About Ida

Beginnings are tricky, but here we are—fresh page, blinking cursor, and a head full of questions. I’m Ida B. Torn, a lifelong Southerner from Kenner, Louisiana, who’s spent years working in newsrooms, design studios, and public service. I’ve seen my share of life’s chaos and comedy—and learned that sometimes, folks just need straight answers and a little laughter along the way.

Paid Content

Dr. James M. Jackson, 72, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 14, 2026, on the 12th green of the golf course at East Ridge Country Club. A visitation will be held beginning at 9 AM on Thursday, February 19, at St. Marks Episcopal Cathedral of Shreveport, with the funeral to follow at 11 AM with Very Reverend Alston Johnson officiating. The private family internment will be the following day at Wilmer Memorial Cemetery in Lecompte.

Dr. Jackson, affectionally known as Jimbo to his friends and Doc to his family, was a native of Lecompte, LA and a resident of Shreveport for the past 45 years. He was a truly adored and admired husband, father & grandfather, and he reciprocated that love in droves back to his family. He was a beloved physician to countless patients, and his work as a healer was profoundly known throughout the community. From both his patients and the medical coworkers around him, he will forever be remembered for his passion to help others. Yet his healing was not limited to his professional life. His sobriety had spanned the last three decades, and his work as a mentor in the AA community touched the lives of so many. Dr. Jackson was an active member of St. Marks Episcopal community and truly embodied a desire to care for others as Christ did. Doc was an avid golfer, and loved spending time at peace on the water at the camp. There is certainly one more fan of the LSU Fightin’ Tigers in heaven.

Dr. Jackson was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Elizabeth Jackson. He is survived by Kathleen, his loving wife of 49 years; his children Kris Jackson, Erin Dicharry, Blake Jackson and their spouses; his grandchildren Maddie, Grady, Amelie, Hadley, Tad, Ada James and Emile; his brothers Dr. Pete Blanchard and Jack Jackson, their spouse, and numerous nieces and nephews. Serving as pallbearers are Eddie Ellington, Jeff Eskridge, Rick Hailey, Mark Harrison, Dr. Tim Hart, Steve Hatcher, Larry Krison, Mike Leonard, and Randy Smith. The family requests that memorials be made in lieu of flowers to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and CADA, the Council on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse of Northwestern Louisiana.

Homer Lamar Bryan, age 90, of Dry Prong, Louisiana, passed peacefully from this life on February 16, 2026. He was born on October 31, 1935, in Opp, Alabama, to the late William Doss Bryan and Lauris Mozelle Wilson Bryan.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday February 21, 2026, in the chapel of Gallagher Funeral Home & Crematory with Bro. James Brunson and Bro. Danny Babcock officiating. Visitation will take place on Saturday February 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the service hour at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Frazier Cemetery.

For more than fifty years, Homer faithfully served the Lord and his community as a devoted Baptist minister. He pastored numerous congregations throughout his ministry, including Clear Lake Baptist Church, Campbell Baptist Church, and Corinth Baptist Church. His life was marked by unwavering faith, compassion, and a deep love for his church family. Homer considered pastoring not merely a calling, but a lifelong passion, and he cherished every opportunity to minister to others.

He furthered his theological education at Little Rock Seminary, where he earned a diploma in theology. Through his studies and ministry, he sought to faithfully preach the Gospel and shepherd those entrusted to his care.

In addition to his ministry, Homer found joy in watching college football, fishing, and woodworking. He was skilled in carpentry and took pride in creating and repairing things with his hands. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family and church family.

Homer was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Sam, Travis, and Frank Bryan; his sister, Doris Dearborn; his brother-in-law, Donald Dearborn; and his sister-in-law, Delores Bryan.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Linda Bryan; his sons, Larry Dale (Amy) Bryan of Collinston, Louisiana, David Allen (Daisy) Bryan of Jacksonville, Arkansas, and Paul Daniel (Paula) Bryan of Dry Prong, Louisiana; one daughter Laura Dickens of Pineville, La.,his brother Mack Bryan, his sister-in-law, Pat Flanagan of Benton, Kentucky; his grandchildren, Benjamin Bryan, Matthew Bryan, Greg Bryan, Dalton Bryan, Allison Dickens and Nathan Dickens; and his great-grandchildren, Adalynn, Doss, and Alice Bryan.

Homer Lamar Bryan will be remembered for his steadfast faith, gentle spirit, servant’s heart, and lifelong devotion to God, family, and community. His legacy of love and ministry will continue to live on in the many lives he touched.

By JIM BUTLER

It hasn’t taken long for knives out among candidates in the U.S. Senate Republican primary on the ballot in Rapides and every other parish on May 16.

An observer said a long time back there are no true friends in politics, that politicians are all sharks circling and waiting for traces of blood to appear in the water. 

More specifically, Bill Cassidy began bleeding when he voted to convict President Donald Trump of impeachment charges. In the pool are State Treasurer John Fleming, Congresswoman Julia Letlow and Mark Spencer. 

They are vying for the Republican nod to face the Democratic nominee in the November general election. 

Seeking the Democratic spot are Nicho Albares, Gary Crockett and Jamie Davis. 

Two U.S. House primaries are on ballots in different Rapides precincts. 

Congressional District 4 Speaker of the House Mike Johnson is opposed by Joshua Morett and Mike Nichols on the Republican ballot. 

Democrats will pick between Conrad Cable and Matt Gromlich. 

Incumbent 6th District Congressman Cleo Fields is unopposed for the Democrats’ nomination. He’ll be opposed in November by Monique Appeaning, Larry Davis, Chris Johnson or Peter Williams, Republican primary candidates. 

The May voting is but a prelude to a crowded November 3 ballot. 

The House and Senate general elections will be joined then by judicial primaries  – district attorney, district judges, city judges, city marshals, justices of peace and constables. 

Also on the ballot will be School Board posts and  municipal government offices  in Alexandria, Ball, Boyce, Forest Hill, Lecompte, McNary and Woodworth.

A 75-year-old New Orleans native, I returned to my hometown for a Mardi Gras parade this past Sunday. Janet, my wife of 50 years, joined me, and there were some minutes into our descent into the city when I thought it might take 50 years to reach our destination.

The drive Saturday from Alexandria to the City That Care Forgot went surprisingly without a glitch for the most part. Then, as we were entering the city, Janet’s map app on her phone started giving directions that seemed totally foreign to what we were accustomed. With both of us perplexed, she tried my phone device with another map app to compare, and mine gave familiar directions with a reasonable estimated time of arrival, so we decided to try that one.

Yes, I know what you’re already thinking, and you’re right. We should’ve taken the road less travelled by, but we didn’t and it made all the difference in us “experiencing New Orleans” on parade day – any parade day – instead of avoiding it altogether by encircling the perimeter of the city via the Chalmette Battlefield and then travelling the back way to my brother’s home near Touro Hospital via Bay St. Louis.

The problem area was tantalizingly close to our destination. Our approach to St. Charles Avenue was blocked because of a parade, and there were several cars, busses and trucks in the same predicament. A longtime veteran of negotiating crazy traffic in the Crescent City, I figured there’s a simple solution: PANIC! 

Just kidding. I stayed calm and told Janet (who was beginning to panic) we’ll just flip back around and head down a few blocks ’til we see a clearance, and it’ll be smooth sailing. Well, block after block after block, our way was blocked. All while we were riding down neighborhood streets clogged with people, many of whom seemed to be walking back to their cars after  experiencing the parade, whichever danged parade it was blocking our path.

Meanwhile, I was using all my masculine wiles (not masculine wilds) to have fortitude and be creative, minimize my foul utterances and keep my head when all about me are losing theirs and blaming it on me.

And meanwhile, my bladder was feeling like it’s about to explode. Janet called my brother, who answered with much cheer while with the revelers on the parade route and put him on speaker phone. We both tried to explain our situation at the same time and ask for help with directions. And amid a maddening crowd, with us talking to him at the same time, he said he was having trouble “picking us up” on the phone. He understood enough, though, to reassure us that we were not likely to have success getting to our destination for another couple of hours at least.

“But I NEED to go to the bathroom!!” I shouted. He suggested that I might find one near Audubon Park. We headed that way and I seized on the idea of parking in a CVS parking lot, where I saw from a distance some empty spaces – which, at that time, were at a premium, because we hadn’t seen an empty parking pace for miles anywhere. And yet …

The only empty parking spaces were marked “Urgent Care Only.”

“Sorry,” I announced. “I am needing ‘urgent care.’ I’m parking here.” Now, after a quick scan of the stores, shops and the Urgent Care, I decided to try the yogurt place to get to my destination. I figured I’d have to look as pitiful (more so than I already looked) and desperate as I could and beg permission to use the facility, so I lumbered in, hunched my back and looked around. Seeing only a gaggle of girls sitting at a counter and gossiping and laughing, I arched my back upright and strode with haste to the men’s restroom, and “oh, what a relief it was!”    

Then we went to Audubon Park, which was like a scene from the Garden of Eden compared to the traffic we had recently seen, and we walked leisurely around the circle, between a few stops at a bench or the gazebo. The lagoon was as crowded with ducks as the city was with revelers, but there was peace, and then the iconic sight of the steeple of Holy of Name of Jesus Catholic Church looming above the trees and the lagoon. Looking up toward the heavens, I heard the whisper of a fatherly voice say, “Come and see.”         

A glance at my watch showed it was nearing 4 o’clock, the time for the Sunday Vigil Mass, so that’s where we went – for the first time in many years to the church where, as a youth, I rode my bike to serve as an altar boy.

With the booster shot provided by that Mass, we were ready to dive into the  uptown Thoth parade on a made-to-order Sunday afternoon. I am glad to report that, despite some warnings from anti-New Orleans friends about the trouble that abounds at the Paris of the South, the parade was wonderful. People of all colors, ages, nationalities and backgrounds mingled together for a few hours in harmony and joy.

If there were thousands of beads and doubloons and trinkets and folded towels thrown from the floats, there were a million hugs and smiles – at least from our viewpoint near the start of the parade on Magazine Street. Half of those were probably exchanged among my relatives – including one family from Spain.  

It was as if the large and the small and the old and the young in our area of the world channeled the kind of love and joy seen at a celebration of NCAA baseball champions at the LSU campus, which has happened several times.

As for us, when we quit fighting the battle of blockades and took the different route, that made all the difference. And even in massive crowds, love conquers all when given so generously. You cannot help but smile when floating in a sea of smiles.

By Rich Dupree

Recently, we took a deep dive into the topic of “Do we really Love the Locals” when it comes to our shopping and buying habits. We specifically looked at the impact on locally owned businesses, including the “Mom & Pop” stores that depend on your loyal patronage.

Another locally owned business that really depends on your support is Alexandria International Airport. AEX is not only locally owned and operated, but AEX can only grow and offer more carriers to more destinations when you fly locally and choose Alexandria International Airport.

AEX serves nearly 200,000 commercial passengers annually through two carriers: American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Because many of you have chosen to fly out of Alexandria, United Airline service to Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport returns to AEX in May 2026, with twice-daily flights operated by SkyWest Airlines. As demand grows, AEX hopes to see frequency increase to three flights per day. Learn more at https://flyaex.org/united/.

Thankfully, United’s announcement a few months ago has already had a positive impact on lower fares out of Alexandria – and that is why you fly local – to save time and money and support the airport community and other regional stakeholders. While the “Fly Local, AEXplore Global” campaign has ended, you can still find the cost calculator and other resources at https://local.flyaex.org/.

There are many others who depend on you “Loving the Locals.”  When you choose to Fly AEX, you support approximately 60 other businesses that operate at England Airpark, supporting not only aviation, but also manufacturing, logistics, education, engineering, and more. For a list of current tenants, click here: https://englandairpark.org/business/airpark-business-partners/.

As you can see, the economic impact of Alexandria International Airport is HUGE – and AEX is doing its part to keep you coming back. In 2025, AEX invested tens of millions of dollars in airfield and terminal security, including these major capital projects: terminal security, runway extension, baggage belt replacement, wildlife mitigation fence, and airfield electrical system.

Alexandria International Airport is an economic development jewel for Central Louisiana and has earned our support! If you’ve never been to England Airpark and visited AEX, do so soon and see why it is so important to fly local? Save time and money and support our airport community and other regional stakeholders.

Most tours of plantations in our area do not tell the full story of the history of the era, only telling the story of the White families that owned the plantation with nary a mention of the vast majority of the plantation’s population, the enslaved persons who were forced to erect the buildings, farm the land, cook the meals, and do the hard work that made the plantation run.

Alexandria’s Kent House is addressing this historic imbalance with its “Enslaved Persons Tour”, now in its third year. The tours were founded and are conducted by local historian and author Michael Wynne. The brick foundations of the Kent House have several bricks that bear finger and footprints of the enslaved brickmakers, poignant reminders of the people who lived and worked there over 200 years ago and whose forced labor built the Kent House and Louisiana’s other plantations. The house tour delves into details seldom found in the usual tours, such as the fan over the table that was worked by an enslaved person throughout the meal. In the master’s bedroom, two enslaved persons slept on mats at the foot of the bed, at the beck and call of the master and his wife throughout the night. These and other details help bring a more honest and complete picture of life in the antebellum plantation era.

The Kent House’s “Enslaved Person’s Tour” is an eye opening event. Upcoming tours will be Friday, February 20^th at 5:30 and Saturday February 21 at 1:00.

The City of Alexandria, Louisiana Division of Community Services is reminding residents that a permit may be required when organizing a gathering, celebration, rally or community event in a public park or other public space.

City officials said permits help ensure proper use of shared spaces, coordination with city services, public safety, clean-up planning and noise management to support a smooth and successful event.

A permit allows local authorities to review and approve the use of public space for specific activities to prevent conflicts with other uses or disruptions. Organizers are encouraged to apply at least 30 days in advance to allow time for review and to avoid delays or cancellations.

For more information or to apply, visit the city’s website or contact the Division of Community Services at 318-449-5225.

On Sunday, March 1 at 2 pm, the Jewish Temple will host a concert featuring the Afro-Semitic Experience, a musical group featuring David Chevan (upright bass) and Warren Byrd (keyboard and vocals).  David is from Connecticut and Warren will be traveling here from Amsterdam. The Afro-Semitic Experience blends African American and Jewish musical traditions into something soulful and joyful, while simultaneously genre-defying. Their partnership started with a simple idea: to bring together spirituals, gospel, and Jewish liturgical music and use a jazz lens to interpret and meld those traditions. The Temple brought them here for a concert 20 years ago and it was very well received.  We are delighted to be able to have them perform here again.

This concert is free and open to the community. A reception will follow the concert.  The concert will be held in the Temple sanctuary.  You can enter from the glass doors on Turner Street.  The concert is made possible by the Bindursky-Fuhrer Fund.

In April 1964, Walter and Betty Roberts opened the Actors and Writers Workshop in Atlanta, Georgia, “to provide younger talent in all fields with an opportunity to develop and showcase their talents, and to encourage an interest and participation in theater arts among young people, especially high school students.” Walter and Betty met nine years earlier during the casting of a play. Walter and Better were cast as husband and wife who bitterly hated each other, but in real life, it was love at first sight. Three days after they met, Walter proposed and Betty instantly accepted. As soon as the tour ended, they eloped. They worked in theater together until they decided to form their own production company. The A&W Workshop guided the young actors and writers by hosting various performances based on their talents. In celebration of William Shakespeare’s 400th birthday, they selected for their first touring production, “Othello.” Walter directed and played the part of the jealous Moor who killed the tragic Desdemona, who was played by Betty. Since it was a new venture with little capital, “Othello” was presented in modern dress. Walter had an orchestra, which included three musicians from the local Briarcliff High School, prerecord the music for the production. The announcement invited “Artists wishing to associate with the group [to] apply by letter. No fees are involved.”

In 1965, Coretta King called the A&W Workshop and asked if her nine-year-old daughter Yolanda could join the troupe. At just eight years old, Yolanda had written her first play, but she had been turned away from other theater groups because they did not accept black students. Betty, who thought talent was colorblind, told Coretta, “Sure. Come on over.” Yolanda was welcomed into the A&W Workshop and was regularly cast as the lead female in productions. By April 1966, Yolanda was one of two assistant directors of the company. She was just 10 years old at the time. Walter and Betty became close friends with Coretta and her husband, Martin.

In the following year, 1967, Betty was pregnant with her second child. Although the A&W Workshop had a full tour schedule, it was struggling financially. In June, the young performers opened the summer season with “Joan of Arc,” followed by “Little Plays for Little People,” “Green Pastures,” and “Once Upon a Mattress.” In September 1967, the A&W Workshop began its fall season and advertised that although it had already begun, they were still accepting applications for membership. Walter and Betty were in a financial slump and needed more students. On October 28, 1967, Walter and Betty welcomed their second child, a daughter, into the world. It was a happy occasion, mostly. Walter, Betty, and their son, Eric, were overjoyed with the new addition to their family, but Walter and Betty worried about the looming hospital bill which they were unable to afford. When Yolanda’s parents learned about their financial difficulty, they remembered when Walter and Betty had accepted their daughter when everyone else turned her away. Yolanda’s parents, Coretta Scott King and her husband, civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., paid the full hospital bill for Walter and Betty. You know Walter and Betty’s daughter. Her name is Julia Roberts.

Sources:

1. The Atlanta Journal, April 12, 1964, p.10-D.

2. The Atlanta Journal, April 23, 1964, p.71.

3. The Atlanta Journal, May 10, 1964, p.104.

4. The Atlanta Journal, July 31, 1964, p.26.

5. The Atlanta Journal, April 22, 1966, p.29.

6. The Atlanta Journal, June 29, 1967, p.79.

7. The Atlanta Constitution, September 9, 1967, p.37.

8. Caitlin O’Kane, “Julia Roberts reveals Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King paid for her parents’ hospital bill when she was born,” CBS News.com, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/julia-roberts-martin-luther-king-jr-and-coretta-scott-king-paid-birth-hospital-bill/, accessed February 8, 2026.

William Hudson “Bill” Dick Jr. was called home to be with the Lord on February 11, 2026. Bill was born in Alexandria, La, on August 4, 1947, to Jane Catherine “Kitty” Kelley Dick and William Hudson Dick, Sr. He was a graduate of Bolton High School and Louisiana Tech where he was a proud member of Sigma Nu fraternity.

Bill’s personal and professional accomplishments were numerous but the impact that he had on so many lives is truly his legacy. His compassionate heart, iron-willed determination and true love for people and life made him a rare treasure! He spent nearly all his life helping others, children with physical and mental handicaps being his primary focus. As an employee of La Department of Children and Family Services in Marksville, La, “Uncle Bill” (as he was affectionately known by many) worked with extraordinary children. He blessed handicapped children and their caregivers with great love, care and commitment. When his father fell ill Bill moved to Alexandria where he continued his selfless work with the La Special Education Center for the next 32 years.

Bill was an avid lifelong supporter of the Jaycees, serving that organization in many capacities including president of the Marksville chapter. He was instrumental in raising money for Muscular Dystrophy as well, once doing a “pole sit” high in the air to raise money. He was locally hailed as “The Guy in the Sky”! He was also a longtime eucharistic minister in the Catholic Church, again, giving of himself to the benefit of others.

Uncle Bill’s passion for the Kentucky Derby was widely known! In the lead up to the first Saturday in May, Uncle Bill fielded numerous calls from friends and family seeking his insight on the “ponies”! To his many friends and loved ones, the Kentucky Derby will forever be a reminder of Uncle Bill.

Bill is survived by sister, Catherine D. “Kitty” Kimball and husband Clyde, brother Austin L. Dick and wife Sambra, former sister-in-law Shelly D. Dick and his “Official Uncle Bill Fan Club”, the many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews that thought the world of him and will dearly miss his annual Happy Birthday song messages. He was proceeded in death by his parents, brother Kelley R Dick, Sr. and brother John Quentin Dick, Sr. and Quentin’s former wife Frances.

Bill was loved by many but asked that a special thank you be extended to his cousin Ann Brame Silver for taking such great care of him through the years, a huge thank you to his primary caregiver Mrs. Gloria King for her selfless dedication and love for Bill and to his very special friends Kim and Kenny Brady for their companionship and good meals. Bill’s family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to, Dr Gary Jones, the Naomi Heights staff and Christus Hospice for their exceptional care.

Visitation will be held at Kramer Funeral Home Chapel in Alexandria on Saturday, February 21, from 10:00am until a service at Noon. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Bill’s honor to the Muscular Dystrophy Association or Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, P.O. Box 910864, Lexington, KY 40591.

Mrs. Marie R. Tison, age 93, widow of the late Richard Anthony Tison, passed away at Conway Medical Center on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 following a brief illness.

Born September 19, 1932 in Tennessee, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Jefferson Rogers and the late Minnie Anne Wilson Rogers. Marie graduated from Unicoi County High School in Irwin, TN, and soon moved to Washington, DC where she worked for the FBI. While working there, she met and married Richard Anthony Tison and shared 62 years of marriage with him prior to his death in 2014.

Richard and Marie traveled extensively during their marriage including trips to Texas, Arizona, Hawaii, Louisiana, and Tennessee. Marie was a woman of great faith and was a member of the Pentecostals of Alexandria for many years.

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her siblings, Johnny Rogers, Jack Rogers, Howard Rogers, Peggy Rogers, Ed Rogers, and Velma Rogers Lewis.

Survivors include her children, Peggy Tison Kirby (Tim), Karen Tison Hills (William), and Richard Larkin Tison (Karen Sue); her grandchildren, Ashley Carruth Fowler (Billy), Meagan Tilson McLaughlin (Ben), Richard Houston Hampton, Blake Laron Tison (Rachel), William Beckett Hills (Eleanor), Kristin Kirkby Shaw (Aaron), Heath Hampton, and Timmy Kirkby; her great-grandchildren, Abigail Fowler Johnson (Robert), Payton Blase Fowler, Hannah Fowler Jennings (Judah), Richard Robert William Fowler, Richmond Wyatt Fowler, Katherine Jolene Fowler, Charlotte Hadassah Fowler, Eleanor Ruth Fowler, Maggie June Hills, Kyle Kirkby, Brendan Kirkby, Elizabeth Kirkby, and Anessa Anne Fowler; her great-great grandchildren, Violet Rose McLaughlin, Meredith Avery McLaughlin, Richard Thatcher Tison, Azzariah Wayne Johnson, Boaz Anthony Johnson, Eleanor Ruth Johnson, and baby Jennings on the way; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family.

Mrs. Tison will be laid to rest with her husband at Arlington National Cemetery later this Spring. Her grandsons, Richard Houston Hampton and Blake Laron Tison will officiate.

Please sign the online guest register at http://www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com

Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, Louisiana State Police, and former co-workers of Retired Louisiana State Police Master Trooper James G. Ryder, who passed away on Feb. 16.

Trooper Ryder, known as E-28, proudly served the citizens of Louisiana with honor, integrity, and professionalism throughout his distinguished career.

While assigned to this area, for over 20-years, he worked alongside and was always there to assist and support Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, no matter the circumstance or call for service. He even allowed some of the deputies to ride with him to train them in traffic law enforcement. His steady presence, experience, and willingness to help exemplified the true meaning of teamwork in law enforcement.

He earned the respect of parish residents and made many lasting friendships while serving in Natchitoches Parish. Many times, you could see him networking with deputies at the NPSO South Sub-Station. Trooper Ryder’s dedication to public safety, his commitment to his fellow officers, and his compassion for the community will not be forgotten.

We are grateful for his years of service and the positive impact he made on our agency and our parish. Please keep his family, friends, and the men and women of the Louisiana State Police in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Thank You E-28 Trooper James Ryder. We salute you for your dedicated service to the Citizens of the State of Louisiana.

James Gordon Ryder Obituary

Funeral services for James Gordon Ryder will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 19, 2026, in the Chapel of Hixson Brothers, Alexandria, with Reverend Dwayne Davis and Reverend Benji Rhame officiating. Entombment will be in Greenwood Memorial Park.

The family requests that visitation be held at Hixson Brothers, Alexandria, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

James was born on July 7, 1947, and peacefully departed this life on February 16, 2026, at the age of 78.
James graduated from Boyce High School in 1965 and attended Louisiana College. He began his career with the Alexandria Police Department. James left APD to become the Acting Chief of Police in Boyce, where he was elected to serve two terms. During James’ second term as Police Chief, he pursued his dream of becoming a Louisiana State Trooper with Troop E. He dedicated twenty-six years of service to the Louisiana State Police and the citizens of Louisiana, serving many of those years in Natchitoches Parish, where he made lifelong friends. He retired on September 21, 2001, at the rank of Master Trooper.

Following his retirement from the Louisiana State Police, he worked for the U. S. Marshal Service within the JPATS Division. James then began employment as a School Resource Officer at the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office. Upon his final retirement from RPSO, James spent time enjoying beekeeping, hunting, and fishing, as well as woodworking, serving as President of the Red River Arts Guild. He also attended Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Pollock, Louisiana, and enjoyed spending time with his fellow Parkinson Group at B-22 in Dry Prong, Louisiana. James loved his horses and his dogs, but his favorite was his Pomeranian, “Princess”.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Edna Ford Ryder; brothers, Thomas Ryder, Harold Ryder (Rita), CC “Sonny” Ryder (Betty), Richard Ryder (Margaret); and sisters, Suzian Teske and Jewel Dean Miller (Marlin). He was also preceded by his dearest and closest friends, E.C. Spurgeon and Grundy James.

Surviving James are his beloved wife of 59 years, Gwen Davis Ryder; his sons, Keith (Misty), and Chris (Kim). James was a proud grandfather to Kassady (Ryan), Kessler (Hailey), Chelsea, and Matthew, and a most proud great-grandfather to Jesse James Ryder. He is also survived by his sister, Linda Thomas (Roland), and his brother, Bill Ryder (Shirley).

Pallbearers will be Kessler Ryder, Matthew Ryder, Brandon Thomas, Cole Ryder, Cody Ryder, and Jesse Davis. Honorary pallbearers will be Joel Davis, Bryan Ryder, Jeff Scallan, Derek Ray, and Ryan Culhane.

By JIM BUTLER

Once, twice, three times and the lady is done.

It’s official – Pineville City Council member Christy Frederic is completing her third, and final, term.

In a chance courthouse chat Friday, closing day for candidate qualifying for the May 16 primary, Frederic said she felt it time for someone else to represent District 3 and for her to do other things.

Long-time District 5 incumbent Nathan Martin announced his retirement decision earlier.

Four of the five Council seats are being contested, as is the mayor’s post.

A combination of resignations and retirements results in voters having an opportunity to affirm or reject three interim opponents.

Only Kevin Dorn, District 2, is without a challenger.

The lineup:

Mayor – Joe Bishop, incumbent, interim appointment; Chris Camp; Rusty Murdock, (all registered Republican);

District 1 – Randy O’Neal, incumbent, interim appointment, No Party; Greg Aaron, Democrat ; Dann Eudy Jr., NP;

District 3 – Peter Ford, R; Hugh Halle, NP;

District 4 – John Marcase, interim appointment, R; Celeste Mobley, NP;

District 5 – Mark Mertens, R; Tom Murphy, R; Samantha Stanley, NP.

Ida Wells Road in Ward 11, District C will be closed to through traffic beginning Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, due to culvert replacement.

The closure will be in effect daily from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. while work is underway.

The notice was issued by the Rapides Parish Police Jury. Motorists are advised to plan alternate routes during the scheduled work hours.

The Alexandria Lions Club announced that members Rachel Hazelton and Susan Porterfield Ballard recently graduated from the Regional Lions Leadership Institute.

The institute brought together Lions from across MD8 for leadership development and training. Club officials said the two members enjoyed connecting with fellow Lions while strengthening skills to better serve their community.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announces a $2 million project to provide a number of gateway enhancements along LA 498 just south of I-49 near the Alexandria International Airport in Rapides Parish.

Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, Feb. 16 at approximately 7 a.m., and includes clearing and grubbing, grading, drainage structure installation, asphalt concrete paving, concrete sidewalks and driveways, safety rails, landscaping, and related work.

Alternating lane closures on LA 498 between England Drive and LA 1 will be necessary to allow construction to progress safely and efficiently. Motorists should drive with extreme caution through the work zone, paying attention to advance warning signage and posted speed limits.

All work is anticipated to be completed by Summer 2026, with progress dependent on weather conditions and other factors that can impact construction timelines.

The contract was awarded to Progressive Construction Co., LLC.

Permit/Detour section
There are no detour’s associated with this project.

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

Additional Information
Call 511, visit http://www.511la.org, or download the Louisiana 511 mobile app for additional travel information. Out-of-state travelers may call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website at http://www.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MyDOTD, or by visiting the DOTD Facebook and X (Twitter) pages.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) advises the public that on Monday, Feb. 16 at approximately 7 a.m., emergency bridge repairs will begin on the portion of I-49 northbound over the Diversion Canal near mile marker 62 in Rapides Parish. This bridge was struck by an 18-wheeler in December 2025.

In conjunction with these repairs and the current northbound left lane closure, the southbound left lane of I-49 at this location will have intermittent lane closures for the duration of this project.

This emergency repair project consists of pile replacement and related work.

This contract was awarded to C.E.C., Inc. in the estimated amount of $587,000.

Permit/Detour section
There are no detours at this time associated with these lane closures.

Safety Reminder
DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.

Additional Information
Call 511, visit www.511la.org, or download the Louisiana 511 mobile app for additional travel information. Out-of-state travelers may call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website at www.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MyDOTD, or by visiting the DOTD Facebook and X (Twitter) pages.