By JIM BUTLER

Red River is heading toward its annual mid-summer low stage but commercial traffic is benefitting from emergency work earlier this month.

The river was closed to tugs and barges on July 6 in the wake of diminished river flow that dropped the nine-feet navigation channel depth to 4.6 feet at the Poland lock and dam.

Nothing could move, including barges carrying fuel destined for outlets in many parishes.

On July 6, records show, the river stage at Poland (Lock & Dam 2) was 47.6 feet elevation. Yesterday (Tuesday) it was down to 42.08. A week ago it was 44.2.

Traffic moving despite the falling gauge readings is a result of emergency channel dredging by Luhr Brothers.

The firm, a presence on the river since navigation waterway work began, used its spud barge to remove silt, tons of which the Red moves and deposits daily.

Also called a jack up, the barge fastens anchors (spuds) to hold position in a water body while dredging.

The 36-hour closing refocuses attention on a Corps of Engineers study regarding whether to increase the channel depth to 12 feet, insuring nine feet depth year round.

The Corps announced that study in June 2024. Advocates note the deeper channel would provide economy by allowing more materials per barge per trip. A cost estimate has not yet been released.

Also still under way is pursuit of a Strategic Marine Highway designation for the waterway.

Of particular national interest in that is the U.S. Army’s reliance on the river, through the Central Louisiana Regional Port in Alexandria, for logistical and materials support to and from Fort Polk.

Corps data shows the record high reading at L&D 2 was 71.66 feet in March 2016 and again in May 1990.

The record low – 34.57 feet – was in November 1976, six years before construction was completed.

Readership Opinion Poll

This poll was to gain insight among the readership of the Parish Journal regarding Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS).  This is simply a snapshot-in-time of the opinions of our readership at the time the survey was taken. This is NOT a scientific poll.

I’m not very well suited for this one.

Not a Cubs fan. Don’t detest them like all you Cardinals and White Sox fans do. I do believe that if you truly love baseball, at least a little part of you must bear some fondness for the Cubbies.

Wrigley Field, “The Friendly Confines,” with the ivy on the outfield wall since 1937. Nothing but day games for decades. Site of the Babe’s called shot against the chirpy Cubs in the 1932 World Series. Home of Ernie Banks, who coined “The Friendly Confines” and was known to smile broadly and say, “let’s play two.”

The wind blowing out over Waveland Avenue, and major leaguers looking like slow-pitch softball sluggers as they took advantage.

The Curse of the Billy Goat, rooted in the city’s Billy Goat Tavern, which found the spotlight in the 1980s thanks to a recurring Saturday Night Live skit featuring Bill Murray, a Billy Goat regular, and Chicagoan John Belushi, who recited the trademark refrain, “Cheeburger, Cheeburger, Cheeburger. No Coke. Pepsi.”

Fergie Jenkins. Full name Ferguson, but Fergie just felt better. Unless you had to hit against him.

Sammy Sosa. Say what you will about supplements and such, Sosa’s 1998 friendly duel with the Cardinals’ Mark McGwire as they pounded past Roger Maris’ MLB-record 61 home runs captivated all of us, baseball fans or not, and brought big league baseball back into good graces with the American sports fan.

Even if you were not a Cubs fan, if you are of a certain age, a baseball buff who had leisure time in the 1980s and a TV, you watched the Cubs on WGN. You watched the Braves on WTBS. Depending on where you lived, you saw the Mets on WOR. There was no nightly range of games to watch. You wanted to see baseball on TV, those were your choices.

The Cubs had the incomparable Harry Caray, that lovable lout, perhaps soused, but leaning out of the WGN broadcast booth and singing “Take Me Out To the Ballgame” over the public address system to the Wrigley fans in the seventh inning stretch.

For goodness’ sakes, the Cubs had Bill Murray as their unofficial No. 1 fan. And we all were nuts for that nut, Bill Murray. Noogies for everybody!

It wasn’t just because Lee Smith spent more time with the Cubs than any of his other MLB stops that he entered Cooperstown in Chicago blue. Ask him today, and his eyes will sparkle when the Castor resident talks about the Cubbies, his buddy Randy Hundley, his catcher, and more of his teammates.

Today, his eyes are doubtlessly damp at the loss of one of them, the greatest Cub of this generation, Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg, whose cruel battle with cancer ended Monday at age 65.

When the sad news broke late in the evening, passionate tributes poured in from every angle – teammates, MLB peers, fans, random people who had been graced by Ryno’s personal touch, showing kindness and going out of his way to make a fan’s day. The highlights flashed almost incessantly across SportsCenter.

“A quiet superstar” was one description. Here was his:

“I love to play baseball. I’m a baseball player. I’ve always been a baseball player. I’m still a baseball player. That’s who I am,” he said from the podium at Cooperstown during his 2005 Baseball Hall of Fame induction.

He also said things like, “If you played the game the right way, played the game for the team, good things would happen.”

Talk about For Love of the Game, Ryne Sandberg personified it.

Thanks to Lee Smith, I saw it up close, almost exactly six years ago, on the eve of Smith’s Cooperstown enshrinement. The flame-throwing reliever and his wife kindly put me and my pal, Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame artist Chris Brown, on the invitation list to the Cubs’ otherwise exclusive party celebrating his induction. We were star-struck along with several of his Natchitoches American Legion baseball teammates, and other family and friends.

All of the team’s living Hall of Famers were there, and they all spoke about their relationships with Lee. Billy Williams, who scouted him. Fergie Jenkins, whose career ended with Lee closing games for him. Andre’ Dawson, and Lee’s 1984  teammate, that season’s runaway National League MVP, Sandberg. As we milled around the venue, we didn’t flinch at chances to chat with luminaries like MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, Cubs owner Tom Ricketts, and yes, all of the Cubs greats.

No one was more gracious or sincerely nice than Sandberg. It probably helped that Chris pitched in the Cubs organization after his Northwestern State career, but I would never have imagined going into that evening that we’d share a five-minute conversation with the Chicago icon.

I’ll always remember that one of big league baseball’s most popular and accomplished players didn’t big league us. He didn’t bounce away quickly. He was enjoying it.

Because Ryne Sandberg loved baseball.

“The reasons I am here, they tell me, is that I played the game a certain way,” he said on his own Cooperstown weekend, “that I played the game the way it was supposed to be played.”

He was speaking of baseball. He played the game of life just right, too.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

Presented by the Junior League of Alexandria, A Very Merry Market will take place at the Randolph Riverfront Center on Oct. 9–11.

Kick off the holiday season in style at A Very Merry Market, Alexandria’s signature shopping event hosted by the Junior League of Alexandria. Join the Junior League for three festive days filled with one-of-a-kind finds, boutique vendors, and holiday cheer.

The Market will feature: 

• Handcrafted goods and artisan gifts
• Fashion, home décor and seasonal treats
• Raffles, entertainment and more festive surprises

Whether crossing names off a gift list or just enjoying the holiday vibes, this market has something for everyone—all while supporting the Junior League’s mission to empower women and improve lives in Central Louisiana.

The City of Alexandria Water Department announces that the fire department will be conducting aggressive fire hydrant flushing in the vicinity of Charles Park beginning today. 

Fire hydrant flushing will assist in removal of sediment accumulation within the lines.  Although flushing may lead to a temporary increase in water discoloration, water quality is not effected.  For individuals in an area scheduled for flushing who experience discoloration, allow 24 hours for water to clear. 

As part of the Rapides Parish School Board’s Transportation Start of School Plan, the district will conduct a simulated school day on Friday, Aug. 1. During this simulation, the transportation department will run morning and afternoon routes, making stops at every bus stop and school to mirror regular school day operations. With Rapides Parish bus operators responsible for transporting more than 10,000 students daily, this practice run ensures drivers are prepared for student pickup and drop-off procedures when school begins on Aug. 11. This measure demonstrates the district’s commitment to transportation services and helps identify any adjustments needed before the academic year begins.

WHAT: RPSB Transportation’s Simulated School Day
WHO: RPSB Bus Operators
WHERE: Rapides Parish (District-wide)
WHEN: Friday, August 1 | Morning & Afternoon Transportation Routes

Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a two-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 71 at Bill Warner Road on July 28 at approximately 4:42pm.  The crash claimed the life of 29-year-old Michael Dauzat Jr. of Hessmer.

The initial investigation revealed that a 2009 Toyota Camry, driven by Dauzat, was southbound on U.S. Highway 71.  For reasons still under investigation, Dauzat attempted to access the service road by crossing both northbound travel lanes. This maneuver put the Camry in the direct path of a northbound 1993 Chevrolet Caprice. As a result, the Caprice impacted the Camry. 

Dauzat, restraint usage unknown, sustained severe injuries and was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The driver of the Caprice, who was restrained, sustained moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Routine toxicology samples were obtained and submitted for analysis.

While the cause of this crash remains under investigation, distracted and inattentive driving continues to be a leading cause of crashes in the state.  Louisiana State Police urges all motorists to stay alert while driving.  A lapse in one’s awareness can have deadly consequences.

A New Name. A Proven Team. A Personal Approach.

If you’re looking for reliable financial guidance — from taxes to payroll to long-term planning—there’s a new name in Rapides Parish that already feels familiar: IHS Group.

While the IHS name may be new to some in the area, the team behind it is anything but. With over 20 years of experience working together, the professionals at IHS Group have served families and small businesses across Louisiana with a consistent focus: strategic insight, clear communication, and trusted relationships.

Led by Rodney Boswell, the IHS team recently expanded into Rapides Parish with a simple mission — to help local families and entrepreneurs thrive, not just survive. Whether it’s launching a new business, navigating payroll compliance, or building a legacy plan for the next generation, IHS Group delivers practical, proactive support grounded in values that matter.

“Our approach is rooted in relationships,” says Boswell. “We don’t just offer services — we offer clarity, confidence, and continuity. That’s what sets us apart.”

From tax strategy and business advisory to payroll onboarding and succession planning, IHS provides the tools and guidance that allow clients to focus on what matters most — their goals, families, and growth.

What Makes IHS Group Different?

• Over 20 years of team experience
• Faith-centered leadership and values
• Hands-on support with real responsiveness
• A commitment to long-term partnerships

Now proudly serving Rapides Parish, IHS Group invites you to meet the advisors who treat your business like their own and your future like it matters — because it does.

Meet our leadership team. Pictured left to right:

Bettina Troquille – CO-Founder & VP of Advisory Services
Kim Boler – CO-Founder & VP of Tax Services
Charlene Young – CO-Founder & VP of Accounting Services
Lori Cumberland – CO-Founder & President
Rodney Boswell – CO-Founder & CEO

Contact: (318) 302-0879
Website: https://www.ihsgroup.co/           

Follow Us:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IHS-Group                                  
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ihs-group-la                
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ihsgroupla

The Town of Glenmore announced yesterday that its administrative office will be closed through Thursday, July 31, while their staff attends the statewide LMA training conference.

The office will resume its normal hours on Friday, Aug. 1, at 7:30am. 

Payments can be deposited in the Dropbox.

For any maintenance issues, call 318-787-9187.

The Village of Forest Hill announced yesterday that the boil advisory issued for residents on Hwy 112 and H. Strange Rd. has been rescinded by the Department of Health. 

On July 30, 1932, Walt Disney changed the course of animation history—not with a feature film or a major character, but with a short cartoon about singing trees and blooming flowers.

That cartoon, Flowers and Trees, marked the first commercially released film to use full-color three-strip Technicolor, a revolutionary leap forward that dazzled Depression-era audiences and cemented Disney’s reputation as a creative risk-taker. It also signaled the beginning of a new visual era for animated storytelling, where imagination was no longer confined to black and white.

At just over seven minutes long, Flowers and Trees was part of Disney’s Silly Symphonies series—shorts that were more experimental than the Mickey Mouse cartoons that had launched the studio into public favor. Originally planned as a black-and-white release, Flowers and Trees was redesigned mid-production after Disney secured exclusive rights to the new three-strip Technicolor process, which allowed animators to use a broader spectrum of vivid reds, greens, and blues on screen for the first time.

The result was a lush and whimsical woodland fantasy where trees sprout arms, flowers dance to classical music, and nature itself becomes the story’s protagonist. To 1932 audiences, accustomed to muted grayscale animation, the effect was stunning. Color wasn’t just decorative—it became part of the emotional language of the cartoon.

The gamble paid off. Flowers and Trees was a critical and commercial success, winning the first-ever Academy Award for Best Animated Short Subject in 1932. It also paved the way for Disney’s continued dominance in the animation industry throughout the 1930s and beyond. The success prompted Disney to colorize all future Silly Symphonies and eventually convert Mickey Mouse cartoons to Technicolor as well.

More importantly, Disney’s early use of Technicolor helped normalize color in mainstream filmmaking. The process itself had been available in various forms since the 1910s, but technical limitations and cost had made it rare. With Flowers and Trees, Disney proved that color could be more than a novelty—it could elevate storytelling.

The timing was strategic. America was in the grip of the Great Depression, and movie theaters served as an escape. Audiences were hungry for wonder. Disney gave them color-splashed joy at a time when they needed it most. Behind the scenes, the innovation was just as bold: using the new Technicolor system required major changes in how animation cells were painted and photographed, demanding both technical precision and artistic vision.

The impact of that decision is still felt today. Without Flowers and Trees, there might never have been the vibrant fantasy worlds of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, The Little Mermaid, or Encanto. The commitment to color redefined what animated films could be, inspiring generations of animators around the world.

Now, 93 years later, it’s easy to forget a time when animation was anything but colorful. But on July 30, 1932, Disney’s choice to take a chance on color reshaped the future of animation—and reminded us that sometimes, a bold splash of paint can rewrite the story.

As modern animation evolves into 3D, CGI, and virtual reality, the roots of that progress trace back to a little short about trees in love. Flowers and Trees didn’t just add color to the screen—it added depth, emotion, and limitless possibility.

So on this day in pop culture history, we tip our hats to Walt Disney’s visionary leap into Technicolor. It was the first of many bold moves, but perhaps the most transformative of all.

By JIM BUTLER

Failing to appear and pay fines seems the least of Liontraill Williams’s problems.

Williams, 22, of Pineville was booked Friday on two counts of that misdemeanor.

Three counts of domestic abuse/aggravated assault/child endangerment and one of aggravated assault/domestic abuse bumped her bail to $9,500, posted the next day.

Williams was charged with obstruction evidence tampering last September in a stabbing incident in Pineville and posted $10,000 bond the next day.

Back in March 2023 Williams, then a Marksville resident, was charged with felony criminal conspiracy and accessory after the fact as well as obstruction, one of several charged following a fatal shooting in Cheneyville. She posted $3,500 bond.

My personal memories of Tommy McLain, the internationally famous swamp pop star who died last week at age 85, go back to when I met him 25 years ago.

A native of Jonesville, he was living in Pineville, and I had been assigned to do a story on him for the Church Today, the Diocese of Alexandria newspaper. Perhaps most famous for his swamp pop version of Patsy Cline’s Sweet Dreams, Tommy told me how he had turned away from a life of drugs, booze and illicit sex.

He hardly seemed the religious type. Or at least the stereotypical image. He was brash, a showman, outgoing, wore flashy clothes, always ready with a quip. The son of a Baptist minister, he was a converted Catholic and told me then how he was writing songs with words given to him by God. “It’s God now who gives me the words, and I give them to anyone who will listen.” What’s more, he was busy writing the theme music for the then new local Radio Maria station.

That song, I’m Movin’ to Heaven, continues to be played in the rotation of the station’s music, according to Kevin Fontenot, the station’s general manager.

Fingering his silver beard and speaking in a gravelly voice, he boasted how he had never felt so good in all his life.

From his youth, music seemingly flowed from his veins, influenced by Ferriday’s Jerry Lee Lewis and New Orleans’ Fats Domino and Little Richard. He bought a $5 guitar at a pawn shop when he was about 6 years old. “I was left-handed, so I had to turn the guitar upside down and played it left-handed. I left home after the 11^th grade and went to work with a road band, and I’ve been playing music ever since,” he told me then.

A member of the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, McLain traveled through the United States as well as England and Mexico to bring his music around the world. His version of “Sweet Dreams” sold more than three million copies and became his first gold medal record. According to the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, McLain had a bigger hit with “Sweet Dreams” than did Patsy Cline. Her version of the song reached No. 44 on the charts in June of 1963 but McLain’s climbed all the way to 15 in August of 1966. The song was also featured in the Paul Newman-Joanne Woodward movie, “The Drowning Pool,” filmed in Lafayette.

By the time I met him, McLain had his own publishing company, Krehon Records Label and he shared the Mighty Music Mix Recording Studios in Oakdale with producer/manager Carol Skaggs. Although he accumulated lots of state, national and international music honors, he also experienced life’s valleys. In addition to problems with drinking, drugs and women, he had repeated income tax battles and was twice divorced.

He found solace and strength as he grew in his faith, and it was at a friend’s home devotion to Our Lady of Fatima a few months earlier that he saw Art Visconte, the former CYO director whom he hadn’t seen since he was a youngster.

“At the end of the prayer service, Art looks at me and says, ‘Tommy McLain, what have you got for me?’ I was shocked. I didn’t know what he meant.”

Visconte, who was instrumental in getting Radio Maria, the internationally popular radio network, to open its first American station in Alexandria in May of 1999, knew McLain’s music background and was also interested in any contribution he could make in that regard.

McLain discussed, too,  possible development on his land with the station, which didn’t pan out, but he also wrote a few songs to submit as a possible theme song for the station.

While visiting with him at his home several years ago, we talked a bit about Louisiana College (now Louisiana Christian University) basketball – he was a frequent fan at home games, but he eagerly went to his keyboard and started playing a song he said he was just beginning to compose. He wanted to see what I thought about it. Knowing I was a New Orleans native, he thought it might strike a chord with me.

The song he played did strike a chord with me, and in 2011 it became one of two songs he added to Texan professional song writer Larry Lange’s album Wiggle Room. It was his post-Katrina ballad Don’t Make Me Leave New Orleans.

“…Come on home to me

Let’s make new memories

Don’t make me leave New Orleans.”

Twice within the last few years I’ve visited him at the hospital. After the first visit, he recovered to travel for a concert to England. The last time I visited, he was in the ICU. He couldn’t talk much but his eyes brightened, and he thanked me for coming.

I still remember the Tommy I interviewed in 2000, who had a renewed spark in his life with a zeal for letting God influence his songwriting. He had written a new CD, “I’ve Changed My Style,” that concluded with him singing a song by James and Mark Payne, The Night Ole Jack Daniels Met John 3:16.

“That song,” he said, “is my life.”

BATON ROUGE, La. — Secretary of State Nancy Landry announced that, due to legislation passed in the 2025 Regular Legislative Session, the Independent Party will cease to exist as a recognized political party in Louisiana on Aug. 1, 2025. Voters registered as Independent will have their party affiliation automatically changed to “No Party” in the state’s voter registration system. Affected voters will receive a notification by mail, including an updated voter information card.

The Louisiana Legislature mandated this change in Act 84 of the 2025 Regular Session to prepare for the state’s transition to a Closed Party Primary system for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, Louisiana Supreme Court, Public Service Commission, and Board of Elementary & Secondary Education contests. Closed Party Primaries will begin in 2026 and participation will be limited to voters whose party affiliation is listed as Democrat, Republican, or “No Party” on their voter registrations.

“Many Louisiana voters who are registered as Independents mistakenly believe they are unaffiliated with any political party, when in fact they are members of the Independent Party,” Secretary Landry said. “This proactive change will allow voters formerly registered as Independents to participate in Closed Party Primaries next year, preventing voter confusion while maximizing participation.”

Louisiana’s new Closed Party Primaries were created by the Louisiana Legislature in Act 1 of the 2024 First Extraordinary Session. Secretary Landry encourages voters to check their voter registration information on the GeauxVote Online Registration System or free GeauxVote mobile app to ensure their information and party affiliation are up to date.

The City of Alexandria held its annual Back to School Bash at the Randolph Riverside Center on Monday, July 28. The center was packed as thousands of students and their families received free backpacks, pencils, notebooks and other school supplies. The City of Alexandria was joined by over 25 partners such as the school board, fire and police departments, local businesses, non-profits, and community service groups in sponsoring the event.

The parish School Board’s Literacy Bus made an appearance and was stuffed with free books for children.to put into their new backpacks. The Back to School Bash was a true community effort with the city, the police and fire departments, area businesses and volunteer groups ranging from the Central Louisiana Pan-Hellenic Council to the C.E. Ladd No 80 Masonic Lodge and Jack and Jill Association gave of themselves to give our area’s children a good start to the school year. The CENLA Juvenile Officers Association served up hot dogs and snacks to the children as they left the event.

The 2025 Back to School Bash was an unqualified success and a wonderful way to prepare for the upcoming school year!