Rapides Parish Fire District 12 responded to a total of seven emergency calls during October.
According to the department, the calls included:
Motor Vehicle Accidents: 2
Fire Alarms: 2
Gas Leak: 1
No Incident Found/Good Intent: 2
In addition to responding to emergency calls, members of the department participated in fire prevention education at Poland Junior High School alongside one of their mutual aid departments.
Rapides Parish Fire District 12 also expressed appreciation to the members who responded to calls for service throughout the month.
Durwin Ryan Reynolds, 29, Pineville – armed robbery, $100,000 bail.
Nov. 2
William Demetri Anderson Jr., 48, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, reckless operation of vehicle, driving under suspension, possession of CDS, $6,600 bail;
Johnathan C. Ardion, 59, Cheneyville – theft, two counts resisting an officer, contempt of court, $3,000 bail;
Curtis Lynn Delaney, 55, Boyce – theft, two counts simple burglary, possession of firearm by convicted felon, criminal trespass, $55,500 bail;
Dakota Lee Ervin, 31, Alexandria – possession of fentanyl, simple burglary, parole violations, probation violation, $4,000 bail;
Tyrese Dashon Green, 27, Alexandria – possession of marijuana, simple assault, resisting an officer, four counts contempt of court, $7,500 bail;
Anfernee Javon Johnson, 27, Alexandria – four counts contempt of court, $56,000 bail;
Ronald Ray Robinson, 67, Lecompte – OWI first offense, improper turn, running a stop sign, driving under suspension, $1,300 bail.
Nov. 1
Johnathan Scot Guynes, 42, Ball – two counts possession of CDS, paraphernalia, intentional littering, $2,500 bail;
Richard Taylor, 45, Vidalia – OWI first offense, $1,000 bail.
The Rapides Parish Police Jury has announced that the parishwide burn ban has been lifted effective at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 4, 2026, following recent rainfall in the parish.
Officials encourage residents to continue exercising caution when conducting outdoor burning. Fires should never be left unattended, wind conditions should be monitored, and a water source should be kept nearby to contain and control any fire.
The Rapides Parish Police Jury thanked residents for refraining from outdoor burning during the recent period of dry weather.
For additional information, contact the Rapides Parish Police Jury at (318) 473-6660.
Funeral services for Janell Ann Mayo will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in Harmony Church, Deville, with Rev. Clay Chevalier officiating. Burial will be in Big Island Baptist Church Cemetery, Deville, under the direction of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Pineville.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, prior to the service, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Mrs. Mayo, 57, passed away on Monday, November 2, 2026, in her residence.
She loved her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a beautiful, strong woman with a heart of gold. She loved horses and old-time country and western music. She enjoyed watching Little House on the Prairie and Family Feud. She enjoyed sitting on her front porch in her rocking chair.
Janell is survived by her husband of 30 years, Tony Mayo; daughter, Katelyn Palermo (Tony); son, Justin Parker; mother, Annie Gates; sister, Tammy Saucier (Larry); grandchildren, Kaleb Palermo, and Michael Palermo, and her nephews, Kelton McNeely, Trevor Saucier, and Kade McNeely.
Janell was preceded by her father, Justin Gates.
Pallbearers will be Tony Palermo, Larry Saucier, Kelton McNeely, Justin Parker, Trevor Saucier, and Kade McNeely.
Honorary pallbearers will be Richard Lambing, Parrish Ducote, Charlie Gates, Benny Gates, and James Mayo.
Funeral arrangements have been announced for the Very Reverend Michael Craig Scott.
Visitation will be held Friday, November 6, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Kramer Funeral Home, located at 2905 Masonic Drive in Alexandria, Louisiana. There will be no Rosary during visitation.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, located at 626 4th Street in Alexandria. A Rosary will be prayed prior to Mass.
Burial will follow at approximately 2:30 p.m. at the Catholic Cemetery in Natchitoches, Louisiana.
Family, friends and members of the community are asked to keep Father Scott and all who mourn his passing in their prayers.
“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.”
Janell Ann Mayo May 8, 1969 – November 2, 2026 Service: Thursday, November 5, 2026, 3pm at Harmony Church, Deville.
Walter Dayton Bryant July 18, 1946 – November 1, 2026 Service: Friday, November 6, 2026, 1pm at Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.
Wesley Gene Vaughn February 1, 1972 – November 1, 2026 Service: Thursday, November 5, 2026, 10am at Greenwood Memorial Park Cemetery, Pineville.
Deanna ‘DeeDee’ Marler Martin July 10, 1970 – October 31, 2026 Service: Friday, November 6, 2026, 10am at Magnolia Funeral Home, Alexandria.
Slay Fitzgerald Howell November 20, 2001 – October 28, 2026 Service: Saturday, November 7, 2026, 11am at Red Store Hill United Pentecostal Church, Boyce.
Daniel Tramaine Piper March13, 1991 – October 28, 2026 Service: Saturday, November 7, 2026, 11am at New St. Thomas Baptist Church, Boyce.
Constantine P. Thomas February 27, 1969 – October 26, 2026 Service: Saturday, November 14, 2026, 11am at Newman United Methodist Church, Alexandria.
The Rapides Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.
GAEDA has announced a three-front campaign aimed at infrastructure, tourism and neighborhood development.
Officials announced intentions Monday, stressing belief that economic development in Alexandria is more than buildings and business investment, that such should improve everyday life for residents.
The announcement seems a declaration that the Greater Alexandria Economic Development Authority is, while maintaining that aspect, is moving beyond expenses assistance to a host of meetings and activities in part lured here by such.
One school of development thought is that addressing persistent inequalities in low-opportunity neighborhoods comes first in the economic growth cycle.
Chairman Steven R. Smith said economic development should benefit every community within the city, adding GAEDA is ready to work with City of Alexandria leaders, businesses and community organizations on three immediate objectives:
Lee Street corridor (absence of sidewalks, sidewalks gaps, pedestrian access, safer access to transportation stops);
Zoo tourism promotion (digital advertising on I-49 and other major routes to grow visitors count and economic impact);
Cheatham Park revitalization in South Alexandria (a host of improvements, additions to strengthen recreation, neighborhood connections, community development).
Executive Director Angela Varnado noted the objectives require City of Alexandria cooperation and participation.
Once a formalization process is underway timetables and cost projections can be worked out.
Jacques Roy and Malcolm Larvadain appear headed to a runoff election for mayor of Alexandria after neither candidate received a majority of the vote in Tuesday’s Nov. 3, 2026, municipal election.
According to unofficial results from the Louisiana Secretary of State, Roy led the three-candidate field with 6,039 votes (49%), followed by Larvadain with 5,128 votes (41%). Lorenzo Davis Sr. finished third with 1,207 votes (10%).
Roy finished 911 votes ahead of Larvadain in the initial election, but fell short of the majority required to win outright.
With all 45 Election Day precincts reporting, along with early and absentee voting returns, the contest drew a total of 12,374 votes.
Alexandria Mayor — Unofficial Election Results
Reporting: Early and absentee complete — 1 of 1 parish | Election Day — 45 of 45 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Jacques Roy (DEM)
6,039
49%
Malcolm Larvadain (DEM)
5,128
41%
Lorenzo Davis, Sr. (DEM)
1,207
10%
Total
12,374
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 46.0%
Runoff Expected to Decide Alexandria’s Next Mayor
Under Louisiana’s majority-vote election system, a candidate must receive more than 50% of the vote to win outright. When no candidate reaches that threshold, the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes advance to a runoff.
Roy received approximately 48.8% of the votes cast, while Larvadain received approximately 41.4%.
Davis, who received approximately 9.8% of the vote, will not advance to the runoff based on the reported results.
The runoff will present Alexandria voters with a two-candidate contest between Roy and Larvadain to determine who will serve as the city’s next mayor.
Both candidates are Democrats.
All Precincts Reporting
The unofficial results reflect complete reporting from all 45 Election Day precincts in the Alexandria mayoral election, along with early and absentee voting.
With 46% unofficial turnout, a total of 12,374 votes were recorded in the mayoral contest.
All election results remain unofficial and are subject to certification. Runoff participation is subject to confirmation by election officials.
Source: Louisiana Secretary of State — Unofficial Election Results, Nov. 3, 2026.
Voters across Rapides Parish cast ballots Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, in numerous local elections, including Alexandria mayor and city marshal, School Board, justice of the peace, constable, municipal mayoral and council races, along with two local propositions.
According to unofficial results from the Louisiana Secretary of State, all Election Day precincts and early and absentee voting returns have been reported for the contests listed below.
In Alexandria’s mayoral election, Jacques Roy led the three-candidate field with 6,039 votes (49%), followed by Malcolm Larvadain with 5,128 votes (41%). Lorenzo Davis Sr. received 1,207 votes (10%). With no candidate receiving a majority, Roy and Larvadain appear headed to a runoff.
In the Alexandria City Marshal race, Jerome Hopewell received 9,063 votes (51%), followed by Cedric Green with 7,275 votes (41%) and Raymond Eli Smith with 1,271 votes (7%).
The Alexandria City Council at-large contest was closely decided, with “Jim” Villard receiving 5,987 votes (51%) compared with 5,802 votes (49%) for Gregory Scott.
Several other contests also appear headed to runoffs, including Rapides Parish School Board District D, constable races in Wards 11 and 4, the Lecompte mayoral election and two Ball alderman seats.
Voters also supported two local propositions, including a measure changing the Boyce police chief position from elected to appointed and a 20-mill renewal for Fire Protection District No. 18.
The following results are UNOFFICIAL and remain subject to certification.
Rapides Parish Local Election Results
City Marshal — City Court, City of Alexandria
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 57 of 57 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Jerome Hopewell (REP)
9,063
51%
Cedric Green (DEM)
7,275
41%
Raymond Eli Smith (DEM)
1,271
7%
Total
17,609
Unofficial Turnout: 46.6%
Member of School Board — District D
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 13 of 13 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Frances Tennie (DEM)
1,077
41%
Thomas D. Sands (DEM)
955
37%
Christopher Caffery (NOPTY)
580
22%
Total
2,612
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 35.1%
Runoff expected: Tennie and Sands received the highest vote totals, but neither received a majority.
Member of School Board — District F
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 10 of 10 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Roosevelt L. Johnson (DEM)
2,426
66%
Marie Ashmore (NOPTY)
1,248
34%
Total
3,674
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 44.8%
Member of School Board — District H
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 16 of 16 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
“Greg” Hackney (REP)
2,326
54%
George Johnson (REP)
1,946
46%
Total
4,272
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 46.0%
Member of School Board — District I
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 12 of 12 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Ashley Nicole Baptiste (DEM)
2,059
72%
Fredell Griffin (DEM)
793
28%
Total
2,852
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 38.8%
Justice of the Peace — Ward 8
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 14 of 14 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Marsha S. Marcantel (REP)
1,271
58%
Travis Worley (NOPTY)
920
42%
Total
2,191
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 42.7%
Justice of the Peace — Ward 5, First Justice Court
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 9 of 9 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Sonya Rachal (REP)
1,311
82%
Amanda Tankersley (REP)
295
18%
Total
1,606
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 45.6%
Justice of the Peace — Ward 5, Second Justice Court
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 9 of 9 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Stacy Bonnette (REP)
1,124
69%
Jerry Woodham Gordy (REP)
505
31%
Total
1,629
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 46.3%
Constable — Justice of the Peace Ward 2
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 10 of 10 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Paul Ryland (REP)
1,140
64%
Charles Butler (REP)
628
36%
Total
1,768
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 48.4%
Constable — Justice of the Peace Ward 11
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 14 of 14 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Tommy J. Deville (REP)
1,762
44%
Troy Verheyden (REP)
1,234
31%
Danny Joe Daniels (REP)
1,000
25%
Total
3,996
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 43.4%
Runoff expected: Deville and Verheyden received the two highest vote totals, with no candidate receiving a majority.
Constable — Justice of the Peace Ward 4, First Justice Court
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 8 of 8 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Randell “Randy” Bordelon (REP)
539
36%
Michael D. Vallery (REP)
485
32%
Melinda Strange (REP)
473
32%
Total
1,497
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 45.5%
Runoff expected: Bordelon and Vallery were the top two vote recipients. Vallery finished 12 votes ahead of Strange.
Mayor — City of Alexandria
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 45 of 45 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Jacques Roy (DEM)
6,039
49%
Malcolm Larvadain (DEM)
5,128
41%
Lorenzo Davis, Sr. (DEM)
1,207
10%
Total
12,374
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 46.0%
Runoff expected: Roy and Larvadain were the top two vote recipients. Roy led Larvadain by 911 votes.
Mayor — Town of Ball
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 5 of 5 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Gail Wilking (REP)
711
56%
Marc Mercer (REP)
569
44%
Total
1,280
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 52.1%
Mayor — Town of Boyce
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 2 of 2 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Kelvin V. McCoy (DEM)
218
51%
Alma Scott Moore (DEM)
137
32%
William Nichols (DEM)
74
17%
Total
429
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 60.3%
Mayor — Town of Glenmora
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 1 of 1 precinct reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Jeffrey Botson (NOPTY)
255
50%
Garry Goynes (REP)
252
50%
Total
507
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 56.3%
Botson received three more votes than Goynes. Although both percentages round to 50%, Botson received approximately 50.3% of the reported vote.
Mayor — Town of Lecompte
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 1 of 1 precinct reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Herman “Greg” Williams (DEM)
129
40%
Albert “Butch” Butler (DEM)
110
34%
Ashton Washington, Jr. (NOPTY)
86
26%
Total
325
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 52.3%
Runoff expected: Williams and Butler received the highest vote totals, but neither received a majority.
Chief of Police — Town of Boyce
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 2 of 2 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Ronald Lamont Goudeau (NOPTY)
189
51%
Austin Furlow (NOPTY)
181
49%
Total
370
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 52.0%
Goudeau received eight more votes than Furlow.
Chief of Police — Town of Glenmora
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 1 of 1 precinct reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Matt R. Cloud (REP)
255
51%
Johnny Wade Fitt (NOPTY)
244
49%
Total
499
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 55.4%
Cloud finished 11 votes ahead of Fitt.
Councilman at Large — City of Alexandria
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 45 of 45 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
“Jim” Villard (DEM)
5,987
51%
Gregory Scott (DEM)
5,802
49%
Total
11,789
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 43.8%
Villard received 185 more votes than Scott.
Alderman — Seat A, Town of Ball
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 5 of 5 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Carroll Ward (REP)
458
37%
Glenda Bolen (REP)
355
29%
Bryan Adams (REP)
341
28%
Bradley Riccardi (REP)
79
6%
Total
1,233
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 50.2%
Runoff expected: Ward and Bolen were the top two vote recipients. Bolen finished 14 votes ahead of Adams.
Alderman — Seat B, Town of Ball
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 5 of 5 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Suzanne Duncan-Furby (REP)
834
68%
Neil Sayer (REP)
389
32%
Total
1,223
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 49.8%
Alderman — Seat C, Town of Ball
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 5 of 5 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Ursula Dewalt (REP)
641
51%
Terry Baker (REP)
455
36%
Robin Moody (NOPTY)
94
7%
Richard Mitchell (NOPTY)
74
6%
Total
1,264
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 51.5%
Alderman — Seat D, Town of Ball
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 5 of 5 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Kimberley Krischke (REP)
540
43%
“Danny” Winn (NOPTY)
328
26%
Tiffany Cardwell (REP)
197
16%
Nathaniel Majors (REP)
187
15%
Total
1,252
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 51.0%
Runoff expected: Krischke and Winn were the top two vote recipients.
Alderman — Seat E, Town of Ball
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 5 of 5 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Charlotte Williams-Smith (REP)
630
51%
John Cearley (NOPTY)
612
49%
Total
1,242
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 50.6%
Williams-Smith received 18 more votes than Cearley.
Aldermen — Town of Boyce
Five to be elected
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 2 of 2 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Lucretia “Bonnie” McCoy (DEM)
258
14%
Jennie Bobb (DEM)
211
12%
Peggy Brew (DEM)
206
11%
Leslie “Bobe” Aaron (DEM)
192
11%
Mary Ann Fisher (DEM)
184
10%
Carolyn White-Pittman (DEM)
174
10%
Donna Lofton (DEM)
157
9%
Cathy Fisher (DEM)
143
8%
Linda Bobb Fisher (DEM)
123
7%
Fidelia Jackson-Sutherland (DEM)
118
6%
Pamela Bynog (NOPTY)
60
3%
Total
1,826
Unofficial Turnout: 51.3%
The five highest vote recipients were Lucretia “Bonnie” McCoy, Jennie Bobb, Peggy Brew, Leslie “Bobe” Aaron and Mary Ann Fisher.
Fisher received 184 votes, finishing 10 votes ahead of sixth-place Carolyn White-Pittman.
Aldermen — Town of Glenmora
Five to be elected
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 1 of 1 precinct reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Lisa Melder Willis (REP)
268
12%
Diedre M. Guy (NOPTY)
264
12%
Clyde “Red” Myers (NOPTY)
246
11%
Jerry Melder (REP)
242
11%
Willie Moore (DEM)
225
10%
Howard Shaw, Jr. (DEM)
223
10%
Michael Woods (NOPTY)
222
10%
Nedra Simmons (NOPTY)
164
7%
Russell Norsworthy (NOPTY)
162
7%
Darine Plummer (NOPTY)
148
7%
Janine Rayburn (REP)
105
5%
Total
2,269
Unofficial Turnout: 50.4%
The five highest vote recipients were Lisa Melder Willis, Diedre M. Guy, Clyde “Red” Myers, Jerry Melder and Willie Moore.
Moore received 225 votes, finishing just two votes ahead of sixth-place Howard Shaw Jr. Michael Woods followed with 222 votes.
Aldermen — Town of Lecompte
Five to be elected
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 1 of 1 precinct reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Eric Collins (NOPTY)
230
16%
Lavern Clark (DEM)
184
13%
Michael Busch (NOPTY)
179
12%
Michael Henton (DEM)
176
12%
Frank Spears (DEM)
153
10%
Pierre LaCaze (NOPTY)
151
10%
Dewayne Lair, Sr. (DEM)
138
9%
Maxine Mix (NOPTY)
106
7%
Mykell Kirk, Sr. (DEM)
80
5%
James D. Dyess, Sr. (DEM)
66
5%
Total
1,463
Unofficial Turnout: 47.1%
The five highest vote recipients were Eric Collins, Lavern Clark, Michael Busch, Michael Henton and Frank Spears.
Spears received 153 votes, finishing just two votes ahead of sixth-place Pierre LaCaze.
Councilman — District 2, City of Alexandria
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 11 of 11 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Gary Johnson (DEM)
1,617
68%
Gerber Porter (DEM)
759
32%
Total
2,376
100%
Town of Boyce — Police Chief Elected to Appointed Proposition (M&BOA)
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 2 of 2 precincts reporting
Proposition
Votes
Percent
YES
233
60%
NO
156
40%
Total
389
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 54.6%
Voters supported the proposition to change the Town of Boyce police chief position from an elected to an appointed office, with 233 votes in favor and 156 against.
The proposition received 60% support, according to unofficial results. Implementation remains subject to the applicable legal requirements.
Fire Protection District No. 18 — 20 Mills Renewal (BOC) — 10 Years
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 7 of 7 precincts reporting
Proposition
Votes
Percent
YES
552
79%
NO
145
21%
Total
697
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 52.1%
Voters supported the proposed 10-year, 20-mill tax renewal for Fire Protection District No. 18, with 552 votes in favor and 145 against.
The proposition received 79% support, according to unofficial results.
About These Results
All contests and propositions listed above have reported 100% of their Election Day precincts, along with early and absentee voting returns.
Candidates are listed in order of votes received. Candidates receiving a majority are shown in bold, while the two leading candidates in potential runoff contests are identified.
In the multi-seat municipal aldermen contests, the five candidates receiving the highest vote totals are identified based on the number of positions to be filled.
The percentages shown are those reported by the Louisiana Secretary of State and may not total exactly 100% because of rounding.
All results are unofficial and remain subject to certification. Potential runoff contests remain subject to confirmation by election officials.
Source: Louisiana Secretary of State — Unofficial Election Results, Nov. 3, 2026.
Republican Julia Letlow received a majority of the votes cast in Louisiana’s U.S. Senate election Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, defeating Democrat “Jamie” Davis in a closely contested statewide race.
According to the unofficial election returns provided from the Louisiana Secretary of State, Letlow received 745,963 votes (51%), compared with 720,106 votes (49%) for Davis.
Letlow finished 25,857 votes ahead of Davis in the two-candidate contest, which drew a total of 1,466,069 votes statewide.
All 64 Louisiana parishes have reported their early and absentee voting returns, and all 3,722 Election Day precincts have reported results.
U.S. Senator — Louisiana Unofficial Election Results
Reporting: Early and absentee complete — 64 of 64 parishes | Election Day — 3,722 of 3,722 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Julia Letlow (REP)
745,963
51%
“Jamie” Davis (DEM)
720,106
49%
Total
1,466,069
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 49.3%
Letlow Secures Statewide Majority
With all precincts reporting, Letlow received approximately 50.9% of the votes cast, while Davis received approximately 49.1%.
The result represents a margin of approximately 1.8 percentage points statewide.
Because Letlow received more than half the votes cast in the two-candidate contest, the reported results do not require a runoff election.
The election was decided by voters across all 64 Louisiana parishes, with the reported turnout reaching 49.3%.
All results remain unofficial and are subject to certification by the appropriate election authorities.
Source: Louisiana Secretary of State — Unofficial Election Results, Nov. 3, 2026.
Republican state Rep. Gabe Firment has advanced to a Dec. 12 runoff against Democratic state Rep. Patricia “Pat” Moore for Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District seat following Tuesday’s Nov. 3 election.
According to unofficial results from the Louisiana Secretary of State, Moore led the nine-candidate field with 40,789 votes (18%), followed by Firment with 39,131 votes (17%).
The two candidates finished just 1,658 votes apart in a contest that drew 227,917 votes across the 24 parishes reporting results in the district.
With no candidate receiving more than 50% of the vote, Moore and Firment advance to a runoff election scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026.
Firment, a Republican from Pollock who represents District 22 in the Louisiana House of Representatives, finished ahead of several other Republican candidates, including Misti Cordell, who received 33,366 votes (15%), and state Rep. Michael Echols, who received 32,902 votes (14%).
Stewart Cathey Jr. followed with 28,160 votes (12%), while Democrat Antonio Wilson received 27,364 votes (12%).
The election was held to fill the congressional seat previously held by Julia Letlow, who pursued the U.S. Senate seat.
Unofficial 5th Congressional District Election Results
Reporting: Early and absentee complete — 24 of 24 parishes | Election Day — 791 of 791 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Patricia “Pat” Moore (DEM)
40,789
18%
“Gabe” Firment (REP)
39,131
17%
Misti Cordell (REP)
33,366
15%
Michael Echols (REP)
32,902
14%
Stewart Cathey, Jr. (REP)
28,160
12%
Antonio Wilson (DEM)
27,364
12%
Dan McKay (DEM)
16,047
7%
Austin Magee (REP)
7,920
3%
Oscar “Omar” Dantzler (REP)
2,238
1%
Total
227,917
Unofficial Turnout: 47.1%
The two candidates advancing to the December runoff are shown in bold. Percentages are those reported by the Louisiana Secretary of State and may not total exactly 100% because of rounding.
December Runoff Will Decide Congressional Seat
The runoff will place Moore and Firment in a two-candidate contest to determine who represents Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Both candidates currently serve in the Louisiana House of Representatives, with Moore representing District 17 and Firment representing District 22.
The district includes portions of Northeast and Central Louisiana, along with additional parishes extending into the southeastern part of the state.
The runoff election is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026.
All results from the Nov. 3 election remain unofficial and subject to certification.
Source: Louisiana Secretary of State — Unofficial Election Results, Nov. 3, 2026.
Spectral Sisters to Present ‘JaJa’s African Hair Braiding’ in Alexandria Spectral Sisters Productions
Spectral Sisters Productions will present “JaJa’s African Hair Braiding” Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 5-8, at the Kress Theatre in downtown Alexandria. Written by Jocelyn Bioh and directed by Alana Pate, the Tony-nominated comedy-drama follows a group of West African hairstylists working in a Harlem salon as they navigate family, friendships and personal challenges. The staged reading launches the theater company’s new Spectrum Series, designed to bring diverse theatrical productions to Central Louisiana. Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with a Sunday matinee at 2:30 p.m.
International Vocal Ensemble to Present Free Concert in Alexandria Monday St. James Episcopal Church
The internationally acclaimed British vocal ensemble The Gesualdo Six will perform a free concert Monday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church, 1620 Murray St. in Alexandria. The program, titled “The Wishing Tree,” features vocal works from the Renaissance through contemporary compositions celebrating nature and love. The six-member ensemble has performed internationally, including at London’s Royal Albert Hall. The concert is part of the St. James Concert Series, with a reception following the performance. Admission is free and open to the public.
Kent Plantation House Prepares for 33rd Annual Sugar Day Festival Kent Plantation House
Kent Plantation House in Alexandria will host its 33rd annual Sugar Day Festival Saturday, Nov. 14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature traditional sugar-making demonstrations using the plantation’s reproduction 1840s sugar mill, along with blacksmithing, corn grinding, live music and historic house tours. Visitors can also browse handmade arts and crafts from local vendors and participate in children’s activities. The annual festival highlights the history of sugar production and traditional life in Central Louisiana while offering educational activities for families.
“Data centers are the new strip (mall) centers,” the founder and CEO of a global energy company told the Downtown Rotary Club Tuesday in Alexandria’s Convention Hall.
Pineville native Bobby Tudor, the chief of Artemis Energy Partners, an investing and advisory platform in Houston focused on companies involved in the global energy markets, is a 1982 graduate of Rice University. He said many of his fellow graduates that year talked of starting a strip center. In 2026, he said, many graduates are talking of starting a data center.
The U.S. is in (and leads) an “AI arms race” with China. Both view AI leadership as imperative, so the U.S. wants to maintain its advantage and China wants to obtain the leadership in the technology. Besides that, some companies are more interested in “their own competitive opportunity” with AI, he said. There are opportunities for, among others, chip makers, data center developers and state and local governments.
The centers require massive energy and water resources, with the need to be “always on,” 24 hours of the day. As we have seen in Central Louisiana, some communities are pushing back, he said, as people want to understand all the implications, especially “who pays for what?”
“A lot of data centers will get built (across America),” he said, “and the capital required to do more building is there. One question is if too much will get built.”
There’s no question, though, that with increased demands for electricity in the U.S., data centers are necessary, he said, and can yield attractive financial benefits for a community.
He expects the trend will be that the centers are built in clusters, such as in west Texas, rather than be randomly built “here and there.”
Tudor addressed many energy issues relating to oil, liquified natural gas and more, predicting high product prices will be slow to decline.
“We are facing a dual challenge,” he said. “The world needs significantly more energy” while it also needs to “significantly reduce emissions.”
“The hierarchy of energy needs,” he said, relates to “reliability, affordability and sustainability.” He said the focus of the Biden Administration was heavily on sustainability, whereas the Trump Administration is mostly focused on reliability and affordability.” He’d prefer to see a more evenly balanced focus on all three.
He believes consumers will “buy sustainability if it is equally reliable and affordable. The Ukraine War proved it in Europe, and the Chinese are way ahead on that basis.”
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine created a crisis that shattered Europe’s reliance on cheap Russian fossil fuels. This triggered a severe energy crunch. Europe transitioned quickly to green technology as the crisis forced sustainability to meet the thresholds of reliability and affordability.
A few other points he made:
Solar with batteries competes effectively in much of the world, depending on the cost of the alternative, mostly gas and coal; and
Electric Vehicles (EVs) do better when gasoline costs are high.
Rapides Parish residents can expect mostly sunny skies and mild temperatures through the middle of the week, with highs approaching 80 degrees Thursday before a chance of showers moves into the area Thursday night.
Temperatures will gradually cool heading into the weekend, with daytime highs settling into the lower 70s and overnight lows dropping into the lower 40s.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny with highs in the mid-70s. Northwest winds around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear with lows in the upper 40s. North winds around 5 mph in the evening, becoming light and variable overnight.
Thursday: Mostly sunny with highs around 80 degrees. Light and variable winds becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers. Lows in the mid-50s.
Friday and Friday Night: Partly cloudy with highs in the upper 70s and overnight lows in the upper 40s.
Saturday and Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy with highs in the lower 70s and lows in the lower 40s.
Sunday: Mostly sunny with highs around 70 degrees.
Sunday Night and Monday: Mostly clear with overnight lows around 40 degrees and daytime highs in the lower 70s.
Overall, the outlook calls for pleasant daytime conditions across Rapides Parish, with Thursday night presenting the greatest chance of rainfall. Cooler mornings are expected over the weekend and into early next week.
Pineville freshmen Ben Nelson (left) and Hunter Clair went 1-2 in the 100-yard Breaststroke in Lafayette last Saturday.
While many people spent Halloween preparing for trick-or-treaters, the Pineville High School swim team took to the pool. The athletes arrived ready to race, bringing plenty of energy to the competition last Saturday at the Robicheaux Recreation Center in Lafayette, where the Rebels tied for third place.
The girls set the tone early, earning first place in the 200-yard Medley Relay. The Broussard sisters squared off in both the 200-yard Individual Medley and the 500 Free. Caroline Broussard, a junior, won both events while Tori Broussard, her older sister, was runner-up twice, and both posted state qualification times.
The other Lady Rebel swimmers were not to be outdone. Freshman Gisele Prejean, senior Ashley Seal, sophomore Gabrielle Bunch and senior Amelia Gauthier all posted top eight finishes.
Freshman Ben Nelson led off the Rebel boys swimmers with a second-place finish in the 500 Freestyle. He and another freshman, Hunter Clair, battled each other in the 100 Breaststroke with Nelson winning and Clair right behind.
Sophomore David Williams raced very well and is only 4/100 of a second from getting a state qualifying mark in the 50 Free. Clair showed off all four strokes in the 200 Individual Medley, turning in a strong showing for fourth place.
The City of Pineville celebrated its largest annual Fall Fest turnout to date, welcoming more than 4,000 children and their families for an evening of games, treats and community activities.
The event, held Thursday, October 29, marked a record turnout for the city’s annual celebration.
Mayor Bishop and the Pineville City Council extended their appreciation to everyone who helped organize and support the event, with special recognition given to District B Police Juror Randy Wiggins, Stevie Rachal and the Ward 9 team for their partnership.
The city also thanked its staff, volunteers, first responders and residents who participated in the festivities.
A photo gallery featuring families, costumes and activities from the event is available on the city’s Facebook page.
Ladies, here’s some information that probably won’t shock you. Most men don’t look at how much something costs if it’s something they really want. THEY BUY IT NO MATTER WHAT!
A few men might know the actual price, but it doesn’t factor into the equation or their decision as to whether they buy it or not. It’s a bottom line question — how bad do they want it?
Men are simple and selfish creatures and will not allow the price of something to decide if they purchase it. They will buy it, then ask for forgiveness later if their significant other handles the finances.
We, as men, do have a few considerations that might affect our decision. Will I be the only one of my friends that has one of these? Is this a product that will help me put more fish in the boat or more meat on the table to feed my family? Will this product help me win a bass tournament?
This also applies to men who grocery shop. While the rest of the nation is complaining about the high price of eggs and beef products, men are more concerned about making sure they get enough to feed everyone. If we’re having a hamburger cookout, we don’t look at how much ground beef is per pound. WE JUST BUY IT!
Even at the check-out counter, especially self-check-out, men don’t always pay attention to how much a product costs that we just scanned. We scan it, bag it and move on immediately. Whatever price is on the screen, that’s what we’ll pay. Very seldom do we stop and consider if that’s the right price or not.
I’m not saying we don’t care, because that’s not true. But we’re just not as conscious as we should be.
My wife brought this to my attention recently when she was checking out and had an issue with a tomato she was buying at the local grocery store. As she weighed it, the price came up way more than the tomato was supposed to be.
She contacted the clerk overseeing the self-check-out area and they made sure the right price was charged. But had that been me, I would have never looked at the price and would have walked out as if nothing was wrong … until my wife checked the receipt.
After watching several TV reports lately about how people are being overcharged at supermarkets and discount stores, there’s no telling how many times I have walked out of a store overcharged for whatever was in my buggy.
But with the economy still in distress and grocery prices unstable, the time has come to pay attention to what we are being charged. Some stores are in survival mode and are trying to stay in business.
While I don’t think a lot of this is intentional, it’s up to all of us to make sure we are not being taken advantage of as consumers and pay closer attention to what the register is showing.
So ladies, if you want to make sure your household budget stays intact, don’t ask your man to go shopping.
‘Til next time, to all the men out there, be aware of what you’re paying at the cash register and be more conscious of what things cost; our reputation is at stake.
On Nov. 4, 1922, a discovery beneath the sands of Egypt’s Valley of the Kings set off one of the greatest archaeological stories in history, revealing a treasure-filled tomb, a long-forgotten pharaoh and a mysterious curse that would capture the world’s imagination.
British archaeologist Howard Carter and his excavation team uncovered a stone step buried beneath ancient debris. That single step led to a staircase and eventually the sealed tomb of Tutankhamun, the young Egyptian pharaoh who had been buried for more than 3,000 years.
Carter had spent years searching for the tomb, and financial support for his excavations was running thin. His discovery would become one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century.
On Nov. 26, 1922, Carter and his financial backer, Lord Carnarvon, entered the tomb’s interior chambers.
Inside, they discovered an extraordinary collection of ancient Egyptian treasures, including furniture, jewelry, ceremonial objects and elaborate burial equipment. Among the most remarkable discoveries was a stone sarcophagus containing three nested coffins. The innermost coffin, made of solid gold, held the mummified remains of Tutankhamun.
The young pharaoh had died approximately 3,000 years earlier, at around 18 years old. Unlike many ancient Egyptian royal tombs that had been looted over the centuries, Tutankhamun’s burial chambers remained largely intact, providing an unprecedented look into the burial traditions of ancient Egypt.
The discovery soon became associated with one of history’s most famous supernatural legends: the curse of the pharaohs. In 1923, just months after the tomb was opened, Lord Carnarvon died following complications from an infected mosquito bite. His death helped fuel sensational newspaper stories suggesting that disturbing the resting place of an Egyptian pharaoh could bring deadly consequences.
The legend spread worldwide, with reports connecting other deaths and unusual events to the opening of the tomb. However, researchers have found no convincing scientific evidence that a supernatural curse was responsible. A study published in 2002 found no significant difference in survival among Western visitors exposed to the tomb compared with those who were not.
More than a century later, the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb remains one of archaeology’s most recognizable achievements. The treasures uncovered by Carter’s team provided historians and researchers with invaluable information about ancient Egyptian royalty, religious beliefs and burial practices.
What began with the discovery of a single buried step on Nov. 4, 1922, ultimately revealed a remarkable collection of ancient treasures and gave rise to a mystery that continues to fascinate generations.
And while the legendary curse remains a story of superstition rather than established fact, the discovery itself forever changed our understanding of ancient Egypt.
Ruby-Kolin Rapides Parish Fire District 7 responded to 42 calls during October, bringing its total number of calls for 2026 to 348.
According to the department’s October monthly run report, the 42 calls included:
Wildland Fires: 15
Medical Calls: 11
Structure Fires: 5
Fire Alarms: 4
Motor Vehicle Accidents: 3
Public Service Calls: 2
Trees Down: 1
Vehicle Fires: 1
The department has responded to 348 calls so far in 2026, compared to 315 during the same period in 2025. This represents a 10.5% increase, or 33 additional calls.
The department expressed appreciation for its dedicated firefighters and neighboring departments that continue working together to serve the community.
The department’s Fire Prevention Team also remained active throughout October, reaching more than 1,500 people with fire safety education. Outreach activities included school and daycare visits, participation in two Trunk-or-Treat events and hosting the department’s annual Halloween event.
As the holiday season approaches, the department is preparing for upcoming holiday parades and continuing its involvement in community activities.
Organizations interested in having Ruby-Kolin Fire District 7 participate in an upcoming event are encouraged to contact the department.
Ruby-Kolin Rapides Parish Fire District 7 is located at 163 Palmer Chapel Road in Pineville.
Rapides Regional Medical Center has been named one of the nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals, recognizing the expertise, dedication and commitment of its physicians and healthcare professionals who provide cardiovascular care across Central Louisiana.
The hospital is celebrating the cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons who have helped make this national recognition possible.
Among those recognized is Dr. Granger, a cardiovascular surgeon whose experience, expertise and commitment to patients are helping advance heart care in the region.
Rapides Regional Medical Center emphasized its commitment to providing nationally recognized cardiovascular care to patients in Central Louisiana.
“Nationally recognized. Locally delivered. That’s heart care on a higher level,” the hospital stated.
Congratulations to BOM’s Falyn Jones on her promotion from Teller I to Teller II at our Coliseum location in Alexandria. Falyn’s hard work and dedication are worth celebrating, and we are so excited to see her continue to shine in her role. Congratulations Falyn.
