A district judge in Rapides Parish has sentenced Markese Harrell to life in prison without the possibility of parole in the second-degree murder in the in-custody death of Andrew Steven Myles while both men were incarcerated together. 

Judge Chris Hazel delivered Harrell’s sentence on June 9 in the 9th Judicial District Court. Following a four-day trial, the jury found Harrell guilty of the crime on April 21. 

“To hear guilty, without the possibility of probation and parole, Andrew Myles and his family got justice today,” said Angela Myles, Andrew’s mother. “There’s no more court dates, there’s no more court appearances. I gave my victim impact statement to keep my son’s life and memories alive.”

Prior to Myles’ death, Harrell was in custody at the Rapides Parish Jail on charges related to a one-vehicle accident, in which he drove into the side of the Pentecostals of Alexandria Church building. An off-duty Pineville Police Department officer entered the church, saw everything take place, and subdued Harrell until the Alexandria Police Department was able to apprehend him.

“He left his vehicle, went inside the church and assaulted two persons inside the church, brutally assaulted,” said Chuck Johnson, Assistant District Attorney of Rapides Parish. This incident led to Harrell being charged with reckless operation of a motor vehicle, hit and run, criminal damage to property, two counts of second-degree battery, and contempt of court.

The second-degree murder case arose in May of 2022. At around 8:50pm on May 19, RPSO officers responded to a call regarding two inmates inside the Rapides DC-1 facility – Markese Harrell and fellow inmate Andrew Steven Myles. Myles was found unconscious but breathing and suffering from life-threatening injuries.

Prosecutors allege that Myles was attacked while he was taking a nap on the floor. Myles received 40 blows to the head, crushing his skull. Myles died the next day at around 4am as a consequence of his injuries.

During the trial for Myles’ murder, Harrell pleaded not guilty by way of insanity. His defense counsel argued that epilepsy was a mental disease and that Harrell was under mental distress during the time of the incident.

However, the prosecution argued that what Harrell did was no less than ‘a cold-blooded murder.’

“We weren’t able to find a single case in the history of Louisiana where any court has ever said that epilepsy is a mental disease or defect,” AD Johnson said. “It’s a medical condition, treatable medical condition. Thousands of people in this country suffer from it. They live productive lives. They follow the laws of society. Mr. Harrell chose not to.”

The prosecution was tasked with proving the murder. The defense was tasked with proving Harrell’s plea of not guilty by way of insanity.

“We were able to kind of bifurcate the evidence, separate it and show them this is the evidence of the murder itself,” Johnson said. “Cumulatively, with the rest of the evidence, we’re going to show you, even though we’re not required to, that he was not legally insane.”

Harrell’s sentencing comes after his original sentencing date was delayed. According to court records, Harrell was originally scheduled to hear his sentence on May 12. However, Harrell’s defense counsel filed a motion for a new sentencing date on May 9, which was granted and rescheduled for June 9.

The case was prosecuted by Johnson. Harrell was represented by defense attorney Jermaine Harris. District Judge Chris Hazel presided over the case.

The Food Bank of Central Louisiana, Inc. is participating in the Summer Food Service Program. RPL locations will host the meals. Meals will be provided to all eligible children without charge. Meals must be eaten at the Library. Meals are only available during posted times.

• Main Library: Monday, June 2-Friday, August 15, 11am-1pm
• Martin Library: Monday, June 2-Friday, August 15, 10am-12pm (Breakfast); 3pm-5pm (Dinner)
• Robertson Branch: Monday, June 2-Friday, August 15, 10am-12pm
• McDonald Branch: Tuesday, June 3-Friday, August 15, 9am-10am (Breakfast); 3pm-5pm (Dinner)

Contact individual locations for more information on services at that location. 

*This institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider.*

Two bills Alexandria-related bills among four that ruffled some feathers are now law and two await the governor’s signature as the Legislature winds down its regular annual session.

The bills were drafted at the city’s request though some council members were not directly informed, nor are they required to be.

Rep. Jason DeWitt’s measure relative to use of City Court revenue for clerks’ compensation is Act 74 of this year.

Sen. Jay Luneau’s measure exempting certain proprietary information from public record access is Act 31.

Both become effective August 1.

Awaiting Governor Jeff Landry’s signature are bills by DeWitt and by Rep. Mike Johnson.

Johnson’s, sent to Landry on June 3 after final passage, exempts from Alexandria Civil Service employees in computer, IT and related systems security jobs, a wrinkle considered necessary in the competitive market for such skills.

DeWitt’s deals with classified police appointments.

It provides for vacancies to be filled by one of the five eligible officers highest in department seniority.

This Friday, June 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., members of the public can participate in a Public Archeology Day at the Old LSU Site in Pineville, through LSU Alexandria.

The event is sponsored by the LSU Museum of Natural Science, U.S. Forest Service, and the LSU Department of Geography and Anthropology.

The address for the Old LSU Site is 2500 Shreveport Hwy, Pineville.

Here is a link to the LSU Museum of Natural Science’s post about Public Archeology Days: https://www.facebook.com/LSUMNS

Activities include excavating and cleaning artifacts, handling real archeological finds, site tours and historical insights. This is a wonderful opportunity for students and history buffs of all ages to discover the legacy of LSU through hands-on, participatory learning.

Photo background:  Dr. Paul Coreil, LSUA Chancellor, reads a letter written by William Tecumseh Sherman in 1881 in which Sherman reflects on his time as Superintendent of the Louisiana Seminary of Learning and Military Academy in Pineville, the original site and forerunner of Louisiana State University. The letter is housed in the James C. Bolton Library at LSU Alexandria.

The LSUA University Archives and Special Collections is located in the Bolton Library, 8100 Highway 71 South, Alexandria. The LSUA archives are open for research M-F from 9-4 by appointment.

Ready, Set, Hike – the Red River Youth Football League FUNdamentals Football Camp is here. 

Join RRYFL for a summer Saturday morning filled with football fun this Saturday, June 14, 8:30am to 12pm. Participants will learn the fundamentals of the game from RRYFL’s experienced coaches.  Whether a child is a rookie or a seasoned player, there’s something for everyone ages 4 years old to 13 years old at the RRFYL camp.

What’s in store? The camp will feature the following:

• Skill-Building Drills: Sharpen passing, catching, and running skills.
• Teamwork Activities: Learn the value of teamwork through exciting group challenges.
• Lunch on RRYFL: Refuel with a delicious lunch provided by the league.

RRYFL has a special offer: register for the RRYFL 2025 season by June 14 and this camp is FREE!  Otherwise, it’s $40 per child to participate.

Register online for the season at www.rryfl.com or in person on the day of the camp starting at 8:30 AM and FUNdamentals Camp is FREE.

For more information, visit the website at www.RRYFL.com and follow them on their Facebook page.

Disclaimer: The RPSB, GPSB, nor any other parish school boards endorse or sponsor the advertised event or activity.

Paid Content

The Oak Hill Fire Department kicked off its annual fundraising raffle last week. Though the raffle won’t be held until August, members of the public interested in supporting Oak Hill can start buying tickets now – they are $5 each or 5 for $20. 

There are four prizes this year up for grabs. They are as follows.

• Oak Hill Fire Department T-shirt Blanket
• American Flag Crocheted Blanket
• $200 gift card to Sissy’s Restaurant
• 2 large pizzas and 1 2-liter drink from Leebo’s Hineston

Individuals interested in purchasing raffle tickets can contact individual Oak Hill firefighters or message the department on Facebook. 

Paid Content

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

June 8

Jacob Chinn, 37, Rockhill, S.C. – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, safety belt violation, $1,200 bail;

Calvin Hinkston, 57, Alexandria – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, $1,100 bail;

Kyjuwon Quinshawn Jones, 24, Cheneyville – simple battery, disturbing the peace in a violent/tumultuous manner, possession of firearm by convicted felon, negligent carry concealed handgun, criminal mischief, $2,000 bail;

Austin Cole Maricle, 30, Pitkin – operating vehicle while under suspension for certain prior offenses, expired plate registration, improper headlight equipment, $700 bail;

Terrance Iynard Wright, 17, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting an officer, illegal carry firearm with drugs, improper window tint, no driver’s license, modified exhaust, $1,300 bail.

June 7

Jerry Randell Butler, 58, Alexandria – five counts contempt of court, $20,000 bail;

Jacoria Jane Franklin, 30, Pineville – two counts of possession of CDS, theft, paraphernalia, $3,000 bail;

Jesse Paul Goleman, 57, Pineville – possession of CDS, running a stop sign, $2,600 bail;

Bobby James Graham, 37, Pineville – OWI first offense, open container, careless driving, hit and run driving (no serious injury), $1,700 bail;

Gerald Hislop, 58, Anacoco – OWI first offense, open container, improper lane usage, $1,200 bail;

Eric Dewayne Jones, 52, Alexandria – simple battery, three counts contempt of court, $9,500 bail;

Audra Celesti Knapp, 37, Pollock – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, probation violation, two counts contempt of court, $6,000 bail;

Joseph Clay Nugent, 54, Pineville – Louisiana fugitive, improper lane usage, failure to report an accident, driving under suspension/revocation, resisting an officer, obstruction of justice, two counts of possession of CDS, paraphernalia, criminal damage to property, hit and run driving (no serious injury), $5,300 bail;

Kale Jeremy Robinson, 32, Deville – domestic abuse battery with intentional serious injury, resisting an officer, $5,500 bail;

Lee Randal Tarver, 22, Alexandria – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, improper window tint, modified exhaust, $1,300 bail;

Ruston Eugene Thompson, 39, Deville – aggravated battery, possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, $6,000 bail.

June 6

Breanna Nicole Baha, 27, Pineville – theft, monetary instrument abuse, three counts contempt of court, $26,000 bail;

Jamir Yasin Baxter, 24, Pineville – possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, illegal possession of stolen firearms, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, improper backing, $31,600 bail;

Trisha Bennett, 24, Pineville – two counts contempt of court, $50,500 bail;

Samantha Brinkley, 50, Alexandria – possession of CDS, two counts Louisiana fugitive, $2,500 bail;

David Abraham Coleman, 40, Shreveport – theft of a motor vehicle, contempt of court, $6,500 bail;

Patrick Heath Cotton, 40, Pollock – Louisiana fugitive, three counts resisting an officer, aggravated assault on a peace officer, three counts possession of firearm by convicted felon, two counts flight from an officer, criminal trespass, $350,000 bail;

Carson Randall Crusenberry, 24, Pineville – possession of CDS, disturbing the peace, $2,000 bail;

George Lawrence Funderburk, 59, Otis – two counts contempt of court, $150,000 bail;

Blake Charles Gauthier, 37, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery with child present, no bail data;

Derrick Harrison, 47, Woodworth – aggravated assault home invasion, simple burglary, $13,500 bail;

Lopez Dramone Henderson Jr, 27, Alexandria – battery second degree, domestic abuse battery, aggravated strangulation, stalking, home invasion, resisting an officer, five counts contempt of court, $910,500 bail;

Gregory Wayne Hunter, 45, Alexandria – two counts producing manufacturing distributing CDS, driver’s view obstructed, resisting an officer, $16,100 bail;

Michael Jermaine Jarrell, 40, Alexandria – aggravated battery second degree, two counts aggravated battery on a police officer, aggravated resisting an officer using force or violence, disturbing the peace, sex offender failure to register, $32,000 bail;

Herlandis Darnell Johnson, 38, Alexandria – simple burglary, six counts contempt of court, $12,500 bail;

Timothy Brian Lacheny, 32, Pineville – unauthorized use of a movable vehicle, $5,000 bail;

James Henry Manning Jr, 28, Alexandria – possession of marijuana, Louisiana fugitive, possession of firearm by convicted felon, parole violations, $15,500 bail;

Gary Wayne McClinton Jr, 38, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, parole violations, simple burglary, $13,000 bail;

Jared Lee Nelson, 44, Alexandria – theft, simple burglary, two counts resisting an officer, intentionally exposing AIDS virus, simple battery of police officer, unauthorized entry into place of business, $31,000 bail;

Kelvin Simon, 32, Alexandria – possession of a firearm by convicted felon, sex offender failure to register, flight from an officer, contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Darrell Wayne Smith, 56, Angie – OWI first offense, careless operation of a vehicle, $1,100 bail;

Stephanie Gail Turner, 40, Mansura – OWI first offense, careless operation of a vehicle, no driver’s license, $1,200 bail;

Lee Ann Walker, 61, Pineville – possession of CDS, unauthorized entry into a dwelling, failure to appear/pay fine, $4,500 bail;

Kalie Michelle Welch, 37, Deville – possession of CDS, Louisiana fugitive, $2,500 bail;

Kayla Leigh Wooten, 38, Alexandria – two counts second-degree murder, two counts attempted second-degree murder, aggravated criminal damage, three counts contempt of court, $3,000,500 bail.

June 5

Damarius Andrews, 34, Texarkana – aggravated assault home invasion, $25,000 bail;

Terrell Jermaine Blake, 46, Alexandria – remaining on premises, $5,000 bail;

Delmarcus Dewayne Brisco, 40, Alexandria – possession of firearm by convicted felon, safety belt violation, driving under suspension/revocation, probation violation, $10,200 bail;

Toria Nicole Brown, 21, Alexandria – simple assault home invasion, contempt of court, $6,000 bail;

Albert Addison Bush, 69, Boyce – second-degree rape, $100,000 bail;

Christopher Lee Chauvin, 44, Pineville – possession of CDS, no MVI sticker, driving under suspension, $2,700 bail;

Kevin James Craig Sr, 56, Pineville – two counts of contempt of court, $10,000 bail;

Timothy Joseph Davis, 57, Alexandria – possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, probation violation, $10,000 bail;

Jakub Ray Desoto, 23, Alexandria – possession of CDS, $2,500 bail;

Stephanie Dawn Garner, 48, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, six counts contempt of court, $13,500 bail;

Billy Dwayne Gaston Jr, 24, Alexandria – possession of fentanyl, possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, operating an unsafe vehicle, parole violations, $6,100 bail;

Bedtram Hood Jr, 20, Alexandria – switched license plate, failure to secure registration, no driver’s license, no head light, two counts contempt of court, $101,200 bail;

John Wayne Madden Jr, 44, Alexandria – aggravated battery second degree, domestic abuse battery strangulation, $30,000 bail;

Emmanuel Joseph Robert, 35, Lecompte – theft of a motor vehicle, criminal conspiracy, possession of CDS, obstruction of justice, six counts contempt of court, $62,500 bail;

John Kevin Scarbrough Jr, 32, Pineville – six counts contempt of court, $152,500 bail;

Reginald Dewayne Terrick, 50, Alexandria – possession of CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, $5,000 bail;

Eddie Ray Turner, 32, Alexandria – four counts criminal conspiracy, simple battery, paraphernalia, nine counts contempt of court, $201,500 bail;

George Hadley Vanzant, 32, Boyce – three counts contempt of court, $150,000 bail;

Antonio Terral Williams, 48, Pineville – contempt of court, $25,000 bail;

Alexis Brooke Wyllie, 32, Alexandria – three counts possession of CDS, obstructing public passages, driving under suspension, $3,700 bail.

June 4

Shyanna Marie Bordelon, 47, Glenmora – two counts aggravated cruelty to animals, criminal conspiracy, $7,500 bail;

Kenneth Davis, 24, Jena – aggravated burglary robbery, $10,000 bail;

Bianco Karlino Greene, 48, Alexandria – possession of CDS, safety belt violation, two counts contempt of court, $5,600 bail;

Monica Lauren Mathews, 36, Pineville – simple burglary, criminal trespass, portrayal of law enforcement/fireman, unauthorized entry, criminal damage to property, allowing dogs to run free, two counts contempt of court, $93,000 bail;

Donald Lee Plake, 61, Huntington (Texas) – OWI second offense, improper driving on left, $1,600 bail;

Adavion Ra’Shawn Sanders, 22, Pineville – possession of marijuana, illegal carry weapons, disturbing the peace, contempt of court, $11,500 bail;

David Glenn Barron Whittington Jr, 48, Deville – OWI third offense, driving under suspension, running a stop sign, contempt of court, $30,200 bail;

Shermichael James Williams, 44, Pineville – OWI first offense, possession of marijuana, driving under suspension, no head light, $1,700 bail.

Date: Monday, June 9, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Venue: Philadelphia Baptist Church
Address: 722 Philadelphia Road in Deville, Louisiana

 A Community Meeting to Discuss Carbon Capture Concerns in Rapides Parish will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025.

Meeting organizers intend on raising awareness and providing answers for citizens and taxpayers regarding the location of one of the largest Carbon Capture plants in the United States.  The plant has a proposed location in the old Pineville Craft Paper Mill in Kolin, Louisiana in Rapides Parish.

Public Notice

Alexandria Mayor Jacques Roy shared his reaction during his June 3 briefing to the Lee Street nightclub shooting that took place over the weekend. 

Mayor Roy’s briefing focused on the relationship between poor code enforcement and the breakdown of community ties and how they lead to violent crimes like the one that occurred at the nightclub on May 31. The mayor alleged that the nightclub failed to operate its business as legally required. This, Mayor Roy said, resulted in a clearly “catastrophic result.”

He went on to say, “I can not stress enough to you, what we know at the staff level, of how the relationship between zoning violations, dilapidated properties and all the things that go with it, contribute to crime, and specifically violent crime.”

Mayor Roy also discussed strategies for improving the effectiveness of the police department. These strategies included increasing the presence of community resource officers and employing technology like drones and cameras to improve security in the community.

I read with great disappointment and shame this morning the letter written by Mrs. GladysMae Gunter-Carmouche regarding Carbon Capture and Sequestration.  Mrs. Gunter-Carmouche leveled some serious accusations, accented with name calling and trigger words like “foreign interest,” “environmental catastrophe,” and “treasonous act,” to make Journal readers shake in their shoes, with little documentation or support for her allegations. I also find it curious that it has been published just days before the CO2 “public meeting” scheduled in Rapides Parish.

It is important that these accusations are addressed.

I will begin with some science on Carbon Dioxide (CO2).  Carbon dioxide is made of one carbon atom, and two oxygen atoms.  CO2 is an essential element of life and is one of the most common gases in the atmosphere.  Mother Nature uses CO2 to regulate the earth’s temperature; CO2 is the gas we are breathing out of our own mouths every time we exhale.  Have you ever wondered why talking to your plants makes them grow?  It is not our charming personalities, it is the CO2 we breathe on them as we talk; CO2 is not flammable or explosive, in fact, quite the opposite, CO2 is used in fire extinguishers to put fires out.

Mrs. Gunter-Carmouche claims that Eminent Domain, also known as Expropriation, is unconstitutional and being used by “big companies” to steal your property.  It is important to note that the State of Louisiana must grant status to companies before any eminent domain authority can be used, and if a company must exercise eminent domain, it must first go to a court of law where the court will decide if it is indeed necessary.  Eminent Domain authority is granted by the State when a pipeline is deemed to be in the public interest.  “Big companies” cannot arbitrarily take anyone’s land.

So, what is deemed public interest?  Electricity? Energy?  Much of today’s electricity generation is by natural gas, burning natural gas creates CO2, creating new fuels to provide transportation are made by burning and using natural gas as both a fuel and a feedstock.  Natural gas is also used to power the chemical plants that make the molecules that go into making plastics.  Plastics that are used in medical devices, blood bags, heart catheters, oxygen tubes, incubators, the list is endless.  Is electricity to your home or business a necessity?  Do you need fuel to move things?  Do you depend on healthcare to keep you alive and well?

Another accusation levied was about a property owner’s minerals.  Louisiana’s mineral laws will always trump any right of way or eminent domain laws.  A landowner does not lose land or access to mineral rights.  This accusation is easily refuted by a brief read of Louisiana law. And there is no documented loss of value to property that has pipelines running beneath it.  As a matter of fact, there have been CO2 pipelines spanning the State of Louisiana for over 50 years now, with no recorded safety incidents and no loss of property values. CO2 pipelines, ALL pipelines for that matter, have stellar safety records.  Pipelines are the safest and most efficient way to transport anything, whether it is CO2, natural gas or water.

Mrs. Gunter-Carmouche goes on to claim that CO2 capture and sequestration will lead to more pollution.  It’s the opposite: sequestration removes excessive molecules from the air and puts them back where they came from.  Carbon Capture is not the only tool being used to reduce emissions in Louisiana and the US.  Companies are also engaging in small nuclear reactors, solar generated electricity and more bio-fuel technology to help reduce emissions without causing a slowdown in production which leads to supply chain issues globally.  All these industries will create good jobs and help the Louisiana economy continue to be the largest exporter of products in the US.

Louisiana and US companies have invested billions of their own money into Carbon Capture and are assisted by a tax credit to spur growth.  Mrs. Gunter-Carmouche is correct; however, the increase industry is asking for is $150 per ton, not $250 per ton, just trying to keep everything on the up and up here for your readers.  The technology is specific, all-encompassing and expensive.  Industry will continue to invest its own dollars to expand this technology to maintain the thousands of good paying jobs here in Louisiana and to add more jobs, as the $50+ billion dollars of potential investment in Louisiana all have a carbon capture component.

Lastly, I would like to address Mrs. Gunter-Carmouche’s claims of poison and other incidents she sited through her “google search,” as well as her accusations against LDENR.  The most important thing your readers need to know is that the Lake Nyos incident of 1986 was a volcanic eruption.  It was not due to a pipeline rupture or sequestration activities, as she would have you believe.  The Archer Daniels Midland incident Mrs. Gunter-Carmouche refers to is a perfect example of a CCS Class V monitoring well doing what it was supposed to do-monitor for leaks.  In Illinois, the Class V monitoring well picked up the leak and shut the system down immediately before any CO2 was released. It is also useful to know that before any CO2 is put into a specialized alloy pipe, it is completely dehydrated from water to avoid corrosion.

Mrs. Gunter-Carmouche is correct in saying that LDENR Secretary, Tyler Gray, is the former head of LMOGA.  What she fails to reveal is that Mr. Gray previously served as Director of Corporate and Government Affairs for Placid Refining Company, before that Mr. Gray worked as counsel for the Louisiana House Natural Resources Committee, and Mr. Gray holds a B.A. in Economics from James Madison University, a J.D. from Loyola University, and an M.B.A. from Louisiana State University, with a specialization in economics.  There is no one more qualified to hold this position.  Mr. Gray surrounds himself with qualified scientists, technicians, biologists, and engineers.  This is why the Environmental Protection Agency was satisfied that Louisiana was well equipped to handle Primacy.  Primacy is when the EPA gives the states the right to permit what is going on their lands.

Mrs. Gunter-Carmouche, I too hope you and your family can continue to enjoy your property as you do today.  Carbon Capture will not change that.

Respectfully,

Desiree Lemoine, Campaign Manager
Industry Makes
desiree@industrymakes.org

Louisiana Christian University President Dr. Mark Johnson has announced the appointment of two new executives to his leadership team: Keri Beth “KB” Thomas as executive director of student life and Brenna Moore as executive director of enrollment management.

Thomas, a seasoned higher education professional, will oversee all aspects of student life at LCU. With a background in student affairs and campus engagement, Thomas is dedicated to fostering a vibrant campus community that nurtures students’ personal and spiritual development.

“I’m thrilled to return to the student life office as I begin my 20th year at LCU,” Thomas said. “It’s an honor to continue serving a community I care deeply about. I look forward to partnering with an incredible team to cultivate a vibrant campus environment where students can form lifelong friendships and create meaningful memories.

“My hope is that, during their time at LCU, students will grow in their love for Jesus, gain clarity about their calling, and enjoy every step of the journey.”

Moore brings extensive experience in enrollment strategies and student recruitment to her new role. She will lead efforts to attract and retain students, ensuring that LCU continues to grow its student body.

“I look forward to collaborating with faculty, staff and university leadership to build recruitment strategies, strengthen student support and expand access to higher education,” Moore said. “My goal is to promote sustainable enrollment growth while ensuring every student feels seen, supported and empowered to succeed at Louisiana Christian University.”

These appointments align with Johnson’s vision for LCU, which includes a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening the university’s community and outreach.

“Brenna and KB bring a fresh set of eyes, valued work ethic, and unique perspectives to our Executive Leadership Team,” Johnson said. “Together, they represent critical areas of enrolling and retaining students, and their energy and commitment will greatly contribute to advancing the mission and vision of Louisiana Christian University.”

As part of his leadership approach, Johnson has launched the P356 Tour, a series of 100 events in 100 days, based on Proverbs 3:5-6, to engage with the community and promote the university’s mission. 

Louisiana Christian University is committed to preparing graduates who are academically equipped and spiritually grounded, ready to make a positive impact in the world.

For more information about Louisiana Christian University and its leadership team, please
visit www.lcuniversity.edu.

Junior third baseman Julia Kwakernaak of the LSU Alexandria softball team has been named a National Fastpitch Coaches Association first team All-American, the NFCA announced Thursday.

Kwakernaak led LSUA with a batting average of .506, an on-base percentage of .565, a slugging percentge of .929, 13 home runs, 62 runs batted in, 21 doubles, and six triples. She finished second in runs scored at 64 and swiped 25 bases in as many chances.

She was named the Red River Athletic Conference Player of the Year and irst Team All-RRAC. Kwakernaak was named an NAIA first team All-American earlier this week. She was previously named an ATEC/NFCA NAIA All-Region I first team honoree.

The Hague, Netherlands native finished fifth in the NAIA in both batting average and slugging percentage in her first season at LSUA. She also finished third in total bases, sixth in on-base percentage, seventh in hits, sixth in doubles, 11th in RBIs, and 12th in home runs.

Kwakernaak recorded 29 multi-hit games and 16 multi-RBI games. She led the Red River Athletic Conference in RBIs and finished second in average and home runs.