By JIM BUTLER

This is a pivotal week in the Diocese of Alexandria’s bankruptcy case.

Today, a hearing will be in Shreveport on its request for extending until June 30 the exclusive right to file a settlement plan and to September 30 the deadline to obtain acceptances of it.

Such an extension is allowed for under provisions of the Bankruptcy Act.

The Diocese filed a Chapter 11 reorganization petition on October 31 in the face of increasing claims by persons alleging abuse by clergy as far back as the 1970s.

Thursday in New Orleans the initial mediation session involving the Diocese counsel and that of potential plaintiffs and/or creditors takes place.

John W. Perry Jr., a noted jurist in such cases as Deepwater Horizon, was appointed mediator in February.

Mediation is a critical step toward resolving coverage issues and contributions to the settlement plan.

The court-set final date for claims in the case is June 8.

According to a report recently filed, the Diocese had receipts of $731,000 in April and disbursements of $998,000.

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(EDITOR’S NOTE: Today’s Bob Tompkins column is  Bob’s preview of a memorable March 2024 concert appearance at Rapides Parish Coliseum.)

Oliver Anthony may be a resident of Farmville, Va., but he looks as if he just came off a Viking ship. His profile sculpture would fit in a museum of Shakespeare characters. He’s got red hair and a big red beard and a raspy voice, and he’s the first songwriter to ever debut at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 with no prior chart history whatsoever.

And he’s coming to Alexandria to give a concert Friday night at the Rapides Parish Coliseum. His show is called “Out of the Woods,” and it’s likely he’ll attract some country-folk music fans out of the Kisatchie woods to see his act, with tickets costing between $25 and $45.

If he’s such a hot item, what’s he doing coming to the Gateway of Bunkie?

This guy who made it big – really big – last year with a blue-collar protest song called “Rich Men North of Richmond” isn’t one to snub his nose at smaller venues. In “Camelot” King Arthur and Queen Guinevere ask each other in song, “What do the simple folk do?” Well, I’m guessing we simple Cenla folk will go listen to, and maybe sing along with, this apparently simple soul.

Born Christopher Anthony Lunsford, he’s not even sure how old he is, according to his Wikipedia bio. He is either 31 or 32, and he’s a high school dropout with a GED degree and a unique melody.  Inspired, he says, by Hank Williams.

Like oil, Anthony can be crude, and he makes a strained face when he sings that looks as if he sat on a pinecone.  His “Rich Men” song may have gone viral with some foul language, but he’s been known to read Bible passages at concerts, notably from Psalm 37 about the fate of the wicked. He did that at a free show, incidentally, in Barco, N.C., last August. That same month, he had five songs in the iTunes top 10, including “I’ve Got to Get Sober,” which reached No. 3 on the Apple platform.

His signature “Rich Men” is an emotional ballad about the struggles of the working class and a general disillusionment with American life. Another of his popular songs, “Ain’t Got a Dollar,” which ranked No. 2 on iTunes, is a song about self-reliance without spending money. He doesn’t live to be a megabucks star.

“People in the music industry give me blank stares when I brush off $8 million offers,” he wrote in August. “I don’t want 6 tour buses, 15 tractor trailers and a jet. I don’t want to play stadium shows. I don’t want to be in the spotlight.”

The last we heard, he lives with his wife and two children in a $750 camper on an off-the-grid property, where he said he intends to raise livestock. His blue-collar songs are rooted in his experience working in industrial jobs in North Carolina and Virginia. That includes a paper mill job accident in 2013 resulting in a fractured skull that sidelined him from working for some six months.

Anthony may not seek fame, but fame is finding him as he plucks away at his resonator guitar and sings the songs he has written himself. Some of the words come from his memories of mental health problems and alcohol abuse and depression. For a guy who just started writing songs two years ago, it’s incredible he is the first male songwriter to chart 13 songs simultaneously in the top 50 Digital Song Sale while still alive. Two others, Prince and Michael Jackson, exceeded that count. After they died.

He must feel the need to pinch himself to see if he wakes up from a dream. At a concert at Morris Farm Market in Currituck, N.C., that drew a personal concert record crowd, he said, “It’s crazy to me because I remember back in June I played here for like 20 people.”

The story goes that in July Anthony broke down and promised God that he would get sober if He helped him follow his dream. Around 30 days later, a West Virginia music channel asked him to record a song for its YouTube music channel. The song was “Rich Men North of Richmond.”

Just like that, as someone commented on an NBC News report about the video that had nine million views over five days, Anthony  “became the voice of 40 or 50 million working men.”

(EDITOR’S POSTSCRIPT — This column was originally published March 6, 2024. Bob’s fine and will be back with a new column next Tuesday.)

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The Rotary Club of Pineville recently welcomed Cindy Cespiva, owner and manager of CAC Consulting Group, for a presentation focused on the impact of communication and body language in professional interactions.

Cespiva discussed the importance of “unspoken language,” including tone, posture and nonverbal cues, and how those elements influence the way people are perceived in business settings. She encouraged attendees to better understand clients by asking thoughtful, open-ended questions and listening with intention.

Drawing from her experience teaching sales techniques, Cespiva explained how effective questioning can help uncover client needs while building stronger relationships and trust.

The session concluded with a role-playing exercise designed to demonstrate how respectful curiosity, active listening and attentive body language can lead to more productive and client-centered conversations.

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The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office officially welcomed four new deputy sheriffs during graduation ceremonies for the 98th Session of the Alexandria Regional Police Academy held Thursday, May 14, 2026.

The new deputies — Timothy Westbrook, Tommy Bradley, Drake Carroll and Dalton Scroggs — completed the academy’s intensive law enforcement training program designed to prepare recruits for the demands of modern policing.

According to officials, the academy curriculum included instruction in criminal and traffic law, firearms proficiency, defensive tactics, de-escalation techniques, Electronic Control Device certification and CPR and basic first aid training.

The sheriff’s office said the graduates will now transition into their roles serving Rapides Parish communities as deputy sheriffs.

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In April 1969, Gaynor Hopkins’s aunt heard her singing in her bedroom and entered her in a local talent competition.  She was nervous and excited.  The song she chose was the chart topper “Those Were the Days,” made popular by Mary Hopkin.  It was the first time the 17-year-old had ever used a real microphone.  Gaynor did not win the talent show but came in second place to an accordion player.  People at the talent show praised Gaynor for her vocal delivery and sweet voice.  The following week, Gaynor saw an advertisement in her local newspaper in which a singer named Bobby Wayne was looking to hire three female backup singers.  The ad said, “No experience needed, training [would be] given.”  Winning second in the talent show gave Gaynor the confidence to audition.  Out of the 34 girls who auditioned, Gaynor was one of the three selected.  For two years, she performed with Bobby Wayne and the Dixies.  There was a problem.  Gaynor Hopkins resembled and sounded like Mary Hopkin, and people often confused the two.  Gaynor said she never really liked her name, so she took the opportunity to change it.  She adopted her niece’s first name, added a common last name, and became Sherene Davis.  She performed under that name with her own band called Imagination.

In 1975, Gaynor was performing with her band at a local hotspot called “The Townsman” which was in a multi-story building.  Talent scout Roger Bell went to the building to see Vic Oakley sing, but he went to the wrong floor by mistake.  Roger liked what he heard and invited Gaynor to London to record a demo.  That demo led to a contract with RCA Records.  Gaynor released her first single in 1976, but it was a flop.  Her second, “Lost in France,” fared much better, then there was another career setback.  After suffering with a sore throat, Gaynor’s doctor said she needed surgery to remove nodules from her vocal cords.  In the spring of 1977, her doctor said the operation was a success and her voice would return to normal if she remained completely silent for the six-week recovery period.  He instructed her to communicate only by writing.  Gaynor, a self-proclaimed chatterbox, tried but failed and strained her voice.  Her doctor explained that the damage was irreversible. 

Gaynor had years left on her contract with RCA, so they brought her in for another recording session.  After singing the first six words of a song in the studio, everyone involved was worried.  The sweetness was replaced with a huskiness.  RCA released the song as a single in November 1977 only after the song’s producer and songwriters threatened to terminate their contracts with RCA.  To RCA’s surprise, the song rose to the top 10 in 20 countries and to the number one spot in 8 of those countries.  That song was “It’s a Heartache.”  Gaynor had many other hit songs including “Holding Out for a Hero” and “Total Eclipse of the Heart.”  When Gaynor signed her contract with RCA, they stipulated that Gaynor change her stage name from Sherene Davis to something that sounded less like a belly dancer.  She bought two newspapers from which she listed all the Christian names and surnames.  She tried many different combinations until she found one that suited her.  You may never have heard the names Gaynor Hopkins or Sherene Davis, but the world knows her as Bonnie Tyler. 

Sources:

1.     Abby Morgan, “Bonnie Tyler: ‘The older you get, the less you have to prove,’’’ Leicestershire Press, July 10, 2023, accessed May 10, 2026, https://leicestershirepress.com/2023/07/10/bonnie-tyler-the-older-you-get-the-less-you-have-to-prove/.

2.     “33.1/3^rd,” Record Collector, December 28, 2023, accessed May 10, 2026, https://recordcollectormag.com/articles/33-1-3rd-8.

3.     Goldmine Contributors, “Bonnie Tyler feels ‘The Best Is Yet To Come,’” Goldmine: the Music Collector’s Magazine, May 27, 2021, accessed May 10, 2026, https://www.goldminemag.com/interviews/pop/power-ballad-singer-bonnie-tyler-feels-the-title-is-perfect-for-her-latest-album-the-best-is-yet-to-come/.

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Funeral services for Karen Sue Gordey will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in the chapel of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home with Rev. Rob McClain officiating. Interment will follow in Alexandria Memorial Gardens. 

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. 

Karen Sue Bennett Gordey, 76, of Elmer, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at her residence. 

Sue is preceded in death by her husband, Curtis “Sonny” Gordey; daughter, Melissa Ann Gordey; and her parents, Milford and Grace Suttles Bennett. 

Sue was born in Baptist Hospital in Alexandria on July 23, 1949. She graduated from Pineville Highschool in 1967 and Northwestern State University in 1973. Sue worked 30 plus years at Cabrini Hospital retiring from the Dietitian Department. 

Those left to cherish her memory include her brother, Ralph Bennett of Pineville; her sister, Beverly B. Gunter of Elmer; two nieces, Shauna Bennett Barron of Magnolia, TX, and Tara Bennett Clossiner of Pineville; one nephew, Brett M. Bennett of Pineville, and her special companion Mennie. 

Pallbearers honored to serve will be Brett Bennett, Otto NesSmith, Jake Gunter, Ralph Bennett, Winston Hodge, and James Reed. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Louisiana Children’s Home and Ministries at 7200 Desiard Street, Monroe, LA 71203.

To extend online notes of condolence to the family, please visit www.KramerFunerals.com. 

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Hazel Thomas Holloway, 85, was born on March 30, 1941 and passed away May 15, 2026.

Graveside services will be take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026 a Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery in Colfax. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the service hour at the church. Revs. Kenny Bratton, Dick Debusk and Lloyd Whitman.

She loved the Lord and her family with all her heart. She loved to read and study the Bible and was quite the prayer warrior. A real woman of faith. She was never shy to stop and pray with someone, whether a friend or stranger. She had a true servant’s heart, from random, spontaneous acts of kindness to intentional gestures.

She enjoyed nothing more than spending time with her family. She loved her siblings and valued their time together. She never hesitated to let her friends and family know that she loved them. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were the “delight of her heart.”

She is preceded in death by her beloved son, Joseph “Joey”; her parents; sisters, Ethel Tate and Libby Liner; and brother, Robert Thomas.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Elwyn “Hobo” Holloway; daughter, Alison Taylor and husband Jeff; granddaughters, Beth Haddad and her husband, Alex; Blair Jackson and her husband, Ryan; four great grandchildren, Noah, Ada, Wade, and Annelise; two sisters, Doris Winn and Sarah Thomas; brother, Billy Thomas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

For those who knew her best, they know she is in Heaven with Jesus and Joey… and eating Blue Bell ice cream.

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By JIM BUTLER 

Voters saying no in Saturday’s balloting likely sent a shudder through government hereabouts. 

Those choosing to take the time to vote in Rapides rejected five proposed constitutional amendments and four of six property tax proposals, according to unofficial totals. 

Parties sifting through the tea leaves are left to wonder whether voters are overtaxed by the economy (no pun intended) or just didn’t like what was proposed. 

Officials have a month to address the question. 

Among ballot measures June 27: 

The sheriff’s Law Enforcement District renewal of a tax, beginning in 2030, that will provide more than $11 million annually for 15 years to fund the Sheriff’s Office. 

Public safety levies had heretofore been considered sacrosanct, but Saturday’s rejection of three fire protection proposals calls that into question. 

Then there are school taxes. 

A parishwide millage generating about $14.3 million is up for renewal on the June ballot. 

And there are renewal millages requested in Consolidated District 62 (Wards 1 & 8), Pineville District 52 and Poland District 55.

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The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced the selection of Sarah Trichel as the new Louisiana State Conservationist. Trichel, a native of Natchitoches, Louisiana, has been acting in the role since July 2025. She will officially assume the position on May 17, 2026, and brings more than 16 years of dedicated service and leadership in conservation.

“It is an honor to be selected as the next State Conservationist of Louisiana. I am looking forward to serving our amazing farmers and producers and working together with our dedicated NRCS team and partners to continue our conservation efforts to protect the natural resources of our great state.” — Sarah Trichel

Sarah began her journey in conservation as an NRCS Earth Team Volunteer in 2007. She advanced through several key positions including Soil Conservationist, District Conservationist, and State Program Specialist. Her commitment and expertise led her to join the Louisiana State Leadership Team as Assistant State Conservationist for Programs in 2020.

In 2023, Sarah extended her impact to the national stage, serving as the Conservation Stewardship Program Team Lead in the Financial Assistance Programs Division at the NRCS National Office. Throughout her career, Sarah has demonstrated a passion for conservation and a strong commitment to Louisiana’s agricultural and natural resources communities.

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Northwestern State University. She and her husband, Daniel, are proud parents to Alden and Brynlee. Outside of her professional responsibilities, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family outdoors hunting, fishing, and hiking, as well as supporting her children’s many athletic activities.

NRCS welcomes Sarah Trichel to her new role and looks forward to her leadership in advancing conservation initiatives across Louisiana.

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By Journal Staff

Rapides Parish voters elected a mayor, settled multiple highly contested municipal council races, and decided the future of several key infrastructure and emergency service property taxes on Saturday.

In Pineville, incumbent leadership secured a decisive victory, while voters across the parish’s rural districts delivered mixed results on a slate of fire protection and road tax renewals and millage adjustments.

With 100 percent of precincts reporting late Saturday night, here is a breakdown of how the ballots fell:

City of Pineville Municipal Elections

Mayor

Joseph “Joe” Bishop won reelection in a landslide, capturing 74% of the vote in a three-way race to avoid a runoff.

Candidate	Party	Votes	Percentage
Joseph “Joe” Bishop	REP	1,749	74%
“Chris” Camp	REP	367	16%
Russell “Rusty” Murdock	REP	232	10%
Total		2,348	100%

Council Member — District 1

“Greg” Aaron secured the District 1 seat outright, finishing with 57% of the total vote.

Candidate	Party	Votes	Percentage	Status
“Greg” Aaron	DEM	156	57%	ELECTED
Randy G. O’Neal	NOPTY	74	27%	Defeated
Danny “Dann” Eudy, Jr.	NOPTY	42	15%	Defeated
Total		272	100%

Council Member — District 3

Hugh Halle claimed victory in District 3, defeating Peter Ford with a commanding 68% of the vote.

Candidate	Party	Votes	Percentage	Status
Hugh Halle	NOPTY	261	68%	ELECTED
Peter Ford	REP	122	32%	Defeated
Total		383	100%

Council Member — District 4

John Marcase easily retained his seat in District 4, pulling in 73% of the vote against challenger Celeste Mobley.

Candidate	Party	Votes	Percentage	Status
John Marcase	REP	353	73%	ELECTED
Celeste Mobley	NOPTY	133	27%	Defeated
Total		486	100%

Council Member — District 5

The race for District 5 is headed to a runoff. Mark A. Mertens led the field with 43% of the vote and will face Samantha Stanley, who secured 33%, in the upcoming general election.

Candidate	Party	Votes	Percentage	Status
Mark A. Mertens	REP	349	43%	RUNOFF
Samantha Stanley	NOPTY	264	33%	RUNOFF
“Tom” Murphy	REP	195	24%	Defeated
Total		808	100%

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Village of Creola

Aldermen

In the multi-parish race for Creola alderman, Bliss Wise won the seat over Crystal Hicks with 63% of the vote.

Candidate	Party	Votes	Percentage	Status
Bliss Wise	DEM	5	63%	ELECTED
Crystal Hicks	REP	3	38%	Defeated
Total		8	100%

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Parish Propositions and Millages

Property owners across various parish segments voted on critical infrastructure and emergency service propositions, rejecting several new millage definitions while comfortably renewing existing funding streams.

Fire Protection District Measures

Voters flatly rejected a pair of “in-lieu” millage proposals for Fire Protection District No. 2 and its sub-service area. In District 19, a continuation failed by a razor-thin margin of just one vote. However, traditional renewals for Districts 4 and 7 passed by wide margins.

• Fire Protection District No. 2 (20 Mills In-Lieu): FAILED. Property owners rejected the 10-year millage adjust, with 56% voting against the measure.

• Service Area No. 1, Fire District No. 2 (25 Mills In-Lieu): FAILED. The sub-district tax was defeated, receiving 52% “No” votes.

• Fire Protection District No. 4 (15.34 Mills Renewal): PASSED. Voters strongly approved the 10-year operational renewal with 69% in favor.

• Fire Protection District No. 7 (14.26 Mills Renewal): PASSED. The 10-year renewal passed easily, securing 67% of the vote.

• Fire Protection District No. 19 (26.48 Mills Continuation): FAILED. In a remarkable cliffhanger, the 10-year continuation failed by a single vote, 45 to 44.

Ballot Measure	Result	YES Votes	NO Votes	Total Votes
Fire Dist. No. 2 (20 Mills In-Lieu)	FAILED	2,447 (44%)	3,092 (56%)	5,539
Service Area 1, Fire Dist. 2 (25 Mills In-Lieu)	FAILED	383 (48%)	412 (52%)	795
Fire Dist. No. 4 (15.34 Mills Renewal)	PASSED	1,834 (69%)	806 (31%)	2,640
Fire Dist. No. 7 (14.26 Mills Renewal)	PASSED	418 (67%)	208 (33%)	626
Fire Dist. No. 19 (26.48 Mills Cont.)	FAILED	44 (49%)	45 (51%)	89

Road District No. 2C

Property owners rejected a steep 54.49-mill renewal intended for public road and bridge maintenance across the district, with 55% of voters casting ballots against the measure.

Ballot Measure	Result	YES Votes	NO Votes	Total Votes
Road Dist. No. 2C (54.49 Mills Renewal)	FAILED	482 (45%)	592 (55%)	1,074

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Over 100 members of law enforcement agencies throughout Central Louisiana gathered at the Rapides parish courthouse on May 15 in order to commemorate the men and women who gave their lives in service to their fellow citizens. 

The moving ceremony included a 21-gun salute, Taps, a caparisoned horse, a lowering of the flag to half-mast and a bagpiper playing Amazing Grace. Alexandria Mayor Jaques Roy delivered the Keynote address. In a poignant reminder of the cost of protecting our communities’ safety, a roll call of the 36 members of local law enforcement who lost their lives in the line of duty from 1897 to the present day was conducted with men and women from various departments answering for them. 

This annual ceremony ensures that the memory of the men and women whose lives were taken from us all to soon does not fade away. It is part and parcel of what Sir Winston Churchill called “the long continuity of our institutions.” 

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, to discuss ongoing and future management of Iatt Lake.

The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the LDWF Regional Office located at 1995 Shreveport Hwy in Pineville.

According to the department, the session will focus primarily on aquatic vegetation control. Members of the LDWF Inland Fisheries staff will present an overview of past and current efforts to manage vegetation in the lake. Following the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a question-and-answer session with staff members.

The meeting is open to all members of the public interested in the health and management of Iatt Lake.

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By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

NEWTON SQUARE, Pa. – Sam Burns made another run at the lead in a major championship on Saturday at the PGA Championship but couldn’t sustain the surge, and finished at even par for the tournament Sunday in a tie for 26^th in golf’s second major of the year.

The Choudrant resident rang up four straight birdies in the middle of the back nine early Saturday afternoon and charged to 5-under-par on the day, 3-under for the tournament, one shot off the pace going to the 17^th tee.

The birdie string on holes 13-16 was highlighted by putts of 12 and 23 feet on 14 and 15, then an excellent pitch from a sand trap 57 feet from the pin to three feet for the fourth birdie in a row.

But the 17^th was a stumbling block for Burns three times in his four rounds at Aronimink Golf Club. The par-3 was the fifth toughest hole of the week and Burns bogied it in all but Round 2.

He wrapped up with another bogey at the 18^th and settled for a very commendable 3-under 67. That left him five shots behind the lead entering the final round, and he wasn’t able to move into contention on Sunday.

Burns, 29, finished with a 1-over 71. He double bogeyed the fourth hole but recovered with birdies on the sixth and ninth to head into the back nine even for the day. A bogey on 10^th was balanced by a two-putt birdie on the par-5 16^th from 57 feet, but the 17^th bit Burns again, with a rare three-putt.

The Shreveport native, a two-time All-American at LSU, opened with rounds of 70-72 to comfortably make the cut in his eighth consecutive major championship.

His 26^th place tie earned a $125,523 paycheck. Englishman Aaron Rai won a $3.7 million winner’s purse by shooting 9-under par with a closing 5-under 65.

Burns, who plays out of Squire Creek Country Club in Choudrant, will take a week’s break and is expected to tee it up again in Fort Worth at storied Colonial Country Club May 28-31, where he won the 2022 event at 9-under after taking a playoff with Scottie Scheffler.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

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The Kiwanis Club of Alexandria welcomed a group of local second graders to their camp in Tioga for a day of outdoor activities and celebration through the “Terrific Kids” program.

Students from Alma Redwine Elementary spent the day participating in a variety of activities led by Kiwanis members and student volunteers from Circle K International at LSUA. The event featured a rotation of arts and crafts, a specialized fishing game, and actual fishing on the camp grounds.

Organizers noted that the students were particularly successful at the pond, with several participants bringing in “awesome catches” throughout the morning.

The “Terrific Kids” program is a student-recognition initiative sponsored by Kiwanis that promotes character development, self-esteem, and perseverance. Following the activities, the club provided a lunch of pizza and ice cream for all the students in attendance.

The Kiwanis Club of Alexandria continues to use its Tioga camp facility to provide local youth with educational and recreational opportunities in an outdoor setting.

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Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

May 17

Andrew Marshall Daniels, 38, Pineville – OWI first offense, running a stop sign, $1,100 bail;

Buck Nathaniel Stafford, 27, Alexandria – three counts contempt of court, $21,000 bail.

May 16

Ronnie Banks, 72, DeQuincy – OWI first offense, $1,000 bail;

Austin Chapman, 27, Ville Platte – OWI first offense, switch MVI, speeding, improper window tint, $1,300 bail;

Gary Dewayne Gonzales Jr., 51, Pineville – second degree battery, unauthorized entry into place of business, second degree kidnapping, no bail data;

Jeremiah Cortez Johnson, 28, Alexandria – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, three counts contempt of court, $16,100 bail;

Clandarius Means, 20, Alexandria – battery of a dating partner, criminal damage, $1,750 bail;

Nicholas Gage Navarre, 17, Pineville – two counts producing manufacturing distributing CDS, no bail data;

Jakhari Joshua Rax, 31, Harvey – domestic abuse battery, criminal damage to property, simple burglary, contempt of court, $5,500 bail;

Zachary Vascocu, 23, Boyce – OWI second offense, speeding, open container, $1,700 bail.

May 15

Sundrea Denae Campbell, 29, Pineville – two counts simple burglary, possession of CDS, paraphernalia, probation violation, $26,500 bail;

Patrick Cooke, 46, Pineville – three counts possession of CDS, driving under suspension, probation violation, $4,600 bail;

Milderick Jamal Detin, 36, Cheneyville – theft of a motor vehicle, parole violations, no bail data;

Marckeeyse Kentrell Dorsey, 24, Alexandria – producing manufacturing marijuana, second degree battery, parole violations, $150,000 bail;

Zykeyland Johnson, 25, Mansfield – taking contraband to and from penal institutions, simple battery, $10,000 bail;

Rickie Ray Jones, 43, Opelousas – simple burglary, criminal damage to property, $10,500 bail;

Adrian Dewayne Marks Jr., 31, Alexandria – possession of CDS, safety belt violation, two counts contempt of court, $6,100 bail;

Dyson Lynn Marron, 21, Pineville – criminal damage to property, no bail data;

Jed Rushing Sr., 59, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, $2,000 bail;

Johnathan Dewayne Sherman, 32, Alexandria – possession of marijuana, three counts possession of CDS, paraphernalia, driving under suspension, safety belt violation, switched license plate, failure to secure registration, $6,300 bail;

Matthew Lavelle Smith, 40, Alexandria – five counts fraudulent access to device, criminal conspiracy, two counts contempt of court, $150,000 bail;

Robert Durmon Smith Jr., 27, Pineville – aggravated battery second degree, second degree battery, discharging firearms, two counts possession of firearm by convicted felon, two counts illegal possession of stolen firearms, parole violations, $1,000 bail;

Krista Michelle Wilkinson, 33, N/A – two counts contempt of court, $100,000 bail;

Nakeita L. Williams, 37, Alexandria – aggravated second degree battery, contempt of court, probation violation, $52,500 bail;

Ladarrian Damon Young, 28, Alexandria – careless operation of a vehicle, criminal conspiracy, producing manufacturing distributing CDS, paraphernalia, intentional littering, parole violations, $210,000 bail.

May 14

Ryan Cody Bladel, 38, Pollock – aggravated battery, failure to appear, probation violation, $10,000 bail;

Essence Noelle Ceasar, 24, Alexandria – burglary of an inhabited dwelling, $3,500 bail;

Quinton Anthony Dick, 23, Alexandria – manufacture transfer or possession of machine gun, possession of firearm by convicted felon, possession of marijuana, probation violation, $30,500 bail;

Tra’veon Melik Dotson, 17, Alexandria – burglary of an inhabited dwelling, $3,500 bail;

Matt Eric Harmson, 56, Deville – criminal trespass, criminal damage to property, theft, three counts contempt of court, $41,500 bail;

Angela Deonne Howard, 39, Alexandria – theft, three counts contempt of court, $60,500 bail;

Nelson Lee Johnson, 77, Alexandria – sex offender failure to register, driving under suspension, switched license plate, parole violations, $10,200 bail;

Dewayne Lavalais, 36, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, possession of marijuana, driving under suspension, tail lamps, use of CDS in presence of minors, $3,700 bail;

Michael Dewayne Nelson, 52, Alexandria – battery on a police officer, threatening a public official, disturbing the peace, $1,500 bail;

Robert S Paul, 42, Deville – theft, criminal trespass, criminal damage to property, $6,000 bail;

Jessica Lynn Simmons, 38, Pineville – OWI first offense, driving under suspension, no insurance, two counts running a stop sign, $2,800 bail;

Raymond Deshunna Thomas Jr., 30, Alexandria – second degree rape, indecent behavior with juveniles, contributing to delinquency of juveniles, false imprisonment, $5 million bail;

Rayanne Elizabeth Vicknair, 28, Pineville – contempt of court, $75,000 bail;

Korion D’aquan Williams, 21, Alexandria – possession of firearm by convicted felon, Louisiana fugitive, $100,000 bail.

May 13

Yahmir Beaudion, 19, Alexandria – battery on officer, resisting an officer, possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, $2,000 bail;

Eric Bell, 20, Alexandria – manufacture, transfer, possession of machine gun, possession of firearm by convicted felon, possession of marijuana, probation violation, $30,500 bail;

Javier Arkuis Brown, 35, N/A – aggravated resisting police officer with force or violence, second degree battery, aggravated second degree battery, simple battery, obscenity, $21,000 bail;

Robert Louis Dotson, 57, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, resisting an officer, probation violation, $3,500 bail;

Braydon Michael Flores, 23, Marksville – hit and run (result in death/serious injury, careless operation of vehicle, false imprisonment, no vehicle registration, driver’s license not in possession, negligent injuring, flight from an officer, $176,300 bail;

Arthur J Frazier Jr., 34, Alexandria – aggravated strangulation domestic abuse battery, $10,000 bail;

Roger Ronald Hall II, 42, Pineville – three counts producing manufacturing distributing CDS, producing manufacturing distributing fentanyl, possession of paraphernalia, resisting an officer, $9,500 bail;

Michael Joseph Johns, 36, Pineville – obstruction of justice, possession of drug paraphernalia, flight from an officer, Louisiana fugitive, hand signal lamps, $1,100 bail;

Markas C McMahan, 31, Pineville – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, resisting an officer, contempt of court, $7,500 bail;

Jaylan Alexander Rye, 31, Alexandria – three counts contempt of court, $30,000 bail;

 Kevin Dewayne Slaughter, 44, Alexandria – possession of fentanyl, two counts possession of CDS, contempt of court, $8,000 bail;

Shattoca Quantai Varra, 34, Alexandria – seven counts contempt of court, $87,500 bail.

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Isabel Keesler Pitts Miller, eldest daughter of the late John Lawrence Pitts and Isabel Keesler Pitts, died peacefully at home on the morning of May 13, 2026.

Isabel was born on October 7, 1929, in Alexandria, Louisiana, where she remained a lifelong resident. Her parents were early residents of what was then referred to as “The Horseshoe.” Her family lived along Bayou Robert, which, having been navigable in earlier times, still had enough water for crawfish to be caught in abundance by happy children.

After graduating from Bolton High School in 1947, Isabel matriculated to Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, where she completed her freshman and sophomore years and was initiated into Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. She transferred to L.S.U. her junior year, where she met her future husband, Huie Anthony Miller. Majoring in speech and English education, Isabel graduated from L.S.U. in 1951 and she and Huie were married on March 1, 1952. After Mr. Miller’s deployment with the Navy during the Korean War, the couple made Alexandria their home.

Isabel became a charter member of the faculty of Scott M. Brame Jr. High School, where she taught English from the school’s inception in 1960 until her retirement in 1982. Long after her teaching days were over, former students would greet Isabel with these words:

“Mrs. Miller,

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.”

Teaching students to love poetry was Isabel’s great joy, and memorization of Robert Frost’s

“Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” was a requirement for the hundreds and hundreds of children who passed through her classroom. Isabel was a participant in the restoration of Kent Plantation House, a member of the Alexandria chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumnae, and a Sustainer in the Junior League of Alexandria.

Foremost in Isabel’s life was family. Isabel is survived by four children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren: Dr. John Pitts Miller of Hammond, his wife Sandy, and their children; Max, Stuart, and Lucy; her daughter Charlot Ann Miller Taylor of Alexandria; her daughter Clara Christine Miller Chauvin of Baton Rouge, her husband Jay, and their children John and Charlot; her son Anthony Parish Miller of Mandeville, his wife Mae, and their children Preston and Christine. Isabel also takes leave of her beloved sisters, the late Clara Wise Pitts Wolf and Charlot Parish Pitts Morrison. Besides the aforementioned immediate family, Isabel is survived by scores of nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren, cousins, and loving friends.

A private service will be held at a later date.

The family would like to thank the staff of Compassionate Care Hospice for the loving care that Isabel received during her final days, especially Ashley, Allison, Laura, and Len. Many thanks also to Rosie M. and Barbara B for their kindness to Isabel during her life.

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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bonnie Haycock Clarius, who left us on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the age of 101. She was born on December 31, 1924, Bonnie lived a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion to her family and community.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Pineville with Reverend Donnie Kuzma officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Ball under the direction of Hixson Brothers in Pineville.

Family and friends are invited to come together to celebrate Bonnie’s remarkable life. A public viewing will be held at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home in Pineville on Monday, May 18, 2026,  from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A Rosary service will take place at the funeral home at 6:30 p.m. that same evening.

Pallbearers will be Steven Clarius, Doug Gates, Austin Handorf, Codie Bond, David Thornton, Matt Snook, Chris Wesner, and Dalton Schisler.

Honorary pallbearers will be Brady Schisler, Jayson Gates, and Rick Lofton.

Bonnie was a cherished member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Pineville where she found joy and fulfillment in her faith and the friendships she nurtured. She dedicated herself to family, always making time for those she loved, and her warmth and kindness touched the lives of everyone she met. Even into her 90’s she crocheted lap robes for the nursing homes. Bonnie was a member of the Tuesday afternoon prayer group at Sacred Heart and was a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas-Court Bishop Greco #2072.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 70 years, John William Clarius, Sr.; parents, Chester and Antoinette DeCuir Haycock; sons, John William Clarius, Jr., and James Lee (Jimmy) Clarius.

Those left to cherish her memory include her sons, George Russell Clarius (Vimmi), Jay Jeffery Clarius (Susan), and Joey Wayne Clarius; daughters, Jane Marie Clarius, and Judy Ann Clarius Thornton (Larry); daughters-in-law, Lisa Clarius, and Monique Clarius; 8 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; 4 great, great grandchildren, and numerous other family and friends; Rascal, her faithful “4-legged human” who has been her constant companion.

Bonnie Clarius will be deeply missed, but her spirit will forever live on in the love she shared with her family and friends.

A special thanks to the staff of Compassionate Care Hospice especially Ashley Wells, Karen Thompson, and Vickie Brossett for their tender care, and Deacon Mike Young for all of his spiritual direction and dedication.

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