By JIM BUTLER

The School Board today will consider adopting policy “coordinating news coverage of the school district.”

It’s not so draconian a reminder as loose lips sink ships but the proposal does create a yellow caution light for media communications.

The Community Engagement Coordinator’s Office would have the responsibility of initially sorting need to know, right to know and want to know aspects of communications between the system and the media.

According to the system personnel directory, Mary Helen Downey holds that post. Her background includes a degree with print journalism concentration from LSU’s Manship School, a Master’s from NSU in education and 10+ years as a classroom teacher.

The proposed policy includes responsibility for initiating story ideas as well as responding to coverage requests from the media or from within the district.

Assistance to administrators regarding effective relationships with the Fourth Estate would also be part of the CEC Office task.

According to the draft submitted to the board, the Superintendent or his/her designee and the President of the School Board shall serve as the primary spokesperson for the district on all matters of district-wide interest.

The principal shall be the primary spokesperson regarding issues related to his or her individual school.

If a designated district or school spokesperson is contacted by the news media for comment on a specific issue, the spokesperson may directly respond, provided that he/she has the necessary information to address the issue.

Otherwise, the policy directs, he/she should contact the CEC Office before responding to the news media.

General guidelines include:

• The privacy of a student or employee is the foremost concern when working with the news media and must be considered prior to the release of any information.

• If there is no prior clearance from the CEC Office or the network executive director, names of students should never be released under any circumstance without prior parental consent or the consent of the student if he or she is 18 years of age or older.

• Names of students involved in accidents or emergency situations shall not be released; news media should be referred to the receiving hospital or law enforcement for such information.

• Home addresses and telephone numbers of students, private citizens, and those RPSB employees who have restricted home addresses and telephone numbers are not to be provided.

Media requests (state public records act)for district records or Freedom of Information Act (federal law) requests shall be submitted in writing (state and federal law) and referred to the Office of the Superintendent (presumed designated custodian of records; laws stipulate time and manner of response).

Charles Alexander Jr. is among the more memorable names in the history of LSU football, as evidenced by the recent announcement that the No. 4 jersey he wore with distinction as a Tiger tailback in the late Seventies will be retired by the school in a ceremony during a game this fall.

Remembering names can be a problem. We’ve probably all had occasion to see someone and not remember their name. He admits he’s been there and done that, but he also gets a chuckle recalling how his head coach at LSU, Charlie McClendon, had a problem with names. That happened with his own players and those of opposing teams, including Alabama running back Major Ogilvie. Mac called him General Oliver.

“He’d call me Charles Alexandria, confusing my name with the city,” Alexander said. “At least he didn’t call me Anderson. I had some teammates in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals who called me that.”

A consensus two-time All-American as a junior and senior at LSU in 1977 and ’78, Alexander’s name was called on offense more than any other in a game or season at LSU before or since. It was in 1977, when he set game and season school records for rushing attempts that hold today. He carried a record 43 times in a victory over Wyoming  and he amassed a record 311 rushing attempts that same season. He is third in career rushing attempts at LSU (856), trailing only Dalton Hilliard and Kevin Faulk.

Alexander, the first running back to gain 4,000 career yards at LSU, is 67 and will be 68 in July. He has two daughters and five granddaughters (ages 4-12) and he says the beatings he absorbed – and dished out – at LSU and in seven NFL seasons (748 rushes) that included a trip to the Super Bowl, have taken their toll.

“I’d be sore after a lot of games when I was young but give me a day and I was as good as new. It’s a whole different story now.

“I can’t play tennis, run or jog,” he said. “I’ve had two knee replacements. My back is always hurting. But it’s part of football. If I had to do it all over again, I would. When some of us from that team get together and are walking from point A to point B, we’re all limping.”

Alexander lives in the Houston suburb of Sugarland, Texas, famous for another running back named Charles. But Charles Kenneth Hall was known as Ken Hall and was nicknamed “The Sugar Land Express” for being the all-time leading rusher in Texas high school football history with 11,232 yards. He did that in four seasons (1950-1953) at Sugar Land High School, setting numerous national offensive records along the way, some of which have not been broken.

Few of LSU’s games were televised when Alexander played, and one game that was not televised, nor in Tiger Stadium, is the one he remembers fondly. It was a 1977 game against Vanderbilt at Dudley Field in Nashville, Tenn.

Vanderbilt, a weak SEC team, led 15-0 in the third quarter, but Alexander rushed for 130 yards and three touchdowns in the second half to lead the Tigers to a 28-15 Southeastern Conference victory. He gained 188 yards total on 26 carries. His performance put him in the discussion for the Heisman Trophy (for which he was a finalist) and prompted McClendon to say after the game, “I think we should definitely add ‘the Great’ to Alexander’s name.”

The sales director for a steel and pipe mill company in Houston, Alexander also brings to his native Texas some of the Cajun taste he acquired during his time in Baton Rouge. He owns C’mon Man All Purpose Cajun Seasoning – touted as a seasoning you can put on everything from steak to ribs and all sorts of food in between.

He thinks of the money flowing in college football with NIL contracts and says, “I wished we’d had it 50 years earlier. I don’t know if it’ll destroy college football, but I hope to see everybody work together about the problems, and I hope they solve them.

“I’m glad to see those guys getting compensated,” he added. “We got $18 checks every month to do our laundry.”

Finally, and appropriately for a guy who forever credited his success at LSU to the vaunted self-nicknamed “Root Hogs” offensive line, Alexander again praised the guys up front – tackles Chris Rich and Robert Dugas, guards William Johnson and Craig Duhe and center Jay Whitley, plus tight end Clif Lane and fullback Kelly Simmons.

Rich, a native of San Antonio nicknamed “Chico” while at LSU, is fondly remembered in Alexandria for his time spent here as a sports medicine pioneer.  From 1988 through 2011, Dr. Rich was managing partner of Mid State Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Center. He died in 2019 at age 62.

“Chris would’ve given you his hand if you needed it, and I went to his funeral,” Alexander said. “All those guys (on the offensive line) took pride in what they did. It was a great group of guys. They were very smart. It didn’t take them long to catch on to a scheme change at halftime. They all went on to have great jobs.

“I’ll definitely recognize those guys,” he added, “when No. 4 is retired.”  

LCU’s new President, Dr. Mark Johnson, kicked off his “P356 Tour” yesterday. 

The P356 Tour is an ambitious, dynamic 100-day initiative designed to enhance the presence and impact of Louisiana Christian University while fostering deeper engagement with alumni, donors, faculty, staff, students, and the local population.

Through a series of 100 strategically planned events, this tour will underscore the university’s mission of trust, leadership, and community building. The 100 events will take place across June, July, and August, with the goal of strengthening relationships, raising visibility, and raising funds for LCU’s future development.

Rooted in Proverbs 3:5-6, the P356 TOUR will emphasize four key pillars: worship, scholarship, stewardship, and leadership. 

To kick off the P356 Tour, LCU released a video on its Facebook page. 

Visit lcuniversity.edu/P356 for more information.

The United Way of Central Louisiana hosted a Neighbor Opportunity Community Conference on May 31, 10am to 2pm, at the Bolton Community Center in Alexandria.

Dr. Donna Beegle of Communications Across Barriers, a national consulting firm that helps communities fight poverty, was the conference’s guest speaker.

Beegle said the conference marked the third phase of her ‘poverty reduction model’ in Alexandria. She’s visited the city several times, meeting with community leaders and frontline workers such as social workers, to identify ways of reducing poverty in the city.

This third phase focuses on people who are currently experiencing poverty. Beegle said poverty can prevent people from seeking help, so the main focus of Saturday’s event was aimed at connecting those individuals with critical resources.

“Poverty steals hope and confidence. Some people may think that’s too touchy-feely, but it’s critical,” Beegle said. “Without hope and confidence, even if opportunities are in front of you, people won’t try, because they think they’re the problem. What we’re teaching here is that you are not the cause of poverty. We’re building community support to walk with people as they move out and stay out of poverty.”

“Everyone can make a difference. In Alexandria, over 26% of the population fights this every day. If you have knowledge or wisdom, use it to leave someone in a better place than you found them,” she added.

By DARIN DAVID and ADAM LORD

It is always important to make a good first impression, and the 2024-25 RRAC Sports Information Director of the Year nailed it. LSU Alexandria’s Caleb Dunlop has been honored with the award during his first year as the Generals’ sports communicator.

Presented following each academic year, the RRAC SID of the Year award recognizes the individual who has performed the best at promoting their school’s athletics program, collaborating with fellow SIDs, contributing to the conference, maintaining timely and accurate information, driving media coverage, conducting gameday operations, and expanding social media outreach and broadcast capabilities. It honors those who go above and beyond, while maintaining strong relationships across the conference. The award is decided through a vote among all RRAC sports information directors.

Making an immediate impact at LSUA, Dunlop has overseen a full-scale revamp of the school’s Athletics Communication office. He retooled LSUA’s athletics social media strategy, generating more than 100,000 views per month on Instagram during the men’s and women’s soccer season. Dunlop also oversaw the creation of the Generals Bulletin and the LSUA Athletes of the Week.

Further, Dunlop created the first-ever game day programs for soccer home matches and re-introduced postgame interviews with coaches and players, including postgame press conferences at the Red River Athletic Conference basketball and softball Tournaments. He added play-by-play commentary to home softball and baseball games, as well as the RRAC men’s and women’s soccer quarterfinals. Dunlop served as the Generals’ public address announcer for soccer, baseball, and softball. He also provides photos for LSUA home events.

“Caleb has had a tremendous impact on the LSUA athletic department since his arrival last August,” says LSUA athletic director Tyler Unsicker. “I have been so impressed with how well he has worked with our student-athletes in showcasing their many successes throughout the year and enhancing the overall student-athlete experience. This is a well-deserved award and we are proud to have Caleb at LSUA.”

Dunlop wrote LSUA Athletics’ first-ever feature stories on men’s soccer player Mnqobi Mbili and women’s soccer player Jaqui Guillermo. He followed those with stories on the Port Allen connection in men’s basketball, the 2024-25 women’s basketball senior class, and LSUA softball’s Julia Kwakernaak.

He promoted LSUA women’s soccer players Hille Baumfalk and Fenja Leibner as the program’s first Louisiana Sports Writers Association All-Louisiana honorees.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by my colleagues who understand the hours and commitment our role requires,” says Dunlop. “This award isn’t about me. It’s about the incredible student-athletes I have the privilege of supporting every day. They’re the heart of everything we do, and I’m fortunate enough to be in a position to help tell their stories, capture their success, and shine a light on their hard work and dedication. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve our student-athletes and proud to be part of a community that values and supports the work we do to enhance the student-athlete experience.”

Prior to LSUA, Dunlop was the Assistant Director of Athletic Communication at Central Washington University from 2015-2022. During his time with the Wildcats, he was the primary contact for each of CWU’s teams for at least one season. He primarily worked with women’s soccer, men’s basketball, softball, and men’s rugby. Dunlop served as the play-by-play broadcaster and public address announcer for most Wildcat home games. He had a story on former CWU quarterback Reilly Hennessey published on NCAA.com, the only CWU story to hit the NCAA front page from 2015-2022. He also created GIFs featuring CWU student-athletes which generated over 12 million views.

When not working on the sidelines, Dunlop served as the co-chair for the Women’s Basketball DII-SIDA West Region Media Poll and was a voting member of the Women’s Basketball DII-SIDA National Media Poll. Dunlop served as the GNAC SID Chair from 2016-18.

Previously, Dunlop served as the Sports Marketing and Information Director at Dickinson State University (N.D.) and Sports Information Intern while attending Coker College (S.C.).

Dunlop is a native of Lewiston, Maine, and graduated with a B.A. in Communications from Coker in 2013. He resides in Alexandria.

The New Pilgrim Baptist Church in Woodworth  (9373 Hwy 165 S) will host the 4th Annual Car, Truck, & Motorcycle Show this Saturday, June 7, 10am to 3pm. 

Come out for this free event and enjoy good music while viewing the cars, trucks, and motorcycles. There will be good food, too – BBQ ribs, dirty rice, potato salad, and baked bean plates as well as hamburger, chips, and drinks plates. 

For more info contact Rev. Darryl G. Hills at 318-229-3923. 

The Town of Cheneyville has announced that the Cheneyville Annex Building as a meal site for the Rapides Parish School Board’s 2025 summer feeding program. The program started Monday, June 2, and will run through Friday, June 27.

Breakfast is from 8am-8:30am, and lunch will be served from 11am-11:30am. All children 18 years and under can enjoy free breakfast and lunch at this site. 

On June 3, communities across Central Louisiana joined the nation in celebrating National Egg Day, recognizing the versatility and nutritional value of eggs in daily diets. Local farmers’ markets in Natchitoches and Alexandria featured special promotions, highlighting farm-fresh eggs and sharing recipes with patrons.

Nutritionists from the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center conducted workshops emphasizing the health benefits of eggs, including their high protein content and essential vitamins. “Eggs are a staple in many households, and it’s important to understand their role in a balanced diet,” said Dr. Linda Carver, a nutritionist with the center.

Restaurants in the region also participated by offering egg-themed dishes, from classic omelets to innovative desserts. The day’s events not only celebrated a common food item but also supported local agriculture and encouraged healthy eating habits among residents.

Dustin Fuqua, Chief of Resource Management at Cane River Creole National Historical Park in Natchitoches Parish, gave a presentation as part of the Alexandria Museum, of Art’s “Renegade Tour” at the museum Thursday, May 29. The presentation, “The River is the Road: Tracing the Red River in Cenla Through Brush Strokes of Explorers”, traced our understanding of the Red River through maps made throughout the region’s long history of Native American, Spanish, English, French and American settlement. The evolution of our region’s relationship to the Red River may also be seen in the many different names the river has been known by over the centuries, from Rio Sovma, to Riviere de Marne, to the modern Red River.

Fuqua, a recognized expert in traditional Louisiana crafts and folkways, also spoke of traditional building materials such as bousillage, The Renegade Tour is a series of presentations given by community members at the museum that explore topics that would not be normally associated with art or a museum. In this case, the maps are beautiful pieces of art in their own right. The talk was also tied into the Alexandria Museum of Art’s current exhibit of works by Louisiana artist George Rodrigue titled “The River is the Road.”

Tioga High School will be hosting a carwash and food sale fundraiser on Saturday, June 7, 8am to 1pm, to raise money to send the football team’s offensive line and defensive lines to camp. 

The carwash fundraiser will be held the football stadium parking lot. Cars will be $10, SUVs will be $15, and trucks will be $20.

There will also be a bake sale and sausage dog food plates (with chips and a drink) on sale for $10. 

Donations will also be accepted, and all support is appreciated.  

The Alexandria Police Department responded to a local hospital in reference to an individual suffering from a non-life-threatening gunshot wound on Thursday, May 29, at approximately 8pm. It was reported that the shooting occurred on 3rdStreet.

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. Information can be emailed 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 www.p3tips.com/community/mobile.

The Alexandria Police Department responded to a local nightclub in the 2000 block of Lee Street in reference to a shooting on Saturday, May 31, at approximately 3:51am. Two individuals were transported to a local hospital, one in critical condition.

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. Information can be emailed 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 www.p3tips.com/community/mobile.

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

June 1

Justin Wayne Bergeron Lavigne, 44, Breaux Bridge – aggravated resisting a police officer with force or violence, criminal damage to property, trespassing/remaining after forbidden, two counts battery on an officer, disturbing the peace, $6,000 bail;

Jose Alfredo Garcia, 57, Forest Hill – OWI first offense, speeding, $1,100 bail;

Stephen B. Gremillion Jr, 46, Boyce – domestic abuse battery, no bail data.

May 31

Caljoneke Armstead, 25, Lecompte – manufacture transfer or possession of machine guns, illegal carry firearm with drugs, legend drug possession, possession of CDS, producing manufacturing distributing with intent CDS, transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses, $133,000 bail;

Yahmir Hasen Beaudoin, 17, Alexandria – hit and run driving, resisting an officer, careless operation of a vehicle, possession of CDS, gross littering, $2,100 bail;

Gatloyn O’Bryan Blue, 28, Lecompte – Louisiana fugitive, transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses, producing manufacturing distributing with intent CDS, three counts possession of CDS, manufacture transfer or possession of machine guns, $233,500 bail;

Freddie JaeDevante Burnett, 33, Pineville – theft of a motor vehicle, misrepresentation during booking, contempt of court, $52,000 bail;

Dominque Dequan Hogan, 33, Alexandria – two counts simple burglary, $2,000 bail;

Anthony James Moore, 39, Pineville – three counts flight from an officer, two counts producing manufacturing distributing with intent CDS, paraphernalia, obstruction of justice, simple littering, driving under suspension, failure to secure registration, operating without insurance, improper dispensing of CDS, $33,400 bail;

Erik William Soal, 39, Alexandria – OWI third offense, $30,000 bail;

Davin Blake Tyler, 30, Colfax – Louisiana fugitive, DWI second offense, driving under suspension, three counts contempt of court, $4,355 bail.

May 30

Lyndon Beau Agneaux, 35, Alexandria – aggravated assault, simple battery, $1,000 bail;

Brian Todd Batson, 43, Alexandria – theft, two counts failure to comply with supervised release, contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Kelly Faye Burnette, 46, Boyce – possession of CDS, $2,500 bail;

Steven Allen Cosart, 57, Clinton Township, Mich. – illegal transmission of funds, money laundering, $30,000 bail;

Sean Christopher Goodwin, 40, Woodworth – two counts contempt of court, $100,000 bail;

Daicha Hamilton, 34, Alexandria – armed robbery, $10,000 bail;

Darrell Davarres Jefferson Jr, 24, Alexandria – second degree murder, $1 million bail;

Lecharles Dante Johnson, 43, Alexandria – simple battery, remaining on premises, 19 counts contempt of court, $39,000 bail;

Michael K. Paul, 43, Alexandria – cyberstalking via electronic mail, $25,000 bail;

Eric Wayne Pope, 46, Alexandria – second degree battery, disturbing the peace, $25,500 bail;

Roydarius Lamar Rachal, 29, Boyce – modified exhaust, legend drug possession, possession of CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, improper window tint, stalking, telephone harassment, $25,000 bail;

Kenneth Eric Setliff, 38, Pineville – 10 counts contempt of court, $155,000 bail;

Marquitta Larjavette Taylor, 47, Pineville – OWI second offense, open container, child desertion, no child restraint system, operating vehicle under suspension for certain prior offenses, $2,700 bail;

Rebecca Ann Washington, 33, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, aggravated assault, simple escape, $5,500 bail;

Mariah Nicole Wyllie, 30, Alexandria – simple battery, theft, remaining on premises, $2,000 bail.

May 29

Bryan Dean Barbat, 54, Pineville – simple burglary, contempt of court, $10,000 bail;

Angelo Joseph Baronne, 37, Alexandria – simple burglary, Louisiana fugitive, misrepresentation during booking, resisting an officer, two counts possession of CDS, use of CDS in presence of juvenile, safety belt violation, contempt of court, $7,100 bail;

Johnny Ellison Bennett Jr, 30, Alexandria – nine counts contempt of court, $225,000 bail;

Kevin Jermaine Murphy Blue, 41, Alexandria – first-degree rape, $500,000 bail;

Chase Thomas Dauzat, 31, Pineville – three counts contempt of court, $75,000 bail;

Jacob Austin Davis, 31, Anacoco – possession of firearm by convicted felon, contempt of court, $15,500 bail;

Ronnie Lawrence Edwards, 72, Alexandria – eight counts contempt of court, operating a vehicle under suspension for certain prior offenses, $39,500 bail;

Douglas Wayne Gilbert, 48, Boyce – two counts possession of CDS, expired MVI sticker, $3,100 bail;

Jamonthne Henderson, 26, Alexandria – possession of CDS, four counts contempt of court, bicycle reflectors, $58,600 bail;

Quenthia Jones, 32, Alexandria – unauthorized entry into inhabited dwelling, disturbing the peace, seven counts contempt of court, $19,500 bail;

Johnny D. Lewis Jr, 42, Hineston – aggravated battery, $20,000 bail;

Enrique Rodriguez Jr, 26, Pineville – simple burglary, $5,000 bail;

E.M. Smith, Jr, 26, Deville — OWI first offense, careless operation of a vehicle, possession of CDS, paraphernalia, intentional littering, $2,600 bail;

Trevon Lamar Smith, 24, Alexandria – possession of CDS, obstruction of justice, criminal damage to property, intentional littering, parole violations, $3,000 bail;

Devon J. Washington, 19, Alexandria — assisting escape, $2,500 bail;

Jamie C. White, 46, Pollock – possession of CDS, criminal trespass, $3,000 bail.

May 28

Rakeem Tamir Chapman, 30, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, tail lamps red light, driver’s license not in possession, $5,200 bail;

William Jerald Cook, 59, Alexandria – seven counts contempt of court, $14,500 bail;

Antonio Vantweze Cross, 48, Pineville – possession of CDS, parole violations, $2,500 bail;

Paul Edward Dedeaux, 55, Pineville – two counts contempt of court, $4,000 bail;

Sandie L. Hall, 38, Alexandria – three counts criminal damage to property, criminal trespass, simple battery, simple burglary, $7,500 bail;

Mary Helen Jordan, 39, Pineville – possession of CDS, four counts contempt of court, resisting an officer, paraphernalia, misbrand drugs to mislead, $5,000 bail;

Timothy Wade McDowell Jr, 43, Centerpoint – four counts contempt of court, $200,000 bail;

Lonnie Verdell Papayanis, 31, Alexandria – theft, 14 counts contempt of court, $25,500 bail

Christopher Logan Poole, 31, Pineville – Louisiana fugitive, theft, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, $1,500 bail

Jessica J. Wise, 44, Deville – five counts forgery, contempt of court, parole violations, $6,500 bail.

June 2 is National Rocky Road Day, a celebration of the beloved ice cream flavor that combines chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts. In Louisiana, this day is embraced with characteristic enthusiasm, blending indulgence with community spirit.

Rocky Road ice cream originated during the Great Depression, offering a sweet escape during hard times. Its combination of textures and flavors symbolizes comfort and resilience—qualities that resonate deeply in Louisiana.

Louisiana’s culinary creativity shines in its interpretations of rocky road. From praline-infused variations to versions featuring pecans and local chocolates, the state’s ice cream parlors offer unique takes on the classic dessert.

Ice cream socials and tasting events pop up across the state, bringing communities together to enjoy the treat. These gatherings often support local causes, turning indulgence into impact.

Families take to their kitchens, crafting homemade rocky road recipes passed down through generations. These traditions foster connection and preserve the state’s rich culinary heritage.

National Rocky Road Day in Louisiana is more than a nod to a dessert—it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the simple joys that sweeten life.