By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

MEDINAH, Ill. – Former LSU All-American Sam Burns played in every session of the 2026 President’s Cup, his fifth straight international competition, and was last spotted Sunday enjoying the United States team celebration after getting congratulations from President Trump.

That’s the bottom line. Burns, the 30-year-old Choudrant resident, was a key figure in the Americans’ 12^th consecutive Presidents Cup victory, his third since 2022.

It required a monumental comeback in Sunday’s singles play, with the U.S. scoring 9 ½ points to overcome a three-point deficit and defeat the International team 17-13.

Burns did not score on Sunday, falling 3-and-1 to Sungjae Im after rallying from three one-hole deficits in a tightly-contested match.

But he earlier won a pair of matches with his pal Scottie Scheffler, notably a 2-and-1 fourball triumph Saturday when Burns hit back-to-back approaches within close reach of the pin on holes 16 and 17 to provide birdies that sealed the outcome.

“It just felt like it was the time to pick my guy up and actually contribute to this match,” he said. “Fortunately I was able to hit a really good shot and hole the putt (a 4-footer on 16).”

The Shreveport native drained a series of putts in Thursday’s opening session to keep him and Scheffler in the game, and delivered the pivotal shot, an 8-iron to two feet on the 14^th hole for a birdie that turned things the Americans’ way in a 1-up win over Im and Min Woo Lee.

Overall in the five sessions over four days, he ranked third in the field of 24 players in overall strokes gained at plus 2.88.

It finished a 2026 campaign that despite not winning any tournament, has been his most successful. Burns had a career-best $9.4 million in official PGA Tour winnings, was fourth in the U.S. Presidents Cup points standings and finished eighth in the Official World Golf Rankings.

The former Calvary Baptist three-time state champion and two-time LSU All-American was top 10 in three of the year’s four majors, tying for seventh at The Masters, finishing outright second at the U.S. Open and outright third at the British Open, which began nine days after his wife Caroline gave birth to the couple’s second child.

Burns made 17 of 20 cuts, had four top 5 finishes and six top 10s. His career earnings climbed over $44 million, and he also added some top-level endorsement deals and enhanced existing relationships.

He’s homebound having added to his career resume with another Presidents Cup victory. That’s the bottom line.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

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The nationally-ranked, defending conference champion Louisiana Christian University football team struck on the game’s opening possession and never looked back to remain perfect in Sooner Athletic Conference play, rolling to a 69-24 win over the Oklahoma Panhandle State Aggies Saturday night at Wildcat Field.

LCU scored 28 points in the first and fourth quarters in the dominant victory.

 
A week after suffering its first loss of the season to NCAA Division I opponent Southern, Louisiana Christian (4-1, 3-0 SAC) took no time in jumping ahead of Oklahoma Panhandle State (2-3, 0-2 SAC), needing just six plays to go 68 yards, the last 34 coming when Bryce Perkins hit Leyton Faul.

That launched a 28-point first quarter by the Wildcats, adding another Perkins TD toss and a 61-yard pick six interception return by Kristian Doyle to end the period. Things calmed in the second period and it was 31-10 Wildcats at the half.

The Aggies trimmed the spread to 31-17 to open the third quarter, and the Wildcats erupted.

 
A 23-yard field goal and an eight-yard touchdown run by Jaterrius Johnson opened a 41-17 lead going to the fourth quarter, and LCU rang up 28 points in the final 15 minutes.  

ASH product Datlan Cunningham scored on a 44-yard touchdown rush for a 48-24 lead.

 
Perkins and another ex-Trojan, EJ Scott, connected for a 51-yard touchdown, and Kedrian McNeil’s 4-yard run made it 62-24.
 
 
Perkins was 18-of-24 for 315 yards and three touchdowns as LCU rang up 550 offensive yards.

 
Scott was the top receiver, making five grabs for 111 yards and a touchdown.
 

The Wildcats should edge up from their poll positions of 20^th and 17^th when the NAIA Top 25s are announced today.

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On Sept. 22, 2026, at approximately 8 p.m., Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies responded to Westbrook Street in Pineville regarding a reported disturbance involving a firearm.

According to the victim, they were involved in a verbal altercation with Cameron Malik Key, 28, who allegedly punched the victim, armed himself with a handgun and pointed it at the victim before fleeing into the woods.

Patrol deputies responded and took the initial report before remaining in the area attempting to locate Key. At approximately 10:30 p.m., deputies located Key near the 1200 block of Bayou Maria Road.

The responding patrol deputy approached Key and, while attempting to detain him for further investigation, Key allegedly jerked away and physically resisted the deputy by fighting, resulting in both Key and the deputy going to the ground.

Key allegedly refused multiple verbal commands to remove his hands from his waistband. The deputy deployed a Taser in an attempt to take Key into custody without further incident, but the Taser was ineffective. Key continued to struggle with the deputy, ultimately pulling a firearm from his waistband and fleeing on foot toward Westbrook Street.

Several deputies remained in the area throughout the night and early morning attempting to locate Key but were unsuccessful.

Sheriff’s detectives conducted the investigation, and several arrest warrants were obtained for Key, including charges related to the initial battery and aggravated assault call.

Throughout the day, members of the United States Marshals Service Violent Offender Task Force, along with RPSO detectives, the RADE Unit, RPSO Crime Suppression Unit and RPSO SWAT, remained in the area executing search warrants and searching for Key.

At approximately 2:30 p.m., RPSO K-9s located Key. After a brief foot pursuit, Key was taken into custody without further incident.

Key was booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center on numerous charges, including aggravated resisting a police officer with force or violence, battery of a police officer and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He remained in jail at the time of the release on a $551,000 bond.

Sheriff’s detectives said the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges could be added.

RPSO commended the detectives and patrol deputies, as well as the RPSO Crime Suppression Unit, RPSO SWAT Team, Louisiana Probation & Parole and the U.S. Marshals Service Violent Offenders Task Force for their efforts in apprehending Key.

Key is charged with battery; aggravated assault with a firearm; two counts of criminal damage to property greater than $1,000 and less than $50,000; aggravated resisting a police officer with force or violence; aggravated assault upon a police officer; battery of a police officer; carrying a firearm by a convicted felon; and possession of a firearm by a person convicted of domestic violence.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law or administrative action.

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Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

Sept. 27

David Cade Carlock IV, 20, Ball – OWI, driving under suspension, resisting an officer, $1,400 bail;

Eduardo Eli Garza, 45, Bedford, Texas – OWI first offense, reckless operation of a vehicle, $1,500 bail;

Ashton Tyler Parmer, 22, Limon, Colorado – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, $1,100 bail;

Huey P. Phillips Jr., 53, Cheneyville – OWI first offense, careless operation of a vehicle, open container, $1,200 bail.

Sept. 26

Sherry Jean Ashmore, 50, Pineville – theft, two counts contempt of non-support, $2,500 bail;

Charles Terrance Clark, 43, Dry Prong – unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, $25,000 bail;

John David Spann Jr., 39, Glenmora – criminal damage to property, simple battery, $10,500 bail;

Katie Matilda Prine, 38, Oak Grove – theft, two counts possession of CDS, $3,500 bail;

John David Spann Jr., 39, Glenmora – simple battery, criminal damage to property, $10,500 bail;

Emily R. Wright, 19, N/A – theft, criminal conspiracy, obstruction of justice, exploitation of the infirmed, $200,000 bail.

Sept. 25

Jerrell Jamar Antwine Jr., 41, Alexandria – unauthorized entry into a place of business, theft (second/subsequent conviction), simple burglary, parole violations, contempt of court, $2,000 bail;

Jasper Bohannon, 18, Pineville – second degree cruelty to juveniles, aggravated domestic abuse battery with child present, $100,000 bail;

Jeremy Jerome Davis, 40, Cheneyville – producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting an officer, pedestrians on interstate highways, $11,500 bail;

Cassidy Kaye Elliott, 23, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery with child present, $3,000 bail;

Carl Fitzgerald Finley Sr., 59, Alexandria – unauthorized entry of inhabited dwelling, criminal damage to property, possession of drug paraphernalia, $1,000 bail;

Timothy Demetrius Kennedy, 57, Alexandria – two counts possession of CDS, use of CDS in presence of minor, no child restraint system, expired plate/registration, contempt of court, $13,700 bail;

Mason Mclaughlin, 21, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery with child present, $3,000 bail;

Martavious D. Stafford, 33, Alexandria – theft, remaining on premises, probation violation, three counts contempt of court, $7,250 bail;

Dezaric Shykie Sweazie, 25, Pineville – possession of marijuana, injuring public records, two counts resisting an officer, no driver’s license, expired plate/registration, speeding, contempt of court, $4,300 bail.

Sept. 24

Sherman Devontai Allen, 28, Pineville – theft, criminal trespass, resisting an officer, $1,500 bail;

Elijah Malachi Guillot, 23, Marksville – possession of firearm by convicted felon, speeding, probation violation, $1,100 bail;

Rawuel Nekole Lea Lucas, 29, Deville – attempted second degree murder, domestic abuse battery with child present, $51,000 bail;

Terrance Ja’Mon Session Jr., 20, Alexandria – four counts attempted murder, possession of firearm by convicted felon, producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, possession of CDS, parole violation, probation violation, $2.1 million bail;

Dwight Douglas Simon, 27, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery with child present, $1,000 bail;

Terranisha Strong, 23, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery with child present, $1,000 bail.

Sept. 23

Kevin Brister, 41, DeRidder – two counts Louisiana fugitive, no bail data;

Donald Lee Cook Jr., 36, Woodworth – possession of CDS, criminal damage to property, flight from an officer, simple burglary, speeding, no driver’s license, probation violation, $77,200 bail;

Cameron Malik Key, 28, Pineville – domestic abuse battery, possession of firearm by person convicted of domestic abuse battery, two counts criminal damage to property, possession of firearm by convicted felon, battery of a police officer, aggravated resisting with force or violence, aggravated assault with a firearm, aggravated assault upon a peace officer, two counts resisting an officer, parole violations, $551,000 bail;

Eric Lemon McNeal, 44, Pineville – three counts theft, $3,000 bail;

Elijah Demareya Murray, 36, Alexandria – illegal possession of stolen things, canceled plate violations, 10 counts contempt of court, $118,500 bail;

Paige Morgan Vizena, 29, Deville – OWI first offense, possession of CDS, running a stop sign, safety belt violation, $1,700 bail;

Derrick Dewayne Voorhies, 43, Alexandria – theft, possession of marijuana, possession of CDS, two counts contempt of court, $24,500 bail;

John Francis Walker, 40, Deville – OWI first offense, careless operation of a vehicle, safety belt violation, $1,200 bail;

Angiel Tennille Wester, 50, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, bank fraud, identification fraud, contempt of court, $51,500 bail.

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Funeral services for Mr. Billy Wayne Nolen will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Forest Hill United Pentecostal Church, with Reverends Greg Heidner, Jonathan Moser, and Greg Willis officiating. Interment will follow in Pisgah Cemetery, Forest Hill, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Oakdale.

Mr. Nolen, 81, of Forest Hill, entered eternal rest on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital, Alexandria, LA.

He was a loving husband, brother, uncle, and friend. He was a proud United States Army Veteran, and had a deep and abiding love for his Lord and Savior.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman who cherished spending time outdoors. He found joy in tending his garden, watching the deer in his yard, enjoying the birds gathered around his feeder, or simply savoring a quiet moment studying the Word of God.

His faith, love of nature, and genuine appreciation for the simple blessings of life were a reflection of the man he was. He will be deeply missed by all who know and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earnest and Oneater Nolen; three brothers, EJ Nolen, CD Nolen, and Lee Roy Nolen; and two sisters, Dorothy Morris and Opal Droddy.

Those left to mourn his loss and cherish his memory include his loving wife of forty-six years, Eva May Nolen of Forest Hill; two sisters, Faye Wright of Elmer and Peggy Walters of Calcasieu; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A time of visitation will be held at Forest Hill United Pentecostal Church on Friday, September 25, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Visitation will resume at the church on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Ernie Dale Jenkins, Jimmy Cloud, Junior Johnson, Roy Elliott, Jr., Charlie Jones, and Clayton Hartzfelds. Honorary pallbearer will be Lonnie Jenkins.

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Ameal Love Jr., 63, of Alexandria, Louisiana, was born on Nov. 15, 1962, in Alexandria to Ameal Love Sr. and Serenthia Love.

Ameal accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age and was baptized at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church by the Rev. Fred Jacobs.

Ameal was employed as a custodian while residing in Denver, Colorado, and worked as a carpenter after returning to Louisiana.

On Sept. 14, 2026, Ameal made a peaceful transition at Rivière de Soleil Community Care Center in Mansura, Louisiana. He leaves behind his beloved family, who will forever cherish his memory and the love, wisdom and kindness he shared with them.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Inc., 11 16th St., Alexandria, Louisiana.

The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Inc.

Burial will follow at Sunrise Memorial Gardens, 9086 U.S. 165, Woodworth, Louisiana.

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Phonetic: /mawk·​ish/

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition

lacking flavor or having an unpleasant taste

exaggeratedly or childishly emotional
a mawkish love story
mawkish poetry

Martha Gentry Holloway
November 21, 1950 – September 26, 2026
Service: Tuesday, September 29, 2026, 1pm at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville.

Dorothy Dawn Overgaard
June 16, 1932 – September 25, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 2pm at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness, Alexandria.

John Robert Choate
August 25, 1946 – September 24, 2026
Service: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 12pm at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball.

Carl “Skip” Barth
November 2, 1947 – September 23, 2026
Service: Monday, September 28, 2026, 10am at Kramer & Son Funeral Home, Alexandria.

Sherrie Burch Devine
December 1, 1961 – September 22, 2026
Service: Monday, September 28, 2026, 11am at Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

Gloria Jean Marshall White
March 18, 1959 – September 21, 2026
Service: Friday, October 2, 2026, 1pm at Christian Love Baptist Church, Alexandria.

Spencer Ernest Brackens, Jr.
May 2, 1949 – September 20, 2026
Service: Friday, October 2, 2026, 11am at St. Matthew Baptist Church, Boyce.

Greta Marie Golden Moore
July 27, 1956 – September 20, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 3pm at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Alexandria.

Marvin Keith Howard, Sr.
December 20, 1968 – September 16, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 11am at New Scott Olly Baptist Church, Alexandria.

The Rapides Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.

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By JIM BUTLER

Snafu – a word with direct military origin – could be applied to the ICE staging center furor at the former England Air Base.

Some England Authority commissioners questioning each other, some grilling the executive director, an audience, none in favor, waiting almost three hours to speak their minds (minus harangue, invective and insults of past meetings), a thorough review of plans and procedures by the operator – all and more were part of the proceeding.

In the end the Authority passed on any vote revising, rescinding or affirming its previous action relative to the center.

The panel did direct Executive Director Ralph Hennessy and counsel Matt Nowlin to move in federal court for designation of its Intergovernmental Service Agreement with ICE as public record.

Commissioners, and dissenters in the public realm, are chapped that the ISA is not in their information packets. (A draft was available for commissioner perusal early on.) What it outlines relative to liability, security and other subjects are concerns raised.

The meeting video is archived on the Authority website.

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Boudreaux’s Animal Rescue Krewe (BARK) joined the Alexandria Lions Club for a meeting to share rescue stories and receive a $1,000 donation.

The meeting was also bittersweet as the Lions Club and BARK bid farewell and safe travels to Lion Michael Kearney, a 30-year volunteer and friend who is moving to Texas.

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Forest Hill Junior High celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with an event welcoming students, families and community members. The celebration featured homemade dishes, music and families sharing traditions passed down through generations.

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LDWF Woodworth Shooting Range Closed Today and Saturday for National Hunting and Fishing Day
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

The shooting range at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Woodworth Education Facility, located at 661 Robinson Bridge Road in Woodworth, will be closed today, Friday, Sept. 25, for event preparation and Saturday, Sept. 26, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. as LDWF hosts National Hunting and Fishing Day. The public is invited to attend Saturday’s event. For more information on LDWF shooting ranges, visit the LDWF shooting range webpage.

Caroline Dormon Junior High to Host Ribbon Cutting and Dedications — September 29
Rapides Parish School Board

Caroline Dormon Junior High will hold a ribbon cutting Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 9:30 a.m. for a new classroom wing at 8906 U.S. 165 in Woodworth. During the ceremony, the wing will be dedicated to Mayor David Butler and his wife, Linda Butler, and the school library will be dedicated to Dr. Gary Jones and his wife, Sarah Jones, in recognition of their lasting impact on Rapides Parish schools.

Alexandria Senior High to Dedicate Butch Crenshaw Fieldhouse — October 1
Rapides Parish School Board

Alexandria Senior High School will hold a ribbon cutting Thursday, Oct. 1, at noon to open and dedicate its new fieldhouse, named in honor of Butch Crenshaw, ASH’s first athletic director and football coach. The fieldhouse features new locker rooms, training areas, and meeting spaces. Tours will follow the ceremony. The event will be held at the ASH Fieldhouse, 800 Ola St.; attendees should enter from James Street and park behind the fieldhouse.

CenLa Chamber Congressional Candidates Event Rescheduled to October 28
CenLa Chamber of Commerce

The Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce has rescheduled its Meet the Congressional Candidates event to Wednesday, Oct. 28, immediately following a luncheon the Chamber is hosting featuring U.S. Senator John Kennedy. For more information, contact Danielle Yerby at (318) 442-6671 or dyerby@cenlachamber.org.

Your Daily Crossword/Sudoku

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Week 4 of the Rapides Parish Journal’s annual High School Football Pick ’Em contest is underway, giving local fans another chance to test their gridiron knowledge and win cash.

Each week, the contest features 10 selected matchups highlighting Rapides Parish high schools and marquee regional games. The second round of competition concludes Friday, Sept. 25, so make your selections before kickoff to get in the game.

Each weekly winner will take home $100 and be featured with a photo in the Journal.

Participants can submit their picks online through the RPJ platform throughout the season to see who truly reigns as the top football prognosticator in Rapides Parish.

Contest Rules & Details

• Anyone is eligible to participate for free, and each week’s winning participant will win a $100 prize. Each week, the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 10 selected high school football games. Ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two designated weekly contests. The picker with the closest score, without going over, is the winner. All decisions by Management/RPJ are final. The contest can be modified and/or cancelled without notice to the public.
  
  The only persons not eligible to participate are the publisher, the publisher’s immediate family, and regular content contributors to the Journal as determined by Management/RPJ.
  
• There is no entry fee. All contest decisions by Journal management are final. Weekly winners will be notified on Mondays and must agree to have their photo published in the Journal.
  
• Every participant receives a free subscription to the Journal, delivered directly to their inbox daily at 6:55 a.m.

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Louisiana Christian begins a three-game homestand this Saturday as Oklahoma Panhandle State comes to Pineville as the Wildcats continue defense of their Sooner Athletic Conference 2025 football championship and aim to hold onto their NAIA Top 25 ranking.

Kickoff of Saturday’s contest between coach Ben McLaughlin’s nationally-ranked Wildcats (3-1, 2-0) and the Aggies (2-2, 0-1 SAC) is set for 6 p.m. at Wildcat Field and will be live streamed on 446Sports and through the Urban Edge Network.

LCU’s trip to pick up a hefty game guarantee last week at Southern in Baton Rouge, and a 50-31 loss, didn’t knock the Wildcats out of the national polls. They remained No. 17 in the Victory Sports Network NAIA Top 25 Football Media Poll but slipped one spot to 20^th in the NAIA Coaches Top 25.

 
The Wildcats are averaging 47 points and 479 yards per game. Quarterback Bryce Perkins has completed 60 percent of his passes for 805 yards and nine touchdowns.

Alexandria Senior High product EJ Scott and Omarius Davis share the receiving lead with 15 catches each. Jaterrius Johnson (392 yards, 7.5 yards per carry, 5 TDs) and ASH product Datlan Cunningham (297 yards, 4.9 per carry, 6 touchdowns) head the running attack.

Jaden Jones’ 33 tackles leads the Wildcats’ defense, along with 11 quarterback hurries by Jermarian Jackson, who also tops the team with 7.5 tackles for lost yards.

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Ending five years at LSU Alexandria, Assistant Vice Chancellor and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Tyler Unsicker announced his resignation Thursday to become AD at Texas A&M International University, an NCAA Division II institution.

Unsicker took charge of the NAIA program at LSUA in September 2021 and helped lead sustained competitive, academic, financial and facilities growth. The Generals will do a national search to replace him.

“Tyler came to LSUA at a time when Athletics was ready for its next chapter, and he helped move the program into a more competitive and sustainable era,” said LSUA Chancellor Dr. Elizabeth Beard. “He brought a ‘yes, we can’ mindset to the work, hired seven new coaches in five years, expanded our athletic facilities, and strengthened the financial foundation of the department.

“But what has always impressed me most about Tyler is that, even while thinking big, he never lost sight of the people at the heart of the work. He knows our student-athletes by name, celebrates their successes, and cares deeply about their experience at LSUA. LSUA Athletics is in a stronger position today because of his leadership, and we are grateful for his service.”

“For the last five years, my family and I have had the privilege of calling LSUA home,” Unsicker said. “I am incredibly grateful for our student-athletes, coaches and staff who have made these years so meaningful and rewarding.”

During Unsicker’s tenure, LSUA teams made 17 national postseason appearances and won eight conference championships. The men’s basketball program reached the NAIA Round of Eight during the 2024-25 season, while the women’s tennis team advanced to the NAIA semifinals in 2022.

LSUA student-athletes and coaches also earned significant individual recognition during that period, including 16 NAIA All-America honors, six conference player of the year awards, seven conference coach of the year awards, one NAIA coach of the year award and one NAIA national player of the year honor.

Academic achievement also remained a priority. Unsicker established the Student-Athlete Academic Success Center in 2022 to provide additional resources and support for student-athletes in the classroom. LSUA Athletics has posted a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher for four consecutive years, including a 3.32 GPA during the 2025-26 academic year. In 2023-24, LSUA earned its first Barnes & Noble College Red River Athletic Conference GPA Award as the conference’s top-performing athletics program academically.

LSUA Athletics experienced significant facilities growth under Unsicker’s leadership. In 2023, the university opened The Outpost, a 6,000-square-foot indoor practice facility created in the former LSUA swimming pool space. The LSUA Soccer Pitch received upgrades in 2024, including netting behind both goals, covered team dugouts and a covered press box.

Additional improvements have included a new press box, LED stadium lighting and storage space at the baseball field. This fall, LSUA broke ground on a new baseball and softball field house that will include locker rooms, coaches’ offices and meeting space. The LSUA Tennis Complex also broke ground on two additional tennis courts and six pickleball courts.

Fundraising and external support for Athletics also grew during Unsicker’s tenure. Generals Athletic Association fundraising more than doubled over the past five years, while a growing corporate sponsorship program provided additional resources for recruiting and operational needs. Unsicker worked closely with the Generals Athletic Association to increase scholarship support and invest in facility improvements across LSUA’s seven athletics programs

In addition to his work at LSUA, Unsicker served for the past two years on the NAIA Athletic Directors Association Board of Directors.

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By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

MEDINAH, Ill. – Scottie Scheffler sealed the victory, then said his partner Sam Burns saved the day.

Just after the International duo of Australia’s Min Woo Lee and Sungjae Im of South Korea had broken through to take a 1-up lead with Im’s birdie on the 13^th hole, Burns pulled his 8-iron and turned things back America’s way Thursday in the opening four-ball match of the Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club.

His 173-yard shot stopped two feet, five inches away on the par-3 hole, and the kick-in putt squared the match and erased their only deficit of the day. Scheffler sank a 4-foot par putt on the 17^th hole to lift the Americans into a lead, then saved par with a near-perfect pitch out of the sand on the last hole, ending six inches from the cup as the Internationals faced a 40-foot par putt in a desperate try to halve the match. 

It didn’t fall and the Internationals did. The USA closed the afternoon with a 3-2 edge heading into today’s foursomes competition. 

American captain Brandt Snedeker has paired the longtime friends together again, this time against Corey Conners and Cup rookie Nick Taylor. Tee time is 12:05 in the first of five alternate shot matches, with Golf Channel carrying the competition. NBC picks up the weekend coverage.

In an on-course interview moments after Thursday’s match, Scheffler gave Burns his due. 

“Both teams got off to pretty hot starts today and we pulled off a little bit after that, but Sam, I felt like he had probably the shot of the match there on 14,” said the World No. 1 Dallas native. “We lost 13 to go one down, and then he went in there to a couple feet, and we were able to square up the match. That was really a big moment for us as a team.”

Burns, a Shreveport native who now lives in Choudrant, was the USA’s best statistical performer Thursday, the only one of the 10 Americans to post positive numbers in each of the “Shots Gained” categories. 

The 30-year-old former LSU All-American sank a 17-foot birdie putt at the 9th to keep the match even. Lee and Im then missed three straight birdie looks that would have given them their first lead of the day before finally converting on the 13^th to nab a short-lived advantage.

“We knew it was gonna be tough,” said Burns, a career-best eighth in the Official World Golf Rankings playing in his fifth straight international competition. “These matches always seem to be close. It’s a couple shots here and there. It’s always a good feeling when you’ve got this guy by your side. You know, he’s gonna be in every hole, and he’s gonna compete as hard as he can.”

It was the first win in five tries for Burns and Scheffler pairing  at either the Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup, and the first time they’ve played together in international competition since 2023.

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Crews are continuing to work on Palmer Chapel Road.

Beginning at 8:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 28 there may be a need to close both lanes of Palmer Chapel Road at the Eric and Emily Road driveway entrance.

Intermittent road closures are expected between 8:30 and 11 a.m.

Rapides Parish Police Juror Randy Wiggins, District B, thanked the tree service for its work.

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A private homegoing service for family to honor the life of Mrs. Charlotte Jean Mullins Vanderford will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Camp Eight Pentecostal Cemetery, Otis, with Reverend Sam Russell officiating, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

Mrs. Vanderford, 89, of Alexandria, entered eternal rest on Monday, September 21, 2026, in her residence surrounded by her loving family.

Charlotte was a pastor’s wife who spent much of her life serving alongside her husband and helping build churches wherever God led them. Together, they helped start churches throughout the Rocky Mountain District and Colorado. One of those churches was in Craig, Colorado. It was there that her daughter, Tamiko, was baptized in Jesus’ name after they broke the ice on a lake for the baptism, a memory that would become a treasured part of their family’s story.

Charlotte also had a testimony of God’s miraculous power. She would want everyone to know that Jesus healed her of colon cancer. In 1999, she suffered a brainstem stroke, but she recovered, a testimony she considered another miracle from the Lord.

Charlotte and her husband also spent ten years in Cody, Wyoming, where he pastored a church. Wherever they lived, Charlotte found ways to serve, encourage, and reach people. She understood that ministry was not limited to the church building; it was something she lived every day.

Her hands were rarely still. Charlotte had a green thumb and could keep plants thriving, but her gifts went far beyond gardening. She embroidered, quilted, sewed, canned, baked, cooked, and created countless things with her hands. She made bags and bags of peanut brittle to help raise money for the church. She would bake bread and travel to the reservations to sell it, once again using the proceeds to support the work of the church. Whatever she could make, bake, grow, or do, she was willing to use it to bless others and further the work of God.

For a time, Charlotte also sold Avon and became a top salesperson; even that became an opportunity for ministry. When she delivered Avon, she would often tuck a church tract into the bag along with an invitation to church. She was always looking for a way to reach someone with the love of God.

Charlotte had a special heart for children. She often picked up children for Sunday school, and sometimes that meant going into their homes and helping them get dressed so they could come to church. She didn’t simply invite people to church; she found a way to help them get there.

One special friendship was with Brother and Sister Garcia. The four of them enjoyed going hunting for deer and elk together, sharing fellowship and many memories along the way.

If someone stopped by Charlotte’s home, they were likely to be offered a meal. If someone needed a place to stay, Charlotte would gladly open her home. She truly lived by the principle of giving whatever she had to someone in need. She would give the shirt off her back if she thought someone else needed it more.

And then there was Charlotte’s beloved iPhone. She especially loved Facebooking. Instead of simply “liking” someone’s pictures, she would sometimes share a completely random person’s post. “Shared by Charlotte, it was so cute.” That little habit became one more endearing part of who she was and a memory her family will surely smile about for years to come.

Charlotte spent her life serving, giving, encouraging, creating, welcoming, and reaching for others. Her ministry wasn’t just something she participated in; it was woven into the way she lived. After a lifetime of serving others, she can now finally rest in the presence of the Lord she loved and served.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Reverend Albert Wayne Vanderford, Sr.; one son, Anthony Vanderford; two grandsons, James Anderson and Isaiah Vanderford; her parents, Loyd and Elsie Mullins; and two siblings, Jane Rowland and Harold Mullins.

Those left to mourn her loss and cherish her memory include her children, Tamiko Pedersen (Lance), Bert Vanderford (Beth), and Tracy Mitchell (Chad); seven grandchildren, Laura Gower (Charlie), Jontyler Vanderford (Tiffaney), Jason Anderson, Timothy Anderson, Johnny Anderson, Jeremiah Mitchell (Aryn), and Emma Paul (Kaiden); and nine great grandchildren.

Friends and loved ones wishing to send memorial plants or flowers may be sent to Rush Funeral Home, 3307 Monroe Highway, Pineville, Louisiana, 71360. Cards of condolence, memories, or reflections about what she meant to you may be sent to: Tracy Mitchell, 65 Bayou Oaks Drive, Alexandria, Louisiana 71303.

A special thank you to Allegiance Hospice and Palliative Care, especially Laura, Dee, Erica, Nissi, Oprah, Taylor, and Shelby, for the compassionate care, love, and support they provided. Your kindness and dedication will always be deeply appreciated.

Her work here is finished. Her legacy remains.

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Mrs. Juanita Berry Williams, age 89, of Alexandria, Louisiana, peacefully transitioned from this earthly life on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

Juanita was a retired educator whose life reflected a dedication to family, service, and the enrichment of others. On July 26, 1963, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, the late Deacon Paul Lawrence Dunbar Williams, at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. Their loving union was blessed with three children: Paula Cannon-Whiteside (Larry), Michael Paul Williams (Peggy), and Laurence Dunbar Williams (Kim).

She leaves to cherish her memory her three children; five grandchildren, Christopher Cannon (Candace), Jeremy Cannon (Ariell), Michael Williams, Jr., Deja Williams, and Nicholas Williams; great-grandchildren, Jayce Cannon, Edyn Cannon, Chloe Cannon, Nolan Williams, Courtney Cannon and Roman Owens; She is also survived by her sister, Bessie Lawrence, and her brother, Rev. Don T. Berry (Bonnie)along with a host of other relatives, friends, former students, and loved ones whose lives were touched by her presence.

A celebration of Mrs. Williams’ life will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Greater New Zion Baptist Church, 3019 3rd Street, Alexandria, Louisiana71302, where Reverend Gregory Clark serves as Pastor. The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Zeta Lambda Omega Chapter Ivy Beyond the Wall Ceremony will take place from 9:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m., followed by public viewing from 9:30 a.m. until 9:50 a.m. The Homegoing Celebration will begin at 10:00 a.m.

Following the service, Mrs. Williams will be laid to rest at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Alexandria, Louisiana, joining her beloved husband in eternal rest.

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Phonetic: /NEM-uh-siss/

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition

A nemesis is a formidable foe—an opponent or enemy who is very difficult to defeat. As a proper noun, Nemesis refers to the Greek goddess of vengeance.

// She will be playing against her old nemesis for the championship.

Sue Ellen Gray
October 7, 1942 – September 20, 2026
Service: Saturday, September 26, 2026, 11am at Greenwood Memorial Park, Pineville.

Kathleen Mary Babey Cole
September 24, 1953 – September 17, 2026
Service: Friday, September 25, 2026, 10am at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Pineville.

Thomas Roger Gibbs, Jr.
February 26, 1970 – September 10, 2026
Service: Saturday, September 26, 2026, 2pm at Mt. Triumph Baptist Church, Alexandria.

Anna Jones
April 13, 1948 – September 1, 2026
Service: Saturday, September 26, 2026, 10am at Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, Lena.

The Rapides Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.

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