Loading crossword puzzle. One moment please.
Play Sudoku online!
Notice of Death – August 2, 2026
Tony Joseph “Cajun Ace” Lemoine
March 9, 1940 – July 30, 2026
Service: Monday, August 3, 2026, 9am at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Alexandria.
Joseph Paul Bordelon
November 19, 1980 – July 28, 2026
Service: Monday, August 3, 2026, 10am at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville.
Elnor “Honey” Myrtle Freels
July 19, 1937 – July 28, 2026
Service: Wednesday, August 5, 2026, 9am at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball.
Kenneth James Brechtel II
August 25, 1994 – July 27, 2026
Service: Tuesday, August 4, 2026, 12pm at Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.
Brenda Sue White
December 14, 1958 – May 27, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 22, 2026, 11am at Calvary Baptist Church, Alexandria.
The Rapides Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries โ unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.
Investigation into shooting inside RPDC-1 ongoing
A suspect was being booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center 1 by deputies on July 31 around 5:50 pm when a struggle occurred with the suspect when he retrieved a small handgun concealed in his crotch area and shot himself in the head.
According to initial information, upon arrival at the jail, the arrestee was being processed, which included being strip searched by Corrections Deputies.
During the search, the arrestee became non-compliant with the Deputy attempting to conduct the search, forcing is way out of the search area and into a hallway inside of the jail, at which time he retrieved the handgun from inside his shorts and discharged one round, striking himself in the head.
Medical aid and life saving measures were immediately began by Corrections Deputies and medical staff. Pafford Ambulance arrived on scene and transported the subject to a local hospital.
The subject remains in the hospital in critical condition at the time of this release.
The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, Corrections Security Investigators, and the Internal Affairs Investigators are currently conducting their investigation.
July 31, 2026
Background on blotter listings
By JIM BUTLER
Lockup roundup:
Bail bumped to $1 million๏ปฟ
An accused teenage rapist is back in lockup, this time under $1 million bond.
Gabriel Jeansonne, 17, was arrested by Pineville police in mid-April, charged with two others, of first-degree rape.
Records indicate he, Ayden Henagan, 17, and Brayden Williams, 17, all of Alexandria, were released on $100,000 bond each.
Jeansonne was rebooked, most likely for a court appearance, on July 28 under the new bail setting.
Neither police nor prosecutors have released any information relative to the allegation.
Teen woman booked
A female teenager was arrested July 28.
Emily Wright, 18, no address listed, is charged with theft, criminal conspiracy, obstruction and exploitation of the infirm. Bail is set at $200,000.
No information about the case has been released.
Ex-grid prospect charged
A man considered a college football prospect two years ago while at Peabody Magnet High was booked on several felony charges July 27.
Cedric Allen Jr., 20, posted $700,000 bond almost immediately after booking on two distribution counts, criminal conspiracy, contraband in penal facility, malfeasance in office and two counts of possession of firearm with drugs.
Beauregard Parish records show him booked into that jail July 23 on a hold from another jurisdiction.
Authorities have released no information regarding the case.
Return visit
A Pineville man charged two years ago with having no driverโs license while carrying out an alleged drive-by shooting was booked in a different case July 27.
Conner Coker, 22, is charged with criminal trespass, battery, criminal damage, theft, three counts of theft of firearms, six counts of theft of motor vehicle, criminal conspiracy, escape and fugitive.
Bail in the case first recorded In April is $410,000.
Coker initially came to public attention when reported missing as a 16-year-old.
He made the police blotter in February 2023 on an illegal firearms charge and reappeared the following month on possession and resisting charges.
The alleged drive-by occurred in May 2024. Five months later, he was charged with trespassing and resisting.
In January 2025 he was booked for alleged criminal damage and in August, records show, on two counts of aggravated assault with firearm, criminal conspiracy and theft.
Pineville Police investigate shooting following reported domestic dispute
The Pineville Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred in the 100 block of Prairie Street. Officers were dispatched to the area on July 30 around 4:10 pm in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located one individual suffering from a single gunshot wound.
The suspect had fled the scene prior to officersโ arrival.
Police said the incident was not a random act of violence and appears to have stemmed from a domestic dispute.
The Pineville Police Department said the investigation remains active and ongoing and asked the public to avoid speculation while investigators work to gather information.
Nightly lane closures scheduled for US 165 and LA 28 intersections in Rapides Parish
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced upcoming nightly alternating lane closures at several intersections along US 165 and LA 28 in Rapides Parish.
Beginning Sunday, Aug. 2, at 7 p.m., weather permitting, alternating lane closures will take place nightly from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. One lane in each direction will remain open at all times.
The closures will affect the following intersections:
- US 165 at Shanghai Road and Beeson Drive in Pineville
- US 165 at LA 1204 (Ball Cutoff Road) in Ball
- US 165 at Castor Plunge Road and Robinson Bridge Road in Woodworth
- LA 28 at Calvert Drive and Windermere Boulevard in Alexandria
The closures are needed to allow for partial upgrades of existing signal poles and related work.
DOTD said work is anticipated to be completed at the intersections by Aug. 7, 2026, with progress dependent on weather conditions and other factors that may affect construction timelines.
The project was awarded to Jack B. Harper Electrical, LLC in the amount of $9,040,462.73.
There are no detours or lane width restrictions associated with the project.
DOTD reminds motorists that construction activity is weather-dependent and may be rescheduled due to inclement weather. Drivers are encouraged to use caution in work zones and watch for crews and equipment.
State Trooper Ryan Wiggins named Kiwanis Club of Alexandria Lawman of the Year
The Kiwanis Club of Alexandria awarded State Trooper Ryan Wiggins of Louisiana State Police Troop E with its Lawman of the Year honor during Tuesdayโs lunch meeting.
Sgt. Joe Dessnes said Wiggins was chosen for his tactical maneuver knowledge and for serving as a mentor to young troopers.
Dessnes also described Wiggins as an all-around good person.
The Kiwanis Club of Alexandria congratulated TFC Ryan Wiggins and said it was honored to present him with the Lawman of the Year award.
Louisiana Christian University graduate student recognized for work with Women’s Resource Center
Louisiana Christian University graduate student Jayna Hamilton is being recognized for her contributions to the Women’s Resource Center of Natchitoches.
Hamilton joined the Women’s Resource Center last spring as a senior-level social work intern. After graduating in May, she continued serving on the organization’s staff throughout the summer.
Before beginning graduate school at Louisiana Christian University, Hamilton completed a project to recreate the Women’s Resource Center Community Resource Guide, known as the Pink Pages.
The updated guide connects individuals and families with valuable services throughout the area and will serve both Women’s Resource Center clients and the broader community.
The Women’s Resource Center thanked Hamilton for her service and dedication, noting the impact of her work will continue to benefit families in the community.
The WRC Pink Pages are available at: bit.ly/4fGHMPY.
While commissioners and congressmen confer, Kiffin faces reality of a 9-game SEC schedule
Southeastern Conference commissioner Greg Sankey and his Big Ten Conference counterpart Tony Pettiti were wrestling with congressional lawmakers for days now over the nuances of the Hail Mary, a.k.a. the Protect College Sports Act.
Sankey, Pettiti, the college presidents they work for, and the rest of the big league college athletic programs are hoping that legislation can regulate their industry, which has boundaries currently accurately defined with an Etch-A-Sketch. With Congress headed toward a month-long adjournment Aug. 7, and no bill filed Thursday, the college sports year will start without revamped federal guidelines.
A cornerstone issue is raising and then enforcing a new (already?) compensation cap for the players. Other top of discussion items are limiting transfers, and establishing a five-year window for athlete eligibility โ already in place but apparently not set in stone. Thereโs much, much more.
Chances appear only slightly better for agreement any time soon on a bill palatable to the powerhouses than for peace in the Middle East โ which is one of the topics Congress should be focusing on, instead of bailing out decades of indecision by college presidents about athletic issues.
What is happening with absolute certainty is the 2026 college football season. Most fans arenโt involved in the dollars and cents aspect of funding their favorite teams. Theyโre just itching to see their team do better than last year, unless theyโre all about Indiana.
What does that mean for LSU? The Tigers won just seven games as Brian Kellyโs team wobbled too much for him to make it to Halloween, so if Lane Kiffinโs first squad wins eight, is it a better year?
You Tiger fans are laughing now. Nothing less than a playoff berth/SEC championship game appearance/national title (pick one, two or all three depending on your fanaticism level) makes 2026 a success under the Portal King, who brought in a transfer class generally considered to be the best in all the land.
Considering it took spending between $40-50 million on NIL, that No. 1 ranking (for the incoming Tigers, not the 2026 Tigers) seems as accurate as any preseason poll.
Kiffinโs ever-present confidence was apparent Wednesday to an overflow crowd of Baton Rouge Rotary Club members and guests, but he continues to tamp down expectations of a double-digit win season.
Not with the SECโs new nine-game conference schedule, which eliminates one sure-fire cupcake non-conference contest in a 12-game schedule.
Kiffin understands being at LSU adds a ton to every word he says into a microphone. What he hopes is that the 12 people calling the shots for the College Football Playoff selections accept his contention that SEC teams near the top of the league standings deserve at-large invitations to the 12-team tournament despite a heavier count in the L column.
โThere are teams going 10-6 and winning the Super Bowl,โ said Kiffin, who 19 years ago at the age of 32 was an NFL head coach. โWhen you make that parity, (there has to be an) understanding that sometimes the records are going to change, and you have to understand who did you really play, where did you play them, as you look at that. Because there’s a big difference.โ
ESPN Analytics, which is probably more reliable than ESPN management, ranked the 20 strongest schedules. LSU was 11th, ninth among its conference colleagues. Every SEC team ranks in the top 20.
Big Ten teams? Ohio State at 8. Michigan eight spots back, and Northwestern slotted at 17th. If youโre keeping track, you know thereโs only one more spot left, and it went to USC at No. 19.
Fair comment: ESPN has the SEC TV rights. ESPN created the analytics. Itโs good business for ESPN to have the SEC getting prime billing, so ESPN can sell advertising for SEC games at a prime rate.
But in these parts, youโll not get much argument that the SEC is tougher top to bottom than the Big Ten, and thereโs not a close third. Top end teams in the ACC (Miami) and Big XII (Texas Tech) might be true contenders and will have cleaner records after feasting on inferior conference opposition.
This is 2026. Does history matter? LSU fans hope not. The SEC got the most teams in each of the last three playoff brackets and didnโt get one into the championship game.
Kiffinโs contention is real talk. Tiger fan, can you handle the idea that a three- or four-loss season isnโt a failure? Especially if it gets LSU into the CFP?
There was ample reason aside from making no playoff appearances that Kelly got paid off to shove off last season. But as sure as Tiger fans love night games at home, Kiffin was hired to make the playoffs and make noise in them.
In his Wednesday talk to the Rotarians and pals, Kiffin talked about fielding a โpretty young teamโ this fall and โbuilding for the future.โ
LSU canโt afford another immense coaching contract buyout. Their new guy is telling the folks who have ponied up all the NIL money, along with the rest of Tiger Nation, best to adjust their expectations down from double-digit wins.
And hope the CFP selection committee does, too.
Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office warns Apple users of new scam
The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office is warning Apple device users about a new scam targeting individuals through phone calls and text messages.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, scammers are claiming that an Apple Account has been compromised and that an unauthorized charge has been made. The messages use phrases such as “unusual activity” and “compromised account” to appear legitimate.
The Sheriff’s Office reminds residents to be cautious when receiving text messages or phone calls instructing them to take action regarding an account. Officials noted that in one example, the phone number originated from outside the country.
The FBI has been investigating overseas operations in Southeast Asia where entire villages are dedicated to online and text message scams.
The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office encourages residents not to fall victim to the scam and to share the warning with friends, family and social media followers.
Remembering Pat Book
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Pat Book, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, who departed this life suddenly at his home on July 29, 2026, at the age of 66. His journey began on July 26, 1960, in Jonesville, Louisiana, where he was born to Laverne Houston and Jannie Bernice White Book. Pat was preceded in death by his devoted parents, his brother Jerry Dale Book, and his sister-in-law Lanette Book.
Pat leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with his wife of 48 years, Georgette Book, who he met in 1976 and married on June 9, 1978. Together, they built a beautiful family and life filled with love and adventure. He is survived by his son Barrett Book, daughter Amy Book, and daughter Patti Stott and her husband Eric. His brother Layne Book, and sisters Jean Harvey and her husband Runnie, Kathy Adams and her husband Jackie, and Beverly LaPrairie and her husband Wallace, along with his sister-in-law Peggy Book, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives will fondly remember his warmth and camaraderie.
Pat was a devoted grandfather to Devin McGraw and his wife Kailey, Dylan McGraw and his wife Ally, McKenzie Montpelier, Dominic Stott, Jake Book, and Abigail Book. His great-grandchildren, Drake McGraw and Kimerlyn McGraw, were the light of his life, and he cherished every moment spent with them.
A man of diverse talents and interests, Pat was a true jack of all trades. After high school, he worked on his fatherโs farm and later transitioned to the oil fields for 14 years. His commitment to service led him to a distinguished career in law enforcement, where he dedicated 25 years, serving as the Warden for the Catahoula Parish Sheriff’s Department for 20 years. Pat was a respected member of the Masonic community for 41 years, actively participating as a Past Master of the Four Rivers Lodge Number 386 and a member of the Harrisonburg Lodge Number 110.
Pat’s love for the outdoors was matched only by his love for storytelling. He found joy in hunting, fishing, and riding his tractor and lawnmower. An avid LSU fan, he never missed a game, and he relished traveling with his family. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy, and his stories and laughter will echo in their hearts forever.
A service celebrating Patโs life will be held on July 31, 2026, at 12:00 PM at the Oak Grove Free Methodist Church, located at 3578 HWY 923, Jonesville, Louisiana with Rev. Aaron Jolly, Rev. Kenny Smith, and Bro. Bill Floyd officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 Am until the time of service at the church. Burial will follow in Paloalto Cemetery in Mayne. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the first responders, the Sandy Lake Fire Department, Catahoula Sheriff’s Department, and the Ambulance Services for their support and care.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Patโs memory can be made to a charity of your choice.
Pat Book will be dearly missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him. His legacy will endure in the hearts of his family and friends for generations to come.
Remembering Paul Jerome “Jerry” Heinberg
Paul Jerome “Jerry” Heinberg, age 79, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2026, inย Monroe, Louisiana, surrounded by his loving family.
Jerry was born on December 26, 1946, inย Alexandria, Louisiana, to Max J. Heinberg and Eugenia Fischer Heinberg. From an early age, he developed a passion for architecture, a calling that became his lifelong profession. He began his architectural career working alongside his father at the locally owned architectural firm Barron, Heinberg & Brocato and dedicated many years to the profession he loved. Jerry was a proud member of the American Institute ofย Architectsย (AIA) for more than 30 years and was also actively involved with the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) for over three decades.
Music was another of Jerry’s great passions, one he joyfully shared with family and friends. A gifted and versatile musician, he could play nearly every instrument he picked up and was known for his beautiful singing voice. He especially enjoyed playing the guitar and flute and shared his talents through performances with the group Souls of the Slain. Jerry also expressed his creativity through songwriting and recording, co-producing the album Shalom Yeladim (“Hello Children”) with Judy Ginsburg in collaboration with Temple Gemiluth Chassodim. The album blended folk and rock ‘n’ roll with traditional Jewish music, making it easier for young Hebrew learners to embrace the language.
Above all else, Jerry cherished his family. He loved spending time with those closest to him and was happiest when surrounded by loved ones. Known for his quick wit and wonderful sense of humor, he brought laughter and joy wherever he went.
Jerry and his wife, Dee Dee, enjoyed singing together and playing guitar and piano. Some of the musicians who most inspired his guitar work included Peter, Paul and Mary, The Byrds, Fleetwood Mac, Eric Clapton, and Dire Straits. He especially loved the blues.
Jerry was deeply proud of his Jewish heritage and remained devoted to the traditions and values that shaped his life. He served for many years as both a Sunday School teacher and Board Member at Temple Gemiluth Chassodim inย Alexandria, Louisiana-a shul designed by his father, Max J. Heinberg. The temple, with its blooming magnolia trees and soft grassy grounds, held a special place in the family’s heart and was where many of their most treasured memories began.
During his years atย Tulane Universityย from 1964 to 1966, Jerry was a member of theย Zeta Beta Tauย Fraternity. He later transferred toย Louisiana State University, where he graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor of Architecture degree.
Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Max J. Heinberg; his mother, Eugenia Fischer Heinberg; his brother, Max Julian “Jay” Heinberg; his sister, Pauline “Polly” Gagliano; and his brother, William “Bill” Heinberg, affectionately known as “Uncle Bull.” Jerry was the youngest of five children born to Max and Eugenia.
He is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Lynette “Dee Dee” Heinberg; his son, Charlie Heinberg; his daughter, Heather London and husband, Paul, and their children, Victoria Sanders, Sophia London, Ashley London, and Jesse London, along with five great-grandchildren; his stepson, Christian Callahan; his brother, Dr. Charles Heinberg and wife, Gretchen; his sister-in-law, Ellen Heinberg, beloved wife of the late Bill Heinberg; his brother-in-law, Felix Gagliano, beloved husband of the late Polly Gagliano; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and his lifelong friend, bandmate, and brother in spirit, Dr. Cornell LeBlanc.
Jerry’s legacy lives on through the many lives he touched with his architecture, music, kindness, generosity, creativity, humor, and unwavering love for family. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered as a blessing to his family, friends, and community.
Word of the Day: Vicissitude
Phonetic:ย /viยทโcisยทโsiยทโtude/
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition
the quality or state of being changeable : mutability
natural change or mutation visible in nature or in human affairs
a favorable or unfavorable event or situation that occurs by chance : a fluctuation of state or condition
the vicissitudes of daily life
Your Daily Crossword/Daily Sudoku
Notice of Death – July 30, 2026
Joseph Paul Bordelon
November 19, 1980 – July 28, 2026
Service: Monday, August 3, 2026, 10am at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville.
Elnor “Honey” Myrtle Freels
July 19, 1937 – July 28, 2026
Service: Wednesday, August 5, 2026, 9am at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball.
Pulchra Busante Greineisen
November 2, 1952 – July 28, 2026
Service: Friday, July 31, 2026, 10:30am at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, Alexandria.
Bobbie Dillon Gray
December 30, 1933 – July 27, 2026
Service: Friday, July 31, 2026, 10am at Pine Ridge Cemetery, Melder.
Jackie Leon Smith Sr.
January 25, 1957 – July 25, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 1, 2026, 12pm at Magnolia Funeral Home, Alexandria.
Doris Elaine Swan
April 5, 1942 – July 24, 2026
Service: Friday, July 31, 2026, 10am at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball.
Brenda Sue White
December 14, 1958 – May 27, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 22, 2026, 11am at Calvary Baptist Church, Alexandria.
The Rapides Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries โ unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.
July 30, 2026
Downtown and on campus, LSUA construction calendar full
By JIM BUTLER
Site preparation that began this week for the Health Education Downtown Campus starts a busy month on LSU Alexandriaโs construction calendar.
The downtown project stands out if for no other reason the $32 million price tag.
Complimentary work, meanwhile, continues on the $544,000 relocation and upgrade of HVAC and electrical configurations in the nearby A.C. Buchanan building.
While that work progresses in the city, other projects are afoot on campus.
Baseball and softball locker rooms and facilities upgrades are proceeding under a $900,000 contract.
Renovations to the tennis courts and construction of pickleball courts begins in early August. That is also a $900,000 job.
Work continues on the student apartments construction that bumped the golf course out of existence to provide much-needed additional student housing.
On-campus and online classes begin August 24.
I-49 Southbound Exit 84 ramp to close Friday in Rapides Parish
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced that the southbound Exit 84 Ramp D7 on Interstate 49 in Rapides Parish will be closed Friday, July 31, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., weather permitting.
According to DOTD, the closure is necessary to allow crews to wash drains.
No detour will be required during the closure.
DOTD reminds motorists to drive with caution around work zones and watch for crews and equipment.
Celebrating the retirement of Chuck Butterfield
Rapides Regional Medical Center is celebrating the retirement of Chuck Butterfield after more than four decades of service.
According to the medical center, Butterfield served 36 official years at Rapides Regional, beginning as a nursing assistant in 1983. He later became a Post Anesthesia Care Unit nurse in 1990, helped implement the hospital’s computerized medical record system and concluded his career as Director of Safety & Security and Emergency Preparedness.
Rapides Regional Medical Center recognized Butterfield for his dedication, leadership and commitment to excellence, thanking him for his lasting impact on patients, colleagues and the community while wishing him well in retirement.
Registration Rally helps nontraditional students return to college at NSU’s CENLA campus
Students preparing to begin or return to college completed enrollment steps, met with university staff and connected with campus resources during Registration Rally at Northwestern State University’s CENLA campus July 28. While the event served students from a variety of academic programs and backgrounds, many nontraditional students took advantage of the one-stop enrollment opportunity.
The event, held from 9 a.m. to noon, brought together representatives from Financial Aid, the Registrar’s Office, Student Accounting and Cashiering, Admissions, academic colleges and other university departments to answer questions and guide students through the enrollment process. By hosting Registration Rally in Alexandria, NSU provided students across central Louisiana with an opportunity to complete enrollment closer to home before classes begin.
Vanner Erikson, director of Enrollment, said Registration Rally helps students complete every step of the enrollment process in one visit.
“Registration Rally is a fantastic event for students of all types,” Erikson said. “We will help you through every process that you need, and that begins with simply applying and goes all the way through registration, finishing, of course, with an ID.”
Erikson said the event gives students confidence that they are ready to begin the semester.
“I think today’s event gives them the finality of, ‘Hey, you’re ready to roll,'” Erikson said. “I think that’s what’s cool. There are so many smiles when they walk out the door knowing that in three or four weeks, they’re going to be starting classes with us.”
Erikson said NSU’s satellite campuses serve many College of Nursing and School of Allied Health students, along with nontraditional students and those pursuing accelerated programs.
“Our satellite campuses are unique,” Erikson said. “We see a lot of our College of Nursing and School of Allied Health participants here, but you also see a lot of nontraditional students, which I love. I think there’s really no point in time that is not a good time to start school.”
Ebony Casey of Pineville attended Registration Rally as she prepares to return to college through an accelerated nursing program while raising her son.
“I joined the military my first summer to pay for college, and my plan was to do nursing,” Casey said. “I started nursing, but I got pregnant with my son during nursing school, so I didn’t finish the program. Life happened, parenting happened, and I just kind of steered away from it. I finally decided, ‘I’m going to go back to school full time,’ and I realized they had accelerated programs. It’s right here in Alexandria, it’s local, and they have everything I need.”
Casey said Registration Rally allowed her to complete multiple enrollment steps in one visit instead of trying to navigate the process on her own.
“I just haven’t had the time to get up here and make sure my stuff was in order,” Casey said. “I got an email about Registration Rally, and I thought, ‘Man, that’s perfect.’ You can do everything in one place. Financial aid, admissions, everything, and get it knocked out. You can just be complete and walk away feeling accomplished. It’s helped me see it through, things that I’ve been putting off that I should have already done and not leave until it’s finished.”
Erikson said students at NSU’s Alexandria, Shreveport and Leesville campuses have access to accelerated programs and other pathways designed to help them complete their education and enter or return to the workforce.
“There’s also a lot of students on our Alexandria, Shreveport and Leesville campuses that are doing some accelerated programs, fast tracks or unique ways to get back enrolled so that they can contribute to the workforce,” Erikson said. “I think it’s really important. There’s such a big role that our satellite campuses serve in who we are as Northwestern.”
Registration Rally is open to new and returning students and provides an opportunity to complete multiple enrollment steps during one visit before the semester begins.
Registration for the fall semester will continue through Aug. 16. Late registration, during which additional fees apply, will continue through Aug. 25. Information about registration is available at vic.nsula.edu.
North Rapides Business & Industry Alliance recognizes community leaders, educators
The North Rapides Business & Industry Alliance hosted its July meeting with a full agenda recognizing community leaders, educators and local organizations.
During the meeting, the alliance presented Louisiana Christian University President Dr. Mark Johnson with a resolution unanimously adopted by the Louisiana Legislature recognizing the university’s 120th anniversary and its impact on the state and community.
The organization also welcomed members of the newly elected Pineville City Council and recognized former council members for their years of service.
Rapides Parish Superintendent Jeff Powell joined the alliance in recognizing three educators for statewide honors:
- Michelle Blaney of Buckeye High School, Louisiana High School Teacher of the Year.
- Christy Dugas of J.I. Barron Elementary, Elementary Principal of the Year semifinalist.
- Sarah Corley of LSU Alexandria, Louisiana Early Childhood Leader of the Year.
Attendees also heard updates from Pineville Mayor Joe Bishop, Ball Mayor Gail Wilking and Woodworth Mayor David Butler, along with a weather forecast from Tom Konvicka of Cenla Weather.
The alliance welcomed first-time guest Bulletproof Outfitters of Pineville and received reports from CLECO and the England Authority, as well as announcements of candidacies for School Board and judiciary positions during the community roundtable.
Rapides Parish District Attorney Phillip Terrell served as the featured speaker, presenting on the accomplishments of his office and its efforts to keep communities safe. The alliance recognized Terrell’s public service, which has included serving as Pineville city attorney, prosecutor, Pineville city judge and district attorney.
The North Rapides Business & Industry Alliance also announced its next meeting will be held Monday, Aug. 24, and will feature Camp Beauregard and the Louisiana National Guard with guest speaker Major General Thomas C. Friloux, adjutant general of the Louisiana National Guard.