By RON HIGGINS, Journal Sports

BATON ROUGE – After a coy courtship, Lane Kiffin finally said “yes to the dress” Sunday morning.

The 50-year-old Kiffin, who led Ole Miss to its first 11-win regular season this year, accepted a reported $84 million, 7-year offer (plus bonuses) to become the 33rd LSU head football coach in history.

He replaces Brian Kelly, who was fired on Oct. 26 after 3 ½ seasons. In 14 seasons as a college head coach (Tennessee, USC, Florida Atlantic and Ole Miss), Kiffin is 116-53, including 55-19 (32-17) in the last six seasons with the Rebels. An official introduction at LSU is expected around midday Monday.

Kiffin met with Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter and school chancellor Glynn Boyce for four hours stretching from late Saturday afternoon into the night.

He was slated to inform his team at an early afternoon meeting on Sunday that he was leaving. LSU reportedly sent planes to Oxford to bring him and his family to Baton Rouge.

With the 2025 Tigers becoming the first LSU team in history to score 25 points or fewer against all of its FBS (Division 1-A) opponents in the regular season, the school wanted to hire a head coach with high-scoring offensive concepts.

Under Kiffin, the Ole Miss offense has ranked as the most prolific in the nation, leading the FBS in both yards per game since the beginning of the 2020 season (503.2) and total yards (37,235). Ole Miss is also the lone school nationally to rank top-six since 2020 in both passing (third) and rushing (sixth).

It was widely known that Kiffin wanted to coach the 11-1 Rebels in their anticipated College Football Playoff appearance. Ole Miss declined because it didn’t want Kiffin around its players when the transfer portal opens on Jan. 2.

Kiffin led the Rebels to five consecutive bowl berths (including three wins), a CFP playoff berth, and two New Year’s Six appearances. Kiffin had three 10-win seasons in Oxford, including Ole Miss’s first-ever 11-win season.

Since 2021, Ole Miss ranks third in the SEC at 50 wins, trailing only Georgia (63) and Alabama (54).

In his head coaching stops at USC, Tennessee and FAU, Kiffin helped turn programs around. He came to Ole Miss from Florida Atlantic, where he flipped an FAU program that won nine games over the previous three seasons with two conference titles and two 10-win seasons.

Kiffin graduated from Fresno State in 1998 after playing quarterback for three seasons (1994-96) for the Bulldogs. He began his coaching career as a student assistant at Fresno State under Pat Hill in 1997 and 1998.

Kiffin has been fired twice as a head coach, first after 20 games by the NFL’s then-Oakland Raiders in 2008 and then by USC five games into his fourth season in 2013.

Nick Saban resurrected Kiffin’s career when the now-retired Alabama head coach hired him as the Crimson Tide’s offensive coordinator in January 2014.

Kiffin convinced Saban to use more spread offense and play at a faster tempo.

In Kiffin’s three seasons, Alabama was a combined 40-4 overall, 22-2 in the SEC, won three league championships and played in CFP finals, winning a national title in 2015.

It was Saban, who won a national championship in 2003 during his third season at LSU, that convinced Kiffin he should consider coaching the Tigers. He told Kiffin about Louisiana’s fertile high school football recruiting grounds, something that swayed Saban to leave Michigan State for the Tigers in 2000.

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The Rapides Parish School Board announced that seven schools have been named Opportunity Honorees for the 2024–2025 school year. The recognition is awarded to schools ranking in the top 10 percent statewide for serving economically disadvantaged students, students with disabilities and English language learners, while maintaining strong academic performance and positive behavior standards across all student groups.

Opportunity Honorees include Bolton Academy, Caroline Dormon Jr. High, Paradise Elementary, Plainview High, Poland Jr. High, Ruby Wise Elementary and Tioga High.

In addition, the district announced that 25 campuses have been recognized as Top Gains Honorees for 2024–2025. This designation honors schools that earned an “A” for ensuring students meet or exceed learning goals while upholding positive learning environments for all students.

District officials noted that this achievement reflects the dedication of teachers, administrators and support staff whose commitment to student success drives continued academic growth. The district also commended students for their hard work and progress throughout the year.

Top Gains Honorees include Alexandria Senior High, Ball Elementary, Buckeye Elementary, Buckeye High, Caroline Dormon Jr. High, Carter C. Raymond Jr. High, D.F. Huddle Elementary, Forest Hill Jr. High, Glenmora High, Hayden R. Lawrence Upper Elementary, J.B. Nachman Elementary, J.I. Barron Elementary, Lessie Moore Elementary, Mary Goff Elementary, Northwood High, Oak Hill High, Paradise Elementary, Peabody Montessori Elementary, Pineville High, Plainview High, Poland Jr. High, Ruby Wise Elementary, Tioga Elementary, Tioga High and Tioga Jr. High.

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The Alexandria Police Department responded to a crash involving a motor vehicle and an electric scooter on Nov. 28 around 6:26 am at the intersection of MacArthur Drive and Coliseum Boulevard.  The operator of the scooter, 43-year-old Donald Ray Dotson Jr., was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.  As is standard procedure, routine toxicology tests were conducted.  Results indicate that impairment is not believed to have been a contributing factor.

This is currently an ongoing investigation.

If anyone has any information about this incident or any other type of crime in the Alexandria area, please contact the Alexandria Police Detective Division at the phone number (318) 441-6416, or APD Dispatch (318) 441-6559. You may also email information to detectives at: APDDetectives@cityofalex.com.

For a cash reward, call Crime Stoppers of CenLa at (318) 443-7867. The Crime Stoppers P3 Tipster App can also be downloaded to leave tips and get a claim number for a cash reward at http://www.p3tips.com/community/mobile.

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The Alexandria Police Department responded to a three-vehicle crash on Nov. 30 around 4:29 am on southbound I-49 that resulted in one fatality.

The preliminary investigation indicates that a red GMC Acadia, driven by 28-year-old Danielle Jones, was traveling southbound when it left the roadway and struck a guardrail. The initial impact caused the vehicle to become disabled in the middle of the roadway. Moments later, due to heavy rainfall and significantly reduced visibility, the disabled Acadia was struck by two additional southbound vehicles, resulting in a secondary collision.

Jones sustained critical injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.

This is currently an ongoing investigation.

If anyone has any information about this incident or any other type of crime in the Alexandria area, please contact the Alexandria Police Detective Division at the phone number (318) 441-6416, or APD Dispatch (318) 441-6559. You may also email information to detectives at: APDDetectives@cityofalex.com.

For a cash reward, call Crime Stoppers of CenLa at (318) 443-7867. The Crime Stoppers P3 Tipster App can also be downloaded to leave tips and get a claim number for a cash reward at http://www.p3tips.com/community/mobile.

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Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

Nov. 30

Ethan Issac Croft, 23, Delhi – OWI first offense, improper backing, $1,100 bail;

Trinity John Sullivan, 30, Elmer — domestic abuse battery intentional serious injury, cruelty to juveniles, simple assault, second degree kidnapping, simple battery, $1,000 bail;

Dewayne Wade, 41, Alexandria – OWI first offense, $1,000 bail.

Nov. 29

Michael Thomas Cruz, 19, Elmer – OWI underage, careless operation of a vehicle, $600 bail;

Destiny Kapi Mitchell, 36, Boyce – aggravated arson, no bail data.

Nov. 28

Bianco Karlino Greene, 49, Alexandria – two counts possession of CDS, contempt of court, $2,500 bail;

Jackie Ray Johnson Jr., 25, Alexandria – six counts contempt of court, $33,000 bail;

Michael Lofton, 26, Alexandria – OWI second offense, improper lane usage, $1,600 bail;

Lance Adam McDaniel III, 35, Pineville – operating a vehicle while under suspension for certain prior offenses, speeding, no child restraint system, two counts contempt of court, $20,700 bail;

Jaylan Alexander Rye, 31, Alexandria – six counts contempt of court, $35,000 bail;

Courtney Xaiver Marche Walters, 30, Alexandria – illegal possession of a stolen firearm, running a yellow light, no driver’s license, resisting an officer, possession of firearm by a convicted felon, no insurance, $50,600 bail;

Stephen Lee Weeks Jr., 44, Bossier – possession of CDS, two counts theft, contempt of court, $4,000 bail.

Nov. 27

Rakeem Troudelle Brown, 31, Alexandria – 10 counts contempt of court, $42,250 bail;

Shelby Neal Dauzart, 56, Deville – OWI second offense, reckless operation of a vehicle, $2,000 bail;

Travis Johnson, 45, Alexandria – two counts possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, no head light, aggravated obstruction of highway, probation violation, $3,600 bail;

Terineesha D’Na Nelson, 32, Alexandria – possession of synthetic cannabinoid, contempt of court, $5,500 bail;

Kerry Lynn Parker, 42, Alexandria – possession of marijuana, aggravated assault, disturbing the peace, contempt of court, $26,500 bail;

David Scott, 70, Pineville – OWI first offense, speeding, open container, $1,200 bail;

Davontae Stubbs, 21, Alexandria – two counts possession of CDS, possession of legend drugs, producing manufacturing distributing CDS, paraphernalia, $5,000 bail.

Nov. 26

Jonathon Ashcraft, 37, Hodge – theft, violation of protective orders, $1,500 bail;

Benjamin Garett Clark, 41, Ville Platte – six counts contempt of court, $250,000 bail;

Matthew Gene Gross, 34, Ball – two counts contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Jerome Devon Hobbs, 41, Alexandria – simple escape, criminal trespass, theft, simple battery, obstruction of justice, possession of CDS, seven counts contempt of court, $150,000 bail;

Aaron Demond Jones, 28, Alexandria – possession of CDS, two counts producing manufacturing distributing CDS, four counts attempted second degree murder, $2 million bail;

Jauan Javontea Lloyd, 21, Alexandria – first degree murder, second degree murder, attempted second degree murder, possession of handgun by juvenile, illegal carrying of a weapon, $1.77 million bail;

Kevin Dewone Martin, 26, Grambling – Louisiana fugitive, parole violations, possession of marijuana, identity theft, simple burglary, resisting an officer, $16,000 bail.

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Funeral services for Mrs. Leeanna “Lea” Vanderwater-Coble will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, with Reverend Josh White officiating. Interment will follow in Alexandria Memorial Gardens, Woodworth, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

Lea, age 40, of Mansura, entered eternal rest on Friday, November 28, 2025.

She was a loving wife and devoted mother, whose heart had room for everyone, especially animals. Lea adored her children and never hesitated to put the needs of others before her own. She enjoyed fishing with her father and her son, Mason. Lea was always laughing and full of life, bringing warmth and joy wherever she went; she was truly the life of every gathering. Her kindness, spirit, and unwavering love for those around her will never be forgotten, and she will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Donna Ballard; her grandfather, Bob Ballard; one niece, Kaylie Greer; and her cousin, Randy Ballard.

Those left to mourn her loss and cherish her memory include her husband, Christopher “Chris” Coble of Mansura; two sons, Mason Lu of Mansura, and Caleb Richey of Greenwood; one daughter, Kaylynn Lu of Greenwood; her father, Emmett Vanderwater (Sandy) of Alexandria; one brother, Joe Vanderwater (Sondra) of Alexandria; one sister, Lisa Greer (Jimmy) of Dry Prong; five nephews, Tyler Vanderwater, Hunter Greer, Landon Greer, Braden Greer, and Gavin Greer; one niece, Shelby Vanderwater; her grandmother, Mary Shaw of Greenwood; and two uncles, Reggie Ballard (Linda) of Boyce, and Rick Ballard (Randy) of Greenwood.

A time of visitation will be in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 12:00 noon until time of service.

Pallbearers honored to serve are: Mason Lu, Hunter Greer, Landon Greer, Braden Greer, Gavin Greer, and Hunter Hawthorne. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Vanderwater, Russell Wright, and Tristan Conn.

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Lynn Lee Knight, age 71, passed away on November 25, 2025, in Ruby, Louisiana, at his beloved property due to a tragic accident. Born on June 10, 1954, to Lacey and Mary Jane Knight, Lynn was the oldest of six siblings and spent his early years in Boyce, Louisiana, where he developed a deep affection for the outdoors, particularly through hunting and fishing.

As a boy, he helped raise cattle, worked in the family sawmill and water well-drilling business, and had a knack for making things happen – even if it meant occasionally skipping school for fishing trips. A talented athlete, Lynn enjoyed running track and even dabbled in dirt bike racing until an injury forced him to shift gears. As a teenager, he worked at the Boyce Co-op, where he learned the value of hard work and dedication. He carried those lessons into adulthood, becoming a skilled commercial fisherman. His passion for the water led him to own a fish market in Boyce, where he shared his love for fresh seafood with friends and neighbors.

Throughout his life, Lynn wore many hats. He worked as a roofer and a millwright before returning to his farming roots and raising cattle until he retired. He was always passionate about hunting, especially coon hunting, and won several competitions, while also playing a significant role as an officiator. He actively participated in the Alpine Coon Hunters Association and served as secretary for the Kisatchie Coon Hunters Association.

Lynn’s love for the outdoors didn’t stop there. He owned and proudly flew his own airplane, combining his love for aviation with his adventurous spirit. Once she retired, his wife would join him, making memories and traveling together. Beyond his recreational pursuits, he was an active member of Pinegrove Baptist Church for over 37 years. He served as the chairman of the finance committee, taught Sunday school, and actively participated in the weekly men’s prayer breakfast. A dedicated Gideon, Lynn was known for his generosity and care for his community.

Lynn is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Lois Anne Frazier Knight, who has stood by his side through all of life’s adventures. He also leaves to cherish his memory two beautiful daughters, Wendy Lee Knight and Emily Anne Knight; one son, Daniel Wesley Knight; one grandchild, Kaylee McDaniel; siblings, James Wesley Knight “Jimbo”, Bruce Knight (Gayla), Brian Knight (Gorettia), Jane Varholdt (Ted), and Amy Knight as well as a host of numerous nieces, nephews and a multitude of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lacey and Mary Jane Smith Knight, and his loving in-laws, Glen and Vera Frazier.Funeral services for Lynn will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Pinegrove Baptist Church with Lane Fletcher, Richard Swain, Jr., and Mickey Hudnall officiating. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Baptist Cemetery.

Services were held on Nov. 30. Pallbearers honored to serve were Curt Fuqua, Rodney Green, Keith Martin, Jeff Kendrick, David Smith, Kevin Bynog, Roy Humphries, and Sam Montelaro. Honorary pallbearers were the Deacons of Pine Grove Baptist Church.

He never met a stranger, was a friend to everyone, and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He will be dearly and greatly missed by his family and friends.

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The team that produces your Rapides Parish Journal is taking a holiday break. There will not be a Friday morning edition.

Thanksgiving is a family-centered holiday that leads into a long weekend. Our crew will pause its work to share time with those they treasure most.

With Friday comes shopping and plenty of football to watch, or some prime time in the woods looking for that trophy buck.

So pardon us as we do not publish our regular edition Friday. We’ll be back in your e-mail Monday morning at 6:55, online at RapidesParishJournal.com and on our Facebook page with the coverage you can’t get anywhere else.

We’ll have our usual news and lifestyle coverage and will recap the ASH Trojans’ high school football playoff game Friday night.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and holiday weekend!

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Observations from conversations with young and not-so-young during early holidays encounters:

Puzzled looks when mentioning anniversary of Gettysburg Address.

“You know, ‘Four score and’,” I said, drawing blanks. Is that no longer required memory work? If so, how long?

Asking what might have been learned if Oswald had survived, more stares.  Didn’t bother to mention Jack Ruby.

Realizing whether we watched the games or not results would be the same.

Children and young adults who’ve never heard of, much less seen, The Wizard of Oz yet are gaga over Wicked.

Holiday week activities planned around the next Roblox event, whatever that might be.

How do you get to middle age in our state without knowing what grillades are?

Speaking of certain age, first-time home buyer stunned by just-received property tax notice, wondering if it’s every year and who decides how much.

Oh my. Hadn’t the heart to ruin his evening.

Remembering that at his age I planned to succeed Eddie Mathews as Milwaukee Braves third baseman (yes, they were not always in Atlanta), asked pre-teener if he knew yet what he wanted to do.

“I’m going to be a YouTuber.” Roger that.

As branches gathered, explained Thanksgiving origins to one member of early elementary age – Native Americans, Pilgrims, turkey. You know the story. 

Asked if understood. “Did they get out of school?”

The more things change …

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The Alexandria Senior High Trojans head to Baton Rouge Friday to meet another state high school football powerhouse, Catholic of Baton Rouge, in an LHSAA Select Division I quarterfinal playoff game.

Kickoff is 7 p.m. from Memorial Stadium, just off I-110 near the Governor’s Mansion, with game coverage streamed at 446Sports.com.

The Trojans and Bears are both 9-2 this season. ASH played in last year’s state championship game. Catholic won the 2023 state title.

The Bears, seeded fourth, have won their last six games, including a dominant 37-14 win over 20^th-seeded Captain Shreve last Friday night.

The fifth-seeded Trojans moved forward last Friday with a 38-27 win over 12^th-seeded Brother Martin.

Sophomore running back Kason Williams ran for 146 yards and three touchdowns, and caught another TD pass from Karson Sellers while posting 94 yards in receptions. Noble Williams ran for 120 yards for ASH.

Jaytun Terry made two interceptions to lead the Trojans’ defense.

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Nov. 26

Christopher Antwan Dubreuil, 38, Alexandria – three counts possession of CDS, paraphernalia, contempt of court, $6,500 bail;

Heliena Morse, 44, Boyce – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, $1,100 bail;

Jeffrey Scott Paul, 48, Sulphur – OWI first offense, careless operation of a vehicle, $1,100 bail.

Nov. 25

Shawn Joseph Breland, 38, Deville – six counts contempt of court, $154,500 bail;

Kenneth Burch, 51, Alexandria – criminal damage to property, disturbing the peace, resisting an officer, $850 bail;

Chase Thomas Dauzat, 31, Pineville – speeding, switched license plate, driving under suspension, no insurance, failure to secure registration, eight counts contempt of court, $154,000 bail;

Logan Kaleb Dunn, 20, Boyce – simple burglary, theft, two counts unauthorized entry into critical infrastructure, $30,500 bail;

Torrance Anthony Gordon, 30, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, paraphernalia, illegal carry firearm with drugs, obstruction of justice, contempt of court, $12,500 bail;

John Isaac Rollins, 34, Pineville – aggravated assault with a firearm, $5,000 bail;

Curtis Rominger, 33, Deville – driving under suspension, careless operation of a vehicle, contempt of court, $50,200 bail.

Nov. 24

Michael Attaway, 23, Boyce – theft of a package delivered to inhabited dwelling, criminal trespass, $3,000 bail;

Terrell Jerrod Bryant, 44, Alexandria – possession of fentanyl, bicycle reflectors required, $5,100 bail;

Jared Kemp Cole, 33, Deville – two counts Louisiana fugitive, contempt of court, $3,000 bail;

Malcolm Rashod Fay, 26, Alexandria – remaining on premises, possession of drug paraphernalia, 11 counts contempt of court, $23,750 bail;

Robert Eugene Herron, 51, Plainview – attempted second-degree murder, $75,000 bail;

Ladarius Dayquan Hicks, 28, Pineville – four counts attempted murder, probation violation, contempt of court, $1.63 million bail;

James Clay Hyde, 63, Deville – OWI third offense, operating a vehicle while under suspension for certain prior offenses, careless operation, no MVI sticker, $75,700 bail;

Michael Anthony Hymes, 47, Alexandria – OWI second offense, $1,500 bail;

Rahkeim LeeShawn Irwin, 22, Alexandria – aggravated assault domestic abuse, domestic abuse battery pregnant, $7,500 bail;

Dontavious Jenkins, 22, Colfax – possession of marijuana, illegal carry firearm with drugs, improper lane usage, no driver’s license, $3,200 bail;

Barry Douglas Malone Jr., 41, Ball – domestic abuse battery, domestic abuse battery strangulation, two counts contempt of court, $5,000 bail;

Myron Renard Moore, 57, Alexandria – cruelty to juveniles, domestic abuse aggravated assault with child endangerment, aggravated assault, $4,000 bail;

Lonnie Verdell Papayanis, 32, Alexandria – 20 counts contempt of court, $34,500 bail;

James Michael Setliff, 37, Pineville – OWI first offense, gross littering, open container, switched license plate, switched MVI, failure to secure registration, driving under suspension, no insurance, four counts contempt of court, $152,900 bail;

Robert Kelly Stokes, 47, Glenmora – domestic abuse battery with child present, $2,500 bail.

Nov. 23

Donald P. Baker, 36, Pineville – aggravated assault, two counts possession of firearm by convicted felon, false imprisonment armed with a dangerous weapon, resisting an officer, $55,500 bail;

Harlan Farque Jr, 79, Pineville – aggravated assault with a firearm, $10,000 bail;

Jarius Daymon Johnson, 19, Alexandria – contempt of court, $5,000 bail;

Hazel Ann Morris, 23, Pineville – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, improper display of license plate, $1,200 bail;

Brice Richard Olson, 42, Alexandria – criminal mischief, two counts contempt of court, $50,250 bail;

Daniel Park Reynolds, 61, Boyce – six counts contempt of court, $60,000 bail;

Taquan Antonio Robinson, 43, Pineville – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, possession of firearm by convicted felon, illegal carry firearm with drugs, possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, contempt of court, brake lamp, $33,100 bail;

John Fitzgerald Simmons, 39, Alexandria – possession of firearm by convicted felon, two counts contempt of court, $20,000 bail;

Alton Lane Strother, 46, Forest Hill – criminal trespass, possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, $1,500 bail;

Eusabrouse Miguel Veal, 37, Alexandria – illegal possession of a stolen firearm, criminal trespass, paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, contempt of court, $8,000 bail;

Kennetra Washington, 40, Alexandria – illegal possession of a stolen firearm, criminal trespass, obstruction of justice, taking contraband to and from penal institutions, $7,500 bail.

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Journal Services Staff

Thanksgiving has always been more than a holiday. It is a pause button placed firmly near the end of the year—a reminder that despite the speed, noise, and pressure of modern life, there are some things too important to neglect. Chief among them is family.

In a world that constantly pushes us toward the next deadline, the next notification, the next obligation, Thanksgiving invites us to slow down long enough to truly see the people in front of us. It reminds us that our connections with one another are not distractions from life—they are life. The table we gather around, the conversations we share, and the traditions we pass from one generation to the next form the foundation of who we are and who we hope to be.

For many families, this year has not been easy. Economic uncertainty, rising costs, health challenges, and the lingering strain of national division have all taken their toll. Yet Thanksgiving teaches us that even in difficult seasons, gratitude can anchor us. It helps us focus not on what is missing, but on what remains: love, loyalty, shared memories, and the people who continue to stand by us even when the world feels unsteady.

Putting family first does not require grand gestures. It can be as simple as setting our phones aside for a few hours, listening without distraction, or offering a sincere thank-you to someone who quietly keeps everything running. It means showing up—with patience, with kindness, and with a willingness to forgive the small imperfections that every family carries. It means recognizing that time is precious, that moments are fleeting, and that the relationships around us deserve our best attention, not just our leftover energy.

This Thanksgiving, let us choose to be fully present. Let us remember that family is not defined solely by blood, but by commitment, compassion, and the people who walk beside us through every season. Let us honor the elders who shaped us, encourage the children who are watching us, and embrace those who may be feeling the weight of the holidays more than they want to admit.

Above all, let us make the conscious choice to put family first—not just on Thanksgiving Day, but throughout the year ahead. Because long after the dishes are washed and the leftovers are gone, it is our bonds with one another that will sustain us, steady us, and shape the stories we pass down.

May this Thanksgiving bring warmth to your home, peace to your heart, and a renewed appreciation for the people who make your life meaningful.

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By JIM BUTLER

Voters are being asked to approve two Fire District No. 2 “in lieu” tax propositions.

That in essence means the district proposes to renew existing taxes before their expiration, add to them and extend their life.

The April 18 election was called by the Police Jury at its November session, added to the agenda at that meeting by unanimous vote. Juror Parish Giles was absent.

The proposals would take effect with the 2026 tax roll and continue through 2035.

Twenty-five mills is sought for the district’s Service Area No. 1, a specific section of the total district territory, essentially that portion in the Station 1 Ransbottom Drive area overlapping in some areas now annexed into the City of Alexandria.

It is estimated to generate about $1.35 million a year, replacing a 16.31 mills tax now in effect.

Proposed for the district outside that service area is a 20-mill levy, replacing a 15.58-mill tax approved through 2031.

The millage is estimated to raise about $7.67 million annually.

Proceeds of both would be used to acquire, construct, maintain and operate fire protection and emergency services, vehicles and equipment, according to the ballot resolutions.

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This Christmas season, step back in time and step into the greatest story ever told! First United Methodist Church of Alexandria warmly invites you and your family to join us in bringing the nativity story to life on Sunday, December 7, with our Live Nativity Drive-Through at 2727 Jackson Street.

You can do more than just attend this event!  We’re calling on community members of all ages to be a part of this joyful, heartwarming experience by becoming costumed characters in our Live Nativity. Whether you’ve ever dreamed of being an angel, a shepherd, a Roman centurion, a townsperson, or even a member of the holy family, here’s your chance to play a special part — no speaking required! This is a beautiful way to share in the spirit of Christmas, connect with neighbors, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Event Details:

• Rehearsal & Costume Fitting: 5:30 PM (spot time)
• Drive-Through Live Nativity: 6 PM–8 PM

Why Participate?

• Step into a non-speaking role and help tell the timeless nativity story
• Engage deeply with this meaningful Christmas tradition
• Enjoy a delicious complimentary chili dinner with an all-the-fixin’s bar
• Have a blast in fellowship with other community members and church family

This event is more than a pageant—it’s a festive celebration of faith and community spirit. Families, friends, and neighbors driving through will experience the wonder of Christmas as you embody the very people who witnessed the birth of Jesus.

Make this part of your family’s holiday plans and invite those you know to join you — or to simply drive through and enjoy the enchanting scenes.

Ready to join the Live Nativity cast? 

Contact the First UMC of Alexandria church office at (318) 443-5696 to sign up or for more details.

We can’t wait to share this magical evening with you!

Rev Kennon, Senior Pastor

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Members of the Alexandria Mayor’s Youth Council spent a day working on their quarterly community service project, contributing to efforts that support residents across the city. City officials noted that the students’ involvement reflects a commitment to serving others and making a positive impact in Alexandria.

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Among 33 boys teams at the recent LHSAA Swimming Championships in Sulphur, Pineville High School came home with a very impressive collection of medals and milestones, and an eighth-place team finish in Division II.

Senior Curtis Malone was unstoppable – claiming victories in the 200 IM and the 100 backstroke, where he broke a 31-year-old Division II record, finishing in 48.97 seconds.

Malone was named the meet’s Division II Outstanding Male Swimmer.

He has committed to study and swim at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas next fall.

Liam Alletag crushed it with a second in the 100 butterfly (51.76) and was second in the 500 freestyle in 4:49.33.

Owen Clair swam an impressive 1:10.39 in the 100 breaststroke.

The Division II boys top 10 team standings: 1. Ruston 272. 2. Holy Cross 244. 3. Rummel 178. 4. Ben Franklin 167. 5. David Thibodaux 158. 6. St. Thomas More 156-1/2. 7. Caddo Magnet 152. 8. Pineville 116½. 9. Teurlings Catholic 110. 10. Willow 104.

The Pineville Lady Rebels also had some outstanding finishes.

Caroline Broussard powered to second in the 100 breaststroke and third in the 200 IM.

Tori Broussard snagged sixth in the 500 freestyle and ninth in the 200 IM.

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The Joint Transportation, Highways, & Public Works Committee will conduct a legislative public hearing on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 2:30 p.m. The purpose of the hearing – commonly referred to as the annual DOTD Road Show – is to review the highway construction priorities for the fiscal year 2026-2027.

Location:

Pineville City Hall
Council Meeting Room
910 Main Street
Pineville, LA 71360

District 08 (Avoyelles, Grant, Natchitoches, Rapides, Sabine, Vernon, & Winn Parishes)

Each DOTD District will be hosting its own Road Show to allow legislators, other elected officials, DOTD representatives and the general public to discuss and obtain information about construction projects in the preliminary FY 2026-2027 Highway Priority Program and how those projects will affect each area of the state.

All those interested are invited to attend the Road Show and will be afforded an opportunity to express their views.

Oral testimony may be supplemented by presenting important facts and documentation in writing. Written statements and comments should be handed to the committee conducting the hearing, or mailed to the following address, postmarked within 45 calendar days following the hearing:

Joint Transportation, Highways, & Public Works Committee
C/O LA DOTD (Section 45)
P.O. Box 94245
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9245

To read more information about planned construction projects for District 08 in the preliminary FY 26-27 Highway Priority Program, go online to bit.ly/4ohVkUj.

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The Rapides Parish School Board spotlighted Holly Malone of Peabody Montessori Elementary as its weekly Classroom Hero. Malone, who had 11 years of teaching experience, was recognized for her approach to empowering students and fostering positive character in the classroom.

Malone said she worked to help students understand that heroism did not require a cape, but instead came from using one’s strengths to make a meaningful impact. She emphasized acts of courage, honesty and teamwork, reinforcing that the smallest daily moments often demonstrated the greatest examples of leadership among students.

She also highlighted the influence of Mrs. Lemke, noting that Lemke consistently amazed her with her positive impact on both students and colleagues. Malone described her as someone with the biggest heart who served as a strong supporter for everyone around her.

The Classroom Hero spotlight continued the district’s effort to recognize educators who model the values of its “Engage, Empower, Elevate” mission.

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British archaeologist Howard Carter knelt before a newly uncovered doorway deep in the Valley of the Kings on November 26, 1922. With trembling hands, he peered through a small hole, held up a candle, and saw what he would later describe as “wonderful things.”

Moments earlier, Carter and his team had broken the seal to the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun — a 3,000-year-old resting place untouched by grave robbers. Inside were chariots, gilded shrines, jewelry, and the solid gold coffin of the boy king.

Carter’s discovery, funded by British nobleman Lord Carnarvon, became an international sensation. Newspapers worldwide splashed photographs of glittering treasures and mysterious hieroglyphs, sparking “Egyptomania” across the West.

Beyond the headlines, the find transformed archaeology. Tutankhamun’s tomb offered an unprecedented glimpse into Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, revealing burial rituals, art, and craftsmanship of extraordinary sophistication.

The work of cataloging and preserving the artifacts took a decade. Even today, much of Carter’s meticulous documentation guides modern Egyptologists.

November 26, 1922, remains a defining date in archaeological history — the day the modern world reconnected with one of antiquity’s most famous rulers, and when “wonderful things” reignited humanity’s fascination with ancient Egypt.

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