10:00 AM until the time of service.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at New Sunrise Baptist Church in Otis, Louisiana, at 12:00 PM under the direction of Reverend Larry Laurent. Interment will follow at Lonestar Baptist Church cemetery in Hineston, Louisiana, under the direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Home.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the prayers, support, and kindness shown throughout her courageous battle with cancer over the past several years. Your continued thoughts and prayers in the days ahead are sincerely appreciated.

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Jeanette Louise Cazes Lea passed away June 11, 2026 after a brief illness. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, teacher, neighbor, and friend, well known for her thoughtful cards and letters sent to brighten the days of her many connections across the country.

Jeanette was one of five children, born and raised in Alexandria, Louisiana to Charles and Theresa Cazes. She received a Bachelor’s in Education from the Southwestern Louisiana Institute of Liberal and Technical Learning in Lafayette, La. (now known as the University of Louisiana), and a Master’s in Education from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. She began her teaching career at Cherokee Elementary School in Alexandria, La.

Jeanette married fellow Louisiana native Dallas Millard Lea, Sr. in 1965 and moved to Indianapolis, Indiana to begin their life together. The couple soon relocated to Morgantown, West Virginia where they had two children before settling in Springfield, Virginia and living there for 32 years. Jeanette worked as a teacher in Springfield, Va. at Ravensworth Elementary and Lynbrook Elementary.

As part of the Ravensworth Farm community, the Lea family was fortunate to have neighbors who became like family, remaining close even as Jeanette and Dallas returned to live in Louisiana in 2000. After her return to Alexandria, La., Jeanette connected with family and old friends, and became active in Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church, joining the letter writing ministry.

Known as Memaw to her two grandchildren, she made frequent trips to Maryland to visit and enjoyed adventures with them in New York City, Philadelphia, and local outings. She was an animal lover, especially of the pets of her family and friends, closely following the adventures and misdeeds of her “grand-dogs.”

She is survived by her brother (John Edward Cazes and his wife Gerry), son and daughter and their spouses (Dallas and DeAnna Lea and Kathryn and Jason Erb), grandchildren (Micheal and Sean), and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings (Charles Cazes, Annie Cazes Price, and Scott Cazes.)

Donations may be given in her honor to Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church in Alexandria, Louisiana https://olpschurch.org/giving/ or Best Friends Save Them All (Animal Welfare) https://bestfriends.org/donate/remembering-an-animal-lover.

The family is planning interment and a celebration of life in Alexandria, La. later this summer.

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By JOHN MARCASE, Written for the LSWA

Thirty years after hitting the biggest home run in college baseball history, Warren Morris is still amazed at the impact.

“I had no clue that it was gonna be something where strangers would come up to me all the time and tell me, I remember where I was, I was doing this, or, you know, I was at this wedding,” said Morris. “It’s kind of like a moment in time; people remember where they were.”

The moment: Championship game of the 1996 College World Series. LSU trailed Miami, 8-7, with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning and the tying run on second base. Morris, batting last in the LSU lineup due to a hand injury and subsequent surgery, had not hit a home run that season. Until then. Morris attacked the first pitch from Miami closer Robbie Morrison. The line drive just sailed over the right field wall. 

Morris’ life changed with that one swing. But, as anyone who has known Warren Morris before he stepped into the left-handed batter’s box at Rosenblatt Stadium for the final time on June 8, 1996, will attest, that one swing did not change him.

“Warren Morris was a great kid before he hit that home run,” said Steve Boniol, Morris’ first baseball coach, “and Warren Morris would’ve been the same had he struck out. He has not changed.”

That is one of the reasons Morris is being recognized as the third recipient of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame’s Louisiana Sports Ambassador Award, established in 2020. The award honors long-term exemplary contributions to the perception of Louisiana by an individual who has ties to the state’s sports landscape.

He won’t bat flip but he will be roundly cheered Saturday, June 27 when he is part of a 12-member Class of 2026 inducted in the Hall. The ceremony at the Natchitoches Events Center culminates three festive days with seven events, including a June 26 bowling party in his hometown of Alexandria. For 2026 induction participation info, visit LaSportsHall.com or call 318-238-4255.

Morris’ former offseason workout partner called to congratulate him upon hearing the news. 

“I told him that in a way, that’s even better than what I got, because they put me in on what I did on the field,” said Russ Springer, who was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2018 after 18 years in the majors following a stellar career at LSU, “but they thought he was a good enough person and all the things he did outside of the field that you deserve this award.” 

“When he said it, I was like well that’s pretty cool coming from him, and it is a cool way to look at it,” said Morris.

How Morris ended up as a member of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame would be a storybook tale, only if he hadn’t already been subject to an SEC Network documentary, “The Walk Off.” 

To adequately comprehend how Morris got to this point in his life would need a series, not just a one-off, one-hour production. 

“If you would have told the 9-, 10-year-old me, go ahead and just dream big,” said Morris, “I would have sold myself way short. All of this is just way beyond anything that I thought I was even capable of doing.”

The 9-year-old Morris would’ve told you he was gonna be a basketball player. After all, that was his favorite sport, and his dad, Bill, was the high school coach at Bolton High School in Alexandria. That was when fate intervened for the first time.

Steve Boniol’s son, Scott, and Warren were best friends. Scott’s Dixie Youth Baseball team, coached by Steve, needed an extra player. Steve had to talk Bill and Barbara Morris into letting Warren play baseball. Steve and Scott Boniol took Warren to his first practice, but first, they had to stop at Steve’s store, Cenla Sports, to get Warren a glove.

“The first practice, I threw batting practice and he would miss every time,” said Boniol. “I told my assistant, Billy Moore, to teach Warren how to bunt. Warren had a work ethic, and he wasn’t going to settle for not being able to hit. By the end of the season, Warren led the team in hits.”

The valedictorian of his graduating class, and an All-State infielder, Morris wound up accepting a walk-on invitation to join the LSU baseball program, and then promptly redshirted his freshman year as three-time All-American and all-time LSU great Todd Walker was firmly entrenched at second base. Yet, that year he sat out proved pivotal thanks to longtime Skip Bertman assistant Smoke Laval.

“I don’t think it’s by accident that was the only year that Smoke Laval was there,” said Morris. “Smoke would notice little things, and I don’t know if he sensed that I wasn’t so sure of myself, but I guarantee you that at least once a week, he would just come by and talk to me. And, he would always tell me, because Todd Walker was playing ahead of me, that one day, that’s gonna be you. You’re gonna play here. You’re good enough. 

“I started believing it. You never know how someone in your life makes a big difference.”

The following season, Morris started 63 of 66 games as an outfielder. Then, he succeeded Walker as the starting second baseman and earned second-team All-American honors. Heading into his fourth year of college and third as an every-day player, Morris was a preseason All-American and likely member of the 1996 U.S. Olympic team. 

Then, fate intervened again. 

His right hand felt uncomfortable during the fall of 1995, and it never improved as the 1996 season began. Eventually it was discovered Morris had fractured the hamate bone and would need surgery. It forced him to miss 39 games, and it caused many frustrating moments. Yet, it may have been the best thing that ever happened to him.

“I mean, obviously, at the time, I wasn’t enjoying it, but looking back, it kind of goes back to God’s got a plan,” said Morris. “You don’t understand it, but it turned out better in two ways.”

The first was Morris surrendered to God’s will. If he could return to baseball he would. If his career was finished, he was content to graduate and move on with his life’s calling. 

“I still go back to being alone in my apartment, closed the door, just got on my knees, and I prayed,” he said. “I said, God, I can’t do it anymore. I don’t know what you want me to be. I’m not worrying about it anymore because I don’t have any answers … but if you want me to keep playing, then I’ll do that and give you all the glory, but I’m not worrying about it anymore.”

The second part paid dividends on the field. The injury and post-surgery recovery changed Morris’ swing. He went from a player who threw right-handed and was a contact left-handed hitter, to a hitter who could really start driving the ball when he made contact.

“When everybody else was practicing, I would go in the cage with my one good hand, which is my non-dominant hand, and I hit so many balls, like I’d never focused on just my left hand,” he said. “Whenever I had the surgery, I came back and I’m really driving the ball with my top hand and I’m hitting it better than I ever did before.”

Morris returned to the LSU starting lineup on May 16, hitting ninth. 

Had he never been injured, he would not have been in position to hit his walk-off homer in Omaha. As it turned out, LSU won all 22 games he started that season.

Had he never been injured, Morris likely would not have been the best player on the 1996 U.S. Olympic baseball team that won bronze. He led the team in average (.409) to go with five homers, 11 RBI and 10 runs scored in nine games. 

Had he never been injured, Morris admits, he may never have made the major leagues, finishing third in NL Rookie of the Year voting in 1999 when he hit 15 home runs. 

“The Olympics were right after the injury and I led the Olympics in slugging percentage, which is crazy, but I think that never happens if I don’t have the injury,” he said. “I mean, that’s crazy to say, but I don’t know if I have a major league career if I don’t have that injury, because I don’t think I was good enough in power and the things they want you to do when hitting.”

Morris retired from baseball in 2006. He and his wife, Julie, settled in Alexandria to raise their three daughters. Morris eventually took a job working for Red River Bank.

He took another job in an unofficial capacity – perhaps the best ambassador LSU baseball or college baseball could have. Each June, there are calls from across the country wanting to relive 1996. He has been invited to speak to numerous civic organizations, businesses, churches and to countless sports teams, motivating players that if it could happen to Morris, it could happen to one of them. A true genuine role model.

“The only thing Warren ever did wrong was return a videotape to Blockbuster without rewinding it,” joked Bertman. “This happened not once, but twice when Warren was at LSU …. a clergyman told me thanks for sending Warren by our church. And I didn’t send him. He went on his own both times. He’s a humble kid, a wonderful kid.” 

“He provided the greatest moment in the history of the College World Series 30 years ago, and he since has embodied the values of a devoted husband, father and community leader,” added Bill Franques, LSU’s baseball communications director since 1989. “LSU is very grateful for the lifetime impact Warren Morris has made upon our state.”

The only irony about Morris’ journey since June 7, 1996, is his three daughters were never into sports. They know he played baseball at LSU but as far as his impact on this state’s sporting history? Even as LSU students, it took a sorority sister’s family for them to finally comprehend.

“As luck would have it, one of the girls they’re kind of partnered with in their sorority, her parents are huge LSU sports fans,” Morris said. “After talking with this girl for about two months, something came up about me and she was blown away. She was like, that’s your dad? We have a poster of him in our house!”

Now, Morris is taking it to another level as a member of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame as the Louisiana Sports Ambassador Award winner for 2026. From a teenager who had doubts he could play at LSU, to someone who wondered if anyone would talk about his title-winning homer. 

Thirty years later, Louisiana is still celebrating it, and Morris. Chances are, Louisiana will still be talking about Warren Morris 30 years from now. 

One thing is for certain, though, he will still be the same Morris everyone in Alexandria knew long before he stepped foot on campus at LSU.

“He is Warren Morris,” said Boniol. “He has never changed. I give credit to his mom and dad. He is top notch and there are not too many like him walking around.”

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Putting Sorsby in the rearview mirror, and a real cowboy hero to rest

As you read this, Brendan Sorsby is what he was when he woke up Monday – a very well-paid athlete. But by bedtime Monday, he was just not a college athlete any more.

Those Texas Tech Red Raiders love the outlaw role – they do wear black hats —  but the past week, it went to an extreme. They were everybody’s enemy, trying to justify Sorsby remaining as their $5 million NIL quarterback although he had just begun treatment for a suddenly diagnosed gambling addiction that undeniably involved him betting on games involving his previous teams at Indiana and Cincinnati.

Although he never actually took a snap for their school, Tech brass got downright righteous about supporting Sorsby in this struggle to repress what he’d done for three years – bet on college sports, among others. College athletes can bet these days, according to the laws in their states, but not on games involving their teams. That’s 1919 Chicago Black Sox and 1980s Pete Rose stuff.

The Hit King said he never bet against his Reds, and there was never evidence he did. But there was plenty indicating he bet on their games. And that erodes the integrity of competition – did the involved bettor maybe give less than best effort to alter the odds?

If that question is asked, it’s already too late. Sorsby had soiled his teammates by his prior wagering. Nobody could watch him quarterback the Red Raiders and have no doubt the next bad play wasn’t on purpose.

That didn’t send him toward the NFL’s Supplemental Draft. An intense wave of pressure, the tipping point coming from other schools in Tech’s Big XII Conference, did that Monday.

Sorsby and those advising him finally realized there were consequences past counseling and far beyond his personal space. Hope he can handle his gambling addiction – he’s hardly the only college student, or college athlete, with one. He’s just now the poster child.

He can play and some NFL – or CFL – team will pick him up and ultimately see just how good he is behind center. Only a relative handful of college players get that shot. He will. Que sera sera.

Texas Tech players will not suffer being questioned about just how hard their quarterback tried.  As a pro player, if Sorsby doesn’t lay it all out there every day, he has no chance.

T. Berry Porter knew that 80-some-odd years ago.

He was 16 years old and he knew it then, by the time the young man from Leesville became a member of the first professional cowboy association in the USA. He’d been rodeoing before he learned to read. Started at age 3 as a goat-roper.

Those other kids, those older men, wearing jeans and boots and spurs, were busting it to win a belt buckle, maybe a few dozen dollars, in whatever rodeo they entered. The best cowboy won. By the time T. Berry joined what evolved into today’s Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, he was competing for decent money in the 1940s, in places like Shreveport, Fort Smith, Fort Worth, and Lafayette.

His breakout moment wasn’t a moment. It was a month-long competition in Madison Square Garden, with Porter a long way from the family’s Vernon Parish ranch at age 22 in 1949. The New York Knicks played there. They were three years old.

The sports world was different. Boxing and baseball mattered. Horse racing was huge. Basketball, pro football, not so much. Rodeo was just coming into the bright lights and that was obvious by the duration of the World Championships in MSG.

Right place, right time. Young T. Berry Porter was crowned the World Champion Calf Roper in the Garden. Went from off the radar to mainstream star; soon, he was on the Wrangler Rodeo Team and his silhouette was on the patch in the back left pocket of every pair of Wranger jeans sold across America.

Family and his many, many friends will lay T. Berry Porter to rest today in Leesville. He was 99 when he gracefully met his maker Saturday at home.

His story is a perfect example of what’s so wonderful about the upcoming Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame inductions. T. Berry was enshrined in 2019, right alongside Peyton Manning and Les Miles.

Guess who stole the show? The first rodeo cowboy to enter the Hall. Peyt, Les, and the rest loved it. We all did. Nobody more than T. Berry.

Manning, Miles, and the other inductees were cool cats too. Exactly who you’d think they were from seeing them on TV. But along with the glow of A-list celebrity proximity, the lasting joy of the 2019 LSHOF was finding out about T. Berry, the rodeo career he had, the life he was leading – he was still on a tractor, tending to his ranch, every day at age 92 – and in church every Sunday, and helping with the Lions Club Crippled Childrens Home.

No more knocks on poor Brendan Sorsby. We can only hope he can get it together and lead a life halfway as special as T. Berry Porter did. There’s time, if he can make the most of it.

There’s time for you to come see the latest Hall of Fame festivities June 25-27. You’re liable to mingle with some of the best who ever were at what they played, and you’ll find out they are pretty much like your neighbor. Just good folk who did something great.

Although I doubt we’ll ever see the likes of T. Berry ever again.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

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 LSUA narrowing provost search as building projects near

By JIM BUTLER

Finalists in the search for LSU Alexandria’s next provost will be on campus later this month for the final part of the selection process.

The post will be officially vacated June 30 by Dr. Elizabeth Beard, who officially becomes chancellor on July 1.

The provost is the university’s chief academics officer and second in its chain of command.

The candidate selected will be on a campus bursting at the seams and bustling in its corridors.

The most-recent available enrollment count for the Fall semester is about 5,200, which is 20% over the same point last year, records indicate.

Three capital projects are about to get underway, two on campus and one in Alexandria proper, in addition to work in various stages of completion.

Groundbreaking is scheduled for 2 p.m. June 30 on the Downtown Health Education campus on Jackson Street.

M.D. Descant of Bunkie has the $32.995 million contract. (The Capital Outlay budget adopted by this year’s legislative session includes $6.75 million in Priority 5 for a downtown parking garage.) Rhodes Property & Development has an $896,000 contract for baseball and softball locker rooms construction and facilities.

An $855,500 bid has been accepted from Pat Williams Construction for building new tennis and pickleball courts.

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Company cites market conditions, regulatory uncertainty and financing challenges in decision to halt proposed Central Louisiana facility.

La. — SunGas Renewables announced Friday that it is ending further development of the proposed Beaver Lake Biofuels project, bringing an apparent end to what had been one of the largest economic development projects planned for Central Louisiana.

The Houston-based company said a combination of market, regulatory and financing challenges led to the decision to cease development of the project, which was planned near Alexandria on the former International Paper mill site.

According to the company, Beaver Lake was designed to convert sustainably sourced wood fiber into approximately 553,000 metric tons of low-carbon methanol annually while capturing and permanently storing approximately 1.1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide each year. The project was expected to utilize three SunGas S1000 syngas production systems and was promoted as a large-scale renewable fuels facility serving growing global demand for lower-carbon energy products.

SunGas officials said slower-than-anticipated adoption of low-carbon marine fuels, uncertainty surrounding carbon capture and storage pathways, and unresolved regulatory and financing conditions prevented the project from advancing on the required timeline.

The Beaver Lake project had been projected to represent an investment exceeding $2 billion and was expected to create hundreds of construction jobs and more than 100 permanent positions in Rapides Parish. State and local officials had frequently cited the development as a transformative economic opportunity for Central Louisiana.

In a statement, SunGas Chief Executive Officer Robert Rigdon said the company continues to believe low-carbon methanol can play an important role in reducing emissions in the maritime, aviation and chemical industries but that current market and regulatory conditions do not support moving forward with the project at this time.

The company expressed appreciation to federal, state and local officials, as well as community stakeholders, who supported the project during its development phase. SunGas said the experience demonstrated both the potential of biomass-to-methanol technology and the economic development opportunities such projects could bring to rural communities.

Although Beaver Lake will not proceed, SunGas said it will continue marketing its S1000 gasification technology to third-party developers and remains engaged in renewable fuels projects involving green methanol, renewable natural gas, hydrogen and other low-carbon energy products.

The announcement marks the latest setback for large-scale alternative energy developments seeking to balance environmental goals with evolving market demand, infrastructure requirements and financing realities.

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Ball to consider deannexation requests

By JIM BUTLER

Sometimes town life and country life mix, sometimes they don’t.

The Ball Town Council will consider adopting ordinances at its Tuesday evening session that address that.

Introduced in May, the three deal with requests for deannexation of parcels at owners’ request.

Kevin McVay, who has extensive holdings in the area, seeks to take two tracts, one on Williford Road, out of the town.

Elizabeth Moreau White wants the same for a site on Paradise Road.

Mixed activity – farming, ranching, commercial and residential – occurs in the region.

To the ear of many cattle mooing in the morning or evening or both is the sound of a way of life, to others it is an annoyance.

And advantages of being within municipal boundaries early on can become less so as development expands.

Better out than in, some decide, and ask for that as has been the case in some previous Ball boundary contractions.

A development example, though not in the neighborhood mentioned above, is a rezoning petition filed by MaMas Bakery.

Owners seek to have 5915 Hwy. 165 changed from R-3 Residential Multi-Family to B-1 Commercial, allowing additional parking and business expansion.

The Zoning Committee will hold a 6 p.m. public hearing on June 25.

A public hearing will be held tomorrow evening, June 16, at 6:30 on a proposal to amend the police pay scale to provide a vehicle stipend to the chief to use personal vehicle in lieu of the town’s leased vehicle.

Changes adopted in May to the town sewage ordinance are now in effect.

Facing what has become an increasing financial burden, officials adopted rules and regulations relative to past-due balances.

They are now considered delinquent and subject to collection processes on reaching $240.

Liens, delinquent charges, denial of permits and/or licenses, utility reconnection delay are all possible consequences until the debt is collected or payment agreement reached.

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Several Rapides Parish educators were recognized during the June meeting of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) for completing leadership and professional development fellowships.

According to the Rapides Parish School Board, district educators were honored for their participation in programs designed to strengthen educational leadership and support student achievement.

Recognized as Novice Principal Fellows were Karen Berlin and Pam Walker. Lanie Jackson was recognized for completing the Aspiring Principal Fellowship.

In addition, Bailey Lott, Jessica Lowe, and Sharon Wilcox were honored for completing the Special Education Fellow Academy.

District officials said the recognition reflects the commitment of Rapides Parish educators to professional growth and leadership development as they continue serving students and schools throughout the parish.

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A Flag Day ceremony was held at Pineville Honor Field, bringing together community members and veterans to recognize and honor the American flag.

Organizers described the event as a “beautiful” ceremony and expressed appreciation to all who attended. Special recognition was given to participating veterans groups for their involvement in the program and for their service to the country.

The ceremony served as a community observance of Flag Day, highlighting patriotism and honoring those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

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EUGENE, Oregon – LSU junior Alexis Guillory of Alexandria earned second-team All-America honors when she placed 10th in the javelin at the NCAA Track and Field Championships Thursday evening.

Guillory had a personal best throw of 52.73 meters (173 feet), and she did it on her third and final throw. Her first heave travelled 157 feet, 11 inches, and she landed her second throw at 169 feet.

She qualified for the national meet two weeks earlier in Lexington, Ky., at the NCAA East regional championships with a throw of 168 feet, 3 inches.

The NCAA champion was McKyla Van Der Westhuizen of Rice with a throw of 60.87 meters (199-8) in the 24-woman competition at the University of Oregon’s Hayward Field in Eugene, known as “Track Town USA.”

Only one athlete from the Southeastern Conference, Valentina Barrios Birnacelli of Missouri, did better than Guillory. Her best throw was 187 feet, 6 inches, for a fourth-place finish.

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Funeral Tuesday in Leesville for LSHOF member, legendary rodeo figure T. Berry Porter

Visitation is this evening and a Tuesday morning funeral is set in his hometown of Leesville for Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame member T. Barrett “T. Berry” Porter, Louisiana’s first professional rodeo cowboy.

Porter, 99, passed away Saturday morning. He was the first rodeo figure to enter the state sports hall, joining Peyton Manning, Les Miles, five-time Olympic volleyball star Danielle Scott and Peabody High School basketball coach Charles Smith, among others, in the LSHOF’s Class of 2019. At the time of his induction, he was the oldest person ever enshrined, and he was the oldest surviving Hall of Famer when he died. He attended most Hall of Fame induction ceremonies since he was honored.

He was inducted into the Rodeo Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City in 2015.

The funeral will be Tuesday at 11 in the East Leesville Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery on Porter Road under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Visitation will be held this evening from 5-9 at East Leesville Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family said donations may be made to the Louisiana Lions Camp, 292 L Beauford Drive, Anacoco LA 71403.

At the age of 16, Porter became a member of the first professional cowboy association in the country, the Cowboy Turtle Association, which developed into the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (he held PRCA membership card No. 325). His events were tie-down calf roping and steer wrestling.

At 22, Porter won a month-long competition at Madison Square Garden to become the 1949 World Champion Calf Roper title, presented his trophy saddle by “The Singing Cowboy” Gene Autry after becoming the first world championship “rookie” to win the title. He quickly added the calf roping title at the 1949 World Rodeo in Boston in front of 6,000.

He won numerous titles at major rodeos around North America, including the famed Cheyenne Frontier Days and the Calgary Stampede and in Fort Worth, Denver and Houston, along with Shreveport, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Salinas, California.

In 1959, Porter became the first Louisiana cowboy to participate in the inaugural National Finals Rodeo. He was a member of the Wrangler Rodeo Team in the early 1950s, and his silhouette was placed on the back pocket of every pair of Wrangler jeans put on sale for years.

His career earnings were over $100,000 in 22 years.

In a May 1, 1963 columnShreveport Journal sports editor Jimmy Bullock called him “the Pelican State’s Mr. Rodeo” and said he was “famed as one of the nation’s foremost calf ropers.” In 1978, the PRCA presented him with his gold membership card and a plaque in appreciation of his promotion of the sport of rodeo at the high school, collegiate and pro levels.

As an advocate for the Louisiana high school rodeo athletes, he lobbied for funding to help them compete at the national level. He worked as a volunteer timed-event barrier judge for every high school rodeo in Louisiana from the early 1960s until 1976. During this time, he also worked as a volunteer timed-event barrier for nine National High School Rodeos —1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975. His ranch provided teaching opportunities and even temporary lodging for cowboys of all ages for decades.

A Lions Club member for over 70 years, he served on many local and state project committees and held many offices. The Lions Camp for Handicapped Children was the most dear to him. As a cattleman, he served on many committees and offices on the local, state, and national Cattleman’s Association. He has been on many Farm Bureau local and state committees. As a cattleman, he operated a 250 head cow-calf operation. He was one of the working cowboys that loaded the last load of Gray Ranch steers to leave Louisiana on railcars.

Born in Pineville March 9, 1927, Porter landed in Leesville two years later when his parents moved the family so his father could work at a Texaco gas station.

They lived in the back of the filling station. On site was a small roping pen, and it was there that T. Berry Porter would perfect his skills that would one day lead him to become a world champion.

“I don’t remember when I started roping, I just always did it,” he said in a 2019 interview with the LSWA’s Raymond Partsch III, a former Alexandria Town Talk sportswriter and editor. “There are still folks at the Lion’s Club here that call me the ‘goat roper.’ ”

That’s because, at the age of three, he won the goat-roping competition at the Vernon Parish Fair —signaling the start of a career that he honed as a youngster and throughout high school.

Of his LSHOF induction as the first rodeo figure, Porter said; “It is a very humbling honor. … Not many people can be the very first anything nowadays. I always thought that somebody else was better than me or more deserving than me.”

In 1949, he claimed his sport’s highest honor: World Champion Calf Roper.

The 22-year-old rookie drove to New York City in his 1948 Pontiac, pulling his homemade horse trailer behind him for a competition that lasted nearly an entire month. Porter would take part in 42 performances in 28 days at Madison Square Garden.

“It took a lot longer in those days,” he said. “My horses stayed underneath the Garden itself and I stayed for the month at the old Capitol Hotel on Broadway across from the Garden.”

Despite getting his picture taken with a celebrity and riding his horse down Broadway to become a national figure in his sport, Porter never got away from Vernon Parish for long. In addition to working the circuit, Porter ran the family filling station, hauled garbage, drove a school bus for three decades, ran a sporting goods/western store, moved houses, and ran his own massive ranch.

Porter also made rodeo a family affair as all four of his children — daughters Judy, Cathy, Lindy, and son David — became high school and amateur rodeo champions. That was passed down to his grandchildren as well.

“I did the best I could,” Porter said. “I was just hoping that I could win. As a rodeo cowboy, you always got to feel like you are going to win.”

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Burns backs up in final round of Canadian Open

By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

Sam Burns’ streak of sub-70 rounds stopped at four on Sunday, as he slipped out of contention for the RBC Canadian Open crown with a 1-over-par 71.

Burns was tied for seventh entering the final round but dipped to a tie for 20^th amid some final day charges. Tour veteran Bud Cauley won at 17 under, shooting a 65 Sunday. He was second entering Round 4 but the next two finishers, Matt Fitzpatrick and Viktor Hovland, moved up 10 and 9 spots, respectively, on a rainy day at the TPC Toronto Osprey Valley course.

Carding 9-under for the tournament (64-67-69-71), Burns collected $96,857, raising his season’s total winnings to $3.5 million.

A year ago, the Shreveport native charged on the final day at the Canadian Open and lost in a four-hole playoff to Ryan Fox. The following week, he led the U.S. Open for much of the final two rounds before a controversial ruling forced him to play out of what appeared to be standing water and resulted in a double bogey on the 15^th hole, starting a slide from first to a final tie for 7^th – still, his best U.S. Open showing so far.

Burns, a 29-year-old Calvary Baptist graduate, is still in good form heading into this week’s Open at Shinnecock Hills and early odds list him among the top 10 contenders. He has carded scores under 70 in seven of his last 10 rounds and has eight top 26 or better finishes, and nothing worse than 38^th, since mid-March in 10 tournaments.

Now living in Choudrant and playing out of Squire Creek Country Club, Burns tied for fourth a week ago at The Memorial after leading on the final day, and tied for seventh at The Masters and was within one shot of the lead in the third round.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

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Alexandria woman draws $1.1 million bail with excessive theft charges

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

June 14

Brandon Gage Brown, 32, Jonesville – OWI first offense, passing parked emergency vehicle, $1,100 bail;

Abigail Jeane Butler, 19, Alexandria – simple burglary, contributing to delinquency of juveniles, $500 bail;

Craig Joseph Johnson, 25, Alexandria – possession of marijuana, remaining on premises, two counts contempt of court, $28,250 bail;

Danny Caleb Paul, 22, Deville – OWI first offense, use of a wireless telecom device, failure to yield to emergency vehicle, $1,200 bail.

June 13

Robert Bearden, 39, Alexandria – three counts contempt of court, $50,500 bail;

Jason Matthew Bednorz, 37, Moreauville – OWI first offense, careless operation, driving under suspension, $1,200 bail;

Kendal Dewain Goodger, 26, Deville – domestic abuse battery, two counts simple battery, $2,000 bail;

Reginald Christopher Hill, 41, Alexandria – eight counts contempt of court, $16,000 bail;

Laiken Noel Hoffman, 30, Pineville – domestic abuse battery with child present, no bail data;

Joseph Albert Mathews, 43, Alexandria – unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, $25,000 bail;

Christopher Donald McKay, 32, Hessmer – OWI first offense, possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, brake lamp, open container, $2,200 bail;

Brian Scott Montgomery, 56, Deville – OWI first offense, possession of CDS, driving under suspension, simple obstruction of highway, four counts contempt of court, $90,600 bail;

Roderick Deon Turner, 34, Alexandria – reckless operation of a vehicle, flight from an officer, operating a vehicle while under suspension for certain prior offenses, resisting an officer, $1,500 bail;

Clayton Benard Walker, 45, Alexandria – third degree rape, $20,000 bail.

June 12

David Clinton Brewster, 42, Deville – domestic abuse battery with child present, $5,000 bail;

Ronnie Lee Brooks, 63, Alexandria – stalking, $1,000 bail;

Reuben David Byon, 29, Pineville – possession of CDS, possession of fentanyl, five counts contempt of court, $8,000 bail;

Troy Dean Couture, 60, Alexandria – two counts simple assault, driving under suspension, $600 bail;

German Aristy De Jesus, 46, Palm Bay, Florida – illegal possession of stolen things, $10,000 bail;

Felicia Patricia Deal, 54, Cheneyville – second degree battery, simple assault, $20,500 bail;

Christopher Ladell Hicks, 24, Alexandria – 12 counts fire raising on land of another with malice, Louisiana fugitive, contempt of court, $56,000 bail;

Andrew Russell Hill, 41, Glenmora – sexual battery, no bail data;

Kimberly Sarah Ekko Juderman, 32, Pineville – two counts possession of CDS, possession of fentanyl, paraphernalia, safety belt violation, $4,600 bail;

Zachary Taylor Mckenzie, 34, Echo – domestic abuse battery with child present, domestic abuse battery strangulation, cruelty to juveniles, $300,000 bail;

Anthony James Moore, 40, Pineville – possession of firearm by convicted felon, possession of marijuana, probation violation, $25,500 bail;

Dustin Paul Oxford, 48, Woodworth – aggravated assault with a firearm, two counts aggravated assault on peace officer, simple assault, four counts contempt of court, $131,000 bail;

Jackson Nedom Sorrells, 41, Boyce – OWI second offense, running stop sign, use of wireless telecom device, driving under suspension, $1,800 bail.

June 11

Katlin Elizabeth Baden, 29, Alexandria – criminal conspiracy, illegal possession of stolen things, $2,000 bail;

Javon D. Bennett, 29, Pineville – three counts contempt of court, $20,500 bail;

Edward Barton Doughert, 70, Hineston – four counts contempt of court, $20,000 bail;

Lauren Ellen Ebert, 35, Alexandria – 21 counts of theft, Louisiana fugitive, simple escape, five counts criminal conspiracy, 12 counts contempt of court, $1.11 million bail;

Ernest Henderson Griffin, 46, Ball – OWI first offense, no head light, $1,100 bail;

Gregory B. Harris, 61, Houston – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, two counts possession of CDS, paraphernalia, speeding, obstruction of driver’s view, improper display license plate, three counts legend drug possession, $302,200 bail;

Michael Devon Dewayne Laneheart, 22, Alexandria – simple battery, contempt of court, $3,000 bail;

David Lee Litton, 65, Colfax – two counts contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Michael Shane Metesh, 48, Pollock – theft of a motor vehicle, criminal damage to property, $15,000 bail;

Dontornious Demetrius Mims, 45, Alexandria – two counts contempt of court, $17,000 bail;

Roy Lee Osteen Jr., 27, Alexandria – producing manufacturing marijuana, criminal conspiracy, paraphernalia, transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses, $120,500 bail;

Bruno Reed, 46, Pineville – possession of CDS, eight counts contempt of court, $119,500 bail;

Jacob Cade Richard, 38, Pineville – domestic abuse battery serious injury, $50,000 bail;

Kenneth Dewayne Stroud, 48, Ball – hit and run driving, driving under suspension, canceled plate violation, fail to secure registration, three counts Louisiana fugitive, $1,200 bail;

Zachariah T. Turner, 18, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, paraphernalia, criminal conspiracy, $20,500 bail;

Centerial Evon White, 36, Alexandria – violation of protective orders, $50,000 bail;

Marrison Isreal Wright, 39, Alexandria – OWI fourth offense, theft of a motor vehicle, theft, contempt of court, $221,000 bail;

Brendon Cade Young, 25, Deville – OWI first offense, improper passing on right, $1,100 bail.

June 10

Daniel Lee Burns, 42, Lecompte – two counts simple burglary, four counts contempt of court, parole violations, $42,000 bail;

Donald Thomas Holden, 38, Ville Platte – theft, two counts contempt of court, $10,500 bail;

Jonathan Leslie Jackson, 40, Deville – illegal possession of stolen things, parole violations, $1,500 bail;

Alyssa Marie Jacobs, 35, Pineville – theft, contempt of court, $5,500 bail;

Lorenzo Jewitt, 36, Alexandria – simple burglary, criminal trespass, false imprisonment, violation of protective orders, home invasion, parole violations, three counts contempt of court, $78,500 bail;

Brad Alden Marler, 42, Woodworth – five counts possession of CDS, illegal possession of stolen firearms, illegal carry firearm with drugs, $8,000 bail;

Trey Michael McLean, 50, Pineville – Louisiana fugitive, simple burglary, resisting an officer, $50,500 bail;

Ezekiel Patterson, 21, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, contempt of court, $3,500 bail;

Regina Victoria Thurston, 25, Deville – theft, $3,000 bail;

Gerald Ray White, 55, Pineville – create distribute possess with intent, parole violations, social networking website, $15,000 bail.

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Oakdale-Celebration of Life services honoring Donald Lee Guillory, 75, will be held on Monday morning, June 15, 2026, at 10 o’clock a.m. at Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Home of Oakdale. Rev. Hardy Eestes will officiate. Donald will be laid to rest at Palestine Cemetery in Grant, LA. immediately following his services.

Donald’s family will receive friends and visitors at Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Home of Oakdale on Sunday evening, June 14, 2026, from 4-9 o’clock p.m. Donald’s visitation will resume at Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Home of Oakdale on Monday, morning June 15, 2026, from 8 o’clock a.m. until time of service. All of Donald’s arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral home of Oakdale.

Donald Lee Guillory was born in Bunkie, La on Tuesday, March 20, 1951, to the union of Killiam and Josephine Francois Guillory. As a boy he traveled with his mother in Germany, France, Belgium. Prior to moving to Forest Hill, LA in 1962, Donald lived in Arizona, Texas, South Carolina, and New York. Donald graduated from Glenmora High School in 1970 while working for Richard’s Nursery. He had many professions throughout his life, he worked and played basketball for International paper, worked for Francois Interior, where he would receive a degree as a flooring mechanic, from Armstrong Flooring, he then worked in the construction industry for J.B. Falley and Gilchrist Construction. After construction, he went to work for Dowell/Schlumberger for 11 years as an equipment operator and would become Plant Manager, and received a Cement Engineer diploma from Oklahoma State University. Later he changed to plant construction. He has worked in oil and gas, powerplants, paper mills, wood plants, chemical plants, and tank cars. He also finished hazmat training at Greco College. He eventually retired from Dresser Industry. Donald had a life full of success, adventure, good times, and leaves behind a legacy of hard work and love. He will be forever missed and unconditionally loved by those who knew him.

Those left to cherish Donald’s memory include his wife of 55 years, JoAnn Guillory of Oakdale, LA.; one son, Michael Guillory, and wife Meredith of Oakdale, LA, two daughters, Lisa Michelle Marquez, and Cheryl Guillory both of Oakdale, LA; one brother, Robert Guillory of Forest Hill, LA, one sister, Mary Guillory Willis of Pitkin, LA.; his aunt, Jacqueline Francois of Petal, MS; ten grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

Donald is preceded in death by his parents, Killiam and Josephine Francois Guillory; one brother, Gilbert Guillory; and his son-in-law, John Marquez.

Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared with Donald’s family at http://www.ardoinfuneralhome.com or on Facebook-Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Homes.

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John Thomas Griffin, 66 of Pineville, entered eternal rest on Sunday, June 7, 2026.

He loved spending time outdoors, especially fishing, and treasured every moment with his family. Whether on the water or gathered with loved ones, he found his greatest joy in creating memories with those he cared about most. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Nettie Viola Griffin; and two brothers, Samuel Griffin and Bobby Griffin.

Those left to mourn his loss and cherish his memory include one brother, James Griffin (Starr); two sisters, Rebecca Devore and Jennifer Beaudin (Richard); and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Kellie’s Sitting Service and Compassionate Care Hospice for the exceptional care, kindness, and support they provided. Their dedication and compassion brought comfort to both him and his loved ones during a difficult time and will always be deeply appreciated.

All funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, LA.

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Clink census

By JIM BUTLER

Jail notes:

Clandarius Means went from the shallow water to the deep, judicially speaking, in a short time.

Means, 20, was jailed May 6 on allegations of battery on a dating partner and criminal damage.

He bonded out on the misdemeanors for $1,750.

Wednesday he was booked on new charges — aggravated battery and aggravated assault with a firearm, charges carrying up to 5 and 10-year sentencing options.

Among familiar names booked this week:

Alfred Rue IV,  27 -accused of 2023 murder of De’Asia Mullins. Trial began last year, but in October paused until this year;

Marckeeyse Dorsey, 25 – booked for pre-trial proceedings. DOC custody. Current charges parole violation, distribution, battery second degree. 

Known by some on street at time as Yay-O Head Hunter, booked February 2021 on murder, attempted murder, illegal weapons, distribution, armed robbery in Detroit Street incident. 

Pleaded guilty to robbery, sentenced to five years;

Kam’Ryn Parker, 22 – DOC, first booked June 2022 distribution, firearms, assault with firearm, battery;

October 2022, murder second degree, illegal carry, resisting; January 2024 battery second degree; August 2024 criminal conspiracy, contraband, distribution.

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