By JIM BUTLER

Pineville’s City Council is expected to introduce an ordinance pertaining to their pay and that of other officials at today’s monthly meeting.

The resolution is included on the posted agenda.

It doesn’t indicate whether the proposal to amend the existing City Code section is an initial step toward salary changes or housekeeping in the codification process.

If accepted for introduction the ordinance will be bound over for consideration at the August meeting.

Pineville pays its mayor an annual base salary of about $105,500 and council members $12,000.

Audit reports indicate those levels were set in the fiscal year July 2022-June 2023.

The proposed ordinance is to amend and modify salaries for the mayor, city council, and city officials and modify, establish and confirm compensation of the mayor, council, city clerk and police chief.

The mayor and council are authorized under existing code to establish their salary levels from time to time.

One of life’s aggravations is finding yourself singing a song and grooving to its beat even though you hate the meaning of the lyrics.

“What’s love got to do with it?” is one of the foremost offenders. I’ll be singing along, bobbing a knee to the catchy rhythm and intoning “oh, oh, oh,” and another voice in my brain scolds me with the question, “What are you saying?!”

I suddenly put on the brakes of the song and do my best impersonation of my old dog, “Beau,” upon being scolded — putting his head down, shrinking his forehead and tucking his tail as he plops down and looks up at me with apologetic eyes.

“What am I saying?” I ask myself. “Love has EVERYTHING to do with it!” The song’s message is that you should try to ignore that the thrill of boy meeting girl means anything more than a physical attraction. Wrong. Love is far from a “second-hand emotion,” as the song declares. “Love is patient,” in the iconic words of St. Paul to the Corinthians, “love is kind … love never fails.”

This suggests how we have grown up in a culture that has spread its share of bad messages.

“If it feels good, do it.” Not so fast. At the very least, the reaction to “if it feels good” ought to be akin to ‘trust but verify’ before doing it. This can be a most dangerous philosophy at a wide variety of levels – from naively thinking it will feel good to pet the buffalo near you at Yellowstone to thinking it felt so good to get to first base with your date that you should try for a home run. Let’s just say as a counter: “All that glitters is not gold.”

“Love means never having to say you’re sorry.” This quote from the book and later the movie “Love Story” is TOTALLY wrong. Saying you’re sorry implies you’re seeking forgiveness. It’s often the quickest way to reparation, a mending of fences, or calming troubled waters. Love and forgiveness go together like peaches and cream.

“Baby, baby, don’t get hooked on me.” Mac Davis sang this song in the Seventies, and, again, it has a catchy beat and words you can get hooked on, but it’s reflective of a throwaway society where temporary physical thrills are what matters, not lasting relationships. “I’ll just use you and I’ll set you free,” is one of the lines. To counter this philosophy, consider the words of Abraham Lincoln: “Commitment is what transforms a promise into reality.” 

“Imagine there’s no heaven, it’s easy if you try.” Really? What are you saying?

Care to say those words to a friend or relative on their deathbed? Some consolation that would be! If there is no heaven or hell as the song invites us to “imagine,” then what purpose do we have in this life? We’re living for today, yes, but not just today. We crave the day when we can be reunited forever with our Creator, who loves us more than we can imagine.

How long will it take for us to reject bad messages in our culture?

The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind.

The answer is blowin’ in the wind.

The Rapides Parish Police Jury announced that St. Clair Ryder Rd. will close today at 7am. The road is being closed to thru traffic for repairs. Additional details are not available at this time. 

The Libuse Branch of the Rapides Parish Library will host Outreach Storytime with Forts Randolph and Buhlow on Thursday, July 10, 10:30-11:30am. 

This interactive and fun storytime with Forts Randolph and Buhlow Outreach invites children to come listen to a civil war themed story. There will also be demonstrations of Civil War materials and uniforms.

The Alexandria Museum of Art’s annual exhibition selected by a guest juror from national and international submissions will open today, July 8, and run through September 27. The exhibition highlights contemporary art practices in all media. Additionally, the September Competition connects the museum with artists who excel in their field and media.

The opening reception for members will take place Friday, July 11, at 6pm at the museum. 

The Alexandria Zoo Train will not operate the week of July 7. The train will be closed while the zoo performs scheduled maintenance on the train track.

Pineville Elementary School is hiring. The school is looking for a 5th grade special education teacher and social studies teacher. Join the Pineville Elementary School family and help make a difference in the lives of children.

For more information on these positions or to schedule an interview, contact Kristie Taylor at 318-442-8154.

Mike was nervous. He was among many guests including Steven Spielberg and Bob Zemeckis who flew to England to meet Princess Diana at a film premier. While they waited in the reception area, the chief of royal protocol prepped the group for their formal introduction. Mike, a Canadian, grew more nervous with each passing minute because he was going to meet his future Queen. This was years before Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s divorce. Mike felt out of place in his starched, rented tuxedo, but he was excited to meet the princess. He began to sweat. While he waited, he quickly downed some beers to calm his nerves. Mike did not get drunk, but drunkenness is not the only consequence of poorly timed beer intake.

Mike stood in the receiving line and watched as Princess Diana spoke briefly with those ahead of him. He kept going over the dos and don’ts in his head as the chief of royal protocol had instructed. He planned to follow the protocols to a tee. He thought the princess looked stunning in her blue silk gown and pearl and diamond jewelry. When it was his turn, Mike spoke briefly with Princess Diana. He had planned to compliment her on her outfit, but in the moment, it slipped his mind. They spoke briefly and she moved on.

Mike was relieved that the receiving line was done. The next task was to sit back, relax, and watch the film. The ushers escorted the royal party to their seats, then came back for the others. Mike had expected to sit at least a row or two behind the royal party. He almost went into cardiac arrest when the usher led him to his seat right beside Princess Diana. Mike thought to himself, “except for the fact that she’s married and is the Princess of Wales, this is practically a date.” Mike could not believe his luck, then he began to sweat again. Before the film began, Princess Diana made small talk with Mike. According to the rules set forth by the chief of royal protocol, Mike could not initiate conversation with the princess, but he could respond; Mike could not rise from his seat until she did; and he could never, ever turn his back toward her. Those rules kept going through his mind.

Finally, the film began. Mike thought he could finally relax, well, as much as one could sitting next to Princess Diana. Just as the film’s opening credits appeared on screen, it hit him. Mike felt the sudden and unmistakable pressure of a full bladder brought on by the beers he drank to calm his anxiety at meeting Princess Diana. “I was a hostage to etiquette,” he said later. He knew Princess Diana would be too polite to speak during the film. What would he say if she did? He could not stand before the princess, and there was no reason for her to stand. Even if she did rise, Mike would have to back away from Princess Diana down the crowded row of royals and other guests. That would not work, either. Mike considered the one other alternative but thought that would have been worse than breaking all the other protocols combined. Mike had no choice but to hold it. He recalled that his “fantasy date with a princess turned into two of the most excruciating hours of my life.” Princess Diana never knew about the dilemma as she watched the premier of “Back to the Future” while sitting beside Mike…Michael J. Fox.

Source: Michael J. Fox, Luck Man: a Memoir, (Hyperion, 2002), 99-100.

By JIM BUTLER

The percentage of Rapides students achieving mastery or above on this year’s LEAP tests rose three points from last, reaching the state average of 35.

The parish results put it at number two among the 14 top-improving systems. 

Mastery is defined as proficient and ready for the next level without remediation.

Hold the champagne — nine of 20 parish elementary schools testing had fewer than 25% reach that bar; middle schools had three of nine, high schools one of 11.

That’s not to disparage progress. On the positive end, five elementary schools reached 50% or more, as did two middle schools and one high school.

Grades 3-8 are tested in English Language Arts, math and science. Upper grades are measured in English 1 & 2, Algebra, Geometry, U.S. History and Biology.

Often cited as key to educational success is a three-cornered base – facilities (and materials), faculty(and staff, management), family (socio-economic). The school system controls two of the three.

The LEAP exam changes next year, the result of state Department of Education revisions. Time will tell that impact.

This year’s results show there are long rows still to be hoed. By division, school, percentage of those tested reaching mastery:

Elementary

Acadian 21

Ball 47

Barron 44

Brasher 17

Cherokee 32

Goff 52

Horseshoe Dr. 10

Huddle 18

Martin Park 18

Moore 30

Nachman 46

Paradise 53

Redwine 21

Rosenthal 55

Pineville 23

Ruby-Wise 62

Rugg 13

Tioga 41

Lawrence Upper 49

Phoenix Magnet 76

Middle/Jr. High

Alexandria Middle Magnet 14

Brame 31

Smith Middle Magnet 19

Dorman 65

Forest Hill 40

Pineville 40

Poland 57

Raymond 21

Tioga 48

High School

Alexandria Senior 42

Bolton Academy 75 (79 for 3-8 component)

Buckeye 50 (53)

Glenmora 32

Northwood 34 (35)

Oak Hill 38 (39)

Menard 35

Northwood 34 (35)

Peabody Magnet 15

Pineville 43

Plainview 42 (41)

Rapides 29

Tioga 41

Rapides Positive Program for Students 17

Midday on July 5, a combined 12-member team from Louisiana Task Force 2 (LATF-2) and Louisiana Task Force 3 (LATF-3) deployed to Texas to support ongoing emergency efforts in response to catastrophic flooding across the region.

“Once again, when our support is needed, our Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams step up without hesitation,” said DPS Principal Assistant Bryan J. Adams. “Our dedicated Louisiana firefighters are on their way to assist with the tragic flooding scene in Texas. I am incredibly proud of our teams and their unwavering willingness to stand alongside our sister states in times of need. We are truly “One Team.”

LATF-2 includes highly trained personnel from the Baton Rouge, Zachary, West Feliciana, and East Side Fire Departments. LATF-3 is comprised of responders from the Shreveport Fire Department. Together, the team brings specialized training and equipment to conduct swiftwater rescue and Urban Search and Rescue operations under the most challenging conditions.

These first responders train year-round to prepare for missions like this, where rapid deployment, coordination, and expertise can mean the difference between life and death. Their presence will provide critical support to local emergency services currently overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster.

The State Fire Marshal expressed pride in the professionalism, courage, and selflessness these men and women demonstrate each time they are called upon. Their willingness to leave their homes and families to help others in need is a true testament to the spirit of Louisiana’s first responders.

Downtown Alexandria was the place to be for music, fireworks and family fun as over 1,000 people packed the area around city hall for Rock the Red, the city’s annual Independence Day celebration.

From a Mount Everest sized water slide to a foam filled play area, portable basketball court, and children’s games, there was plenty of fun for the younger set. Savory aromas filled the air as food trucks served up a wide variety of foods for every taste.

Louisiana Music Hall of Fame member and Billboard Hot Country Songs Top 100 Chart singer Trini Triggs kicked off the evening’s concert with an energetic hour long set that ranged from Gospel to Rock to Country. Trini was followed by the superb musicality of ROI Chip Anthony, a singer and group that kept the crowd pumped up and the dance area filled.

It would not be Independence Day without fireworks and Rockin’ the Red did not disappoint! The evening culminated with an incredible fireworks show that could not be beat.

The Department of Health has rescinded the boil advisories in the Village of Forest Hill on Willis Gunter Rd. and Bell Rd. as well as Fish Hatchery Rd. and Nall Rd.  The Village appreciates the public’s patience during these boil advisories.

The Pineville Police Department responded to reports of a shooting in the area of Hayes Street and Pelican Drive on July 3 at approximately 1:13am.

The PPD Criminal Investigations Bureau responded and immediately began working the case. Detectives worked throughout the day, and secured multiple search warrants related to the investigation. With the assistance of Pineville Police Department SWAT team and the Alexandria Police Department SWAT team, those search warrants were executed and a total of four subjects were apprehended. Evidence recovered during the investigation ultimately led to several arrests.

Reyma Leshay Irwin was charged with 3 counts of Attempted Second Degree Murder, Criminal Conspiracy, Possession of CDS I with Intent to Distribute, and Possession of CDS II (Cocaine). 

Victoria Renee Bell was charged with 3 counts of Attempted Second Degree Murder and Criminal Conspiracy. 

Dashawn Lamarcus Davis was charged with 3 counts of Attempted Second Degree Murder and Criminal Conspiracy. 

Kirstin Ardoin was charged with 3 counts of Attempted Second Degree Murder and Criminal Conspiracy. 

This investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming. 

The PPD extended their appreciation to the Alexandria Police Department for their assistance. 

Arrests are accusations, not convictions. 

July 6

Brian Matthew Guillory, 42, Alexandria – three counts possession of CDS, possession of fentanyl, $1,500 bail;

Tytianna Nicole Robinson, 24, Pineville – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, $1,100 bail;

Tamyra T. Sanders, 20, Alexandria – OWI first offense, speeding, $1,100 bail.

July 5

Tyche Banks, 41, Alexandria – aggravated battery, possession of CDS, failure to appear, $3,764.50 bail;

Jeremy T. Beaudion, 25, Natchitoches – Louisiana fugitive, no bail data;

Omar Kenyetta Coleman, 37, Pineville – simple battery, two counts failure to appear, three counts contempt of court, $7,000 bail;

Kyrin Cooper-White, 27, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, discharging firearms, $2,000 bail;

Harold James Dwellingham, 66, Alexandria – OWI first offense, running a stop sign, improper lane usage, reckless operation of a vehicle, flight from an officer, resisting an officer, three counts open container, driving under suspension, $2,600 bail;

Javonte Dontrell Green, 28, Pineville – OWI first offense, driving under suspension, $1,100 bail;

Kedrick Gullette, 33, Alexandria – legend drugs obtained by misrepresentation or fraud, three counts contempt of court, probation violation, $15,500 bail;

Jermaine Johnson, 52, Alexandria – possession of CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, possession of firearm by convicted felon, $27,500 bail;

Michael Dewayne Johnson, 45, Alexandria – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, $1,100 bail;

Mikalia Reed, 22, Alexandria – OWI first offense, speeding, driving under suspension, $1,200 bail;

Joseph Schoolcraft II, 24, Pineville – OWI first offense, improper turn, $1,100 bail;

Mitchell A. St. Julien Jr, 48, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, $2,500 bail;

Timothy Emanuel Victor, 53, Alexandria – OWI second offense, improper lane usage, $1,600 bail.

July 4

Desiree Ashley Ambrose, 35, Boyce – Louisiana fugitive, two counts contempt of court, $8,000 bail;

Tammy Lynn Brevelle, 52, Pineville – legend drug possession, criminal trespass, disturbing the peace, $1,500 bail;

Jayvonta Clark, 18, Alexandria – illegal possession of stolen firearms, illegal use of weapons/dangerous instrumentalities, contributing to the delinquency of juveniles, $3,000 bail;

Teeanna Coleman, 33, Alexandria —  four counts contempt of court, $75,500 bail;

Errol Hakeem Cunningham, 35, Boyce – criminal trespass, two counts failure to appear, $2,250 bail;

Charles Demonte Hall, 44, Alexandria – possession of fentanyl, misrepresentation, obstruction of justice, safety belt violation, resisting an officer, six counts contempt of court, $13,100 bail;

Brian Jackson, 27, Pineville – cruelty to the infirmed, $50,000 bail;

Tyler J Lutrick, 27, Pollock – OWI second offense, open container, improper turn, modified exhaust, $1,800 bail;

Robert Glenn Scott, 75, Ball – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, improper driving on left, $1,200 bail;

Michael Wayne Smith, 50, Alexandria – five counts contempt of court, $25,000 bail;

Daniel K. Vanoverschelde, 54, Lewisville, Texas – OWI first offense, running a stop sign, $1,100 bail;

Robert G. Walker, 46, Jonesville – OWI first offense, open container, improper left turn, possession of CDS, $1,700 bail;

Kimberly Yolanda Woods, 44, Pineville – OWI, $500 bail.

July 3

Kirstin Michelle Dion Ardion, 23, Alexandria – three counts attempted second degree murder, criminal conspiracy, $1.6 million bail;

Victoria Renee Bell, 24, Alexandria – three counts attempted second degree murder, criminal conspiracy, $1.6 million bail;

Javier Arkuis Brown, 34, N/A – possession of marijuana, criminal trespass, three counts contempt of court, $43,500 bail;

Douglas W. Cross, 71, Pineville – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, $1,100 bail;

Dashawn L. Davis, 22, Alexandria — three counts attempted second degree murder, criminal conspiracy, $1.6 million bail;

Kyrica Greenwell, 26, Elizabeth – contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Donald Dewayne Hampton, 46, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, wearing hood/mask in public places, $3,500 bail;

Sergio D. Hernandez, 23, Pineville – second degree rape, $250,000 bail;

Remya Leshay Irwin, 20, Alexandria – three counts attempted second degree murder, criminal conspiracy, two counts producing manufacturing distributing with intent CDS, paraphernalia, $1,650,500 bail;

Lavonne Lea King, 50, Alexandria – three counts theft, 15 counts contempt of court, $31,500 bail;

Matthew Paul Koepke II, 37, Deville – OWI first offense, open container, improper lane usage, following too close, improper driving on left, expired MVI sticker, $1,500 bail;

Kendrick Michael Perry, 33, Alexandria – OWI first offense, open container, driving under suspension, following too close, $1,300 bail;

David Lee Reed, 53, N/A – attempted second degree murder, aggravated cruelty to animals, probation violation, $600,000 bail;

Eli Dillon Stewart, 28, Alexandria – parish probation violation, parole violations, simple burglary, $10,000 bail.

July 2

Devetrick Bush, 19, Pineville – possession of CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, manufacture, transfer, or possession of unlawful machine guns, $15,000 bail;

Louie Von Cole, 45, Alexandria – simple burglary, $5,000 bail;

Da’Michael Darrel Deal, 18, Pineville — possession of CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, manufacture, transfer, or possession of unlawful machine guns, $15,000 bail;

Bradley Gene Durison, 22, Ball – Louisiana fugitive, two counts contempt of court, $100,000 bail;

Brian Paul Fletcher, 54, Boyce – OWI first offense, careless operation of a vehicle, $1,100 bail;

Thomas Charles Russ, 40, Deville – flight from an officer, no insurance, speeding, driving under suspension, reckless operation of a vehicle, $10,800 bail;

Francis Douglas Russell III, 67, Alexandria – failure to renew sex offender registration, sex offender failure to notify of change of address, $3,000 bail;

Ashton Allen Slocum, 31, Woodworth – possession of CDS, $2,500 bail;

Jeremyah Smith, 21, Houston – producing manufacturing distributing CDS with intent, producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, legend drug possession, illegal carry firearm with drugs, possession of firearm by a convicted felon, transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses, parish probation violation, $55,500 bail;

Terris Strong Jr, 19, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, paraphernalia, illegal use of weapons, second degree murder, $1.10 million;

Christopher Germaine Trowel, 23, Austin, Texas – second degree murder, $100,000 bail;

Adam James Weston, 29, Alexandria – simple burglary, $5,000 bail.