Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

April 12

Bobby Ray Cheney Jr., 50, Alexandria – burglary of inhabited dwelling, contempt of court, $5,000 bail;

Anthony Tavaun Daniels, 32, Killeen, Texas – OWI third offense, running a red light, $100 bail;

Pierre Lamar Davis, 53, Alexandria – OWI fourth offense, obstruction of court orders, three counts contempt of court, $2,500 bail;

Jared Shane Henderson, 28, Hessmer – OWI third offense, improper lane usage, $100 bail;

Robbie Wade Malone, 17, Bush – theft of a motor vehicle, criminal trespass, $500 bail;

Landon Edward Richard, 17, Denham Springs – theft of a motor vehicle, criminal trespass, $500 bail.

April 11

Gary Brian Hattaway, 50, Marksville – OWI second offense, no signals, open container, two counts contempt of court, $6,700 bail;

Demetrice Dawan King, 40, Alexandria – three counts contempt of court, $75,000 bail;

Caden Lewis McNeil, 24, Glenmora – theft of a motor vehicle, no bail data;

Steven Patrick O’Quinn, 47, Boyce – OWI second offense, careless operation of a vehicle, open container, $1,700 bail;

Jerry M. Stewart, 42, Pineville – domestic abuse aggravated assault, no bail data;

Demond Montrell Walker, 39, Denham – OWI first offense, speeding, $1,100 bail.

April 10

Lacey J. Constance, 33, Alexandria – possession of CDS, $1,500 bail;

James Allen Deleery, 34, Alexandria – illegal possession of stolen things, probation violation, no bail data;

Terry Michael Floyd, 46, Gilbert – simple burglary, burglary of an inhabited dwelling, parole violations, no bail data;

Demarcus Morris, 39, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, parole violations, $5,000 bail;

Katie Lynn Sparks, 34, Calcasieu – two counts domestic abuse battery, domestic abuse strangulation, possession of synthetic cannabinoid, paraphernalia, $1,000 bail;

Tarneshia Quayonta Thompson, 36, Alexandria – theft, organized retail theft, criminal trespass, criminal conspiracy, five counts contempt of court, $63,000 bail;

Michael Doyle White, 46, Deville – domestic abuse battery, possession of CDS, $6,500 bail.

April 9

Hollie Ann Brooks, 31, Pineville – two counts possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, simple escape, $77,500 bail;

Trevon Shavez Coulter, 31, Alexandria – organized retail theft, two counts contempt of court, $5,000 bail;

Santoria Ford, 32, Alexandria – contempt of court, $25,000 bail;

Kevin David Johnston, 47, Pineville – Louisiana fugitive, possession of CDS, possession of a firearm by convicted felon, $26,500 bail;

Roman James Leary, 37, Cheneyville – aggravated assault domestic abuse, criminal damage to property, domestic abuse battery, $60,500 bail;

Amy Mertens, 39, Deville – two counts contempt of court, $12,500 bail;

Eric Paul Nichols, 46, Pineville – unauthorized entry to an inhabited dwelling, $1,000 bail;

Keilon Tionne Norris, 26, Alexandria – possession of CDS, expired plate/registration, possession of marijuana, expired MVI sticker, $1,700 bail;

Marcus Troymaine Thomas, 48, Spring, Texas – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, possession of marijuana, $1,600 bail;

Chad Michael Travis, 54, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, two counts contempt of court, $11,500 bail;

Centerial Evon White, 36, Alexandria – violation of protective orders, $50,000 bail.

Services for Beth Taylor will be held at 3PM on Monday, April 13, 2026, at Standard Baptist Church in Olla, LA with Bro. Mike Wilkinson officiating. Visitation will be from 10AM until time of service at 3PM, Monday, April 13, 2026, at the church.

Beth Taylor, 60, of Urania, LA, passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at her home. She was the definition of true love. That kind of love does not come around often. She loved her kids and grandbabies with everything in her. You could see that in everything she did. Her love was steady, real, and full of warmth. If you knew her, you knew kindness, caring, and compassion. To be loved by her was a true blessing. She held her babies, raised spirits, and poured her heart into every child she came across. She was not just part of this community; she helped shape it. She loved cooking with her Speedy Mac’s crew of Olla, LA. You were and still will be deeply loved and never forgotten.

She was preceded in death by her soulmate Buster Taylor, her parents Harold Smith and Elaine Aubrey, and young son Charles Lewis Taylor.

Those left to cherish Beth are her daughters Natasha Wells, Stacey Wiggins, her husband Josh, her sisters Darlene Morris and husband Robert, Rena McLendon and husband Rodney, brothers Harold Smith and wife Tricia, David Smith and wife April, grandkids Kaylee Childress and husband Dakota, Brianna Hardy and husband London, Seth Wiggins and wife Victoria, Harley Wells, Riley Wells, Adaley Taylor, Alexis Wiggins, great-grandchildren Haisley Wells, Vallie Ann Wiggins, Cade Spruel, Dalton Taylor, and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and any kid that has ever walked into her life.

Pallbearers will be Riley Wells, Finley Wells, Ethan (Peanut) Jefferson, Cade Spruell, Seth Wiggins, and Zach Smith.

Oakdale-Celebration of Life services honoring Johnny Keith Townley, 70, will be held at 10 o’clock a.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Home of Oakdale. Rev. Jason Townley will officiate. Keith will be laid to rest at Glenmora Cemetery immediately following his services.

Keith’s family will receive friends and visitors at Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Home of Oakdale on Monday evening, April 13, 2026, from 4-9 o’clock p.m. Keith’s visitation will resume Tuesday April 14, 2026, at 8 o’clock a.m. until time of service. All of Keith’s arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Home of Oakdale.

Johnny Keith Townley, 70 years young, of Glenmora, Louisiana, passed away on April 10, 2026. He was born on August 17, 1955, to Sonny and Mildred Townley. Keith spent over 40 years working proudly on the railroad, a career that reflected his strong work ethic and steady spirit. He was the kind of man who showed up, worked hard, and never complained, unless maybe the fish weren’t biting. Keith found his greatest joy in the simple things: fishing, camping at Indian Creek, playing cards, and cooking meals that brought everyone together. Indian Creek held a special place in his heart. It was there that he and his beloved wife, Diane, shared so many joyful moments, truly having a ball and making memories that would last a lifetime. Even after her passing, Keith continued spending much of his time at the creek, keeping those traditions alive and making holidays special for his family. Growing up, Keith earned the nickname “Waffle” on the baseball field because of the unique way he ran – something that stuck with him from his siblings that brought smiles and a few laughs for years to come. That same love for baseball stayed with him throughout his life, as he faithfully showed up to support his grandson at his games. Whether it was hot, cold, or somewhere in between, you could count on Keith being there, cheering him on every step of the way. He loved being surrounded by his family and friends, especially at the creek, where he acquired another nickname, “Silver Fox.” They shared meals, laughter, and stories – some of which may have gotten just a little better each time they were told. He also had a special place in his heart for family game nights, where the competition was friendly…but if you played against him, you knew he was definitely playing to win. Keith was a deeply caring man who always put the people he loved first. He held his family close to his heart and showed his love, not just in words, but in the time he gave, the support he showed, and the memories he helped create. He also loved the quiet of early mornings, often starting his day with a cup of coffee in hand. Some might say he enjoyed the peace and quiet…others may say he just wanted to beat everyone else to the coffee pot. Keith will be remembered for his sense of humor, his strength, kindness, and the unwavering love he had for his family and everyone around him. His legacy lives on in the stories, traditions, and special moments he left behind. He will be tremendously missed and forever remembered by everyone he ever met.

Keith is survived by his loving family: His three children, Wendy, Jared, and Katie; His four grandchildren, Kaydence, Landon, Triston, and Morgan; His siblings La’Vita, Derek, Mark, Evan, and Kenneth; and numerous extended family members. Keith will also be sadly missed by all of his close friends and Debbie.

Keith is preceded in death by his parents, Sonny and Mildred Townley and his wife, Diane.

Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared with Keith’s family at http://www.ardoinfuneralhome.com or on Facebook-Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Homes. 

By JIM BUTLER

The Rapides Area Planning Commission annual audit reflects the precarious financial position the agency is in.

Auditors in their report on the year ending last June 30 note unfavorable operating results have eliminated a net financial position.

Additionally in the report shared with the agency in November and posted in the public record this month auditors raise the issue of whether, or how, RAPC will continue to function.

The report notes staffing and overhead structured based on anticipated grant funding and development activities that have not fully materialized create the financial squeeze.

In the current audit year $4.6 million revenue (General Fund income was $900,000 under budget) and $4.8 million expenses reduced net position to a negative $48,000. Four audits ago net position was $527,000.

According to the report circumstances “create uncertainty about ability to continue as a going concern.”

It notes management is developing plans to obtain additional support, revise fee structures and restructure expenses

“Ability to sustain operations is dependent on success of these plans,” auditors state, adding financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if RAPC is unable to continue.

By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Former LSU All-America golfer Sam Burns has learned while playing under the radar at Augusta National.

He put his knowledge to good use Thursday, going out in the early wave, grabbing the lead and finishing in a first-round 5-under par first-place tie with defending champion Rory McIlroy at the Masters.

Burns shot his best round at Augusta, a 67, as he found 11 of 14 fairways, 16 of 18 greens, and made six birdies. He quickly climbed atop the leaderboard with an eagle 3 on the par-5 second hole, and sits atop a star-studded field entering today’s second round.

“I drove it nice. I was able to get it on the green a lot,” he said. “The nice thing about this place is that if you’re putting a lot and not having to pitch around these greens, it makes it a little bit of a stress-free day. That was what I tried to do today – just be patient into the greens, give myself a lot of looks, and I was able to hole some putts.”

The Shreveport native, 29, tees off at 11:32 CDT today. His previous Masters’ best score, an opening 68 in 2023, earned him a first-round tie for sixth that year and was the only prior sub-70 competitive round on one of golf’s most iconic layouts.

But he has filed away plenty of insight from his previous four visits to Augusta National, where he has played 12 competitive rounds, finishing 29^th in 2023 and 45^th last year sandwiched around two missed cuts in 2022 and 2024.

Along with his driving accuracy, Burns credited his willingness to be patient as key components in Thursday’s round, which was seven shots under the average score posted in the 91-player field.

“Patience is something that you constantly have to work on,” he said. “Especially as someone who likes to compete and try to win, which unfortunately doesn’t happen a lot, I think patience plays a big part of not just golf, but life.

“We’re constantly inconvenienced by something, and so trying to be more patient is good for all of us, especially for me.”

Specifically, keeping an even keel and focusing on the next shot is essential, said Burns, at Augusta National.

“This golf course is so tricky that you try to get lost in your process out there, just try to execute. You start thinking in the past or in the future, it’s not a golf course where you want to do that. For me, (the plan) is go out and execute, have a good process, commit to the shot and accept whatever happens.”

He pounced on the longest holes, and collected a birdie on the fabled par-3 12^th hole in Amen Corner, to rise to the top of the leaderboard.

Burns drained a four-foot eagle putt on the par-5 second hole. After dropping a shot on the seventh, he regained it with a birdie on the par-5 eighth. Burns also birdied both par-5s on the back nine (13, 15) and added another on the dangerous 12^th  guarded by Rae’s Creek, dropping a perfectly-paced 20-footer.

“I think historically people who have success here play the par-5s really well, and we were able to do that today. So, it’s a good recipe around this golf course,” Burns said.

He noted that his home course, Squire Creek Country Club in Choudrant, provides a reasonable replica of Augusta National’s terrain and large, turtle-backed, undulating greens. He certainly looked at home Thursday.

It’s his third lead or shared lead after the last eight major rounds. He was also leading after the second and third rounds of the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont, where he ended up tied for seventh after a final-round 78 in drenching rain. The weather won’t be a factor this weekend.

“The past few years we’ve gotten rain at some point in the week, early in the week,” Burns said. “You could definitely see it even from Monday to today how much firmer the greens are. They’re only going to get firmer. I think as the golf course speeds up, it only gets more difficult out there, and I think it’s going to be a really good test.”

TV coverage today and Friday is on Golf Channel “Live from The Masters” from 7 a.m.-2 p.m., with Prime Video providing streaming tournament coverage from noon-2 and ESPN from 2-6:30. ESPN has morning coverage from the course but only with cut-ins to live action.

Additional coverage is available on the ESPN App, Masters.com, the Masters app, CBS Sports Network, CBSSports.com and Paramount+.

Weekend coverage is CBS-based. Paramount+ has coverage Saturday and Sunday 11-1, with CBS coming on air from 1 p.m. forward.

Sarah Corley, Director of the LSUA Children’s Center, has been named a finalist for Louisiana Early Childhood Leader of the Year by the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE).

The recognition places Corley among a select group of leaders across the state honored for their excellence in early childhood education and their impact on young learners and families. The LDOE, in collaboration with Dream Teachers, recognizes outstanding principals, teachers, and early childhood leaders each year, highlighting those who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to student success.

“Congratulations to each of these exceptional educators,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “They are helping students succeed academically and demonstrating why Louisiana is becoming a national example of what works in the classroom.”

As Director of the LSUA Children’s Center, Corley has played a vital role in fostering a high-quality early learning environment that supports both children and families in central Louisiana. Under her leadership, the center has served as a model for integrating educational excellence with strong operational leadership, ensuring that young learners receive the foundation they need for long-term success.

Abbey Bain, LSUA Vice Chancellor for Student Engagement & Enrollment, praised Corley’s impact on the university and the broader community. “Sarah is the rare professional who successfully balances the business, leadership, and educational demands of early childhood programming with authenticity and heart,” Bain said. “LSUA is fortunate to have her, and I am personally grateful for the lasting impact she has had on my family and on our university community. She is an inspiration, a leader, and a true advocate for early childhood education.”

The Louisiana Early Childhood Leader of the Year award recognizes directors and leaders from Type III Centers, CCAP Certified Family Child Care Sites, Head Start Centers, and Early Head Start Centers who have demonstrated excellence in advancing early childhood education across the state.

Finalists for all educator awards will be recognized, and overall honorees will be announced in July at the 20th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Gala.

“Would you ever be able to catch someone in a lie if there was no truth?” Renowned Christian apologist Frank Turek asked the crowd Tuesday night at Louisiana Christian University’s Guinn Auditorium.

Turek, founder of CrossExamined.org and host of the program “I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist” addressed four questions.

• Does truth exist?
• Does God exist?
• Are miracles possible?
• Is the New Testament true?

He said we live in a relativist post-modern world today, where some people argue that all truth is relative. However, there can’t be “my truth” or “your truth,” only “the truth.”

“Instead of teaching kids how to think, we are teaching them what to feel,” he said. “So many things you hear today violate the law of non-contradiction.”

The law of non-contradiction states that two opposing ideas cannot both be true. For example, the statement “there isn’t the truth, only my truth.” If there is no truth, then that statement can’t be the truth.

“There’s only one answer to ‘Jesus Christ rose from the dead.’ It doesn’t matter if you believe it or not,” Turek said. “Do you have to believe in gravity to stay on the ground? Do people who don’t float away?”

He argued that many people aren’t really looking for the truth, but rather just what makes them happy or feels good.

His evidence to illustrate the existence of God included that the universe had a beginning, which he said even atheists believe.

If something came from nothing, Turek said, then it has to come from something outside of space, time and matter—“to go from nothingness to a state of creation,” there had to be a beginner.

“If the universe were designed, there had to be a designer,” he said.

Also, if humans can judge things to be morally wrong, then there must be a God. “There must be a standard beyond us,” he said. 

Answering the question of the possibility of miracles and the numerous miracles mentioned in the Bible, Turek pointed to the greatest miracle—the creation of the universe. “If He can create the whole universe out of nothing, if Genesis 1:1 is true, then every other verse is at least possible.”

Finally, he spoke at length on the truth of the New Testament.

Turek pointed to three points to illustrate its truth. It includes embarrassing stories. The gospels contain numerous eyewitness accounts of events, and Jesus’ followers often died excruciating deaths.

The authors would not have included stories to make themselves look bad if not true, he said. 

“You don’t invent things to make yourself look bad,” Turek said. 

Exact dates and eyewitness testimony are offered, and 37 historical people in the New Testament have been confirmed through archeological findings and documents. There have been 124 in the entire Bible, and seven biblical names from Jesus’ trial and crucifixion have been confirmed through archeology.

Jesus’ followers were so convinced that He was the Messiah and rose from the grave that they were willing to be put to death rather than change their stories. 

“What did the New Testament writers have to gain by creating a new religion? They had everything to lose by saying it was true,” Turek said. 

No one is willing to die for something they know is a lie, he said.

Turek said this points to an “impact event” and why the writers documented it in what we call the New Testament. He defined an impact event as something so significant that you don’t forget it and remember where you were when it happened. 

Others who claimed to be the Messiah, Turek said, today we don’t even remember their names, but people still travel to Jesus’ tomb 2,000 years later because something spectacular happened there.

“Christianity would be true even if the Bible never existed,” he said. “The New Testament writers did not create the resurrection. The resurrection created the New Testament writers.”

Funeral services celebrating the life of Mr. Robert E. Marsh will be celebrated at 1:00PM on Saturday, April 11, 2026 in Bay Springs Baptist Church, Chopin, La., with the Rev. Dwight St. Andre officiating. Interment will be in Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery, Gardner, La., under the direction of Fall Creek Funeral Home.

Visitation will begin on Saturday morning in the church from 10:30AM until time of services.

Mr. Marsh, age 65 of Cloutierville, La., entered eternal rest on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in his residence surrounded by his loving family.

Robert was a native of McNutt Hill in the Gardner community, was a longtime resident of Cloutierville and was a member of Bay Springs Baptist Church. He spent a big part of his life working for W.H. Hodges Livestock Auction Barn and Lloyd Moreau Farms,

where he loved being a cattleman. Earlier in life he loved rodeoing and was a former bullrider. In his leisure he enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking and tending to his cattle.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Kirby and Caldonia Marsh, two sisters, Shirley Terreck and Sandy Kay Gray and one brother, David Marsh.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Zona Gail Marsh of Cloutierville, two daughters, Heather Fletcher (Raymond) of Pineville and Kayla Marsh of Cloutierville. His brother, Don Marsh (Charlotte) of Gardner, five sisters, Carolyn Price of Dayton, Ohio, Debbie VanAsselberg (John) of Gardner, Mary Willis of Pine Prairie, Linda Kittle of Gardner, and Missy Boschert (Michael) of Gardner.

Also survived by his four grandchildren, Clot Scaife, Makenzie Scaife, Theia Fletcher and Aria Fletcher.

Pallbearers honored to serve will be; Billy Dixon, Joe Turner, Rodney Salard, Brent Frazier, Colt Scaife and Jimmy Moreau.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Fall Creek Funeral Home, Pineville, Robbie Dauzat, Director.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Lyle Freeman Bufkin, Sr., who went home to be with the Lord on March 31, 2026, at the age of 88.

Born on October 29, 1937, Lyle lived a full and meaningful life marked by dedication to his family, his profession, and the things he loved most.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret “Peggy” Bufkin; his father, Louis Bufkin; his mother, Mildred Bufkin; and his sister, Cheryl Buchanan.

He is survived by his sons, Lyle Bufkin, Jr. and his wife Michelle of Atlanta, Georgia, and John Bufkin of Boyce, Louisiana; his grandson, Daniel Bufkin and his wife Kay Lee of Ponchatoula, Louisiana; and his cherished great-granddaughter, Madden Kay.

His family was his pride and joy, and his legacy lives on through them.

Lyle was an accomplished architect whose work and influence spanned decades. A proud graduate of Louisiana State University, he was the first graduate to earn an architectural degree in 1960 and graduated at the top of his class. He went on to become a lifelong member of the American Institute of Architects, joining in 1969 and later being recognized as a Member Emeritus.

Throughout his distinguished career, he contributed to numerous notable projects, including Alexandria International Airport, England Air Park, Menard High School Chapel, The Retreat in Pineville, Louisiana, and many other commercial and residential developments across the South. His work earned him several architectural awards and the respect of colleagues and clients alike.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Lyle had a deep love for the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman who enjoyed the beauty of Louisiana and New Mexico. He was also a gifted storyteller—one who could capture a moment, a memory, or a lesson in a way that drew people in and made them feel at home.

Lyle will be remembered for his intelligence, creativity, quiet strength, and the way he connected with others through both his work and his words. His life was one of purpose, craftsmanship, and love. Though he will be deeply missed, we find comfort in knowing he is reunited with those who went before him and is at peace.

Graveside services will be held on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Greenwood Memorial Park, Pineville, Louisiana 71360.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. James Episcopal Church, 1620 Murray Street, Alexandria, Louisiana 71301.

Phonetic: /puh-NAHSH/

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition

• flamboyant confidence of style or manner.
  “he entertained Palm Springs society with great panache”

Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F began investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash on April 8 around 6 pm on Interstate 20 just west of Louisiana Highway 609. The crash claimed the life of 66-year-old Natalie Phillips of Alexandria.

The initial investigation revealed that a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee was driving west on Interstate 20. For reasons still under investigation, the Jeep traveled off the right side of the road and struck a tree.

Philips, who was the front seat passenger and properly restrained, suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene. The driver of the Jeep, who was properly restrained, received minor injuries. Routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Troopers wish to remind motorists of the importance of making good decisions while operating motor vehicles. Never drive impaired, fatigued, or distracted. Additionally, Louisiana law requires that every person inside a motor vehicle, regardless of seating position, remain properly restrained at all times. While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions like these can mean the difference between life and death.

By JIM BUTLER

The old Weiss & Goldring building is to GAEDA and the Alexandria City Council majority like an old suit – it’s ill-fitting and out of style.

That was the clear message through an hour or so of explanations, insults and accusations (most of the latter from public comments) at a council Legal Committee session Tuesday.

Before the panel was a proposed rescission of an ordinance authorizing the city to join a cooperative endeavor agreement with the Greater Alexandria Economic Development Authority for refurbishing and marketing the long-abandoned retail building on Third Street.

GAEDA chairman Steven McGee, not on the board when the building pact was entered, said he and the current Authority majority believe it was prematurely entered and is not valid, indicating GAEDA has other fields of development interest.

He said GAEDA has a new vision and wants to impact areas that it feels need assistance.

Mayor Jacques Roy, while labeling the W&G project as sound long-term economic development investment, noted either party to the CEA can bring it to an end.

But there’s the matter of several hundred thousand dollars GAEDA owes the city for work thus far. That debt, he noted, cannot be absolved.

He said the administration will do what the Council wants to do regarding working with GAEDA but won’t give up the money it is owed.

Roy suggested the city and GAEDA discuss some other project to supplant the W&G project, rather than killing the cooperative agreement.

Eventually the committee voted to delay the matter two weeks, giving parties time to see if they can find a suit that fits.

The Rapides Parish School Board is recognizing local leadership in education, naming Jennifer Tyler of Alma Redwine Elementary School as the Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year.

Tyler, who serves as assistant principal at the school, was selected for her leadership and commitment to both students and staff.

School officials said her work has contributed to a positive learning environment where students can grow academically and teachers are supported in their professional development.

The recognition is part of the district’s effort to highlight outstanding educators and leaders across Rapides Parish.

A Bunkie resident was among several individuals cited for alleged turkey hunting violations during the opening weekend of Louisiana’s 2026 turkey season, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Enforcement agents cited Chase Grimmett, 30, of Bunkie, on April 3 in Rapides Parish for hunting without a basic hunting license and hunting turkeys without a turkey hunting license.

The citations were issued as part of increased enforcement efforts during the opening weekend of turkey season, which began statewide on April 3.

According to state regulations, turkey hunters are required to possess a valid Louisiana basic hunting license, a turkey hunting license, and turkey tags. Failure to carry the required licenses can result in fines of up to $350 per offense.

LDWF officials also reminded hunters that additional regulations are in place during turkey season, including limits on harvesting and restrictions on baiting, as part of ongoing efforts to ensure fair and lawful hunting practices across the state.