By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Sam Burns tees off in his fifth Masters this morning at 8:19 to begin the 2026 majors season after his best across the board performance in golf’s big four tournaments last season.

The former LSU All-American, 29, was one of less than two dozen golfers to make the cut in all four major championships in 2025, highlighted by a tie for seventh at the U.S. Open and 19^th at the PGA Championship.

The Choudrant resident, who plays out of Squire Creek Country Club, tied for 45^th at Augusta last April. He had a best Masters finish of T29 at the 2023 event, when he opened with his best round at Augusta National, a 68, and finished the tournament at 1-over par.

Burns, a Shreveport native and Calvary Baptist graduate, ranks 13^th on the PGA Tour this year in shots gained putting and 17^th in driving distance, two aspects of the game that are vital in this week’s tournament.

But his career average score at Augusta National is 73.67, almost 2-over.

This season, Burns has made four of seven cuts and earned $1.25 million. If he makes the cut this week, it will bump his official career earnings over $36 million – he’s sitting at $35,985,076 entering today.

Burns will play with 2022 British Open champion Cameron Smith and Jake Knapp in the first two rounds. Knapp has won $2.4 million this season by making six of seven cuts.

After this morning’s early tee time, they go off Friday at 11:27.

Burns has three top 10 finishes in his last 10 stars and five top 10s in his last 20 tournaments. He is 35^th in the FedEx Cup standings for 2026 and 33^rd in the Official World Golf Rankings. He finished seventh in the 2025 FedEx Cup and made his second Ryder Cup appearance for the USA.

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. Extensive coverage is available at Masters.com.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

Alexandria Senior High School’s outstanding boys basketball season produced All-State honors for senior Jarvell Bordelon.

The 6-1 guard averaged 16.7 points and 7 rebounds per game for the Trojans and his performance and the team’s success earned him a spot on the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s Class 5A All-State team.

ASH finished 31-4, reaching the state semifinals as the No. 2 seed in Select Division I.

He was the only parish player included on the All-State boys or girls rosters for Class 5A.

It is comprised of two five-player teams plus honorable mention selections.

A 12-member LSWA committee makes the picks choosing from first-team all-district players that coaches identify.

Longtime local sports journalist LaMar Gafford is one of the LSWA All-State Committee members.

Members of Rapides Parish Fire District No. 7 recently took part in a training night focused on evaluating recent emergency responses and improving operational readiness.

According to officials, firefighters first attended the department’s monthly Board of Directors meeting before conducting a debrief on multiple structure fires handled over the past several weeks.

The review focused on actions taken during those incidents, identifying areas for improvement, and developing strategies to enhance service to the community.

Following the discussion, crews participated in hands-on water supply drills. The training included calculating water flow in gallons per minute to effectively supply firefighting apparatus and testing the use of a Siamese connection to combine two water sources into a single line.

Fire officials said exercises like these are critical to ensuring crews remain prepared to respond effectively during emergencies.

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

April 8

Juliana Elizabeth Alexander, 29, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery with child present, no bail data;

Pamela Bynog, 46, Boyce – OWI first offense, improper parking, $1,100 bail;

Talen Edmonds, 23, Pineville – contempt of court, resisting an officer, $100,500 bail;

Darren Matthew Futrell, 44, Pollock – OWI first offense, improper turn, open container, $1,200 bail;

Robert Gregory Leyva Jr., 40, Pineville – driving under suspension, no vehicle registration, reckless operation, resisting an officer, flight from an officer, $11,200 bail;

Brandan Lee Moran, 51, Alexandria – OWI first offense, reckless operation with alcohol, $1,000 bail.

April 7

Gail Glendolia Bass, 48, Ball – aggravated assault domestic abuse, disturbing the peace in violent/tumultuous manner, $500 bail;

Logan Earl Bonnette, 34, Alexandria – two counts theft, no insurance, contempt of court, $1,630 bail;

Kyletta Antionett Bowie, 45, Pineville – theft, three counts contempt of court, contributing to delinquency of juveniles, $7,500 bail;

Lynette Haily Box, 31, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, theft, contempt of court, $4,500 bail;

Kenneth R. Burch, 56, Bunkie – two counts producing manufacturing distributing CDS, paraphernalia, $500 bail;

Malik Kortrell Daniels, 29, Alexandria – OWI first offense, flight from an officer, Louisiana fugitive, sex offender failure to register, concealed negligent carry handgun, possession of firearm by convicted felon, illegal carry firearm with drugs, possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, improper lane usage, $53,600 bail;

Shemela Davis, 40, Lecompte – domestic abuse battery, resisting police officer with force or violence, aggravated arson, two counts contempt of court, $63,500 bail;

Xzorian Ramone Fields, 21, Pineville – four counts attempted second degree murder, aggravated robbery, criminal conspiracy, simple battery, contempt of court, probation violation, $1.05 million bail;

Javon Allen Ford, 22, Alexandria – aggravated arson, $10,000 bail;

Kevin Glynn, 59, Boyce – theft, malfeasance in office, $1,500 bail;

Roderick Rendell Helaire Sr., 45, Alexandria – contempt of court, $75,000 bail;

Alexis Nicole Holiday, 28, Boyce – possession of marijuana, contempt of court, $3,000 bail;

Travis Johnson, 45, Alexandria – two counts possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, aggravated obstruction of highway, battery on officer, no head light, probation violation, $20,600 bail;

Travis Crafton Kerry, 41, Deville – two counts indecent behavior with juveniles, two counts contempt of court, $104,000 bail;

Dakotah Ryan Lebouef, 27, Pineville – five counts contempt of court, $400,500 bail;

Ashley Nicole Lee, 34, Natchitoches – Louisiana fugitive, two counts contempt of court, $10,000 bail;

Riley Cole Norris, 23, Ball – aggravated assault domestic abuse, illegal carry firearm with drugs, terrorizing, possession of marijuana, $75,500 bail;

Liam Padraig Norris-Wilcox, 26, Boyce – two counts child sexual abuse materials of victim under 13, $20,000 bail;

Michael Dewayne Paul, 66, Alexandria – sex offender failure to renew registration, $10,000 bail;

Diante Jerome Peace, 26, Alexandria – six counts producing manufacturing distributing CDS, illegal possession of stolen firearms, illegal carry firearm with drugs, possession of firearm by convicted felon, manufacture transfer or possess machine guns, probation violation, $600,000 bail;

Ronald Charles Toussaint Jr., 43, Glenmora – sex offender failure to renew registration, contempt of court, $30,000 bail;

Timothy Paul Tradewell, 48, Boyce – theft, malfeasance in office, $1,500 bail;

Donald Alzea Williams Jr., 37, Alexandria – armed robbery, aggravated second degree battery, $200,000 bail;

Alexis Brooke Wyllie, 32, Alexandria – home invasion, $50,000 bail.

April 6

Kendall Charles Allen, 29, Alexandria – possession of CDS, criminal trespass, $2,000 bail;

Jerrell Jamar Antwine Jr., 41, Alexandria – two counts theft of a motor vehicle, criminal damage to property, parole violations, probation violation, $8,000 bail;

Jason Damion Battiste Jr., 34, Alexandria – three counts producing manufacturing distributing CDS, three counts possession of CDS, illegal possession of stolen firearm, illegal carry firearm with drugs, possession of firearm by convicted felon, simple escable, five counts negligent injuring, OWI fourth offense, carless operation, driving under suspension, careless operation, resisting an officer, contempt of court, $353,200 bail;

Richard Beard Jr., 32, Atlanta – domestic abuse battery with child present, criminal damage to property, $25,000 bail;

Christina Diane Bolgiano, 41, Pineville – two counts possession of CDS, six counts contempt of court, $62,500 bail;

Robert Wayne Brossett Jr., 22, Alexandria – simple battery, obscenity, resisting an officer, two counts contempt of court, $6,000 bail;

David Brian Fisher, 42, Cheneyville – attempted second degree murder, aggravated assault domestic abuse, three counts aggravated assault with a firearm, domestic abuse with child present, simple battery, theft of a firearm, $560,500 bail;

Reginald Christopher Hill, 41, Alexandria – two counts theft (second/subsequent conviction), criminal trespass, $25,500 bail;

Damondric JaDaryl Jamod Jackson, 41, Boyce – child desertion, three counts contempt of court, $21,000 bail;

David Johnson Jr., 21, Alexandria – simple battery on the infirmed, cruelty to the infirmed, $1,500 bail;

Edward Mix, 50, Lecompte – obstructing public passages, possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, three counts contempt of court, $5,600 bail;

Sharmaine S. Sampson, 30, Alexandria – attempted second degree murder, $50,000 bail.

April 5

Derek Morris Colwell, 34, Pineville – OWI first offense, careless operation of a vehicle, $1,300 bail;

Charles Danie Johnson,27, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery on pregnant woman, $25,000 bail;

Kaitlyn G. Kerry, 21, Pineville – unauthorized entry into inhabited dwelling, simple battery, $1,500 bail;

Richard Jordan Whatley, 34, Pineville – domestic abuse battery, unlawful telephone communication, simple assault, $11,500 bail.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Laura Kersh Lesneski, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, who left us on April 7, 2026, at St. Francis Cabrini Hospital. Laura was born on January 21, 1943, and lived a life full of love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Alexandria, with Reverend Dominick DiCarlo officiating. Before the service, a visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Ball.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be Chris Scheuermann, Allen Scheuermann, Frankie Scheuermann, Trey Lankford, Josh Nolan, John Sefcik, Chris Beaubouef, Sean Craig, and Teddy Foster. Honorary pallbearers will be James Foster, Johnny Sefcik, and Henry Deano Scheuermann.

An active and lifelong member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Laura was always passionate about her faith until health challenges kept her from participating. As the family historian, Laura was the keeper of the stories-her spirit, her laughter, her tales, and her unique mannerisms will be greatly missed.

Laura had a special bond with her animal companions, Gingerfer (Ginger), who brought her endless joy and comfort, and her kitties, Thomas, Mineaux, and Georgie. Her love for family, friends, and animals was unmatched, leaving a void that will be felt deeply.

Laura is survived by her loving daughters, Marcia Lankford (Trey), and Jennifer Scheuermann (Henry Deano); grandchildren, Frankie, Kelsie, Allen, and Chris Scheuermann; great-grandchildren, Aiden, Tanner, and Everett; and sisters, Cathy Sefcik (John) and Rae Ellen Foster (James).

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hugh Jay Kersh, Sr., and Lotis Orin Dobbs Kersh; husband of 53 years, Frank Lesneski; brother, Hugh Jay Kersh, Jr, and sisters, Frances Dube and Betty Craig.

The family would like to thank the entire staff of CHRISTUS St. Francis Cabrini Hospital Emergency Room, Intensive Care Unit, and all support services for their compassionate and attentive care.

In honor of Laura’s memory, instead of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations to be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at 10532 South Glenstone Pl, Ste C, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70810-a cause close to her heart.

Vernon Riley Atkinson was born on April 27, 1942, in Glenmora, Louisiana, Vernon Riley Atkinson was the beloved son of Shelby Vernon Atkinson and Evelyn Gordy Atkinson. He passed away peacefully on April 7, 2026, at the age of 83, in his hometown of Glenmora, Louisiana.

A faithful servant and devoted deacon at Harmony Baptist Church in Glenmora, Louisiana, he lived his faith every day and inspired all who knew him. He found immense joy in sharing wisdom and life lessons with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren shaping their lives with love and kindness. Spending time with his farm animals brought him happiness and a sense of peace. He truly cherished his tractor, seeing it as more than just a machine-it was a symbol of his hard work and dedication to his land and family. With a warm heart and open arms, he never met a stranger, always making everyone feel welcome and valued. He delighted in being surrounded by community and children, always sharing laughter, compassion, and encouragement. He was a constant witness and shining light, touching every life with his unwavering faith and positivity. Affectionately known as the “Candy Man” at church, he brought smiles to the faces of children with simple acts of kindness, leaving behind a legacy of love and generosity.

Vernon survived by, his loving wife, Doris Elaine Atkinson; his children, Sondra Cloud, Scott Atkinson and wife Paulette, and Karlene Kibodeaux and husband Keith; six devoted grandchildren, Dustin Doyle, Brittany West and husband Aaron, Carrie Willis and husband Adam, Zachary Atkinson, and Aaron Cloud; seven cherished great-grandchildren, Abby Anderson and fiancé Mason, Hunter Anderson, Maddyn West, Landri West, Alyssa Atkinson, Halle Willis, and Talan Willis; one great-great grandchild, Mollie Kaye Anderson; his sibling, Shelby Atkinson; and a host of extended family and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Austin Atkinson.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Brighton Bridge Hospice Staff for their unwavering compassion, care, and love shown to Vernon in his final days.

A special thank you is given to Anna Doyle, Kelsey Willis, Tammy Sonnier, Kim Branch, Greg Willis, and Juanita Fontenot-your kindness will always be remembered.

Vernon will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His memory lives on in the hearts of his family, friends, and community.

Visitation will be held at the Harmony Baptist Church in Glenmora, Louisiana, Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. in the Harmony Baptist Church. Reverend D. K. Lemmons will be officiating. Interment will follow in the Butter Cemetery in Forest Hill, Louisiana.

By JIM BUTLER

Perhaps even the loquacious Lyn Rollins would have run out of words in LSU’s Cade Arrambide’s four-homer game Easter Sunday.

Nah. It would have been pucker up and kiss that baby goodbye times four.

Rollins, one of six 2026 Bolton High School Hall of Fame inductees, has been the voice of LSU baseball and other televised contests for two decades, perhaps the most well-known aspect of a distinguished career.

But he was widely known to area sports followers before then, thanks to local newspaper, radio and television work, and to countless Alexandria Aces games featuring his distinctive voice.

Lyn (Elwood Lindsay Rollins Jr.) is a 1968 Bolton graduate. He earned his undergraduate degree at NSU and master’s in journalism at LSU.

In addition to media outlet work in the area he worked in public relations at LCU and in marketing at Christus Cabrini.

He is a Distinguished Service Award winner in Sports Journalism from the Louisiana Sports Writers Association, inducted in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.

Friends and fans have a chance to hear him again at his induction, and that of five others, into the Bolton Hall of Fame at a dinner and ceremony April 24.

Tickets are still available through boltonalumni.org/winfame/

By Richard Searles, Special to the Journal

BATON ROUGE — A nearly two-decade-old Louisiana law designed to protect private property rights is now at the center of a widening legislative and legal battle over carbon capture and sequestration projects across the state — a conflict that has split Republicans, drawn rural landowners into court, and produced two consecutive years of contentious legislative activity.

Background: A Post-Kelo Property Rights Law

At issue is Louisiana Act 851 of the 2006 Regular Session, which significantly narrowed the state’s authority to take private property through eminent domain. The law was passed in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Kelo v. City of New London, which allowed local governments to take private property and transfer it to private developers for economic development purposes.

Louisiana lawmakers responded by tightening the definition of “public use” under state law. Key provisions prohibit taking property for the benefit of private individuals or companies, restrict takings to clearly defined public purposes such as roads, bridges, public buildings, levees, and flood control, and require that expropriated property not used for its intended public purpose within a specified timeframe be offered back to the original owner or heirs.

The intent was to ensure that eminent domain could not be used as a tool for private economic development projects.

A 2020 Law Changed the Equation

The current conflict traces more directly to a 2020 state law that granted carbon capture and pipeline companies the authority to use eminent domain to acquire private land for CO₂ infrastructure — authority similar to that long held by oil and gas pipeline operators. Several legislators who voted for that measure have since publicly expressed regret.

Rep. Mike Johnson, R-Pineville — the second-highest ranking member of the Louisiana House — acknowledged during the 2026 session that he voted for the 2020 law without asking sufficient questions. “I didn’t ask enough questions. I didn’t ask any questions,” he said. “Now that’s a contradiction against our U.S. and Louisiana constitutions we have to correct.”

The 2025 Session: Partial Reform

In June 2025, the Louisiana Legislature passed Senate Bill 244, which limited eminent domain for CO₂ pipelines to projects classified as “common carriers” — meaning they must transport carbon dioxide for multiple companies and demonstrate a reasonable probability of serving the broader public, not just a single private entity. Gov. Jeff Landry signed the bill into law on June 24, 2025.

The new law also raised the threshold for unitization — the process by which a swath of land can be consolidated into a CO₂ storage site — from 75 percent landowner consent to 85 percent.

Effective Oct. 1, 2025, the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources was restructured and renamed the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy, consolidating administrative authority over CCS development under Secretary Tyler Gray.

Despite those reforms, dozens of proposed projects continued advancing. As of November 2025, at least 65 carbon capture and storage projects had been proposed in Louisiana, including 30 projects proposing to capture at least 33 million metric tons of CO₂, 35 projects to inject CO₂ into underground reservoirs, and 12 proposed carbon pipelines.

Facing growing constituent pressure, Gov. Landry imposed a moratorium on new applications for carbon capture projects, though that hold did not block the 31 projects whose developers had already submitted applications.

The 2026 Session: Landowner Bills Hit a Wall

The property rights fight has intensified in the 2026 legislative session, with more than 20 bills filed addressing CCS development. The first major test came when Rep. Johnson sponsored House Bill 7, the Louisiana Landowners Protection Act, which sought to reverse the 2020 eminent domain authorization entirely.

The House Committee on Natural Resources and Energy rejected HB 7 on a 12-7 vote following nearly five hours of testimony from landowners, industry lobbyists, lawyers, and state officials.

Industry proponents warned that passing the bill would jeopardize Louisiana’s standing in the global economy, with the Louisiana Chemical Association noting that industrial projects in the state tied to carbon capture are valued at more than $100 billion. Defenders of the existing law argued that eminent domain is a necessary last resort to ensure project viability and that CO₂ infrastructure is inextricably linked to the future of oil and gas production

The failure of HB 7 is widely seen as signaling dim prospects for other property-rights-oriented CCS bills still pending, including measures that would grant local parishes the authority to approve or reject CCS projects within their boundaries.

Landowners Take the Fight to Court

The legislative setbacks have pushed some landowners into the courts. A group called Save My Louisiana filed suit in state court arguing that some of its members were threatened with eminent domain if they did not sign leases for CO₂ pipelines or storage with Denbury, a CO₂ transport and storage subsidiary of ExxonMobil, and that the state’s laws give private carbon capture companies unconstitutional authority to force property sales.

The lawsuit reflects a broader argument that has animated both legislative and legal challenges: that carbon capture infrastructure serves private commercial interests rather than the public, and therefore falls outside the bounds of constitutionally permissible eminent domain.

The Industry’s Position

Oil and gas industry representatives and state officials maintain that carbon capture serves a legitimate public purpose by preserving Louisiana’s industrial base in a low-carbon global economy and by reducing emissions from petrochemical facilities along the Gulf Coast corridor. They argue that CO₂ pipelines should be treated no differently than natural gas or crude oil pipelines, which have long carried eminent domain authority on the theory that moving energy products to market constitutes a public benefit.

Nationally, the federal Section 45Q tax credit for carbon capture and storage was preserved and in some cases strengthened under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed by President Trump on July 4, 2025, reaffirming federal support for CCS investment.

The Road Ahead

The intersection of Louisiana’s property rights framework and the rapid expansion of carbon capture infrastructure is now playing out simultaneously in the Legislature, in state court, and in communities across rural Louisiana. Possible outcomes include further court rulings clarifying whether CCS qualifies as a constitutionally permissible public use, additional legislative action in the current or future sessions, negotiated agreements between companies and landowners, or expanded local control measures giving individual parishes a vote on whether to allow projects within their boundaries.

Whether carbon capture infrastructure is ultimately classified as a public good or a private commercial enterprise will determine how — and whether — these projects can move forward across privately owned land.

Sources

Louisiana Secretary of State — Act 851 (2006 Regular Session); Louisiana Act No. 620 (2024); Louisiana Senate Bill 244, signed June 24, 2025; Louisiana Legislature — House Bill 7 (2026 Regular Session); U.S. One Big Beautiful Bill Act (2025); primary government sources and public records

Editor’s Notes:

Act 851 of 2006 did not eliminate “public use” as a basis for eminent domain. It did the opposite — it restricted eminent domain to genuine public use and prohibited takings for private commercial benefit. The law was a direct response to Kelo, which had expanded what could qualify as “public use.” Louisiana lawmakers were essentially saying: we’re going back to basics — eminent domain is only for true public purposes, not economic development schemes that primarily benefit private parties.

So the law left the core framework intact. What it changed was the definition of who qualifies.

Why oil and gas pipelines still pass muster under Act 851 is a separate body of law entirely. Louisiana has long recognized pipeline common carriers as quasi-public utilities. The legal theory is that pipelines moving energy products to market serve a sufficiently broad public interest — they don’t just benefit one company, they serve commerce statewide. That classification predates Act 851 and survived it.

Where the carbon capture conflict lives is precisely in whether CO₂ pipelines fit that same mold. The 2020 law extended eminent domain to CCS without requiring that common carrier standard. SB 244 in 2025 added that requirement — pipelines must now demonstrate they’ll transport CO₂ for multiple parties to qualify. HB 7’s defeat this week keeps that 2025 framework in place rather than rolling back eminent domain authority entirely.

The unresolved legal question — and what the Save My Louisiana lawsuit is really testing — is whether even the common carrier framework for CO₂ pipelines survives scrutiny under Act 851 and the Louisiana Constitution. If a court finds that permanently injecting CO₂ underground for private profit doesn’t constitute a genuine public use regardless of how the pipeline is classified, the entire statutory framework could be vulnerable.

The traditional public use rationale for pipeline eminent domain rests on movement and commerce. Natural gas or crude oil goes into a pipeline, travels to a refinery or distribution point, gets sold and consumed, and the public benefits from the energy supply and the economic activity. The product moves through private land to serve a broader market. The land is a corridor, not a destination.

Carbon dioxide injected underground is fundamentally different in every one of those respects:

• The CO₂ doesn’t move through the land — it stays there permanently
• There is no product being delivered to the public
• The land isn’t a corridor — it becomes the storage vessel itself
• The benefit flows primarily to the industrial emitter who needed to dispose of the CO₂, and to the company being paid to store it
• The pore space under a landowner’s property is being consumed as a commodity for someone else’s profit

The industry’s counterargument — that CO₂ pipelines are just like gas pipelines — only holds for the transport segment of the pipeline. Once the CO₂ reaches the injection point, the analogy completely breaks down. You’re no longer talking about a right-of-way. You’re talking about permanent industrial use of private subsurface property.

That’s precisely why the pore space ownership question is so explosive in Louisiana right now. The state claimed ownership of deep pore space, which is its own separate constitutional fight.

The Rotary Club of Pineville recently welcomed Erica Philips from the Junior League, who spoke about the organization’s Diaper Bank initiative and its impact on local families.

During the meeting, Philips explained that diaper need is a significant but often overlooked issue affecting many households. Without access to an adequate supply of diapers, families may face challenges that can impact a child’s health, a parent’s ability to work and overall family stability.

The Junior League’s Diaper Bank works to address this need by collecting and distributing diapers to families in the community. Through partnerships, donations and volunteer support, the program aims to provide a consistent supply of diapers to those who need them most.

Club members said the presentation highlighted how a basic necessity can make a meaningful difference in the well-being of children and families in the region.

Those interested in supporting the initiative or learning more about getting involved are encouraged to contact the Junior League or local Rotary Club members.

On Monday, April 13, just a few days away, the public will be able to see first-hand Winnfield’s newest, tallest building complex, the new Winn Community Health Center at 407 W. Court Street.  The public is invited to the Grand Opening of the health center beginning at 11 a.m., announced CEO Deano Thornton. 

Construction of the impressive three-story, 52,000 square foot structure has seen it rise over the past two years to occupy a footprint between W. Lafayette and W. Court streets.  The building will house the expanded array of services of Winn Community Health Center as well as the seven-parish organizational support of Trinity Community Health Centers of Louisiana.

“Who would have thought that it would come to this when we first started talking about this kind of medical care for our community in 2005?” he said.  “We were funded in 2009, opened our doors July 1 that same year, outgrew that office and moved to our current location in 2011 and are now poised to move into this wonderful structure.”

Over those years, WCHC also expanded beyond its Winn Parish borders to seven parishes with 11 clinics and 60 school-based centers under the inclusive name of Trinity Community Health Centers of Louisiana.

“So how have we come so far?  I’ve always said that when you surround yourself with good people, good things happen,” Thornton continued.  “Our organization is made up of people who care about the well being of the folks in their community and it shows.  We’re in the business of taking care of people.  This is an amazing, state of the art facility which we’ve been proud to add to the heart of Winnfield.”

The Grand Opening for the general public is Monday, April 13, with activities beginning at 11 a.m.  Thornton said there will be a tent, music with a DJ, refreshments including Dana’s Pulled Pork Sandwiches and giveaways.  The following morning, Tuesday, April 14, medical services at the new center will commence.

Photos below give an early view of what awaits the public during Monday’s Open House:

First United Methodist Church of Alexandria continues its new “Be Kind Concert Series” on Thursday, April 23, at 6PM in the church courtyard, located in the heart of Alexandria’s historic Garden District.

This three-part outdoor series is designed to bring the community together through live music in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks to enjoy a spring evening outdoors.

The concert series grows out of the church’s broader vision of creating healing, welcoming spaces where strangers become family and the community becomes a masterpiece of God’s grace.

Kelly Pepper, who helped shape the initiative, describes the vision in simple terms,“As a Garden District neighbor, I’m proud of the church’s history of using the arts to bring people together. ‘Be Kind’ reflects that spirit of creating space for connection, conversation, and kindness in the heart of our community.”

The series is designed to create space where all voices are welcomed, belonging is nurtured, and connection leads to healing. Senior Pastor Reverend Kennon Pickett adds, “At FUMCA, we are committed to inspire positive change by creating opportunities for neighbors to feel supported and uplifted, every individual is empowered to belong, and strangers come together as a caring community—building a world shaped by kindness and connection. That is simply what the ‘Be Kind’ series aims to do.”

Up next in the series is H.B. Smith, with special guest Lisa Spann. Known in the music world as H.B., Henry Benson Smith, Jr. has been performing since high school, beginning with gospel and country alongside his parents before expanding into jazz in dinner clubs. He spent much of the 1970s on the road in the thriving R&B nightclub scene and has continued his musical journey through session work both locally and in Nashville with his son, Alex. His music is available on all major streaming platforms, including Unfinished Business by H.B. Smith.

Accompanying H.B. is Lisa Spann, a lifelong vocalist and entertainer whose musical journey has taken her from church choirs to rock bands and stages across Louisiana. She has performed with numerous groups over the years, including Kamikaze—winner of the 1994 Battle of the Bands at the Monroe Civic Center—and has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including H.B. Smith. One of her most memorable moments was singing “Happy Birthday” nose-to-nose with Morgan Freeman while holding his hand at Squire Creek. Known for her versatility and love of connecting with audiences, Lisa brings energy, experience, and a deep passion for music to every performance.

Known locally for celebrating creativity through events such as the upcoming Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Festival, which opens on Friday, March 18, 2026 at 6pm, First United Methodist Church continues its commitment to fostering community through the arts with this new outdoor gathering experience.

Admission is free, and a love offering will be collected during the concert to provide direct support for the musicians.

The “Be Kind Concert Series” is sponsored in part by the Nell Shehee Foundation’s Operation Kindness initiative, promoting kindness and service through acts of generosity and civic engagement.

“It’s ok to be kind.”

A stretch of warm and mostly sunny weather is expected to settle over Rapides Parish through the end of the week and into the weekend, bringing springlike conditions and gradually rising temperatures.

Wednesday will see mostly sunny skies with highs around 80 degrees and light east winds between 5 and 10 mph. Clear conditions will continue into Wednesday night, with temperatures dipping into the upper 50s under light southeast winds.

Sunny and warm weather will persist on Thursday, with highs again near 80 degrees and light east winds. Thursday night will bring partly cloudy skies and lows in the upper 50s.

From Friday through Sunday, partly cloudy conditions are expected, with daytime highs climbing into the mid-80s and overnight lows around 60 degrees.

Looking ahead to early next week, clouds will increase from Sunday night through Tuesday. Overnight lows will rise into the upper 60s, while daytime highs remain in the mid-80s.

Overall, the forecast points to a steady warming trend with mostly dry and pleasant conditions across the region.

By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

Winning state championships is tradition for the Peabody boys basketball team, and so is recognition on the Louisiana Sports Writers Association All-State teams. 

There was plenty for Peabody to celebrate when this year’s Class 4A All-State lists were announced. Four Peabody student-athletes, including girls standout McKayla Jones, were in the spotlight, and so was one Peabody graduate. 

One other parish competitor got All-State recognition. Tioga’s Naomi Dishmon joined Jones on the 4A girls All-State honorable mention list. 

On the boys team, two Warhorses made second-team All-State: senior Malachi Anderson and freshman Corey Blake Jr. 

Peabody’s other senior, Devontre Sword, was an honorable mention choice. 

And former player Troy Jones was the boys 4A state coach of the year – not his mentor and still current Peabody coach Charles Smith, who won his 10^th state title with a team that finished 31-1 after blowing out Northside in the state finals 82-61, the third romp over the Vikings in 2025-26. 

Jones, who won two state championships (2010, 2012) for Smith as a player at Peabody, helped Northside (Lafayette) to its first appearance in the state championship since 2014. 

Despite entering the LHSAA Division II select state playoffs as a No. 12 seed, Northside made a surprising charge to the state finals, winning at No. 5 Lake Charles Prep 66-65 in the regionals and defeated No. 13 St. Michael-Baton Rouge 66-55 in the quarterfinals. The Vikings upset No. 1 Madison Prep 65-61 in the semifinals to advance to the state finals. 

Peabody was led by Blake, a 6-2 guard, with a 15-point scoring average. Anderson, a 6-5 post player, scored 13 per game. 

Sword was the Warhorses’ top scorer in both state tournament wins, getting 19 in the semifinals as Peabody ended the game on a 10-1 run for a 52-48 edge over hometown favorite Washington-Marion in Lake Charles, and posting 20 in the championship contest. He was named the Division II Select Tournament MVP. 

All-State teams are compiled by a 12-member committee from around the state, comprised of LSWA members who cover high school sports. Local sportswriter LaMar Gafford is the Cenla representative. Two five-person teams are chosen in basketball, along with honorable mention selections. 

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

We’ve all heard the words, “You need to stop and smell the roses.” That actually means we need to take the time to enjoy the moment. We need to be mentally present. Some of the best times in our lives are not always moments of fireworks going off. 

Sometimes it’s those less important events that provide just as much joy. Today, I’ll go over a few events in my life that I truly cherish, along with some I regret. 

There was one moment of regret during my Little League days. Even though I played all sports, I was also a dedicated Boy Scout. Being a scout during the 1970s was very common for a young boy. 

But the one regret I have is the fact that I was one project away from becoming an Eagle Scout and never completed it. This is the highest achievement a scout can earn. It means a lot to become an Eagle Scout and looks good on a job resume. It gets the attention of an employer looking to hire you as it shows your ability to commit to a task and follow through. 

I’ll admit that my baseball career, which was more important to me at that time, got in the way of my accomplishing the goal of receiving an Eagle Scout badge. 

One event that’s given me a lifetime of both pride and joy was being a member of the 1978 Class 3A Texas state baseball championship team. Any time you can share the experience of winning a state title, especially with your closest friends, it just means more. 

I can remember our head coach giving us a post-game speech after winning the state title. He said that this victory would mean more to us later in life than it did that day. How right he was!

That Texas state title whet my appetite for another one the next year. But nothing is harder than defending a state championship and regretfully we came up one game short of a repeat trip to the state tournament.

Another joy also comes with some regret. The day I got drafted by the Montreal Expos in 1983 brought so much joy. But after two seasons of playing in their minor league system, it was very apparent I had zero chance to make it to the major league level with the Expos. 

Montreal at the time had three Major League Baseball All-Stars in their outfield with Tim Rains, Andre Dawson and Warren Cromartie. It may have been the best outfield in the big leagues at that time. There was no room to move up in the organization unless one of these three got hurt or traded. My regret after leaving the Expos is turning down a Double A contract from the San Francisco Giants that would have extended my baseball career. 

While sports have been a huge part of my life, nothing has given me as much competitive  joy as bass fishing. As a kid growing up on a ranch, there was no shortage of stock ponds to fish. I basically learned on my own, along with reading Bassmaster Magazine stories on how to catch bass. 

I have spent hundreds of days fishing the banks of five different stock ponds loaded with good bass. I was always so proud to bring a stringer full of bass back home for a good fish fry.

Tournament bass fishing has given me much joy over the past 36 years especially with all the friends I have met and shared so many good times while fishing tournament trails and fishing some of the best lakes in the country.

Another joy in my life has been the creation of the Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show. This was a brainstorm of mine back in 2007 that I felt was much needed. Nineteen years later, the show is still going strong! Each week for 52 weeks out of the year I get to talk about issues related to God’s great outdoors. My relationship with my two other co-hosts, Gary McCoy and Mike Echols, makes doing the program so enjoyable. 

But my greatest joy came the day I signed a scholarship to continue my athletic career/education to Northwestern State University where I met Sherrie, my wife of 44 years. We then celebrated the births of our three children Brittany, Meredith and Brandon. 

To this day, raising of these three blessings has been my greatest accomplishment and one that has ZERO regrets!

Each of us has so many events or situations over the course of a lifetime that we can look back on with either joy or regret. As life continues to give us both good and bad times, just the fact that we are still waking up every day means we have so much joy to look forward to, and hopefully no regrets.  

April 8 has marked several significant turning points in global history, from groundbreaking scientific achievements to the loss of influential leaders whose legacies continue to shape modern society.

One of the most notable events tied to this date occurred in 1974, when Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s long-standing home run record by hitting his 715th career home run. The moment was more than a sports milestone—it represented perseverance and dignity in the face of intense racial hostility. Aaron’s achievement became a defining moment in American sports history and a symbol of progress during a turbulent era.

April 8 is also remembered for the death of Margaret Thatcher in 2013, the United Kingdom’s first female prime minister. Known as the “Iron Lady,” Thatcher served from 1979 to 1990 and played a key role in reshaping British economic policy through deregulation and privatization. Her leadership remains a subject of debate, but her impact on global politics is undeniable.

In science and exploration, April 8, 1960, marked the introduction of the first weather satellite system capable of transmitting cloud images from space. This advancement revolutionized meteorology, providing forecasters with unprecedented tools to predict storms and monitor climate patterns. Today’s satellite technology traces its roots back to these early innovations.

April 8 also carries significance in civil rights history. In 1968, just days after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta Scott King led a silent march in Memphis, continuing her husband’s work and demonstrating the enduring strength of the movement. The march drew thousands and reinforced calls for justice and equality.

From sports achievements to political leadership and scientific breakthroughs, April 8 stands as a date marked by resilience, innovation, and lasting influence across multiple fields.

Louisiana residents are once again battling their annual sworn enemy as a thick layer of pollen quietly takes over cars, porches, and anything that dares to exist outside. Visibility is fine, but everything now has a nice yellow finish—whether it asked for it or not. Officials have yet to confirm when it will end, but locals agree: the pollen is winning.

Rapides Parish Sheriff Mark Wood recently received a visit from Jessica Turner with the Geaux 4 Kids, Inc. initiative, which works to provide support for children in crisis.

Geaux 4 Kids, Inc. partners with the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement (LCLE) to supply “Geaux Bags” to law enforcement agencies and the Department of Children and Family Services. These bags are designed to help children during the first 24 to 48 hours after being removed from their homes.

The bags contain essential items such as pajamas, toiletries and toys, offering comfort and dignity to children who may be victims of crime or neglect. Patrol deputies often deliver the bags to children in need.

Sheriff Wood and the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office expressed appreciation for the initiative and the support it provides to children during difficult circumstances.

For more information about Geaux 4 Kids or to learn how to support the program, visit geauxbags.org/about-us.

The City of Alexandria has released a final update following a joint investigation by the Alexandria Police Department and the Alexandria Fire Department into the death of Za’Niyah Boyd.

Officials say that after a review of physical evidence, forensic analysis and witness statements, investigators have ruled out foul play. The findings conclude that the death was a tragic accident.

Authorities noted that public safety teams worked to ensure a complete and accurate investigation, while urging the public to rely on official sources for information. Officials emphasized the importance of balancing the public’s need for answers with the privacy and dignity of the victim and her family.

The statement also addressed the spread of misinformation during the investigation, warning that false claims and unverified rumors can hinder investigative efforts and cause additional harm to grieving families.

The City of Alexandria extended condolences to the family and friends of Za’Niyah Boyd and asked the community to respect their privacy as they continue to grieve.

By Cole Gentry, Chief Marketing Officer at Northwestern State University

The drive to campus often carries two things at once, excitement and uncertainty.

For many students, college begins before the first class ever meets. It starts in the quiet questions that build during the summer. Where do I go? Who do I ask? What will this place feel like once it becomes mine?

At Northwestern State University, Freshman Connection is designed to answer those questions early and well.

The program serves as NSU’s official orientation for new first-year students attending the Natchitoches, Alexandria, Leesville, and Shreveport campuses. It gives students an organized, welcoming introduction to campus life, academic expectations, and the people who will help shape their first year. Students meet in small groups led by current student Connectors, who guide conversations, share advice, and help make a university feel personal from the very beginning.

That matters, because the transition to college rarely feels small.

Students are stepping away from familiar routines and entering a new environment with new expectations. They are learning how to manage time, ask for help, build relationships, and take ownership of their education. Freshman Connection meets them in that moment. It does not overwhelm them with information and send them on their way. It introduces them to the rhythm of NSU, one conversation, one session, and one connection at a time.

During orientation, students learn about academic advising and register for fall classes. They are introduced to campus services and resources that support strong academic choices and healthy social decisions. They explore opportunities for involvement and begin to understand what responsibility looks like in a college setting. By the end, the university is no longer a collection of buildings and offices. It starts to feel familiar.

“We want you to leave orientation knowing exactly where you belong,” said Dr. Mary-Katherine Maggio, director of First Year Experience and Student Engagement. “You arrive as a visitor, and you leave as a Demon.”

That sense of belonging is one of the most important parts of the experience.

Freshman Connection is also built with families in mind. Parent Connection runs alongside the student program and gives parents and guardians a closer look at first-year transitions, student involvement, campus services, university procedures, and academic resources. NSU also offers Kid Konnection for siblings ages 5 to 12, creating a family-centered welcome that recognizes college is often a transition shared by more than one person.

The 2026 schedule gives families several options. Natchitoches will host sessions May 20 to 21, May 27 to 28, June 17 to 18, and July 9. Additional one-day satellite events are scheduled for Alexandria on June 23, Leesville on June 24, and Shreveport on June 25, and these sessions are only for students attending those campuses. Registration opened Feb. 10 through the myStatus portal at www.nsu.la/mystatus, where students can also review admissions, financial aid, housing, and orientation information in one place.

That is why Freshman Connection matters. It gives students structure before the semester begins. It helps them move from uncertainty to clarity. It gives them names, faces, places, and next steps.

And for many, it marks the moment college stops feeling distant and starts feeling real.

At the end of Freshman Connection, students depart with direction. They know where to go, who to contact, and how to begin. They leave having already taken an important first step toward success at Northwestern State.

Explore Freshman Connection: www.nsu.la/fc

Apply to NSU: www.nsu.la/apply

Register for Freshman Connection: www.nsu.la/mystatus