The Alexandria Museum of Art announced that it is truly honored to be awarded the Cultural Arts Award for the exhibition George Rodrigue: The River Road, curated by the George Rodrigue Life & Legacy Foundation and Art Tour.

AMoA expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone who supports the arts, as well as those who help promote tourism in the Central Louisiana region. Together, let’s toast to another year filled with the celebration of our rich culture, abundant creativity, and the strong sense of community that defines Alexandria. 

Abraham Lincoln said of his own mother, “All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my mother.” Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “men are what their mothers make them.” Bruce Springsteen’s biggest fan was his mom. He would often show case her at the many concerts she would attend and thank her for all that she did for him. In fact, still to this day he credits his mother for his career and her courage in taking out a loan when he was only 16 years old and buying him his very first guitar. Now I don’t know if Springsteen ever paid her back, but her investment certainly paid off.

This Sunday, many will pay homage to their moms. Sending cards and flowers, making phone calls, even visiting graves. Many will be like Springsteen, Emerson and Lincoln, giving thanks and credit to their mothers for what they have accomplished or thanking them for how they turned out.

I am more closely akin to the young recruit while being interviewed for the police academy who was asked what he would do if he had to arrest his own mother – his answer, “call for backup.” My relationship with my mom has always been complicated. I typically call for backup when dealing with her.

For me, Mother’s Day is not easy. There is not a card designer in the world that would ever put into words the correct sentiment for me when it comes to my mother. Perhaps you may feel the same way either because of your relationship with your own mom or perhaps you have struggled to be a mom. No matter how you feel about this “Hallmark” holiday do not fret. Enjoy the day for what it is, an opportunity to acknowledge the female role models in your life.

I am grateful to my dad who often had to be both mom and dad to me when my mom was “out of sorts”. I was also blessed with wonderful “southern grandmothers”, both related and unrelated to me that stood in the gap, raised me up, and convinced me I could do anything I put my mind to. There were also teachers, Girl Scout leaders and other mothers, some of whom never had children themselves, who were great moms to me, who mentored and encouraged me throughout my life.

So even if you have a love-hate relationship with Mother’s Day, do not let that stop you from being a good role model and mentor to someone else. You never know what child in your circle of influence will need that from you. I know I did.

On the journey,
Ramonalynn Bethley

Ramonalynn Bethley is the Lead Pastor at First United Methodist Church of Alexandria. You can contact Ramonalynn directly at DrRevRL@fumca.org.

Explore Alexandria Pineville was honored to kick off National Travel and Tourism Week with their Tourism Luncheon featuring a very special guest — Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, who joined in to celebrate everything that makes the Alexandria/Pineville community shine.

They were also thrilled to unveil their Community Heart, a vibrant symbol of the people, places, and passion that make Alexandria/Pineville so special. Explore Alexandria Pineville issued a huge “thank you” to the talented artist, Art by Annie Aymond, for bringing their heart to life with such creativity and love. 

They also expressed congratulations to the outstanding award recipients:

• Amy Pillarisetti – Commitment to Our Community Award
• England Airpark/Alexandria International Airport – Tourism Partnership Award
• Taste of Mardi Gras by the Louisiana Restaurant Association – Signature Event Award
• Alexandria Museum of Art – Cultural Arts Award for “George Rodrigue: The River Road”

Explore Alexandria Pineville thanks everyone who continues to support and grow tourism in Central Louisiana. Here’s to another year of celebrating our culture, creativity, and community.

Back by popular demand, the teens have decided to paint the cosmos again. During this workshop on Saturday, May 24 from 1-4pm, teens will learn how to create abstract paintings of the galaxy.

This event is free to teens between the ages of 13 and 19. The youngest participants must have turned 13 within a month of this event to participate. The workshop will take place at the Museum. 

Registration online at themuseum.org

National Tourism Day, observed annually on May 7, highlights the significant role tourism plays in the economy and cultural exchange. As the world gradually recovers from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism industry is experiencing a resurgence, bringing renewed attention to its importance.

Tourism contributes trillions of dollars to the global economy and supports millions of jobs. In the United States alone, the travel and tourism industry generated over $1.6 trillion in economic output in 2019, according to the U.S. Travel Association. The industry encompasses various sectors, including hospitality, transportation, entertainment, and retail.

Beyond economic benefits, tourism fosters cultural understanding and global awareness. Travelers gain firsthand experiences of different cultures, traditions, and histories, promoting empathy and global citizenship.

However, the industry also faces challenges, such as environmental concerns and the need for sustainable practices. Over-tourism can strain local resources, damage ecosystems, and disrupt communities. As a result, there’s a growing emphasis on responsible tourism, encouraging travelers to minimize their environmental footprint and respect local cultures.

On National Tourism Day, stakeholders in the industry, including travel agencies, hospitality businesses, and government agencies, often host events and campaigns to promote travel and highlight its benefits. It’s also a time to reflect on the importance of sustainable practices to ensure the longevity and positive impact of tourism worldwide.

The Alexandria Police Department responded to a local hospital in reference to a person who suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound on Sunday, May 4, at approximately 6:50pm.  It was determined that the shooting occurred at Overton Street and Warshauer Street when someone opened fire from a vehicle.

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.

England Airpark is proud to announce the grand opening of the AEX Loop, a brand new approximate 9-mile cycling and jogging path designed to promote health, wellness, and community connection. The public is invited to attend the grand opening celebration on Saturday, May 17, at 9am at the Community Center at England Airpark (1718 Kegleman Blvd., Alexandria).

The AEX Loop offers a safe, scenic route for runners, walkers, and cyclists of all skill levels, weaving through the natural beauty of England Airpark and providing a unique and safe way to explore the area. The path is fully accessible and open to the public year-round.

“This is an exciting addition to the community,” said Ralph Hennessy, C.M., Executive Director, “The AEX Loop reflects our ongoing commitment to creating spaces that support healthy lifestyles and bring people together.”

The grand opening event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guest speakers, refreshments, and opportunities for attendees to walk, jog, or ride a portion of the new path. Participants are encouraged to bring their bicycles or running shoes and help us celebrate this major milestone for the Airpark and the region.

For more information about England Airpark, visit www.englandairpark.org.

It’s never too early to prepare for hurricane season in Louisiana. Given the widespread impact of hurricanes on the state, Cleco Power has already begun preparing for weather-related and unplanned power outages well ahead of hurricane season, which begins in June. 

Danny Rider, manager of distribution reliability and maintenance for Cleco Power, explains the preparations. “What we’re doing is clearing these trees away from our power lines in hopes of reducing unplanned outages,” said Rider.

Clearing trees is part of Cleco Power’s year-round preparations related to the removal of overgrown and hazardous vegetation. This kind of vegetation in their right-of-way is the leading cause of unplanned outages, according to the company. 

Cleco‘s current focus is on identifying problematic circuits that have the most tree and rights-of-way outages.

BATON ROUGE — Legendary Peabody Magnet coach Charles Smith was joined in the spotlight by coach-player combinations from LSUA and state Class C champion Plainview High School among the major honorees at Saturday’s 51st Annual Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches Awards Banquet.

Smith received the LABC’s 2025 Mr. Louisiana Basketball award.  This award is given annually to someone who has made a significant, long-term contribution to the game of basketball at any level in the state of Louisiana.

Inducted into the Louisiana Basketball Hall of Fame were former University of New Orleans standouts Ledell Eackles and Bo McCalebb, who both played professionally, along with former UL Lafayette and NBA star Elfrid Payton.

Also honored at the banquet were Louisiana’s major college, small college, junior college and high school basketball players and coaches of the year, along with the top pro player from the state.

Smith has been the head coach at Peabody Magnet High School in Alexandria for 40 years, where he has won over 1,200 games and nine state championships.  He is Louisiana’s all-time winningest high school head coach and ranks fourth nationally.  He is now within reach of becoming the nation’s all-time winningest prep basketball coach.

Smith’s 1,236-219 career record and 84.9% winning percentage include a pair of perfect 41-0 seasons (in 2004 and 2010), with his 2004 team earning a national top five ranking.

He is a six-time Louisiana state coach of the year and was the ESPN National Coach of the Year in 2010.  A 2019 inductee in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, his greatest individual coaching honor came last October, when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, becoming only the sixth high school coach to be so honored and the first one from Louisiana.

Senior guard Kashie Natt of LSU-Alexandria received the LABC’s Louisiana Small College Player of the Year award after being named the NAIA National Player of the Year and a finalist for the Bevo Francis Award as the national small college player of the year.  He was also the Red River Athletic Conference Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, as well as the MVP of the RRAC Tournament, while averaging 20.0 points and 10.3 rebounds (1st in RRAC), including 19 double-double games.

Natt, a Rayville native, recently announced he is transferring to Sam Houston State for his final season of college basketball, playing in the NCAA Division I Conference USA that includes Louisiana Tech.

LSUA coach Dimario Jackson, who was named the Louisiana Small College Coach of the Year, guided the Generals to a No. 2 ranking in the final regular season national poll, to the Red River Athletic Conference regular season and tournament championships and to the quarterfinals of the NAIA National Tournament with a 31-3 record.  Jackson was also named the RRAC Coach of the Year.

Other 2025 LABC honorees included the Plainview combination of senior star Zequan Lewis and coach Dustin Howard, who led the Hornets to their first state title since 1965. Lewis was the LABC’s Class C Player of the Year and Howard was Class C Coach of the Year.

By JIM BUTLER

School Board members may have a little extra pep in their step heading into today’s meeting.

Renewal of two essential parish-wide property taxes in last Saturday’s voting provides 10-year assurance of dedicated local funding for system holdings.

Additionally, dedicated renewals were approved in two districts and Pineville voters said yes to a $27 million bond issue for planned improvements at five schools.

And today the board gets to sign off on sales tax-funded salary supplements for employees.

The payments from sales tax revenue beyond that needed to meet agreements when initially approved by voters go to qualifying employees.

The board will learn the precise amounts, paid in a 2:1 ratio to degrees and non-degrees employees. Last May the former was $7,350 pre-deductions.

Also on the agenda is an executive session to discuss settlement of a suit by Glenda Sue Perkins, a former principal.

Minutes indicate that case was last aired in an official discussion during an executive session in April 2023.

More than 50 other suits in which the board was plaintiff or defendant were on the agenda for that same executive review.

Here’s a yarn worth sharing, especially for local golfers.

The late Hymie Bradford related this story to me several years ago, and it dealt with the old (as in the original) Rapides Golf Course – a 9-hole layout that is buried beneath Greenwood Cemetery in Pineville. His grandfather, Hiram F. Bradford,  founded and built the course.

Hymie’s uncle, Ray Bradford, was once described by former Town Talk sports editor Bill Carter as the best golfer Rapides Parish ever produced. He had a sweet swing on the course, and he had a reputation for playing better if he could knock down some Old Crow and Camels during his round.    

Legend has it that a young Tommy Bolt, before he went on to fame on the PGA Tour, stopped at Rapides and called his backers in his hometown of Shreveport and said, “I’ve found me a pigeon here in Pineville (for a Nassau game). Wire me some money.”

He called a second time and a third time with the same request as the round progressed.

After the third call, the person he was calling asked, “Who is the pigeon you have?’

“His name’s Ray Bradford, I think,” Bolt said.

“Ray Bradford?!” came the scream. “You get yourself home before we all go broke. Nobody beats Ray Bradford at Rapides.”

The public is invited to CENLA’S 2nd Annual Adult Book Fair, bringing the magic of that scholastic book fair high back for adults. The fair will take place Thursday, May 15, through Saturday, May 17, 11am to 9pm each day, at Let Love Be My Motive Studio.

Attendees an expect MORE books both used and new, and antique/collectibles, bookish merch, specialty bookish coffee from Caffeinated / Brew + Fizz, local indie authors, and bookstores joining together to make this year bigger and better.

The organizers will be announcing the giveaways and free bibliophile activities closer to the date — so be sure to turn on notifications.

Interested in joining us as an author, local indie bookstore, or bookish merch seller? Contact Tanja at (231)-534-1115!

The Food Bank of Central Louisiana was recently notified that its AmeriCorps Program funding was immediately and unexpectedly terminated, cutting ten members who supported the organization’s Mobile Pantry Program.

Since 2021, the AmeriCorps Program of the Food Bank of Central Louisiana served at household food distributions across Central Louisiana, ensuring that our food-insecure neighbors could put food on their tables every month. AmeriCorps members did the hard work of loading food into neighbors’ vehicles, sorting and packing food in our warehouses, and loading and unloading the trucks for food distributions. They served at the food bank’s home warehouse during daily food distributions in Alexandria; and in the field at 27 monthly mobile pantries across central Louisiana.

“These AmeriCorps members are not just volunteers—they’re part of the lifeline our community depends on,” said Jayne Wright-Velez, Executive Director of the Food Bank of Central Louisiana. “Without their support, we risk falling short in our mission to feed hungry families, children, and seniors who already face tremendous hardship.”

In 2024, AmeriCorps members helped distribute more than 11 million pounds of food across Central Louisiana, reaching over 25,000 individuals each month. The loss of this workforce arrives as demand for food assistance remains high due to continued economic challenges in the region.

Over the last several weeks, 80% of federal AmeriCorps staff were put on administrative leave; the AmeriCorps NCCC program was entirely demobilized; and nearly $400 million in AmeriCorps grant funding was terminated, shuttering more than 1,000 programs and prematurely ending the service of 32,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers across the nation.

“Thousands of AmeriCorps members will be left without a living stipend – likely their only source of income. This will cause many of them to face housing, food, health, and other financial emergencies,” said Wright-Velez.

“We are calling on federal and state leaders to restore funding and safeguard the future of national service programs like AmeriCorps,” Wright-Velez continued. “The cost of these cuts will be measured in empty plates and unmet needs.”

The Food Bank urges the community and local stakeholders to advocate for the restoration of AmeriCorps funding by contacting their congressional representatives and spreading awareness of the program’s local impact.

About the Food Bank of Central Louisiana
Founded in 1989, the Food Bank of Central Louisiana works to alleviate hunger through food distribution, education, and advocacy. It serves 11 parishes and partners with a network of member agencies to reach those most in need. Learn more at http://www.fbcenla.org.

By Brad Dison

In 2002, Michael and Kelley Flamoe were house hunting in Tacoma, Washington.  They saw several houses which were all nice and would have fit their needs, but something held them back each time.  They were all nice houses, but none felt like home to them.  Then, the realtor took them to a house at 1112 North J Street in Tacoma.  The neighborhood was nice.  All of the houses on North J Street were at least two stories.  The houses were built on a hill about six feet tall, which gave them the appearance of being taller than they actually were.  To get from the sidewalk to the front doors of the houses took two flights of stairs sided with wrought iron hand railings which added to the charm of North J Street.  Across the road sat a large grey stone Catholic church.   It was a picturesque neighborhood.  This house had a unique feature in that it was the only house on the block which had numerous groupings of square columns rather than single round columns supporting the porch and roof.  Michael and Kelley loved the craftsman style of the home they were considering, and they had not even walked in the front door.  After viewing the house’s interior and large backyard, Micheal and Kelley decided their search was over.  At first glance, this house felt like home. 

Michael and Kelley moved in a short time later.  They were in the process of emptying their mountain of moving boxes when they heard a noise coming from the front of their new home.  It was a pleasant noise.  Michael and Kelley paused to listen more closely.  They heard people singing.  They remembered the large Catholic church across the street.  Perhaps the parishioners were singing, but they were certain they would be unable to hear the singing through the solid stone walls.  Michael and Kelley walked to the front room and peered from the picture window.  There, at the base of their two flights of stairs, stood a gathering of people who were singing to their new home.  Michael and Kelley gave an awkward smile and wave, their singing neighbors returned the gesture.  After three or four songs, they ended on a Christmas song, but Christmas was months away.  As soon as they finished singing, the crowd began returning to their nearby homes as if it were a perfectly normal thing to do.

To the crowd, it was perfectly normal.  They gathered once a week to sing to the house.  Michael and Kelley were not bothered by the act, or by the other strange happenings that occasionally happened in front of their home.  Carloads, and sometimes busloads, of tourists would stop in front of their home on the normally quiet street, pile out, take pictures of and selfies with the home, some would sing to the house, then they reboarded their mode of transportation and disappeared as quickly as they had come.  The weekly singings and the random visits by tourists happened long before Michael and Kelley moved in and it continues to this day.  You see, when Michael and Kelley moved into the home, they paid little attention to a bronze plaque embedded into one of the steps leading to the home.  It read, “Birthplace of Harry Lillis “Bing” Crosby.”

Source: Steve Dunkelberger, “100+ Years Later: A Look Inside Tacoma’s Historic Bing Crosby House,” South Sound Talk, September 3, 2015, accessed May 4, 2025, https://www.southsoundtalk.com/2015/09/03/bing-crosby-house-tacoma/.

On May 6, 1937, the world witnessed a catastrophe that would forever alter the course of aviation history. The German airship LZ 129 Hindenburg, once a symbol of luxury and technological advancement, met a fiery end as it attempted to dock at the Naval Air Station in Lakehurst, New Jersey.

The Hindenburg was the pride of Nazi Germany, a massive dirigible measuring 804 feet in length and filled with hydrogen gas. It was designed to offer transatlantic flights with unparalleled comfort, featuring dining rooms, lounges, and even a smoking room. On its 1937 voyage, it carried 97 people, including passengers and crew.

As the airship approached its mooring mast, eyewitnesses reported seeing flames near the tail section. Within seconds, the Hindenburg was engulfed in fire, crashing to the ground in a matter of moments. The disaster claimed 36 lives, including one worker on the ground.

The tragedy was captured on film and broadcasted across the globe, leaving an indelible mark on public consciousness. The dramatic footage and the emotional radio broadcast by Herbert Morrison, who famously exclaimed, “Oh, the humanity!” brought the horror into homes worldwide.

Investigations into the cause of the fire were inconclusive, though theories ranged from static electricity to sabotage. Regardless of the cause, the disaster led to the end of the airship era. Public confidence in dirigibles plummeted, and the aviation industry shifted focus to fixed-wing aircraft, which would become the standard for air travel.

Today, the Hindenburg disaster serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with technological advancement and the importance of safety in innovation.

By JIM BUTLER

The Rapides Parish Journal has learned GAEDA’s attorney recommends it terminate a cooperative agreement with the city regarding plans for the former Weiss & Golding building and the Bolton Avenue Community Center. 

The W&G pact was adopted last October on a unanimous vote by Greater Alexandria Economic Development Authority board members and the City Council, hailed as a new chapter in the relationship between the entities. 

Since a change in board membership following December’s council elections chaffing over the GAEDA annual financial commitment in the agreement has been intensifying, according to persons familiar with the discourse.

A concern exists among some that the agreement poses a potential cutback in the flow of traditional GAEDA funding to a host of events they believe meet the agent’s primary charge. 

At its March meeting the board was to hear from the city administration regarding the agreement and also to hold an executive session to discuss strategy and potential litigation though the posted agenda did not specify what issue was involved. 

Whether those items were related to or were the catalyst for counsel Tiffany Sanders to review the agreement could not be reliably determined. 

The administration does not ordinarily respond to darts aimed its way. 

A City Hall source not authorized to speak on the matter did assert the agreement was properly drafted, vetted and executed. 

Sanders, a former assistant city attorney, in her May 1 correspondence to Executive Director Angela Varnado, presumably copied to board members, cites seven instances of what Sanders feels are legal shortcomings. 

“I am compelled to bring to your attention a series of material legal deficiencies that render the agreements insufficient and potentially violative of Louisiana constitutional and statutory requirements,” she writes. 

She recommends

• Immediately suspend any pending or future payments pursuant to these agreements;
• Formally issue notice of intent to terminate the CEA and Addendums unless renegotiated to comply fully with Louisiana law;
• Convene in executive session to consider the potential initiation of a declaratory judgment or other legal remedies to protect GAEDA’s assets and mission.”

The structure and content of these agreements suggest they were not entered into on terms that serve GAEDA’s best interests or support its long-term viability,” she writes. 

By JIM BUTLER

With the clock ticking the Police Jury Legal and Ambulance Committees meet today without a challenge to the parish ambulance decision on either’s agenda.

Jurors voted 5-4 in early April to award the parish provider contract to Pafford Emergency Medical Services. Subsequently, Acadian Ambulance, sole provider for 30 years, filed a formal objection, raising several issues.

The jury has until May 23 to consider and rule on the challenge. Its next regularly scheduled meeting is May 12. The issue could be added to that agenda without going through committee, a rather routine occurrence in jury affairs.

The ambulance issue, before the vote last month and since, has generated intense lobbying on behalf of both firms, separate credible sources say.

The Ambulance Committee agenda does include the monthly Acadian report on calls and response times.

It met or beat those times in all four categories, a total of about 1,200 runs.

That count gives some idea, perhaps, of why the sole provider designation is coveted.

Assign an average billing per call if your choice and do the math.

Arrests are accusations, not convictions

May 4

Sewana Lakisha Rekenna Clovis, 45, Clayton – two counts manufacturing producing distributing controlled dangerous substances, criminal conspiracy, taking contraband to and from penal institutions, no bail data;

Jack Elliot Davis, 30, Ball – OWI first offense, open container, careless operation, $1,200 bail;

Luke Lacombe, 30, Alexandria – OWI third offense, open container, misrepresentation during booking, safety belt violation, modified exhaust, improper lane usage, $900 bail;

Rischard O’Brian Nelson, 23, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing controlled dangerous substances, battery of a dating partner, simple assault, criminal damage to property, three counts contempt of court, $14,250 bail;

Joey Glen Smith Jr, 31, Pineville – contempt of court, $10,000 bail;

Troy Timothy Stokes, 48, Hineston – OWI first offense, open container, improper lane usage, $1,200 bail;

Corey Albert Welch, 21, Glenmora – OWI first offense, $1,000 bail.

May 3

Robert Glynn Bates, 62, Boyce – illegal carry firearm with drugs, possession of marijuana, contempt of court, $2,000 bail;

Jeremy Keith Bolton, 42, Pineville – two counts theft, two counts resisting an officer, running a red light, driving across a median, contempt of court, $53,000 bail;

Michah Garrin Collins, 33, Alexandria – two counts theft, $1,000 bail;

Ashari Keshan Jackson, 23, Winnfield – producing manufacturing distributing controlled dangerous substances with intent, criminal conspiracy, taking contraband to and from penal institutions, malfeasance in office, $17,000 bail;

Troy Ramon Johnson, 27, Alexandria – attempted second degree murder, contempt of court, $3,000 bail;

Jason Eric Keely, 42, Monroe – OWI fourth offense, careless operation of a vehicle, failure to yield to  an emergency vehicle, no driver’s license, $300 bail;

Rhonda Blackburn Myers, 54, Pineville – two counts possession of controlled dangerous substances, two counts paraphernalia, no vehicle registration, tail lamps must emit red light, $1,700 bail;

Marler Regilson, 23, Alexandria – home invasion simple assault, $50,000 bail;

Frank June Walker Jr, 71, Alexandria – simple battery, simple assault, possession of a firearm by convicted felon, $1,000 bail;

William Whiddon Jr, 52, Alexandria – stalking, two counts unlawful communication, criminal trespass, $1,000 bail;

Cammie Kay Wolff, 49, Alexandria – contempt of court, $50,000 bail.

May 2

Charles Johsua Cooley, 38, Glenmora – OWI second offense, careless operation of a vehicle, $1,600 bail;

Anthony Earnest, 29, Pineville – contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Andrew Howard Ballott, 28, Lecompte – Louisiana fugitive, contempt of court, $10,000 bail

Ronald Terrell Dunn, 60, Pineville – two counts possession of controlled dangerous substances, possession of marijuana, improper display vehicle license plate, no driver’s license, sex offender failure to timely register, $3,200 bail;

Mya Michelle Hayes, 25, Pineville – Louisiana fugitive, accessory after the fact, $10,000 bail;

Shelby Rylie Sanson, 27, Deville – two counts possession of controlled dangerous substances, contempt of court, $5,000 bail;

Jason Wesley Taylor, 48, Pineville – criminal trespass, contempt of court, $10,500 bail;

Chaston Townley, 21, Alexandria – OWI first offense, possession of controlled dangerous substances, multiple beam lighting distribution, driving under suspension, $1,700 bail.

May 1

Michael Todd Bynog, 56, Hineston – possession of fentanyl, paraphernalia, theft of motor vehicle, unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, $14,000 bail;

Donquarius Daray Charles, 27, Pineville – flight from an officer, improper display of vehicle license plate, switched license plate, no driver’s licence, open container, failure to secure registration, $1,000 bail;

Brandon Duan Cole, 23, Alexandria – first degree rape, $500,000 bail;

Jenea Nichole Croom, 39, Pineville – producing manufacturing distributing with intent cocaine, possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, false representation of prohibited acts, $3,500 bail;

Clifton A Fairbanks III, 68, Deville – carnal knowledge of a juvenile, indecent behavior with juveniles, computer-aided solicitation of a minor, $15,000 bail;

X’Zavion Johnson, 19, Alexandria – second-degree murder, possession of a handgun by a juvenile, carrying a firearm on school property, criminal damage to property, resisting an officer, simple battery, $522,000 bail;

Lebaron Demond Johnson, 44, Alexandria – simple burglary, $3,500 bail;

Travis Glenn Rush, 33, Alexandria – two counts possession of controlled dangerous substances, contempt of court, $5,000 bail;

Jessica Stewart, 36, Woodworth – domestic abuse battery, $1,500 bail;

Johnathan Williams, 49, Alexandria – possession of controlled dangerous substances, probation violation, $2,500 bail.

April 30

Jonathan Arnold, 30, Alexandria – possession of controlled dangerous substances, possession of marijuana, $2,000 bail;

Richard Wayne Aymond, 23, Alexandria – possession of controlled dangerous substances, paraphernalia, bicycle lamps/reflectors required, $3,100 bail;

Andrew Howard Ballott, 28, Lecompte – Louisiana fugitive, contempt of court, $10,000 bail;

Cecilia Hortense Brown, 64, Alexandria – possession of controlled dangerous substances, paraphernalia, $3,000 bail;

Hardy Ronald Cain III, 40, Dry Prong – OWI second offense, $1,500 bail;

Dara Wayne Doyle, 42, Plainview – possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, contempt of court, probation violation, $16,500 bail;

William Edmonds, 24, Fayetteville, North Carolina – OWI first offense, careless operation of a vehicle, $1,100 bail;

Jarred Allen Harrell, 40, New Orleans – theft, more than $25,000 in value, $40,000 bail;

Shermania Fitzgerica’isabella Leonard, 37, Wallace – two counts Louisiana fugitive, five counts contempt of court, illegal possession of stolen things, resisting an officer, $30,500 bail;

Sharika Rene Miner, 47, Alexandria – illegal carry firearm with drugs, two counts contempt of court, $8,500 bail;

Derrick Dewayne Moore Sr, 47, Alexandria – two counts possession of controlled dangerous substances, possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, resisting an officer, off-road vehicle on public road, parole violations, $5,600 bail.

A Ball man has been accused of trespassing and damaging property, while simultaneously impersonating a police officer, according to the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office.

RPSO said that deputies responded to the 4600 block of Rigolette Road in Tioga on April 27, where a victim informed them that an individual had trespassed on their property and destroyed several gates located on the levee.

Following an investigation, RPSO was able to identify the individual as James Richard Barlow, 34, of Ball, as a suspect.

Additionally, RPSO learned from a witness that Barlow had allegedly identified himself as a law enforcement officer during the trespassing incident.

Barlow was arrested on April 28 and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center for three counts of criminal trespassing, three counts of criminal damage to property valued between $1,000 and $50,000, theft less than $1,000, and false personation of a peace officer.

Barlow was released after posting a $31,000 bond on April 30.