Northwestern State University has been awarded a five-year grant expected to provide $3.25 million through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to support eligible Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) students and help strengthen Louisiana’s nursing workforce.

The award was made through HRSA’s Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students Program. Northwestern State received $650,000 for the first budget period, with $650,000 in annual support anticipated for each of the following four years, for an expected five-year total of $3.25 million, subject to the availability of federal funds and satisfactory program progress.

The project, Preparing Associate of Science in Nursing Students for Practice in Rural and Medically Vulnerable Communities, will provide need-based scholarship support to eligible full-time ASN students. For purposes of the federal program, eligible students include those from economically, educationally or geographically vulnerable backgrounds who also demonstrate financial need. Approximately 40 students are expected to receive scholarship assistance each year.

“This funding will have a direct impact on our students while also helping address the need for nurses across Louisiana,” said Dr. Aimee Badeaux, dean and chief nurse administrator of Northwestern State’s College of Nursing and School of Allied Health and project director for the grant. “Financial challenges can be a significant barrier for students completing a rigorous nursing program. These scholarships will help students remain focused on their education, complete their degrees and enter the nursing workforce prepared to serve the communities that need them most.”

Northwestern State’s ASN program provides multiple pathways to becoming a registered nurse (RN). Students may enter nursing through a traditional entry pathway, while transition options are available for those who bring previous healthcare education and experience, including licensed practical nurses, paramedics, military medics and other eligible allied health professionals. The program serves students at a variety of stages in their educational and professional journeys, with instructional locations in Shreveport, Alexandria and Leesville/Fort Polk.

Over the past five years, Northwestern State’s ASN program has graduated 651 nurses, contributing directly to Louisiana’s healthcare workforce.

“Northwestern State has a proud tradition of preparing nurses who serve communities across Louisiana,” said NSU President James T. Genovese. “This investment expands opportunities for students to pursue a nursing education while strengthening the pipeline of qualified nurses entering Louisiana’s healthcare workforce. Supporting these students is an investment in their futures and in the health and well-being of the communities they will serve.”

The initiative will combine scholarship support with academic advising, faculty mentoring, student success services, clinical education and workforce preparation. Students will gain clinical experience in a variety of healthcare settings, including rural and medically vulnerable communities, helping strengthen the pathway from nursing education to employment.

The five-year project period began Sept. 1, 2026, and extends through June 30, 2031. Continued federal support is subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory program performance.

For more information about nursing programs at Northwestern State University, visit nursing.nsula.edu. 

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Funeral services for Mrs. Johnna Sue Theall will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 5, 2026, at Flatwoods United Pentecostal Church, with Reverends Jeremy Dunnam and Mark Phillips officiating. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Emmanuel Cemetery, Chopin, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

Mrs. Theall, 65, of Flatwoods, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital, Alexandria, LA.

Johnna Sue was a loving mother, sister, aunt, and friend who touched the lives of many with her caring heart and warm spirit. She was a proud 1980 graduate of Cy-Fair High School in Houston, Texas. Johnna had a special love for the color purple, if it was purple, she had to have it! She also loved her animals and plants, taking joy in caring for them.

Above all, Johnna loved her son, Bill, very much. Her love for him was at the heart of who she was, and the bond they shared was truly special. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Elvie Theall.

Those left to mourn her loss and cherish her memory include her son, William “Bill” Logan of Flatwoods; one brother, John Theall, Sr. (Cynthia) of Mora; and host of aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Carole Ann Cook Crooks, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many. Carole was born on December 20, 1944, in Alexandria, Louisiana, and she peacefully left this world on October 3, 2026.

Funeral services for Carole will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pineville, where family and friends will gather to remember and celebrate her life. Details about the services will be shared soon.

Carole lived a full and vibrant life. She was respected as a dedicated civil deputy with the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Department before her retirement after many years. Not one to shy away from hard work, she also enjoyed spending her free time creating beautiful things through her love of crocheting and sewing.

Married for 63 wonderful years to her beloved husband James, the two of them celebrated many special moments together, including being honored as the 1991 Honorees of the Louisiana Pecan Festival. Carole’s family was everything to her; she was the proud mother of her three children, Tina, Tommy, and Staci, as well as the cherished grandmother of her grandchildren, and great grandchildren, who will carry her love and spirit forward.

Carole was a devoted member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pineville and enjoyed spending time camping and fishing with family and friends. Her joyful spirit and warm heart will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, James “Jimmy” Thomas Crooks; her children, Tina Crook Young (Walt), James “Tommy” Crooks, Jr. (Donna), and Staci Crooks Hedrick (Guy); grandchildren, Leighton Crooks Elliott (Maika), Garrett Crooks, Rebecca Young Agosto (Taylor), Sydney Hedrick Broussard (Jacob), Hannah Young, Paige Hedrick Futrell (Wesley), Jackson Hedrick, Jason Bordelon, and Leann Bordelon; great grandchildren, Sawyer, Sutton Jo, Haley, Luka, Liam and Lucky, the cat; brothers, John Cook (Debra), Danny Cook (Karel), Bruce Cook (Brenda), Paul Cook (Claire), and Keith Cook (Paula).

Carole was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Ena Cook.

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Phonetic: /ep-uh-STEE-mik/

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition

Epistemic means “of or relating to knowledge or knowing.”

He’s a brilliant teacher who has the epistemic humility to know that there is always more to learn.

Johnna Sue Theall
January 23, 1961 – September 30, 2026
Service: Monday, October 5, 2026, 2pm at Flatwoods United Pentecostal Church, Flatwoods.

Eulalia Edwards Carter
January 17, 1949 – September 28, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 10, 2026, 11am at St. Matthew Baptist Church, Boyce.

Robert Earl Price
? – September 28, 2026
Service: Friday, October 9, 2026, 12pm at First Evening Star Baptist Church, Alexandria.

Pamela Lee Hampton
September 29, 1956 – September 26, 2026
Service: Friday, October 9, 2026, 11am at Antioch Baptist Church, Alexandria.

The Rapides Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.

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By Journal Staff

BOYCE, La. — The Town of Boyce released a formal response to its newly published Fiscal Year 2024 audit, emphasizing that while significant historical deficiencies were cited, key financial milestones and sweeping cost reductions have substantially altered the town’s fiscal condition since that period.

The annual financial report, prepared by independent accounting firm Rozier, McKay & Willis, examined the fiscal year ending May 31, 2024. Independent auditors issued a disclaimer of opinion on the town’s financial statements, noting they were unable to obtain sufficient audit evidence largely due to poor recordkeeping during a transition between administrations.

“During a portion of the year under audit, the Town’s previous administration made little effort to document expenditures or record financial transactions,” the audit stated.

Town officials pointed out that Mayor Kelvin V. McCoy and the current Board of Aldermen took office in 2023, meaning the FY2024 audit captured operations from both the previous and current leadership.

“The FY2024 audit examines the Town’s financial condition as of and for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2024,” the town said in an official statement. “It is not an audit of the Town’s financial position as of October 2026”.

Resolution of Pension Dispute

A central issue highlighted in the FY2024 audit involved accrued liabilities totaling roughly $1.14 million stemming from disputed contribution claims by the Municipal Police Employees’ Retirement System (MPERS). The audit report warned that those claims, combined with requests from MPERS to withhold state distributions, created substantial doubt at the time regarding the municipality’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Boyce administration officials announced that the dispute has since been fully resolved. After contesting the claims through litigation, the town reached a $160,000 settlement with MPERS, which has been paid in full.

“That dispute has since been resolved through settlement,” said Greg Jones, legal counsel for the Town of Boyce. “The approximately $1.14 million claim referenced in the audit is therefore no longer an outstanding $1.14 million obligation of the Town”.

Policing Reductions and Operations

Boyce leadership also underscored steps taken to drastically rein in recurring operational costs, particularly within law enforcement.

Expenditures tied to the town’s elected Chief of Police Department reached nearly $1.4 million in Fiscal Year 2022 under the prior administration. Boyce has since downsized the municipal police department and partnered with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office to assist with patrol and protection services.

Annual law enforcement expenses are now estimated at approximately $300,000—a recurring annual savings of roughly $1.1 million.

“Financial stability requires us to make decisions based on what the Town can realistically sustain,” McCoy said. “We are reducing recurring expenses while maintaining essential services, and we continue looking for opportunities to operate more efficiently”.

Audit Findings and Corrective Actions

Despite the auditor’s disclaimer of opinion, the FY2024 financial statement showed measurable operating gains. Boyce’s governmental fund balance increased by $295,803 during the fiscal year to finish at $204,031, while governmental activities increased the town’s net position by $56,481, driven by expenditure reductions across multiple departments.

At the same time, auditors identified one material weakness in accounting practices and five material noncompliance findings, many of which carried over from the 2023 fiscal year. Deficiencies cited included:

• Noncompliance with Louisiana public records retention laws due to missing purchase records.
• General accounting dysfunction resulting in late fees, finance charges and delays in financial reporting.
• Unfavorable budget variances exceeding statutory limits in the Half-Cent Sales Tax Fund.
• Failure to make required monthly reserve and contingency fund transfers required under utility bond covenants.
• Failure to submit the completed audit within the state-mandated six-month deadline.

Town officials affirmed that the administration is not minimizing the findings and is actively implementing corrective action plans. Boyce is establishing a regular finance committee review, increasing staff accounting training, tightening accounts payable to avoid late fees, adhering to debt-covenant transfer schedules and improving budget monitoring.

“The audit gives us both accountability and a roadmap,” McCoy said. “We cannot change financial practices or records that existed before this administration took office. What we can control is how we respond to those problems, the financial decisions we make today and the systems we put in place for the future”.

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CleanAlex – Keep Alexandria Beautiful hosted its first Love Our Waterways event at Hynson Bayou, where volunteers removed more than 25 five-gallon buckets of trash, a shopping cart, traffic cones and various other large items from the bayou and surrounding area.

The organization thanked Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser; Mayor Jacques Roy and the City of Alexandria; State Rep. Ed Larvadain; Council Members Elizabeth Felter and Malcolm Larvadain; the Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce; Milton with the SafeAlex team and the Alexandria Sanitation Department; Lowe’s; Keep Louisiana Beautiful; and Captivate Minds Marketing for their support and donations.

CleanAlex also thanked the volunteers who participated in the cleanup.

The event was part of Love Our Waterways, Louisiana’s first-ever month-long, statewide waterway and shoreline cleanup.

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Louisiana’s First-Ever Black-Bellied Whistling Duck Season Opens Saturday
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Louisiana hunters have a new opportunity this weekend as the state’s first experimental black-bellied whistling duck season opens Saturday, October 3, and runs through October 11, 2026. The nine-day season is open statewide, filling the gap between the September teal season and the regular duck season in November.

The daily bag limit is four ducks, with a possession limit of 12. Shooting hours run from sunrise to sunset — different from standard duck season hours. Hunters are required to obtain a free black-bellied whistling duck permit from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries before taking to the field. Standard waterfowl requirements also apply, including federal duck stamp registration and Harvest Information Program (HIP) enrollment.

Hunters must submit harvest data to LDWF within 15 days of the season’s close on October 11.

LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth said the season was created in response to the growing abundance of the species in the state. The experimental season received approval from the Mississippi Flyway Council and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regulations Committee. Only black-bellied whistling ducks may be harvested during this period — hunters should confirm species identification before shooting.

For information or to obtain the required permit, contact LDWF Waterfowl Program Manager Jason Olszak at jolszak@wlf.la.gov.

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Rapides Man Convicted of Motor Vehicle Theft, Sentenced to Five Years
Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office

Germaneek Beyard has been convicted of theft of a motor vehicle and sentenced to five years in prison, the Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office announced. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Kenneth Doggett.

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Rapides Regional Offers Online Breastfeeding Class for Working Mothers
Rapides Regional Medical Center

Rapides Regional Medical Center will host a virtual Breastfeeding for Working Moms class from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The online course is designed for mothers who are working and continuing to breastfeed, with a focus on managing milk supply and maintaining a pumping routine.

Topics covered include types of breast pumps, proper milk storage and handling, strategies to sustain milk production, and how to prevent common problems. The class will be held via Google Meet; login instructions will be sent by email prior to the start time.

To register, call 1-844-630-5295 or visit rapidesregional.com and select Calendar of Events under Health Education.

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The Rapides Parish School Board cut the ribbon on the Crenshaw Fieldhouse at Alexandria Senior High this afternoon.

The fieldhouse was named for Butch Crenshaw, who served as the Trojans’ first head football coach and athletic director from 1969 to 1973. He later served the community on the Rapides Parish School Board and the Alexandria City Council.

Alexandria Mayor Jacques Roy proclaimed the day Butch Crenshaw Day in the city of Alexandria.

ASH Head Football Coach Thomas Bachman said every day matters and that each person has a responsibility to make a difference in the lives of the people around them.

The fieldhouse was made possible by a bond approved by District 62 voters in 2022 and will serve ASH students for generations.

The Rapides Parish School Board thanked the Crenshaw family, elected officials, district leaders and everyone who attended the celebration.

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The Louisiana Christian football team is lighting up scoreboards in its impressive start to the 2026 season and will try to do it again Saturday afternoon as East Texas Baptist visits Wildcat Field.

The Wildcats (4-1, 3-0 Sooner Athletic Conference) will play the second of three straight home games, this being homecoming, when they renew the Battle of the Border Claw rivalry game with LCU’s NCAA D3 visitor, ETBU, now a member of the American South Conference.

Kickoff of Saturday’s game against the Tigers (2-2) is set for 4 p.m. at Wildcat Field and will be streamed on YouTube through the 446Sports channel and the Urban Edge Network.

The Wildcats step out of SAC play this week but will be in league contests for the rest of the season afterward.

LCU is averaging 51.2 points and 493 yards per game. The Wildcats are ranked 17^th in the NAIA coaches Top 25 poll, and 19^th in the Victory Network NAIA media poll.

Coach Ben McLaughlin’s offense is remarkably balanced, averaging 247 rushing yards and 256 passing yards.

The 1-2 punch of Jaterrius Johnson (87.2 rushing yards per game, 6 touchdowns) and Datlan Cunningham (69.6 average, 7 TDs) fuels the running attack.

Quarterback Bryce Perkins has a sky-high passing rating of 174.3 while completing 70 of 112 throws for 1,114 yards (223 per game) and 12 scores.

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Taking second overall in team competition, the Pineville Rebels swim team sparkled recently in Lafayette at a multi-school meet.

Pineville won six races, two apiece by Ben Nelson and Caroline Broussard along with victories from Ashley Seal and Tori Broussard. She, Nelson and Caroline Broussard qualified for the LHSAA state meet with performances in the Rebels’ second competition of the fall season.

Caroline Broussard qualified in the 200-yard intermediate and the 100-yard breast stroke (a winning 1:16.62 time). Tori Broussard earned her place at the state meet in the 200-yard freestyle (second in 2:20.96), and Nelson punched his tickets in the 100-yard butterfly (a first-place 1:03.20) and the 500-yard freestyle (winning with a 5:42 time).

Seal won the girls 100-yard free in 1:16.15, and teammate Amelia Gauthier was fifth in 1:31.53.

Pineville had five girls among the top eight in the 100-yard backstroke. Tori Broussard won in 1:19.68, followed by teammates Gabrielle Bunch (third, 1:27.36), Seal (fourth, 1:31.08), Gisele Prejean (seventh, 1:51.23) and Gauthier (eighth, 1:53.48).

The Lady Rebels put three in the top six of the 100-yard breast stroke. Caroline Broussard’s winning mark was followed by Hunter Clair (fourth, 1:26.21) and Hannah Harrison (1:51.86, sixth).

Caroline Broussard won the 200 individual medley in 2:23.51.

In the 200-yard girls free, Hannah Harrison was seventh at 3:07.34.

Bunch took third in the girls 50 free in 32.89. David Williams was fourth in the boys 50 free (27.64).

Clair was fourth in the girls 100 breast stroke (1:26.41) and Harrison was sixth (1:51.86).

The Lady Rebels were second in the 200 medley relay with the foursome comprised of Seal, Caroline and Tori Broussard, and Bunch.

The girls 200 free relay of Harrison, Bunch, Gauthier and Caroline Broussard finished fourth in 3:13.79.

Results were reported by Tara Malone.

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Rapides Parish Fire District 18 responded to 37 calls for service throughout September 2026.

The calls included 20 medical calls, one lift assist, three vehicle accidents, four structure fires, four tree-down calls, four brush fires and one utility call.

Rapides Parish Fire District 18 thanked its firefighters, volunteers and support members for their dedication, sacrifice and willingness to serve the community.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

The entry period for the $600 Natchitoches Weekend Getaway giveaway has concluded.

The official winner will be announced and published on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.

Readers can check back Monday morning to see the announcement and details on claiming the getaway prize package. Thank you to everyone across the community who participated and submitted an entry.

SAVE THE DATE: Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend: Natchitoches Celebrates Dolly Parton

Noel Clare Heflin Ulmer, 83, of Mount Pleasant, NC, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her family. Known throughout her life as Clare, she will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Iatt Baptist Church in Atlanta, Louisiana, with burial to follow in the church cemetery.

Clare was born March 15, 1943, in St. Louis, Missouri, to the late Josephine Ruby Vaughan Heflin and Clarence Elmer Heflin, Jr. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Warren Thomas “Buck” Ulmer.

She is survived by her four children, Dana Lynn Ulmer Hilfirty and husband, John, of Mount Pleasant, NC; Warren Scott Ulmer and wife, Erna, of Geiselwind, Germany; Stacie Ann Ulmer Edmiston and husband, Cecil, of Fort Worth, TX; and Susan Irene Ulmer Martin and husband, James, of Brownstown, IN; her sister, Sallie Kelly and husband, Gene, of Doyline, LA; grandchildren, Dalton Hilfirty and wife, Sam, of Portland, OR, Devin Hilfirty of Flora, IL, Sabrina Ulmer of Geiselwind, Germany, Taylor Houston of Belmont, NC, and Sydne Edmiston of Dallas, TX; step-grandson, Logan Martin and wife, Emma, of Seymour, IN; step-great-grandson, Adrian Martin of Seymour, IN; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Clare was a graduate of C. E. Byrd High School in Shreveport, Louisiana, and later attended business school. Throughout much of her working life, she held administrative positions, including work in the medical field. She later worked in shipping and receiving at a Walmart Distribution Center before retiring.

Those who knew Clare will remember a woman who genuinely loved people. She was social, outgoing, kind and giving, and she was happiest when she could be involved with the people around her. Her faith and church family were an important part of her life. While living in Louisiana, she was active at First Baptist Church of Opelousas, participating in Sunday school, ladies’ groups, Bible studies and church activities.

Clare was wonderfully creative and always seemed to have something she was making, sewing or decorating. She enjoyed sewing and made everything from curtains and window treatments to tablecloths and decorations. She loved floral arranging and particularly enjoyed helping with church decorating committees. Music was also an important part of Clare’s life, and she was very involved with the choir. She participated in choir productions and musicals and often put her sewing and creative talents to work helping with costumes. In her younger years, Clare was also an avid bowler and a member of a bowling league, regularly averaging scores in the high 200s. She was an avid reader as well and always enjoyed staying busy.

The kitchen held many special memories for Clare and her family. She loved cooking, collecting and exchanging recipes, and some of the family’s most treasured recipes remain in her own handwriting, worn from years of use. She had a special love for desserts and a definite sweet tooth, a trait lovingly carried on by her family. Alongside Buck, she also enjoyed gardening and canning the vegetables they grew, filling shelves with the fruits of their work-including plenty of Buck’s sweet pickles.

Perhaps nothing brought out Clare’s tender heart more than children and babies. She adored little ones and could hardly resist stopping to smile, speak or visit with a baby wherever she happened to be. That same nurturing spirit remained with her even as her own needs increased. At Coltrane LIFE Center, Clare affectionately thought of the other participants as “her kids” and, whenever she was able, wanted to help-whether folding towels, lending a hand or simply spending time with others.

Family remained at the center of Clare’s life. One particularly meaningful gift came recently when members of the extended family gathered together in Louisiana. Despite the challenges she was facing, Clare traveled beautifully and delighted in being surrounded by the people she loved. She was able to listen to the familiar voices, laughter and stories of family gathered together once again. It became a treasured memory for those who shared it with her.

Clare will be remembered for her kindness, her creativity, her love of conversation, her willingness to help, and the joy she found simply in being among people. Her family will especially remember the countless ordinary things that made her uniquely Clare-the handwritten recipes, sewing projects, gardens, desserts, church gatherings, her affection for babies and, above all, the love she shared so freely with those around her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Coltrane LIFE Center, 321 Corban Ave. SE, Concord, NC 28025, or the Alzheimer’s Association.

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Rex Randall, a cherished soul whose life was a testament to love, resilience, and dedication, passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife by his side on September 29, 2026. Born on July 20, 1953, in the close-knit town of Olla, Louisiana, Rex was the beloved son of Lowell DeWitt Randall and Vivian Burnice Aycock Randall.

Rex’s life was rich with the love of family and friends, marked by his deep commitment to those he held dear. He was predeceased by his parents, his siblings Gary, Bill, and Dorothy Randall, and his step-grandson, Zachary Robinson, all of whom he cherished deeply.

Rex is survived by his devoted wife of over 17 years, Joanie Randall, who was the light of his life. Together, they shared a bond built on mutual respect, adoration, and countless cherished memories. He leaves behind his son, Ben Randall, and his stepdaughter, Jennifer Robinson. His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Kevin Randall and Taylor Randall, and his step-grandchildren, Chelsea Carter, Whitney Cloud, and Christian Crafts, who were his delight and source of endless stories and laughter. In addition, 17 great-grandchildren carry forward his spirit and love for life. Rex’s extended family includes a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives who will remember him fondly.

Rex dedicated his career to the oilfields, where he was known not only for his hard work and diligence but also for the camaraderie and respect he shared with his colleagues. Outside of work, Rex found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved being outdoors, tending to his garden, and most of all, he loved and adored his wife, often playfully referring to her as his “consent supervisor of things.” Rex had an incredible ability to put up with the antics of family, always with a twinkle in his eye and a warm smile.

A service honoring Rex’s remarkable life will be held on October 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Standard Baptist Church, 263 Standard Church Rd, Olla, LA 71465 with Bro. Carlin Sanders officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the church. Burial will follow at the Urania Cemetery in Urania. Friends and family are invited to gather in remembrance of a man who touched so many lives with his kindness and humor.

Rex Randall will be deeply missed but will forever remain in the hearts of those he loved. His legacy of love, resilience, and dedication will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.

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Phonetic: /ob·​se·​qui·​ous/

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition

marked by or exhibiting a fawning attentiveness was always followed around by his obsequious minions

There are no hushed voices, white tablecloths or obsequious waiters.
—Isabelle Kliger

Not pleasing others enough amounts to surliness, pleasing too much makes one obsequious …
—Carlin Flora

Eulalia Edwards Carter
January 17, 1949 – September 28, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 10, 2026, 11am at St. Matthew Baptist Church, Boyce.

Robert “Bobby” Felsenthal
April 19, 1954 – September 26, 2026
Service: Friday, October 2, 2026, 12pm at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball.

Pamela Lee Hampton
September 29, 1956 – September 26, 2026
Service: Friday, October 9, 2026, 11am at Antioch Baptist Church, Alexandria.

Dorothy Dawn Overgaard
June 16, 1932 – September 25, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 2pm at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness, Alexandria.

Luis Wayne Juneau
September 6, 1995 – September 23, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 10am at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball.

Gloria Jean Marshall White
March 18, 1959 – September 21, 2026
Service: Friday, October 2, 2026, 1pm at Christian Love Baptist Church, Alexandria.

Spencer Ernest Brackens, Jr.
May 2, 1949 – September 20, 2026
Service: Friday, October 2, 2026, 11am at St. Matthew Baptist Church, Boyce.

Greta Marie Golden Moore
July 27, 1956 – September 20, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 3pm at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Alexandria.

Marvin Keith Howard, Sr.
December 20, 1968 – September 16, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 11am at New Scott Olly Baptist Church, Alexandria.

The Rapides Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.

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An audit released by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor reveals that the Town of Boyce owes approximately $1.14 million in unpaid pension contributions to the Louisiana Municipal Police Employees Retirement System (MPERS), with arrearages dating back to 2014. MPERS has responded by withholding state funding from the town until the debt is resolved.

Town officials have retained an attorney to contest the claims, though auditors raised questions about whether the town can sustain the cost of litigation given its strained finances. Town leadership has warned that without the withheld state funding, municipal operations could face discontinuance as early as November 2026.

The audit documented multiple additional financial deficiencies, including unpaid credit card obligations, potential violations of state laws requiring Bond Commission approval before incurring debt, failure to comply with debt covenants and budgetary restrictions, and accounting practices so disorganized that auditors could not accurately assess the town’s full financial position. The audit stated: “The Town’s generally dysfunctional nature of accounting practices has contributed to a variety of problems, including documentation being unavailable.”

Mayor Kelvin McCoy’s office did not provide comment on the audit findings.

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The Kiwanis Club of Alexandria learned about Uncommon One during last week’s meeting when Sheila Johnson presented information about the nonprofit organization.

Uncommon One focuses on equipping young women to discover their true identity and purpose by pursuing truth. The organization’s vision is to empower the next generation of young women to live passionate, purposeful and peace-filled lives.

The organization provides connection groups for girls in fifth through 12th grades, focusing on truth and identity in Christ. It also provides mental health tips from licensed mental health professionals, community service and outreach projects, and opportunities to build meaningful connections and encourage personal growth.

Uncommon One also aims to increase the overall emotional health of the young women it serves. The organization recognizes challenges young people face, including stress and anxiety, as well as the effects of digital media, difficult life experiences and other pressures on emotional development.

Community members can support Uncommon One by registering daughters for a Connection Group, hosting or sponsoring an event, supporting programs and scholarships, or becoming a group leader or support person.

For more information, call 318-232-2196, visit Uncommon-one.org, or mail correspondence to PO Box 4831, Pineville, LA 71361.

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The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) is proud to announce that its faculty has been named #1 Best Public High School Teachers in America by the newly released 2027 Niche.com rankings. Nationally, LSMSA also ranked #26 of 904 Best Magnet High Schools and #53 of 20,664 Best Public High Schools. The school also maintained its overall grade of A+.

In Louisiana, LSMSA claimed the top spot in multiple categories:

#1 of 335 – Best Public High Schools in Louisiana

#1 of 321 – Best Public High Schools Teachers in Louisiana

#1 of 109 – Best High Schools for STEM in Louisiana

#1 of 13 – Best Magnet High Schools in Louisiana

“Every day, we ask our students to pursue excellence, embrace curiosity, and challenge themselves to grow,” said LSMSA Executive Director Dr. Jason Anderson. “They do so because they are surrounded by mentors who model those same values. This recognition is a reflection of that shared commitment.”

“We are exceedingly proud of our strong, college-level faculty at the Louisiana School. Their expertise is shared daily with our students: through instruction in the classroom, mentoring in office hours, volunteering to sponsor clubs, and many other opportunities,” said Director of Academic Affairs Dr. Jay Harrison.

LSMSA faculty are required to hold a master’s degree or higher in the subjects they teach. Eighty-five percent hold a Ph.D., M.F.A., or other terminal degree in their field.

“Their talent and skill is critical to guiding our talented students through our rigorous curriculum, preparing them for bright futures at some of the nation’s best colleges and universities,” continued Dr. Harrison.

Founded in 1983 as the state’s preeminent residential high school for high-achieving students, LSMSA provides a tuition-free education to qualified Louisiana sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Through articulation agreements with 14 in-state universities, students have the opportunity to earn more than 70 general education credit hours during their time at LSMSA. Many students graduate with dual enrollment credit, and some earn an Associate of General Studies degree.

“The instructors of LSMSA, who have a combined 738 years of teaching experience, are brilliant, dedicated professionals who love watching our bright, motivated, funny, and infinitely curious students succeed,” said Lecturer of History and Faculty Representative to the LSMSA Board of Directors Dr. Kyle Stephens, “and that’s part of what makes this place so special.”

The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts is Louisiana’s top state-supported residential high school, offering selective admissions for the state’s high-achieving, highly motivated sophomores, juniors, and seniors. As a public school, there is no tuition, and support from the LSMSA Foundation ensures the program remains accessible to all qualified students regardless of financial need.

Applications for Fall 2027 are open. Learn more and apply at www.LSMSA.edu.

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