Local quantum physicists are reportedly baffled by a recurring temporal anomaly centered around departing vehicles and friendly neighborhood grandmothers. A recent incident at an undisclosed Natchitoches residence has once again demonstrated that a simple, “Well, I best be getting along” functions not as an exit strategy, but as a binding verbal contract for at least ninety additional minutes of conversation, standard (weather, health) and bonus (garden pests, Junior’s third divorce) topics mandatory. Experts warn that the standard “Southern Goodbye” is not a process, but a geological event, with exit times now measured in fiscal quarters rather than minutes. We’ll have more on this story, assuming our reporter can ever leave.

H.B. Smith, joined by special guest Lisa Spann, will take the stage tomorrow, Thursday, April 23, at 6PM as part of the “Be Kind Garden District Concert Series” at First United Methodist Church of Alexandria. The free outdoor concert will be held in the church courtyard in the heart of the historic Garden District.

Known in the music world simply as H.B., Henry Benson Smith, Jr. has been performing since high school, getting his start in gospel and country alongside his parents before moving into jazz in dinner clubs. He spent much of the 1970s on the road in the R&B nightclub circuit and has continued his musical journey through session work both locally and in Nashville with his son, Alex. His music, including Unfinished Business, is available on major streaming platforms.

Sharing the stage is Lisa Spann, a dynamic and versatile vocalist whose career spans church choirs, rock bands, and performances across Louisiana. She has performed with numerous groups, including Kamikaze—winner of the 1994 Battle of the Bands at the Monroe Civic Center—and has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including H.B. Smith. Among her most memorable experiences is singing “Happy Birthday” nose-to-nose with Morgan Freeman while holding his hand at Squire Creek. Known for her strong stage presence and connection with audiences, Spann brings both energy and depth to every performance.

The “Be Kind Concert Series” is a three-part outdoor music series designed to bring the community together in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks to enjoy an evening of live music.

The series reflects First United Methodist Church’s ongoing commitment to creating welcoming spaces where connection, kindness, and community can grow.

Admission is free, and a love offering will be collected to support the musicians. The series is sponsored in part by the Nell Shehee Foundation’s Operation Kindness initiative.

“It’s ok to be kind.”

Upcoming Save the Date:

NOW: Night of Worship
Save the date for NOW: Night of Worship, a special evening of praise music featuring guest musicians from across Louisiana. This powerful night of worship will take place on May 8, 2026 at 7:00 PM.

Come experience a meaningful night of music, worship, and community. General admission ($15) seating is limited, so be sure to secure your spot in advance. Your ticket purchase directly benefits the FUMCA Worship Mission. Tickets may be purchased online at https://bit.ly/FUMCANOW or by calling the church office at (318) 443-5696.

 See what Ida says 

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is reminding residents that Boating Education Lagniappe Day will be held Saturday, April 25, offering free boating safety training at multiple locations across the state, including Rapides Parish.

The statewide initiative includes a session in Pineville at the Region 3 LDWF Enforcement Office, where participants can complete a NASBLA-approved boating safety course at no cost and receive official certification upon completion.

The program is designed to help both new and experienced boaters sharpen their skills ahead of the upcoming recreational boating season. Lunch will be provided at participating locations, and door prizes will be offered at select sites.

According to LDWF, anyone born after January 1, 1984 is required to complete an approved boating safety course to legally operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower. Officials note the training is beneficial for all boaters, regardless of experience level.

Participants are also encouraged to bring serviceable, unused life jackets to support a statewide life jacket drive.

Registration is first come, first served, and officials warn that space is limited as several locations have already filled.

For full details or to register, visit the LDWF website and search for “Find a Boating Education Course Near You.”

Six Rapides Parish softball teams have advanced to the LHSAA softball quarterfinals later this week, five posting regional round playoff wins Tuesday.

Among the quarterfinal matchups ahead:  Tioga will visit rival Pineville.

Monday’s score 

Select Division I

Pineville 13, Captain Shreve 3 (5 innings)

Tuesday’s scores

Select Division I

ASH 11, Teurlings Catholic 5

Tioga 7, Acadiana 5

Select Division II 

Buckeye 16, Loranger 1 (4 innings)

Select Division IV 

Menard 8, Ouachita Christian 6

Class B 

Stanley 8, Grace Christian 6

Hicks 17, Oak Hill 3 (5 innings)

Class C

Plainview 5, Evans 2

Upcoming quarterfinal games

Tioga at Pineville, TBA

ASH at Mt. Carmel, Thursday, 5:00

Buckeye at Archbishop Hannan, Friday, 6:00

Menard at Glenbrook, TBA

Plainview at Claiborne Christian, Thursday, 5:30

The final round of the Coke Dr Pepper Open women’s pro golf tournament concluded Saturday at Links on the Bayou in Alexandria, crowning a new champion for the 2026 season.

Katie Lu of Aiken, South Carolina, captured her first ANNIKA Women’s All Pro Tour title, finishing two strokes ahead of Kate Villegas. Lu closed the week at 20-under par, highlighted by a bogey-free 6-under-par final round.

The Michigan State graduate held off a strong charge from Villegas, with both players sitting at 2-under through the turn before Lu pulled ahead down the stretch.

“Kate was playing so well the entire day. It was kind of fun because we were bouncing off each other with birdies,” said Lu. “I knew exactly where I was throughout the round, and that’s what makes it so exciting when scores are close like that.”

An ambassador for the ANNIKA Development Program, Lu boasts an impressive amateur résumé. She was a recipient of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award during her senior year at Michigan State, earned a sponsor exemption into the 2024 Meijer LPGA Open, and was one of three Spartans to compete in the U.S. Women’s Amateur at Southern Hills in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

“To see my hard work pay off is such a great feeling,” Lu said. “I’ve really been working on handling pressure, and I just embraced the nerves. It turned out great.”

With the victory, Lu adds to a strong start to the season, recording her second top-10 finish on the ANNIKA WAPT in 2026.

I don’t care what sport you play, there comes a day when the Gods of that sport will humble you. So many times, as an athlete, we think we have everything figured out. We think we know more than anyone else and that we are invincible. We have the attitude “you can’t beat me!”

 That’s when we get a little too comfortable in our own skin and things start to unravel and go south. For bass tournament anglers, you never know when that day will be coming. But rest assured, it will happen!

My humbling moments have occurred more than once in my 30-year fishing career but there is one that stands out more than any other. It took place about five years ago on Lake Texoma on the Oklahoma/Texas border during one of those late February events with temperatures in the upper 20s and lower 30s.

Over the years, I’ve had several tournaments on Lake Texoma and have done well there in the past. It’s a lake that I feel very comfortable with. I have a lot of confidence each time I drop my boat in the water at this famed Oklahoma/ Texas fishery.

If you’re angler who likes to power fish with buzz baits, crankbaits and spinnerbaits, Texoma is the place for you. But there are times when you will question if there’s any bass in this lake as the fishing can get really tough.

On one of my recent trips to this impoundment, I found out firsthand just how tough Texoma can be. I was preparing for a three-day event while pre-fishing in some very frigid temperatures. To say that the bite was tough would be a huge understatement.

As Day 1 of practice began, I knew that the only way I was going to get a bite was by slowing down my presentation. Bass in cold water conditions are very lethargic and slow to react to a bait.

Well at the end of practice on Day 1, I had absolutely nothing figured out as I put my boat back on the trailer after a long 9-hour day with zero bites. That’s right, I had zero bites the entire day!

Day 2 brought the same cold temperatures but sunny skies as daytime temperatures rose into the upper 40s. I thought with temperatures warming as the day went on, that maybe there would be a good afternoon bite. My thinking was wrong as I once again as I loaded my boat after Day 2 of practice with zero bites.

That’s right, I had fished for a total of 18 hours and had yet to set the hook on a single fish! So, as I laid in bed that night, I thought that maybe I need to speed up my presentation and throw some type of reaction bait like a rattle-trap, which is very popular during cold weather tournaments.

As the final day of practice rolled around, I was actually a little excited and was looking forward to trying something different. So I tied on a ¼ oz SPRO Aruku Shad in the popular chrome with a blue back. When I say I threw the paint off that bait, I mean I stayed committed to my plan and never put it down pretty much all day long.

But as only the bass fishing Gods can explain, I once again came off the lake nine hours later with zero bites! At this point, now I’m as frustrated as I’ve ever been going into Day 1 of a tournament.

To cut this article short, I’ll just go ahead and tell you that over the next two days of tournament competition, I had one bite and never caught a single fish I could weigh-in.

For the first time in my tournament career, I fished on a body of water I’m very familiar with and caught only one bass over five consecutive days!

So, for all those up-and-coming anglers, listen up — if you fish tournaments, there will come a day when you question if you really know anything about how to catch a bass.

With this frustration, you might even want to sell everything you own that’s related to bass fishing! But hang in there — sooner or later, grey skies will fade, and sunshine will return as you catch bass like never before.

April 22 is best known as Earth Day, a global event dedicated to environmental protection, but the date also holds a broader place in history with events that have shaped science, culture, and international awareness.

The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970, marking the beginning of a modern environmental movement. Millions of Americans participated in rallies, teach-ins, and demonstrations focused on pollution, conservation, and sustainability. The momentum from that first observance led to the creation of key environmental protections, including the Environmental Protection Agency and landmark legislation addressing clean air and water.

Beyond environmental milestones, April 22 also marks the birth of Vladimir Lenin in 1870. As a revolutionary leader, Lenin played a central role in the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the formation of the Soviet Union. His influence reshaped global politics and contributed to the ideological conflicts that defined much of the 20th century.

In scientific history, April 22, 1994, saw the discovery of a new comet that would later be named Comet Hale-Bopp. The comet became one of the most widely observed celestial events of the late 20th century, visible to the naked eye for months and sparking widespread public interest in astronomy.

April 22 continues to be a day associated with awareness and reflection. Whether through environmental advocacy or recognition of historical figures and discoveries, the date underscores humanity’s ongoing relationship with both the planet and the forces that shape global change.

With profound sorrow and heartfelt reverence, we announce the passing of Mary Denise Fisher, who transitioned from this life on April 17, 2026, just shy of her 67th birthday. Born on May 10, 1959, in Alexandria, Louisiana, Mary was a woman of quiet strength, grace, and enduring resilience-a radiant soul whose presence brought comfort, warmth, and light to all who knew her.

Mary devoted her professional life to public service as a respected supervisor in the public utilities sector in Pineville, Louisiana. Known for her fairness, leadership, and unwavering commitment, she served with integrity and compassion. Her work was more than a career-it was a calling rooted in her belief in community, cooperation, and service to others. She led not only with authority, but with heart.

Beyond her professional life, Mary embraced the simple joys that made life meaningful. She found peace in the comfort of home, often enjoying her favorite television shows-especially reality TV-while relaxing in bed. She had a deep love for gardening, nurturing plants with care and pride, and found quiet joy in bird watching and spending time outdoors. Her favorite color, green, reflected her love for life, growth, and nature. She also enjoyed shopping and cherished the moments spent with her family, who were always at the center of her world.

Though life presented its share of changes, Mary remained steadfast in her love for her family. She was preceded in death by her mother, Delores Washington. Mary’s love was genuine and unwavering, and her presence will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.

A woman of gentle strength and authentic spirit, Mary lived life in her own way-unapologetically herself, grounded in love, and guided by quiet determination. Her life stands as a testament to the beauty of simplicity, the power of kindness, and the lasting impact of a loving heart.

A Catholic Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at St. Juliana Catholic Church, 900 Daspit Street, Alexandria, Louisiana 71302. Public viewing and visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue until the start of the service at 11:00 a.m.

Mary will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Ball, Louisiana, immediately following the service.

As we celebrate the life of Mary Denise Fisher, we invite all who knew and loved her to honor her memory by sharing stories, reflections, and cherished moments. Though she has departed from our sight, her spirit will forever live on in the hearts she touched and the love she so freely gave.

May her soul rest in eternal peace.

By JIM BUTLER

Wilton Barrios wants to discuss at today’s School Board Finance Committee meeting options of using cash at events and for fees.  

The board in January rescinded its no-cash rule for events but kept it in place for fees and other school expenses.

That came following last November’s move to no cash for any school-related payments.

Board members agreed the populace wasn’t ready for a cash-free approach.

That was implemented as part of a response to continuing cash accounting problems at individual schools.

The board’s most recent audit noted the problems remained. Various steps have been taken since November to bolster cash care at the school level.

Barrios has several items on the agenda of a special board meeting following committee meetings.

A $320,000 change order would increase the Tioga Field House contract to $8.52 million.

The change, an alternate included in the bid package, would add a parking lot and associated components as well as keyless locks at laundry lockers to the Pat Williams Construction contract with a new completion date of next March 28.

A $92,000 change order to Cenla Contracting’s construction of a gym addition at Tioga Elementary would add two restrooms bringing the total to $680,000.

Increases in budgets for two projects are proposed – $1.1 million to total of $1.3 million for a track at Tioga High and $110,000 to total of $285,000 for the school driveway and drainage.

Also preceding the board meeting, District 62 (Wards 1 & 8) will discuss how to divvy up about $6.5 million still available for use from a $100 million bond issue. 

When the issue was approved there were three high school feeder systems in the district — ASH, Bolton and Peabody — and funding was apportioned 40-30-30 reflecting student counts. 

With Bolton’s conversion to a competitive academy ASH and Peabody are the feeder systems, the former with about 3,400 total students, the latter about 100 fewer. 

Two proposed options use a per pupil formula, another a 50-50 split between the feeder networks and the fourth proposes allocating some amount to Bolton and to the three Montessori schools (Brasher, Peabody, Rosenthal) that got none under the initial bonding and splitting the rest evenly among the other District 62 schools. 

The Education Committee will discuss and possibly take action to direct the administration to engage with the City of Alexandria and the Police Jury about potential youth programming in the Monroe street area. 

Committee meetings begin at 4 p.m.

By JIM BUTLER 

The proposed budget and a change of direction vis-à-vis GAEDA are back on the Alexandria City Council agenda today. 

Action on both was delayed two weeks ago to allow opportunity for the administration and council members to get on the same page with either or both. 

Mayor Jacques Roy urged the council to retain a cooperative endeavor agreement with GAEDA and explore projects other than the old Weiss & Goldring building to work together on. 

Councilman Malcolm Larvadain agreed to a delay in a vote on rescinding the CDA to allow further talk. 

Jules Green had the most budget questions and adoption was delayed to allow his and any others to be answered. 

That budget includes no provision for updated electricity, gas, water and sanitation rates, essentially unchanged since 1986. 

Consultants last August recommended changes. No such action has come before the council and as fall elections grow closer are less and less likely to. 

On the subject of elections, Roy, Larvadain, Green and at-large councilman Jim Villard have filed campaign finance reports. 

Roy reports $12,000 in 2025 contributions as he prepares to run later this year – $6,000 each from William Fontenot and Sam Mahfouz. 

The mayor spent $1,400 during the year and, including $3,500 balance from previous years, had $14,000 on hand Dec 31. 

Larvadain, filing for future election, contributed $3,500 to his campaign fund on December 31.  During the year the fund repaid him for an earlier loan. At year’s end the fund balance was $2,100. 

Green filed six reports this period, five related to previous campaigns. He reported no 2025 contributions and $800 expenditures, with a year-end balance of $1,800. 

Expenditures included a $200 assessment in June for hus campaign filing a supplemental report to his 2024 election 18 days late. 

According to Ethics Commission minutes, the fine was initially $600 but reduced when Green appealed. 

The relatively minor levy is one of hundreds assessed by the Commission. Records show many of them languish in unpaid status. 

Records also show Green more fortunate than Council President Cynthia Green Perry, whose appeal of a $2,500 fee for being 33 days late in filing an amended disclosure from 2023 was denied in April 2025. 

Villard, whose term expires this year, reported no campaign contributions in 2025. Expenditures were $4,800, leaving a fund balance $1,600.

Bolton Academy will not field a varsity football team this fall. Mercifully.

Bolton, which became a pre-K–12 Academic & Performing Arts Magnet School before the 2024-25 academic year, has had three straight winless seasons and six winless seasons in the last 11 years. This last season was especially tough – Bolton’s 10 opponents outscored the Bears 450-26, including a 69-0 defeat against Avoyelles. 

The last time the Bears won a district title was 20 years ago, when they had an 0-5 start but won all five of their District 3-3A games before losing to top-seeded Notre Dame of Crowley in the first round of the playoffs, 49-12. Running back Jarvis Jackson rushed for 208 yards and four touchdowns in a 40-14 win over Grant to highlight the win for Bolton’s last district championship in 2006. John Ware was then in his first year as head coach.

That was only the fifth time since 1998 that Bolton had a non-losing regular season. Yet, there was a time, back in its prime ….

Bolton has a strong football history if you go back far enough. And I’m not talking about the 1990 team of Coach Brian Parmley, led by quarterback Darrel White, that finished 10-2 with a No. 7 ranking and the District 4-3A championship. White earned All-Cenla Offensive Player of the Year honors rushing for 1,990 yards in the regular season, averaging 11 yards a carry.

Bolton played for the Class AAA state championship in 1974 when Aubrey Sanders was the head coach. The Bears clinched their second straight perfect regular season that year with a 32-14 win over arch-rival Pineville before a standing-room-only crowd at Bolton. Bernard Reed had three touchdown runs in that contest. The Bears beat Eunice, Jesuit-Shreveport and Franklinton in the playoffs before bowing to Richwood of Monroe, 28-8 in the state championship game in Monroe.

Financial advisor Bart Schmolke and Alexandria City Judge Richard Starling Jr. were quarterbacks during that heyday in the early 1970s. All-staters from the state runner-up team were tight end Andrew Fatheree, running back Mike Stewart and linebacker John Fisher.

That was Bolton’s first attempt to win a state championship since 1915, when Tom Dutton’s Bears went 6-0 and “claimed” the state championship in an era when informal state championships were common. In 1914 and 1917, for example, there were three or even four games that had been designated as state championships.  

Bolton’s first year as a school, then located on Sixth and Beauregard Streets in downtown Alexandria, was 1915. The Louisiana High School Sports Association didn’t come into existence until that year. Dutton, when his Bolton team was 5-0 – including a 9-0 victory over Louisiana College – made quite the boast in a press release.

At a time when some other teams in the state were claiming to be the best, Dutton wrote that Bolton was “the one team that ranks above all others when it comes to handing out titles,” according to the Alexandria Daily Town Talk. He wrote that he had a team that “fights like the dickens,” and he believed it could whip any team in the state, except maybe for Warren Easton (then Boys High) in New Orleans.

With a 9-0 season-ending victory over Baton Rouge before “maybe the largest crowd ever for an athletic event at that time” in Alexandria, Dutton claimed a state championship. The first names of players didn’t make the papers in those days but the last names of some players from that team look familiar: Scott, Nachman, Staples, Bradford, Holloman, etc.

Dutton also accused Monroe of trying to “put over a raw deal” by trying to play an ineligible player, Sim Nettles, who was over 21 years old and had played on the Winnfield team seven years earlier. “Consequently,” he wrote, “he could not have been a bona fide (high school) student … unless he had been a very poor student during the preceding seven years.”

In the same year Bolton claimed the state title, the New Orleans Times-Picayune sponsored a game it labeled for the state championship in 1915 between Jesuit and Waren Easton, the first Catholic and public high school, respectively, in New Orleans. Warren Easton won, 13-12.

Bolton football conjures memories of many bright former stars. Here are just some:

David Guidry was a four-sport star at Bolton in 1976-77, who later played eight games at quarterback as a sophomore at USL.

Mickey Slaughter, who played quarterback for head coach Maxie Lambright at Bolton in the 1950s, later did so well at Louisiana Tech he was a seventh-round draft choice by the Denver Broncos, then of the old American Football League. He was the first quarterback picked in the draft. His four-year pro-career was spoiled by a series of injuries. He was later the offensive coordinator at Tech, when Lambright was the Bulldogs’ head coach.

Lambright is on Tech’s Mt. Rushmore of football coaches, compiling a 95-36-2 record over 12 years, with seven Southland Conference titles and five assorted national championships. At Bolton he compiled a 22-7-1 record (.750 percentage) in three seasons (1956-58). Although he didn’t lead Bolton to a state title, in 1958 he coached the Bears to a victory over Lake Charles, the eventual Class AAA state champion.

Bolton football may not be gone for good. The tentative plan reportedly is to play middle school football only with hopes that the numbers and interest in a varsity program will eventually return.

The traditional strength of Rapides Parish high school softball is on display today when five teams host regional round playoff games.

The highest-seeded local, No. 2 Pineville, got things started Monday evening with a run-rule victory over Captain Shreve.

ASH, Buckeye, Menard, Plainview and Tioga host playoff games this afternoon.

Monday’s score 

Select Division I

Pineville 13, Captain Shreve 3 (5 innings)

Today’s games

Select Division I

No. 9 Teurlings Catholic at No. 8 ASH, 5:30

No. 10 Acadiana at No. 7 Tioga, 5:30 (Ward 10 Complex)

Select Division II 

No. 11 Loranger at No. 6 Buckeye, 5:00

Select Division IV 

No. 10 Ouachita Christian at No. 7 Menard, 5:30

Class B

No. 16 Grace Christian at No. 1 Stanley, 6:00

No. 14 Oak Hill at No. 3 Hicks, 5:30

Class C

No. 10 Evans at No. 7 Plainview, 5:00

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries are investigating a fatal boating incident that took place in Rapides Parish on April 18.

The body of Gregory S. Kile, 45, of Deville, was recovered from the Red River around 8 a.m. on April 20. His body was turned over to the Rapides Parish Coroner’s Office to determine an official cause of death.

LDWF agents received information about a missing boater in the Red River near Pineville around 11:30 p.m. on April 18 and immediately began searching. The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Pineville Fire Department, the Alexandria Fire Department, and the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office also assisted in the search.

Agents learned from the survivors that three boaters departed the Buhlow Recreational Landing on the Red River around 9 p.m. on April 18. Shortly after launching, the vessel struck a rock jetty, which caused the vessel to capsize and sink forcing the three occupants into the water. Two of the boaters were able to swim to safety and call for help.

The LDWF Enforcement Division will be the lead investigative agency for this fatal boating incident. The three boaters were not wearing personal flotation devices at the time of the incident.

Authorities urge public to ignore messages claiming to be Sheriff Mark Wood

By Journal Staff

The Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a scam involving someone impersonating Sheriff Mark Wood through text messages.

According to a statement posted on the sheriff’s official Facebook page, an individual is reportedly using a prepaid phone to contact residents while posing as Wood. The messages claim the sender has lost their phone and ask recipients to save a new number.

Authorities said the messages are fraudulent and advised residents not to respond or share personal information.

The Sheriff’s Office said it is investigating the incident.

Residents are encouraged to share the warning, particularly with older adults who are often targeted in scams.

What to know

• Law enforcement will not request information through unsolicited text messages
• Messages asking recipients to save a “new number” should be treated as suspicious
• Do not respond or provide personal information
• Report suspicious activity to local law enforcement

An impersonation scam is circulating in the parish, and residents are urged to remain cautious, avoid engaging with suspicious messages and help raise awareness.

Sources: Sheriff Mark Wood official Facebook page

The Red River Waterway Commission announced the Buhlow Boat Ramp on the Red River is reopened as of Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 8 a.m.

The ramp had been temporarily closed to the public during a recent search and recovery operation in the area.

Officials expressed appreciation to Red River Waterway personnel for their assistance throughout the operation.

Louisiana Christian University has been awarded a grant from The Rapides Foundation for $25,700 for the Beyond Graduation Program, a project designed to close the gap between high school seniors who graduate and apply to postsecondary institutions and those who enroll and complete a postsecondary certificate or degree.

Beyond Graduation is a partnership between Career Compass of Louisiana, school districts in nine central Louisiana parishes, and six post-secondary institutions.  Beyond Graduation is funded by a grant from The Rapides Foundation.

“The Rapides Foundation welcomes Louisiana Christian University as a partner with the Beyond Graduation Project. This expansion is vital in giving more students in Central Louisiana the opportunity and support they need to succeed from enrollment through completion,” said Ashley Stewart, director of programs for the Foundation. 

Beyond Graduation college and career coaches assist high school students with college/university admissions, financial aid, and other enrollment services during high school. The Beyond Graduation staff at participating postsecondary institutions provide ongoing services to participants during the summer months before college/university enrollment and during their college tenure to ensure that they progress toward a certificate or degree completion.

“We are so excited to have Louisiana Christian University join the Beyond Graduation Program,” said Dr. Chris Maggio, Beyond Graduation project manager. “With the addition of LCU, central Louisiana students now have six post-secondary institutions with dedicated Beyond Graduation college coaches to provide ongoing services to students. Louisiana Christian University provides quality academic options for students, and its caring faculty and staff make LCU a perfect choice for many central Louisiana students.”

To be eligible for the program at LCU, students must be from one of the following parishes: 

Allen, Avoyelles, Catahoula, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Vernon, and Winn. Students must also meet one of the following criteria: be first-generation college students, have economic hardship, have a qualifying academic record and related factors, or have a referral from an administrator, teacher, counselor, or Career Compass coach. 

“When I first heard about this opportunity last year, I was new in my role as president and needed time to fully understand our university and our direction,” said LCU President Dr. Mark Johnson. “Over the past year, that clarity has come. Now, I’m excited to partner with The Rapides Foundation and Career Compass of Louisiana, who care deeply about students and their success. The Beyond Graduation Program aligns with our mission and helps ensure students not only enroll but thrive and complete their journey. We’re grateful to be part of this important work.”

For more information about the services available through this program at LCU, contact Beyond Graduation coach Emily Couvillion at emily.couvillion@lcuniversity.edu. 

Career Compass is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ensure that all high school students have a pathway to college and a rewarding career. 

The Rapides Foundation is an organization whose vision is to positively impact Central Louisiana by deploying resources to improve key factors of health status. 

Shelton Don “Pookie” Reed, 82, of Deville, LA, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026. Born on May 23, 1943, Shelton was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, community member, and servant of the Lord.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville, with Brother Willie Welch officiating. Burial will follow in Big Island Baptist Church Cemetery, Deville.

Visitation will be held at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville, on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Pallbearers honored to serve will be Robert Reed, David Reed, Garrett Hoffpauir, Kameron Hoffpauir, Shelton Ray Reed, and Kenny Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be Dexter Coco, Albert Rayner, Hayden Paul, Philip Anderson, Gavin Hoffpauir, and Hunter Rollins.

Shelton lived his life with unwavering faith and devotion. He was a well-respected member of the Deville Community all his life. His contributions to the community were significant; a member of the El Karubah Shrine Club, he served as past president of the Cenla Shrine Club and was a past master and an active member of the W.D. Fisher Masonic Lodge 480 and past master of Solomon Lodge 221. Shelton took immense pride in his participation in the Shriners organization, always finding joy in helping children through his charitable work.

Shelton loved his community and poured his heart into everything he did, especially when it came to supporting children. He believed in making a difference, and his legacy will continue through the lives he touched.

Those left to cherish his memory include sons, Robert Reed (Loretta) and David “Tater” Reed (Robyn); daughters, Angela Issman (Matt) and Kimberly Hoffpauir (Garrett); 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; brothers, Lloyd Reed and Matt Reed, Jr.; sisters, Vernell McCarty and Neva Nell Belgard, and a host of extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Matt Edward Reed and Nula Lucas Reed; wife of 57 years, Joyce Rae Smith Reed; brothers, Clyde Reed, Carlton Reed, Ezra Reed, D.H. Reed, and sisters, Evie Beaubouef, Ethel Sims, Edna Beaubouef, and Ellen Reed.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Florida 33607, or online at http://www.shrinerschildren.org, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, or online at http://www.stjude.org, a cause close to his heart.

He brought warmth, laughter, and kindness wherever he went, and his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.