Notice of Death – September 28, 2026

Martha Gentry Holloway
November 21, 1950 – September 26, 2026
Service: Tuesday, September 29, 2026, 1pm at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville.

Cora “Sue” Fontenot
April 18, 1940 – September 25, 2026
Service: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 11am at Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

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

John Robert Choate
August 25, 1946 – September 24, 2026
Service: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 12pm at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball.

Charles Eugene Garner
March 31, 2026 – September 24, 2026
Service: Thursday, October 1, 2026, 1pm at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball.

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.

Ameal Love Jr.
November 15, 1962 — September 14, 2026
Service: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 11am at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Alexandria.

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


AEX commercial passenger traffic surges

By JIM BUTLER

Commercial air passenger count at Alexandria International almost certainly will surpass 300,000 this year.

A report to the England Authority commissioners at their September meeting showed growth of about 12 percent year over year through mid-summer.

Last year, according to the FAA, the total was 270,100. In March alone this year AEX had almost 18,400, the highest monthly count since COVID’s disruptions, and had about 156,000 for 2026 heading into the summer travel season.

Since March the airport has added United Airlines to its passenger options, giving it direct service to and from three hubs – Houston, Dallas and Atlanta.

Also on the aviation side, commissioners signed off on about $4.3 million in grant-funded improvements:

  • Runway 18 obstacle removals (in area of former Rapides Golf Course) and installation of Instrument Approach aids and runway visual guidance system;
  • South ramp apron extension.

Regarding what could be labeled traditional economic development, the panel learned UCore is soon to get its Clean Air permit and begin construction on its $75 million rare earth separation facility.

It is in process of recruiting and hiring at some levels. The plant is targeted for full production in 2028.


Alexandria celebrates Cheatham Park improvements with ribbon cutting

The City of Alexandria recently celebrated a ribbon cutting at Cheatham Park, marking another step forward in improving parks across Alexandria.

The new playground improvements provide neighborhood families with a refreshed place to play, spend time together and enjoy the outdoors.

Cheatham Park is one of several parks being updated through REIGNITE, with continued improvements helping create better spaces for the people who use them every day.


Pineville Rotary Club hears update on LSUA growth

The Rotary Club of Pineville heard an update from LSUA Chancellor Dr. Liz Beard about developments at Louisiana State University of Alexandria.

The university has surpassed 8,600 students in enrollment and was recently named the No. 3 safest university in America and No. 1 safest in Louisiana.

The Rotary Club thanked Beard for joining the club and sharing information about developments at LSUA.

The club also expressed appreciation for Beard and her leadership team for their dedication, vision and commitment to the continued growth and success of LSUA.


September 28, 2026: Central Louisiana Daily Briefing

DOTD Announces Nightly Lane Closures at Nine Rapides Parish Intersections
Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises motorists that beginning Tuesday, September 29, at 7:00 p.m., nightly alternating lane closures will be in effect at multiple intersections across Rapides Parish through approximately October 2, 2026, weather permitting. Work runs from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. each night. One lane in each direction will remain open at all times. Affected locations include US 167-B at Broadway Avenue; Broadway Avenue and Dallas Avenue; Louisiana 28 at Pinehurst Drive and Bradley Avenue; Louisiana 28 at Stilley Road and Old Holloway Road; Donahue Ferry Road and Louisiana 3100 (Griffith Street); Louisiana 28 and Louisiana 3144 (Edgewood Drive); Louisiana 28 and Highland Drive; US 165 at the US 167 southbound on and off ramps; and US 165 at Louisiana 623 (Paradise Road). The closures are part of Project H.012641, District 8’s Flashing Yellow Arrow Upgrade Part 2. DOTD notes that completion by October 2 is subject to weather and other factors.

RRMC Offers Girl Talk Class for Girls and Mothers Oct. 8
Rapides Regional Medical Center

Rapides Regional Medical Center will offer its Girl Talk class Thursday, October 8, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Cascade Room. The two-hour program is designed for girls between the ages of 9 and 13 and their mothers; aunts and grandmothers are welcome if a mother cannot attend. The class covers physical and emotional changes during puberty and is designed to help parents open lines of communication with their daughters. Cost is $20 per family. To register, call 1-844-630-5295 or visit rapidesregional.com and select Calendar of Events under Health Education.


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Tioga High FFA hosts FFA Forestry Invitational at Buhlow Lake

Tioga High FFA hosted the FFA Forestry Invitational last week at Buhlow Lake Recreation Area, bringing students from across Louisiana to Rapides Parish for a morning of competition.

Students put their forestry knowledge and skills to the test during the event.

Roy O. Martin provided lunch for every student in attendance.

The Rapides Parish School Board thanked the Tioga FFA members and advisor who made the event possible and Roy O. Martin for supporting agriculture and forestry education.


LSU bounces back, pummels ‘Texas 8-4’

Now that’s how you bounce back from a tough road loss in the Southeastern Conference.

LSU led wire-to-wire Saturday night in Tiger Stadium in a brutal 35-6 beatdown of Texas A&M, dropping the Aggies to 0-2 in SEC play. 

Texas A&M dropped 49 points on LSU in Death Valley last season, and 38 points in 2024, but did not score a touchdown against the Tigers’ stout defense this time. Aggie quarterback Marcel Reed looked like Superman the last two years against LSU, bending the Tigers’ previous defensive units to his will as he ran wild up and down the field. 

Reed finally met his Kryptonite on Saturday, as LSU’s defense smothered him all game. The Tigers sacked Reed four times, limited him to 106 yards passing, and most importantly, prevented Reed from beating him with his legs. Reed tallied minus 13 rushing yards, compared to 62 and three rushing touchdowns in 2024 and 108 yards and two touchdowns last season.

After suffering a second loss, the return of “Texas 8-4” is in play.

The nickname Texas 8-4 is a rhythmic parody of Texas A&M that mocks the Aggies’ history of mediocrity since joining the Southeastern Conference.

Since Texas A&M joined the SEC in 2012, the Aggies have finished the regular season exactly 8-4 six times and finished 7-5 another four times. Typically, Texas A&M would start those seasons hot, winning nearly every game, then implode by mid-October, losing most of those games in conference play during the second half of the season. This is who the Aggies are, a middle of the road program despite spending insane amounts of money on coaches, and now rosters.

The Aggies were LSU’s whipping boy when the matchup resumed during the 21st century, as the Tigers won the first seven meetings from 2011-2017. The contest officially graduated to rivalry status in 2018, after the Aggies won a seven-overtime thriller that prompted the NCAA to alter the overtime rules. The home team in the rivalry won every year until 2025, when Texas A&M pummeled LSU in Baton Rouge and ended the Brian Kelly era.

Depending on how you feel about Kelly, some LSU fans probably thanked the Aggies in hindsight for that beating, which ultimately paved the way for LSU to hire Lane Kiffin.

Kiffin’s Tigers played like a team with something to prove against Texas 8-4 after losing to Ole Miss last weekend. Defensive coordinator Blake Baker has been scheming for years trying to stop Reed, and his latest unit had a defensive masterpiece against the elusive Aggie quarterback.

On the flipside, LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt played his best game in purple and gold so far this season, in part, because he got injured. Leavitt suffered a right hamstring injury in second quarter against Texas A&M, forcing the rabid scrambler to remain in the pocket much longer than usual this season. As a result, Leavitt produced his best passing game of the season, completing nearly 75 percent of his passes for 312 yards and two touchdowns. 

Last week, the Ole Miss defense dared Leavitt to beat him with his arm, and he could not. This week, Leavitt exhibited poise in the pocket and seemed noticeably calmer operating Kiffin’s offense. 

If Leavitt can continue to strike a balance of passing and rushing efficiency once his leg heals, the sky is the limit for this LSU offense. Pair that with a nasty Tiger defense, and watch out SEC.

My favorite play of the game

It must be the fourth-down conversion touchdown. In classic Kiffin playcalling fashion, the Tigers surprised the Texas A&M defense on fourth-and-one, near midfield, opting not for a rush, but for a sneaky 57-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jackson Harris. Add in Kiffin’s sprint down the sideline and signature fist pump as the play concluded, and that deserves a massive chef’s kiss.

Looking ahead

LSU hosts McNeese State in Tiger Stadium this Saturday night, its final non-conference game before the SEC gauntlet really heats up. This is a great game to bring your young kids to because the crowd will likely be smaller, both inside and outside the stadium. Plus, you don’t have to feel guilty leaving early to beat the traffic because the Tigers should win by 50 points.


Get your vote in Week 5 of the RPJ Football Pick ’Em

Week 5 of the Rapides Parish Journal’s annual High School Football Pick ’Em contest is underway, giving local fans another chance to test their gridiron knowledge and win cash.

Each week, the contest features 10 selected matchups highlighting Rapides Parish high schools and marquee regional games. The second round of competition concludes Friday, Oct. 2, so make your selections before kickoff to get in the game.

Each weekly winner will take home $100 and be featured with a photo in the Journal.

Participants can submit their picks online through the RPJ platform throughout the season to see who truly reigns as the top football prognosticator in Rapides Parish.

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Contest Rules & Details

  • Anyone is eligible to participate for free, and each week’s winning participant will win a $100 prize. Each week, the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 10 selected high school football games. Ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two designated weekly contests. The picker with the closest score, without going over, is the winner. All decisions by Management/RPJ are final. The contest can be modified and/or cancelled without notice to the public.

    The only persons not eligible to participate are the publisher, the publisher’s immediate family, and regular content contributors to the Journal as determined by Management/RPJ.
  • There is no entry fee. All contest decisions by Journal management are final. Weekly winners will be notified on Mondays and must agree to have their photo published in the Journal.
  • Every participant receives a free subscription to the Journal, delivered directly to their inbox daily at 6:55 a.m.

Burns comes home a winner after U.S. rallies to retain Presidents Cup

Sam Burns (middle, blue hat) grins as President Trump chats with Scottie Scheffler while shaking hands with the entire United States team Sunday after the Americans rallied to claim the 2026 Presidents Cup over the International team.

By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

MEDINAH, Ill. – Former LSU All-American Sam Burns played in every session of the 2026 President’s Cup, his fifth straight international competition, and was last spotted Sunday enjoying the United States team celebration after getting congratulations from President Trump.

That’s the bottom line. Burns, the 30-year-old Choudrant resident, was a key figure in the Americans’ 12th consecutive Presidents Cup victory, his third since 2022.

It required a monumental comeback in Sunday’s singles play, with the U.S. scoring 9 ½ points to overcome a three-point deficit and defeat the International team 17-13.

Burns did not score on Sunday, falling 3-and-1 to Sungjae Im after rallying from three one-hole deficits in a tightly-contested match.

But he earlier won a pair of matches with his pal Scottie Scheffler, notably a 2-and-1 fourball triumph Saturday when Burns hit back-to-back approaches within close reach of the pin on holes 16 and 17 to provide birdies that sealed the outcome.

“It just felt like it was the time to pick my guy up and actually contribute to this match,” he said. “Fortunately I was able to hit a really good shot and hole the putt (a 4-footer on 16).”

The Shreveport native drained a series of putts in Thursday’s opening session to keep him and Scheffler in the game, and delivered the pivotal shot, an 8-iron to two feet on the 14th hole for a birdie that turned things the Americans’ way in a 1-up win over Im and Min Woo Lee.

Overall in the five sessions over four days, he ranked third in the field of 24 players in overall strokes gained at plus 2.88.

It finished a 2026 campaign that despite not winning any tournament, has been his most successful. Burns had a career-best $9.4 million in official PGA Tour winnings, was fourth in the U.S. Presidents Cup points standings and finished eighth in the Official World Golf Rankings.

The former Calvary Baptist three-time state champion and two-time LSU All-American was top 10 in three of the year’s four majors, tying for seventh at The Masters, finishing outright second at the U.S. Open and outright third at the British Open, which began nine days after his wife Caroline gave birth to the couple’s second child.

Burns made 17 of 20 cuts, had four top 5 finishes and six top 10s. His career earnings climbed over $44 million, and he also added some top-level endorsement deals and enhanced existing relationships.

He’s homebound having added to his career resume with another Presidents Cup victory. That’s the bottom line.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com


Wildcats blow out Aggies, go 3-0 in conference

 Kristian Doyle dives into the end zone to score for LCU  on his 61-yard interception return Saturday night. (Photo by KYLEIGH KRAMEL, LCU Athletics)

The nationally-ranked, defending conference champion Louisiana Christian University football team struck on the game’s opening possession and never looked back to remain perfect in Sooner Athletic Conference play, rolling to a 69-24 win over the Oklahoma Panhandle State Aggies Saturday night at Wildcat Field.

LCU scored 28 points in the first and fourth quarters in the dominant victory.


 
A week after suffering its first loss of the season to NCAA Division I opponent Southern, Louisiana Christian (4-1, 3-0 SAC) took no time in jumping ahead of Oklahoma Panhandle State (2-3, 0-2 SAC), needing just six plays to go 68 yards, the last 34 coming when Bryce Perkins hit Leyton Faul.

That launched a 28-point first quarter by the Wildcats, adding another Perkins TD toss and a 61-yard pick six interception return by Kristian Doyle to end the period. Things calmed in the second period and it was 31-10 Wildcats at the half.

The Aggies trimmed the spread to 31-17 to open the third quarter, and the Wildcats erupted.


 
A 23-yard field goal and an eight-yard touchdown run by Jaterrius Johnson opened a 41-17 lead going to the fourth quarter, and LCU rang up 28 points in the final 15 minutes.  


ASH product Datlan Cunningham scored on a 44-yard touchdown rush for a 48-24 lead.


 
Perkins and another ex-Trojan, EJ Scott, connected for a 51-yard touchdown, and Kedrian McNeil’s 4-yard run made it 62-24.
 
 
Perkins was 18-of-24 for 315 yards and three touchdowns as LCU rang up 550 offensive yards.


 
Scott was the top receiver, making five grabs for 111 yards and a touchdown.
 

The Wildcats should edge up from their poll positions of 20th and 17th when the NAIA Top 25s are announced today.


Pineville man arrested after alleged armed confrontation and struggle with deputy

On Sept. 22, 2026, at approximately 8 p.m., Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies responded to Westbrook Street in Pineville regarding a reported disturbance involving a firearm.

According to the victim, they were involved in a verbal altercation with Cameron Malik Key, 28, who allegedly punched the victim, armed himself with a handgun and pointed it at the victim before fleeing into the woods.

Patrol deputies responded and took the initial report before remaining in the area attempting to locate Key. At approximately 10:30 p.m., deputies located Key near the 1200 block of Bayou Maria Road.

The responding patrol deputy approached Key and, while attempting to detain him for further investigation, Key allegedly jerked away and physically resisted the deputy by fighting, resulting in both Key and the deputy going to the ground.

Key allegedly refused multiple verbal commands to remove his hands from his waistband. The deputy deployed a Taser in an attempt to take Key into custody without further incident, but the Taser was ineffective. Key continued to struggle with the deputy, ultimately pulling a firearm from his waistband and fleeing on foot toward Westbrook Street.

Several deputies remained in the area throughout the night and early morning attempting to locate Key but were unsuccessful.

Sheriff’s detectives conducted the investigation, and several arrest warrants were obtained for Key, including charges related to the initial battery and aggravated assault call.

Throughout the day, members of the United States Marshals Service Violent Offender Task Force, along with RPSO detectives, the RADE Unit, RPSO Crime Suppression Unit and RPSO SWAT, remained in the area executing search warrants and searching for Key.

At approximately 2:30 p.m., RPSO K-9s located Key. After a brief foot pursuit, Key was taken into custody without further incident.

Key was booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center on numerous charges, including aggravated resisting a police officer with force or violence, battery of a police officer and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He remained in jail at the time of the release on a $551,000 bond.

Sheriff’s detectives said the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges could be added.

RPSO commended the detectives and patrol deputies, as well as the RPSO Crime Suppression Unit, RPSO SWAT Team, Louisiana Probation & Parole and the U.S. Marshals Service Violent Offenders Task Force for their efforts in apprehending Key.

Key is charged with battery; aggravated assault with a firearm; two counts of criminal damage to property greater than $1,000 and less than $50,000; aggravated resisting a police officer with force or violence; aggravated assault upon a police officer; battery of a police officer; carrying a firearm by a convicted felon; and possession of a firearm by a person convicted of domestic violence.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law or administrative action.


Alexandria man faces four counts of attempted murder, $2 million bail

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

Sept. 27

David Cade Carlock IV, 20, Ball – OWI, driving under suspension, resisting an officer, $1,400 bail;

Eduardo Eli Garza, 45, Bedford, Texas – OWI first offense, reckless operation of a vehicle, $1,500 bail;

Ashton Tyler Parmer, 22, Limon, Colorado – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, $1,100 bail;

Huey P. Phillips Jr., 53, Cheneyville – OWI first offense, careless operation of a vehicle, open container, $1,200 bail.

Sept. 26

Sherry Jean Ashmore, 50, Pineville – theft, two counts contempt of non-support, $2,500 bail;

Charles Terrance Clark, 43, Dry Prong – unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, $25,000 bail;

John David Spann Jr., 39, Glenmora – criminal damage to property, simple battery, $10,500 bail;

Katie Matilda Prine, 38, Oak Grove – theft, two counts possession of CDS, $3,500 bail;

John David Spann Jr., 39, Glenmora – simple battery, criminal damage to property, $10,500 bail;

Emily R. Wright, 19, N/A – theft, criminal conspiracy, obstruction of justice, exploitation of the infirmed, $200,000 bail.

Sept. 25

Jerrell Jamar Antwine Jr., 41, Alexandria – unauthorized entry into a place of business, theft (second/subsequent conviction), simple burglary, parole violations, contempt of court, $2,000 bail;

Jasper Bohannon, 18, Pineville – second degree cruelty to juveniles, aggravated domestic abuse battery with child present, $100,000 bail;

Jeremy Jerome Davis, 40, Cheneyville – producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting an officer, pedestrians on interstate highways, $11,500 bail;

Cassidy Kaye Elliott, 23, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery with child present, $3,000 bail;

Carl Fitzgerald Finley Sr., 59, Alexandria – unauthorized entry of inhabited dwelling, criminal damage to property, possession of drug paraphernalia, $1,000 bail;

Timothy Demetrius Kennedy, 57, Alexandria – two counts possession of CDS, use of CDS in presence of minor, no child restraint system, expired plate/registration, contempt of court, $13,700 bail;

Mason Mclaughlin, 21, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery with child present, $3,000 bail;

Martavious D. Stafford, 33, Alexandria – theft, remaining on premises, probation violation, three counts contempt of court, $7,250 bail;

Dezaric Shykie Sweazie, 25, Pineville – possession of marijuana, injuring public records, two counts resisting an officer, no driver’s license, expired plate/registration, speeding, contempt of court, $4,300 bail.

Sept. 24

Sherman Devontai Allen, 28, Pineville – theft, criminal trespass, resisting an officer, $1,500 bail;

Elijah Malachi Guillot, 23, Marksville – possession of firearm by convicted felon, speeding, probation violation, $1,100 bail;

Rawuel Nekole Lea Lucas, 29, Deville – attempted second degree murder, domestic abuse battery with child present, $51,000 bail;

Terrance Ja’Mon Session Jr., 20, Alexandria – four counts attempted murder, possession of firearm by convicted felon, producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, possession of CDS, parole violation, probation violation, $2.1 million bail;

Dwight Douglas Simon, 27, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery with child present, $1,000 bail;

Terranisha Strong, 23, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery with child present, $1,000 bail.

Sept. 23

Kevin Brister, 41, DeRidder – two counts Louisiana fugitive, no bail data;

Donald Lee Cook Jr., 36, Woodworth – possession of CDS, criminal damage to property, flight from an officer, simple burglary, speeding, no driver’s license, probation violation, $77,200 bail;

Cameron Malik Key, 28, Pineville – domestic abuse battery, possession of firearm by person convicted of domestic abuse battery, two counts criminal damage to property, possession of firearm by convicted felon, battery of a police officer, aggravated resisting with force or violence, aggravated assault with a firearm, aggravated assault upon a peace officer, two counts resisting an officer, parole violations, $551,000 bail;

Eric Lemon McNeal, 44, Pineville – three counts theft, $3,000 bail;

Elijah Demareya Murray, 36, Alexandria – illegal possession of stolen things, canceled plate violations, 10 counts contempt of court, $118,500 bail;

Paige Morgan Vizena, 29, Deville – OWI first offense, possession of CDS, running a stop sign, safety belt violation, $1,700 bail;

Derrick Dewayne Voorhies, 43, Alexandria – theft, possession of marijuana, possession of CDS, two counts contempt of court, $24,500 bail;

John Francis Walker, 40, Deville – OWI first offense, careless operation of a vehicle, safety belt violation, $1,200 bail;

Angiel Tennille Wester, 50, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, bank fraud, identification fraud, contempt of court, $51,500 bail.


Remembering Billy Wayne Nolen

Funeral services for Mr. Billy Wayne Nolen will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Forest Hill United Pentecostal Church, with Reverends Greg Heidner, Jonathan Moser, and Greg Willis officiating. Interment will follow in Pisgah Cemetery, Forest Hill, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Oakdale.

Mr. Nolen, 81, of Forest Hill, entered eternal rest on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital, Alexandria, LA.

He was a loving husband, brother, uncle, and friend. He was a proud United States Army Veteran, and had a deep and abiding love for his Lord and Savior.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman who cherished spending time outdoors. He found joy in tending his garden, watching the deer in his yard, enjoying the birds gathered around his feeder, or simply savoring a quiet moment studying the Word of God.

His faith, love of nature, and genuine appreciation for the simple blessings of life were a reflection of the man he was. He will be deeply missed by all who know and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earnest and Oneater Nolen; three brothers, EJ Nolen, CD Nolen, and Lee Roy Nolen; and two sisters, Dorothy Morris and Opal Droddy.

Those left to mourn his loss and cherish his memory include his loving wife of forty-six years, Eva May Nolen of Forest Hill; two sisters, Faye Wright of Elmer and Peggy Walters of Calcasieu; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A time of visitation will be held at Forest Hill United Pentecostal Church on Friday, September 25, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Visitation will resume at the church on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Ernie Dale Jenkins, Jimmy Cloud, Junior Johnson, Roy Elliott, Jr., Charlie Jones, and Clayton Hartzfelds. Honorary pallbearer will be Lonnie Jenkins.


Remembering Ameal Love Jr.

Ameal Love Jr., 63, of Alexandria, Louisiana, was born on Nov. 15, 1962, in Alexandria to Ameal Love Sr. and Serenthia Love.

Ameal accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age and was baptized at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church by the Rev. Fred Jacobs.

Ameal was employed as a custodian while residing in Denver, Colorado, and worked as a carpenter after returning to Louisiana.

On Sept. 14, 2026, Ameal made a peaceful transition at Rivière de Soleil Community Care Center in Mansura, Louisiana. He leaves behind his beloved family, who will forever cherish his memory and the love, wisdom and kindness he shared with them.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Inc., 11 16th St., Alexandria, Louisiana.

The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Inc.

Burial will follow at Sunrise Memorial Gardens, 9086 U.S. 165, Woodworth, Louisiana.


Word of the Day: Mawkish

Phonetic: /mawk·​ish/

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition

lacking flavor or having an unpleasant taste

exaggeratedly or childishly emotional
a mawkish love story
mawkish poetry







Notice of Death – September 27, 2026

Martha Gentry Holloway
November 21, 1950 – September 26, 2026
Service: Tuesday, September 29, 2026, 1pm at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville.

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

John Robert Choate
August 25, 1946 – September 24, 2026
Service: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 12pm at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball.

Carl “Skip” Barth
November 2, 1947 – September 23, 2026
Service: Monday, September 28, 2026, 10am at Kramer & Son Funeral Home, Alexandria.

Sherrie Burch Devine
December 1, 1961 – September 22, 2026
Service: Monday, September 28, 2026, 11am at Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

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.


No change made in AEX staging center plan

By JIM BUTLER

Snafu – a word with direct military origin – could be applied to the ICE staging center furor at the former England Air Base.

Some England Authority commissioners questioning each other, some grilling the executive director, an audience, none in favor, waiting almost three hours to speak their minds (minus harangue, invective and insults of past meetings), a thorough review of plans and procedures by the operator – all and more were part of the proceeding.

In the end the Authority passed on any vote revising, rescinding or affirming its previous action relative to the center.

The panel did direct Executive Director Ralph Hennessy and counsel Matt Nowlin to move in federal court for designation of its Intergovernmental Service Agreement with ICE as public record.

Commissioners, and dissenters in the public realm, are chapped that the ISA is not in their information packets. (A draft was available for commissioner perusal early on.) What it outlines relative to liability, security and other subjects are concerns raised.

The meeting video is archived on the Authority website.


Alexandria Lions Club donates $1,000 to BARK

Boudreaux’s Animal Rescue Krewe (BARK) joined the Alexandria Lions Club for a meeting to share rescue stories and receive a $1,000 donation.

The meeting was also bittersweet as the Lions Club and BARK bid farewell and safe travels to Lion Michael Kearney, a 30-year volunteer and friend who is moving to Texas.


Forest Hill Junior High celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Forest Hill Junior High celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with an event welcoming students, families and community members. The celebration featured homemade dishes, music and families sharing traditions passed down through generations.


September 25, 2026: Central Louisiana Daily Briefing

LDWF Woodworth Shooting Range Closed Today and Saturday for National Hunting and Fishing Day
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

The shooting range at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Woodworth Education Facility, located at 661 Robinson Bridge Road in Woodworth, will be closed today, Friday, Sept. 25, for event preparation and Saturday, Sept. 26, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. as LDWF hosts National Hunting and Fishing Day. The public is invited to attend Saturday’s event. For more information on LDWF shooting ranges, visit the LDWF shooting range webpage.

Caroline Dormon Junior High to Host Ribbon Cutting and Dedications — September 29
Rapides Parish School Board

Caroline Dormon Junior High will hold a ribbon cutting Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 9:30 a.m. for a new classroom wing at 8906 U.S. 165 in Woodworth. During the ceremony, the wing will be dedicated to Mayor David Butler and his wife, Linda Butler, and the school library will be dedicated to Dr. Gary Jones and his wife, Sarah Jones, in recognition of their lasting impact on Rapides Parish schools.

Alexandria Senior High to Dedicate Butch Crenshaw Fieldhouse — October 1
Rapides Parish School Board

Alexandria Senior High School will hold a ribbon cutting Thursday, Oct. 1, at noon to open and dedicate its new fieldhouse, named in honor of Butch Crenshaw, ASH’s first athletic director and football coach. The fieldhouse features new locker rooms, training areas, and meeting spaces. Tours will follow the ceremony. The event will be held at the ASH Fieldhouse, 800 Ola St.; attendees should enter from James Street and park behind the fieldhouse.

CenLa Chamber Congressional Candidates Event Rescheduled to October 28
CenLa Chamber of Commerce

The Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce has rescheduled its Meet the Congressional Candidates event to Wednesday, Oct. 28, immediately following a luncheon the Chamber is hosting featuring U.S. Senator John Kennedy. For more information, contact Danielle Yerby at (318) 442-6671 or dyerby@cenlachamber.org.


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Last day to pick your teams in the high school football Pick ’em Rapides Parish

Week 4 of the Rapides Parish Journal’s annual High School Football Pick ’Em contest is underway, giving local fans another chance to test their gridiron knowledge and win cash.

Each week, the contest features 10 selected matchups highlighting Rapides Parish high schools and marquee regional games. The second round of competition concludes Friday, Sept. 25, so make your selections before kickoff to get in the game.

Each weekly winner will take home $100 and be featured with a photo in the Journal.

Participants can submit their picks online through the RPJ platform throughout the season to see who truly reigns as the top football prognosticator in Rapides Parish.

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Contest Rules & Details

  • Anyone is eligible to participate for free, and each week’s winning participant will win a $100 prize. Each week, the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 10 selected high school football games. Ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two designated weekly contests. The picker with the closest score, without going over, is the winner. All decisions by Management/RPJ are final. The contest can be modified and/or cancelled without notice to the public.

    The only persons not eligible to participate are the publisher, the publisher’s immediate family, and regular content contributors to the Journal as determined by Management/RPJ.
  • There is no entry fee. All contest decisions by Journal management are final. Weekly winners will be notified on Mondays and must agree to have their photo published in the Journal.
  • Every participant receives a free subscription to the Journal, delivered directly to their inbox daily at 6:55 a.m.