It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Collin Michael Lacaze, who left us far too soon on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. He was born on August 20, 2009. Collin was just 16 years old, yet he brought so much joy and light into the lives of everyone who knew him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Collin’s honor at St. Rita Catholic Church in Alexandria at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, with Reverend Anthony “Raj” Dharmaraj and Reverend Luke LaFleur officiating. Following the service, Collin will be laid to rest in Memory Lawn Cemetery in Natchitoches at 2:30 p.m., Tuesday under the direction of Hixson Brothers, Alexandria.

Pallbearers will be Blake Foster, Thomas Huff, Kendrick Wright, Mason Jarred, James Tichner, Kane Givens, and Brendon Cyphers.

Honorary pallbearers will be the ASH Baseball team and Coaches.

While this loss is deeply felt, the family members invite all who knew and loved Collin to come together to celebrate his life. A visitation will be held at The Entertainment Center-Laborde Earles Coliseum, on Monday, April 6, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. During this time of remembrance, a Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m., bringing everyone together in love and prayer.

Collin was a vibrant young man who was currently a Junior at ASH. He was passionate about baseball playing on the winning World Series teams at 5 and 13 years old. He thrived in the moments he spent on the diamond, where his spirit and enthusiasm inspired his teammates. He was also a budding entrepreneur, having embarked on a Car Wash business that showcased his creativity, attention to detail, and drive. Collin’s determination and work ethic shone brightly in everything he pursued. He was an honor student with a 4.2 GPA and member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

In addition to his entrepreneurial spirit, Collin had a heart for the community. He dedicated his time to volunteer work, always looking for ways to lend a helping hand to those in need. He had a love for the great outdoors; fishing was one of his favorite pastimes, where he found joy and peace by the water. Collin also took great pride in his Mustang, which symbolized his adventurous nature and love for life.

Collin is survived by his loving parents, Michael Shawn and Jamie Jacobs LaCaze; brother, Luke LaCaze; grandparents, Rodney and Cathy Jacobs; grandfather, Louis LaCaze; grandmother, Cindy Harper; his constant companion and love of his life, Adelyn Francis, his dog Tucker, and numerous other family and friends.

The family wishes to thank the Rapides Hospital Trauma Department, ASH Baseball Family, Billy Doyal, Lynn Diaz, Kelli Robertson, Thomas Huff and Michelle Desoto, Madison Daigle, Beth Thibadeax, Whitney Foster, Alyssa Rachal, and Dr. Trey Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alexandria Rescue Center, ASH Baseball or M.A.D.D.

He will be deeply missed, but his light will continue to shine brightly in our memories.

By JIM BUTLER

Julius Layfield’s legal issues date to at least 2006, none as consequential as the current one.

Layfield, 45, of Alexandria is accused of running over and killing a teenager, critically injuring another and fleeing into the night.

He was arrested Wednesday and charged with three felony counts in the death of Collin Lacaze and the injuring of Addy Francis, both 16.

Mayfield remained in lockup Thursday under $300,000 bond, a much-discussed amount on social media with the “too lows” clearly the predominant opinion.

Authorities have not yet said why the youths were standing on the side of Eddie Williams Avenue, a relatively short distance from Layfield’s residence on Richland Road, or whether others were at the scene near Tulane Avenue.

Eddie Williams is a relatively straight road paralleling the east side of I49 from Broadway to beyond Sugarhouse Road.  

Readily available records show Layfield, a Pollock resident at the time, was charged in Terrebonne Parish with felony possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Dangerous Substance in July 2006.

Disposition of that case is not readily available online, a normal operating procedure in clerks of court offices.

Rapides deputies booked Layfield, then of Alexandria, on a trespassing charge in 2014.

In 2017, then living in Pollock,  he was arrested by Grant deputies and charged with possession of crystal meth, probation violation and an outstanding warrant in Rapides.

The parole charge indicates a Department of Corrections sentence at some point.

 Rapides arrested him on a contempt count in May 2021. Layfield was held under $100,000 bond and subsequently arrested on a parole violation charge and released to DOC.

A Pineville lawmaker’s effort to strip private companies of eminent domain authority over carbon capture projects is dead in the House following a contentious committee vote Tuesday, though two companion measures giving Rapides Parish and all Louisiana parishes a vote on carbon sequestration projects remain alive — and property rights advocates say the fight is moving to the Senate.

House Bill 7, the Louisiana Landowners Protection Act authored by House Speaker Pro Tempore Mike Johnson (R-Pineville), failed 12-7 in the House Committee on Natural Resources and Energy after a nearly five-hour standing-room-only hearing packed with landowners and lobbyists. Crowd outbursts prompted the committee chairman to call for order multiple times.

HB 7 would have repealed a 2020 state law allowing private companies to use eminent domain to acquire easements over private property for carbon capture and CO2 pipeline infrastructure. Johnson, who voted for the 2020 law, said he now regrets that vote. “I didn’t ask enough questions. I didn’t ask any questions,” Johnson said. “Now that’s a contradiction against our U.S. and Louisiana constitutions we have to correct.”

Industry groups testified against the bill, with Louisiana Chemical Association President and CEO David Cresson warning that industrial projects tied to carbon capture in the state are valued at over $100 billion. “Louisiana’s competing directly with Texas, Mississippi and others for that capital,” Cresson said.

HB 7 is the first of more than 20 carbon capture bills filed this session to receive a committee hearing. Two companion bills by Johnson remain pending without a hearing date — HB 6, which would give Rapides Parish governing authorities a vote on whether CCS projects may proceed in the parish, and HB 5, which would extend that same authority statewide.

The 2026 legislative session continues through June 1.

The Ruby-Kolin Fire Department responded to 42 calls for service in March, logging a total of 285 hours on incidents, according to its latest monthly report.

That total accounts for nearly 38 percent of the entire month, or approximately 11 full days spent actively serving the community.

Call types for March included 15 medical calls, 11 grass and wildland fires, five dispatched and cancelled calls, three motor vehicle accidents, three public service calls, two structure fires, one kitchen fire, one fire alarm and one power line down incident.

Year-to-date, the department has responded to 137 calls, averaging about 45 calls per month. At the same point last year, the department had recorded 90 calls, reflecting a 52 percent increase in call volume.

Department officials noted that the steady rise in calls highlights the continued demand on personnel, who respond at all hours to meet the needs of the community.

The department expressed appreciation for its members’ commitment and service, emphasizing their role in maintaining consistent emergency response coverage throughout the area.

The Rapides Parish School Board announced that Sarah Corley of the Louisiana State University at Alexandria Children’s Center has been named a finalist for Early Childhood Leader of the Year.

Corley is part of the Rapides Early Childhood Network, where her leadership plays a key role in supporting early learning and development for young students across the parish.

School officials say the recognition highlights ongoing efforts to ensure children receive a strong educational foundation in their earliest years.

The district also recognized teacher and principal semifinalists, noting the importance of educators and leaders working together to support student success.

Thursday was a very good day for the two local college baseball teams.

The No. 19 Louisiana Christian Wildcats swept a doubleheader with another of the Red River Athletic Conference’s top teams, while the LSU Alexandria Generals knocked off 10^th-ranked Texas A&M-Victoria.

In a meeting of two of the four teams which entered the weekend tied for second in the conference standings, the Wildcats decided the series on Day 1 of the three-game set with Our Lady of the Lake, sweeping Thursday’s doubleheader with the Saints, 3-0 and 7-4, at Billy Allgood Field. OLOL is receiving votes in the NAIA Top 25.

Game 1 – Louisiana Christian 3, Our Lady of the Lake 0: LCU (31-6 overall, 16-4 RRAC) rode Kade Linn’s arm to victory as he threw his second-straight complete-game shutout. Our Lady of the Lake (25-13, 14-6 RRAC) got just three hits off Linn in the opener, all from the same batter while no other Saint player reached base in the contest.

Game 2 – Louisiana Christian 7, Our Lady of the Lake 4: Drake Aldridge clubbed a two-run home run in the seventh inning to give the Wildcats the breathing room in a one-run game.

The teams finish the series today at noon at Billy Allgood Field.

LSUA 7, A&M-Victoria 5: Dalton Wilson’s sixth home run of the season, a fifth-inning grand slam, combined with a quality start from Michael Sutton Thursday as the Generals upset the 10^th-ranked visitors.

Sutton earned the win after 6.2 innings on the bump. He allowed five runs on four hits and four walks. He struck out a pair. Sutton allowed just one run through the first six innings of play.

The Generals (27-10, 15-4 RRAC) led the Jaguars (27-10, 16-3) from the opening frame.  Wilson’s clout made it 6-1 LSUA.

The teams play a noon doubleheader today at Generals Baseball Field in Lecompte.

The Rapides Parish Police Jury has announced a temporary road closure for bridge repairs on Wayne Hedricks Road.

The closure is scheduled for Monday, April 6 from 9 a.m. until noon. Officials noted that the work is weather permitting and could be affected by unforeseen complications.

Drivers are advised to plan alternate routes during the closure period.

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office has located a person of interest in connection with an attempted kidnapping investigation in Tioga, according to an update released Wednesday. The investigation remains ongoing.

The case began on March 31 at approximately 7:30 p.m., when patrol deputies from the Tioga Substation responded to a report of suspicious activity in the 1500 block of Edwards Road.

Upon arrival, deputies made contact with the complainants, who reported that a man approached several children playing in the area and allegedly attempted to lure them to his vehicle by offering to show them puppies. The children fled and alerted their parents, who confronted the suspect before he left the scene.

Deputies conducted a search of the area at the time but were unable to locate the vehicle.

Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division at the Tioga Substation have been investigating the incident as an attempted kidnapping. Authorities previously described the suspect as a male believed to be between 28 and 35 years old, traveling alone in a blue four-door Honda Accord.

Officials thanked the public for its assistance and stated that additional updates will be released as more information becomes available.

The Rite of Burial of the Dead with Holy Eucharist will be celebrated for John Morgan Brewer, Sr. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. James Episcopal Church with The Rev. Canon John D. Bedingfield officiating. Interment will follow in Phythian Cemetery, Bunkie, under the direction of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home. 

Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of service on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at St. James Episcopal Church. 

John Morgan Brewer, Sr., 83, of Alexandria, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Rapides Regional Medical Center. 

John is preceded in death by his father, Chester Morgan; parents, Frank and Joyce Brewer; and sister, Charlotte Brewer Ruth. 

John Brewer, Sr. will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Born and raised in Alexandria, he attended Bolton High School before earning his Bachelor of Business Administration from Louisiana Tech University and his Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning from Texas A&M University.

John proudly served his country as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Conflict. Known for his playful spirit, he was a natural jokester who loved teasing others and making people laugh with his antics. He found great joy in simple pleasures by relaxing on his front porch on Albert Street, sipping cocktails, enjoying a cigar, and spending time with his beloved dog, George.

An avid reader, John had a particular interest in history and books about war. He dedicated many years of his professional life to the Rapides Area Planning Commission, where he contributed to the design and development of city streets and local businesses.

John will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Delores Dean Brewer; son, John Morgan Brewer, Jr. (Robyn); daughter, Ann-Aldridge Brewer; grandson, John Morgan Brewer, III; siblings, Gordon Brewer (Ginger), David Brewer (Emmie), Steven Brewer (Margaret), Carolee Brink (John), Walter Brewer (Debbie) and Frances Brewer Jordon; 14 nieces and nephews and many extended family and friends. 

Pallbearers honored to serve will be Gordon Brewer, David Brewer, Steven Brewer, Walter Brewer, Richard Louis Dean, and Sam Bejach.

John cherished his friendships throughout his life; some remain with us, while others have passed on. The following gentlemen are recognized as honorary pallbearers, both those still living and those who preceded John in death; Kit Provine, Bob Huthnance, Joe Doss, Dick Fowler, Ned Randolph, Frank Bolton, Al Shapiro, Albin Provosty and Ken Hollis. 

Charitable donations in John’s memory can be mailed to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516. 

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the 6th floor nursing staff at Rapides Regional Medical Center for the compassion, care, and support they provided to John and the entire Brewer family.

To extend online notes of condolence to the Brewer Family, please visit www.KramerFunerals.com. 

Jennifer Aguilar, 56, of Woodworth, LA, passed away on March 29, 2026. Born on September 19, 1969, in New Orleans, Jennifer was the beloved spouse of Darryl Aguilar (married for 31 years) and fantastic mother to her children: Christopher, Meredith, and William Aguilar, and her beloved bulldogs, Margie and Manley. She is the loving daughter of Janice Donnaway Held and the late Robert Joseph Held Sr. and sister to Melissa Held Oliver (John Oliver), Christine Held Harper (Glenn Harper), and the late Robert Held Jr. Jennifer is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Libby, Sam, and Maddy Oliver and Marie, Michael, and Joseph Harper, and many loving cousins and friends.

Prior to becoming a mother, Jennifer taught English at St. Rita of Cascia School in Harahan, LA. Jennifer will be remembered for her outgoing personality, humor, laughter, sharp mind, generosity, and being a great role model for her children. She loved spending time with her family, friends, and pets, going to the Gulf Coast and traveling, gardening, and being in nature. Jennifer will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Garden of Memories Funeral Home with visitation starting at 12:00 noon and a Memorial Mass at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CENLA Alliance for Animals at http://www.cenlaallianceforanimals.com or Ochsner Health at http://www.ochsner.org. Online condolences may be offered at http://www.gardenofmemoriesmetairie.com.

Phonetic: /horn·swog·gle/

Part of Speech: Verb

Definition

By JIM BUTLER

This is not exactly what Frankie Ford had in mind — the case of a now-former Pinecrest police captain who allegedly claimed military duty time to take a sea cruise is now in the District Attorney’s venue.

A Legislative Auditor’s investigative report asserts Cedric Bias claimed he was on military-ordered training while cruising the Caribbean and claiming on-call pay at the same time.

The auditors looked into the matter after receiving an anonymous complaint, also received by the facility regional administrator.

It claimed Bias was cruising in July 2025 the same time he filed military duty orders paperwork.

Subsequently, auditors said, follow-up found the military had no record of such orders.

Bias “appears to have altered military orders to obtain paid military leave for dates that overlapped with personal vacation time,” auditors conclude, adding he also claimed 31 hours of on-call pay in the same period.

On-call requires the employee to be within 31-45 minutes of reporting for work, difficult at best from Cozumel.

Auditors learned a female co-employee, using scheduled accrued personal time, cruised with Bias.

Bias told auditors, the report says, that his training duty was cancelled after the first day and he received his military supervisor’s approval to accompany family on a cruise.

Training cancellations, the report quotes Bias as asserting, are not uncommon.

Ooh-wee, ooh-wee, baby 

Won’t you let me take you on a sea cruise?

A 16-year-old has died following a hit-and-run crash involving pedestrians Tuesday night in Alexandria.

The Alexandria Police Department responded to the incident around 11:11 p.m. March 31 on Eddie Williams Avenue near the intersection of Tulane Avenue.

According to authorities, two pedestrians—a 16-year-old male and a 16-year-old female—were standing on the shoulder of the roadway when they were struck by a southbound vehicle. The driver fled the scene immediately after the crash.

Both victims were transported to Rapides Regional Medical Center with serious injuries. The male victim, identified as Collin Lacaze, later died from his injuries.

The incident remains under investigation. Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Alexandria Police Department Detective Division at (318) 441-6416 or dispatch at (318) 441-6559. Tips can also be submitted by email to APDDetectives@cityofalex.com.

Anonymous tips may be provided through Crime Stoppers of CenLa at (318) 443-7867 or through the P3 Tips app.

The Louisiana State Penitentiary Museum Foundation is pleased to announce that Judge Loren M. Lampert, of the 9th Judicial District Court, has been selected as a 2026 inductee into the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame, an honor reserved for individuals whose careers have made extraordinary and lasting contributions to the administration of justice in Louisiana.

Judge Lampert’s distinguished career spans more than three decades of public service across multiple sectors of the criminal justice system. He began his service as a police officer and later served as Chief of Police for the City of Alexandria, where he led the department with a focus on community engagement, public trust, and ethical policing.

In addition, Judge Lampert served as a felony prosecutor for 27 years, earning a reputation for integrity, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to public safety. His impact extended statewide when he became Executive Director of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association, where he worked closely with prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, and policymakers to strengthen Louisiana’s criminal justice system.

“I am deeply honored and humbled by this recognition,” said Judge Lampert. “I have been so blessed to enjoy the privilege of serving the people of Louisiana in many different capacities. It is the support, inspiration and motivation that I received from family, friends, colleagues, mentors, and even adversaries, that has resulted in this honor. I never would have envisioned having my name called among these Justice Giants who make up the class of 2026, nor those who currently occupy the Hall. I’ve admired so many of them for many years.”

In addition to his extensive leadership roles, Judge Lampert has continued his commitment to justice as a District Judge for the 9th Judicial District, where he is known for his thoughtful decision-making, respect for all who enter the courtroom, and dedication to upholding the rule of law.

Judge Lampert will be honored at the 2026 Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on June 5, 2026, at the LSU Lod Cook Center. He will be joining fellow 2026 inductees: Liz Murrill, Attorney General of Louisiana; Brandon J. Fremin, former U.S. Attorney; Sam Craft, Sheriff of Vernon Parish; John E. Ballance, Sheriff of Bienville Parish; and Ernest “Bim” Coulberston, Chief of Police and Town Marshal of Farmerville.

The Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame, established by the Louisiana State Penitentiary Museum Foundation, recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to law enforcement, the judiciary, the legal profession, and public safety. Inductees are selected for their leadership, service, integrity, and positive impact on the state’s justice system.

Louisiana Christian University will welcome renowned Christian apologist Frank Turek to campus on April 7.

Turek will answer the following questions in a four-point case for Christianity: Does truth exist? Does God exist? Are miracles possible? Is the New Testament reliable? 

Turek is president of the Christian apologetics ministry CrossExamined.org and best-selling author of “I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist.”

A mentor to the late Charlie Kirk, Turek was just a few feet away from Kirk at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025, when Kirk was assassinated.

Christian apologetics uses science and reasoning to prove the truth of Christianity and cross-examines claims against it. More information about Turek’s ministry is available on CrossExamined.org.

The event begins at 7 p.m. in Guinn Auditorium and is free and open to the public.

State tournament appearances netted All-State basketball honors for Menard’s Carly Meynard on the girls Class AA team and for Kendan Maricle and Caleb Calhoun from Plainview on the Class C boys squad.

Another six parish standouts received honorable mention status on the All-State squads posted as of Wednesday.

The Louisiana Sports Writers Association has announced its All-State teams for Classes AA, A, B and C, with the three largest classifications to be unveiled shortly. A 12-member LSWA committee comprised of media covering high school sports, including Cenla journalist LaMar Gafford, coordinate nominations and vote on the teams, which are comprised of two five-member teams and honorable mentions.

Meynard was a first-team 2A selection. The 5-11 senior was dominant inside as the Lady Eagles made the state championship game for the first time in school history. She averaged 28 points and 13 rebounds capping a carer in which she scored 2,282 points and grabbed 1,686 rebounds, both school records. Menard lost in overtime in the state finals.

Maricle was a first-team pick on the Class C boys team. The 5-11 senior averaged 20 points per game. Calhoun was right behind at 19 per game and was a second-team All-State selection. They helped the Hornets reach the state semifinals a year after a state championship season.

Parish girls receiving honorable mention status were Malia Perkins of Rapides (Class AA), Ahmani Harris of Glenmora and Lanie Johnson of Oak Hill (Class B), and Lillian Young of Plainview (Class C).

Rapides’ Zayveian Johnson (Class AA) and Ty Goodwin of Oak Hil (Class B) were the only parish boys players so far to net honorable mention All-State recognition.