A routine item on the Alexandria City Council consent agenda this week is a reminder that government is not all controversy and calamity.

Council members authorized advertising for bids for constructing a LA. Hwy. 1 South booster station, ground level water storage tank and water main.

Where does it figure to get the $4 million or so to cover the estimated cost?

The answer is simple enough though the process is not — it’s included in the Capital Outlay budget adopted each Spring.

That is a 284-page compendium of how the city intends to use non-operating funds for General Capital undertakings, this year about $3.9 million, to streets, drainage, utility system and other categories spending requiring more. The Hwy. 1 project is one such of the latter.

City employees spend time each year pulling together the outlay plan — adding some, deleting or delaying others, then it goes to the Council for review, massage, etc.

Any citizen accessing the operating and outlay budgets on the city website can determine exactly where the city intends to spend its bucks.

Property and sales taxes contribute some of those dollars, as do bonds secured by tax, revenue dedications, and federal and state loans and grants.

Is your street getting an overlay, that ditch being covered, sidewalk coming? Look it up.

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By Rich Dupree

With 25 locations already open in Louisiana, Cenla followers of the popular coffee chain 7 Brew have been wondering not if, but when. Site preparation work including dirt work and ground leveling has been underway for a few months now at 713 MacArthur Drive, but it wasn’t until the iconic blue and gray building was literally dropped on that location that it became more than just a rumor.

The new 7 Brew Coffee Alexandria location is under construction on North McArthur Drive at one of the busiest commercial corridors in Central Louisiana. The building sits between the Texaco gas station and a Subway restaurant, making it an incredibly convenient stop for commuters and locals already familiar with that stretch of road. The high-traffic location is no accident as 7 Brew consistently performs best in drive-through-friendly, easily accessible spots, and North McArthur Drive checks every one of those boxes. 

Now that the physical structure is in place, the next stages of construction and setup are underway, and it won’t be long before local customers can enjoy the same high-energy, friendly service that has made 7 Brew a cult favorite across the country.

The first 7 Brew stand opened in Rogers, Arkansas in 2017. The company has focused on a drive-thru-only model, emphasizing speed, personal interaction, and a fun culture. The name “7 Brew” originally referred to seven signature coffee drinks on the menu. By 2020, the brand had grown to seven locations before being acquired by Brew Culture LLC, which accelerated national expansion. The company then expanded rapidly through franchising and private investment, growing to 38 States and over 800+ locations the last six years.

7 Brew has a menu of 20,000+ possible flavorful drinks across 7 categories, including Coffees, 7 Energy drinks, 7 Fizz Sodas, Teas, Lemonades, Smoothies, and Shakes. It is broadly recognized as the “fastest growing restaurant chain in America”. 7 Brew and its franchisees now train, support, and mentor an average of 60 local Brew Crew team members per location. Currently, the Brew Crew is over 45,000 strong and growing across the United States and continues to “Cultivate Kindness” with customers and in communities across America.

Official operating hours for the Alexandria location have not been announced yet. However, most 7 Brew Coffee locations operate from early morning through late evening, typically 5 AM to 11 PM or later, seven days a week.

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Ball Elementary to Hold Ribbon Cutting for New Multipurpose Building — Today
Rapides Parish School Board

Ball Elementary School will hold a ribbon cutting today, Thursday, Sept. 24, at 1:30 p.m. for its new multipurpose building at 89 Camp Livingston Road in Ball. The building includes classrooms and additional spaces funded by a bond approved by District 11 voters in 2023.

CenLa Chamber Congressional Candidates Event Rescheduled to October 28
CenLa Chamber of Commerce

The Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce has rescheduled its Meet the Congressional Candidates event to Wednesday, Oct. 28, immediately following a luncheon the Chamber is hosting featuring U.S. Senator John Kennedy. For more information, contact Danielle Yerby at (318) 442-6671 or dyerby@cenlachamber.org.

Caroline Dormon Junior High to Host Ribbon Cutting and Dedications — September 29
Rapides Parish School Board

Caroline Dormon Junior High will hold a ribbon cutting Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 9:30 a.m. for a new classroom wing at 8906 U.S. 165 in Woodworth. During the ceremony, the wing will be dedicated to Mayor David Butler and his wife, Linda Butler, and the school library will be dedicated to Dr. Gary Jones and his wife, Sarah Jones, in recognition of their lasting impact on Rapides Parish schools.

Alexandria Senior High to Dedicate Butch Crenshaw Fieldhouse — October 1
Rapides Parish School Board

Alexandria Senior High School will hold a ribbon cutting Thursday, Oct. 1, at noon to open and dedicate its new fieldhouse, named in honor of Butch Crenshaw, ASH’s first athletic director and football coach. The fieldhouse features new locker rooms, training areas, and meeting spaces. Tours will follow the ceremony. The event will be held at the ASH Fieldhouse, 800 Ola St.; attendees should enter from James Street and park behind the fieldhouse.

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Northwestern State University’s Rodeo Team is preparing for its first collegiate competition since the program was reestablished, with 12 student-athletes set to compete at the Panola College Rodeo Sept. 24-26 in Tatum, Texas.

The competition will mark NSU’s debut in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s Southern Region after the university announced the return of the Rodeo Team in May. The team has since grown to a roster of 14 student-athletes under Coach Cody DeMoss, with 12 set to compete at Panola College.

NSU will be represented in several events during its opening competition. The lineup includes four saddle bronc riders, five competitors in breakaway roping and two barrel racers. NSU will also field a team in team roping, while another NSU competitor will team rope with a student from Trinity Valley Community College.

“This is the very first college rodeo that they are going to get to go to,” DeMoss said. “This one being right here in Tatum, Texas, just 120 miles down the road, is a perfect warmup for us.”

DeMoss, a 14-time National Finals Rodeo bronc rider, was named coach as NSU reestablished the program. He said he sees potential across several events as the team enters its first competition.

“I think they’ve got a chance,” DeMoss said. “There are a couple bronc riders in here that have really got a chance to do some good, quite a few breakaway ropers. The horsemanship on quite a few of them is pretty good, so there’s some real talent.”

Allison Savant, a freshman industrial engineering major from Kenner, competes in breakaway and team roping. She said the team has been practicing nearly every night leading up to its first competition.

“I’m pretty confident. We have a pretty strong team,” Savant said. “Mr. Cody has definitely coached us up. We’ve been practicing almost every night. We have really good calves to practice on, so I think we are going to do a really good job.”

For Savant, the Panola College Rodeo will also be her first experience competing at the collegiate level.

“I feel like it’s going to be a fun experience,” Savant said. “First college rodeo, it’s not going to be like the high school rodeos. It’s going to be a little bit different, so I’m excited to see what’s new.”

Cyler Yeager, a freshman from Montana, competes in saddle bronc riding. He said the opportunity to join a new program helped draw him to NSU.

“When I first got to talking to Mr. Cody, he had a lot of great things to say, and I thought it would be great to be a part of a new organization,” Yeager said. “I thought I might be able to help create history and maybe be history myself.”

Yeager said he feels confident entering his first collegiate competition after weeks of preparation.

“We’ve been training pretty rigorously lately, hopping on horses and on the dummy over there and just trying my hardest to get ready for it,” Yeager said. “You’ve just got to trust in the motions that you know.”

The Panola College Rodeo opens a five-event fall schedule for the NIRA Southern Region. Following Panola, the region is scheduled to compete at Southwest Texas College Oct. 1-3 in Uvalde, Texas, Northeast Texas Community College Oct. 8-10 in Mount Pleasant, Texas, McNeese State University Oct. 30-31 in Lake Charles and Sam Houston State University Nov. 12-14 in Huntsville, Texas.

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By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

MEDINAH, Ill. – Seems like an ideal pairing, two good friends who happen to be among the world’s very best golfers, representing the USA in international play.

Just hasn’t worked that way for Shreveport native Sam Burns, eighth in the Official World Golf Rankings, and his pal, World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler.

They aim for success today as four-ball partners in the first match of the 2026 Presidents Cup competition at Medinah Country Club in the Chicago metroplex. Tee time is 11:35 against Min Woo Lee (No. 30) of Australia and Sungjae Im (No. 60) of South Korea. Using the OWGR scale, with an 81-point spread, it’s the biggest mismatch in the five four-ball contests today.

Today and Friday, TV coverage of the Presidents Cup is on Golf Channel. Saturday’s coverage starts from 7-8 a.m. before moving to NBC for the rest of the weekend competition, which wraps up Sunday with singles play. Subsequent pairings will be made daily by team captains, the USA’s Brandt Snedeker and Geoff Oglivy for the International team.

Burns recalls being a 13-year-old in Shreveport when he first crossed paths with Dallas native Scheffler in junior golf events. Although they play plenty of practice rounds together during every PGA Tour season, this is the first time since 2023 they’ve been paired at an international event mostly because they were a combined 0-3-1 as partners at the 2022 Presidents Cup and 2023 Ryder Cup.

The separation worked in 2024 with Scheffler and Burns responsible for six points in team play. But at last year’s Ryder Cup, the U.S. got a whopping half-point from the two; Scheffler went 0-4 at Bethpage before winning his singles match.

“Do I think we have unfinished business? I don’t know if I would call it that,” said Burns Tuesday at his media session. “It’s been frustrating the times we have played together, and we feel like we’ve played really well and ultimately not won.”

The most glaring example came in Burns’ professional international debut, the 2022 Presidents Cup at Quail Hollow. After tying  Im and Sebastian Munoz despite making nine birdies and an eagle, the USA’s statistics staff told Burns that he and Scheffler would’ve beaten any other team that day. Instead, Im and Munoz rang up nine birdies as well.

“We’ve played well together. It’s just a matter of earning some points for the U.S. team. It’s been more frustrating than anything,” said Burns, 30, now living in Choudrant, coming off his best season as a pro.

“It’s a comfortable pairing for us. We obviously spend a lot of time together, play a lot of golf together. Yeah, it’ll be fun.”

Burns is thrilled to take part in his fifth consecutive international event on Team USA, his third President’s Cup (all wins) along with two Ryder Cups (American defeats).

“Being able to play for your country and represent 11 other guys and all the captains and all the spouses that are here, I don’t take that lightly. When you’re playing and you’re in your career, these weeks kind of fly by, and one day you really look back and have a ton of appreciation for what it means to represent your country and be on these teams.

“I think all of us on this squad, there’s nothing more we want to do than to go out and win and represent our country well, and that’s the plan this week,” he said.

The proud former LSU two-time All-American has had enough frustration recently. He was tuned into the Tigers’ loss at Ole Miss Saturday night as Heisman Trophy candidate Trinidad Chambliss led the Rebels to a dramatic 32-24 triumph.

“I’m still not over it,” said Burns. “I will say this: Trinidad, he’s a heck of a football player. I knew he was really good before the game and I was even more impressed after.”

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

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Catholic Charities of Central Louisiana has been selected as a recipient of the Central Louisiana Community Foundation’s 2026 Impact Award.

The grant will support the Bridge to Stability program, which serves families facing financial hardship across Rapides, Avoyelles and Grant parishes.

The program provides rent and utility assistance while also offering budgeting education to help families build long-term financial stability.

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Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office Patrol Deputies responded to the 3600 block of Prescott Drive in Alexandria on Sept. 23 around 5:40 pm in reference to tip on the location of wanted person ANGIE TENNILLE WESTER.

Patrol Deputies located Wester and she was taken into custody without incident, transported and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center on her outstanding charges.

Sheriff’s Detectives would like to thank everyone who gave tips and all of our faithful Facebook followers who assisted in the apprehension of Wester.

Original Press Release:

Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office Patrol Deputies responded to a complaint on Sept. 14 of identity theft that had been attempted at a local banking establishment. According to the victim, a person entered the bank impersonating them by presenting fraudulent identification in an attempt to withdraw money from their account. Alert bank personnel turned the person away and contacted the victim, who in turn contacted RPSO. Deputies took the initial report and the case was turned over to the Criminal Investigations Division for follow-up investigation.

Through their investigation, Sheriff’s Detectives were able to identify the suspect as Angie Tennille Wester, 50, of Alexandria.

From their investigation, Sheriff’s Detectives were able to establish sufficient probable cause that supported the original allegations. On September 17, 2026, Sheriff’s Detectives secured arrest warrants on Wester for bank fraud and unlawful production, manufacturing, distribution, or possession of fraudulent documents for identification purposes.

At this time, Wester has not been located and Sheriff’s Detectives are requesting the public’s assistance in locating her.

If anyone knows the whereabouts of Angie Tennille Wester, they are asked to contact Main Office Detectives at 318-473-6727, RPSO at 318-473-6700 or Crime Stoppers at 318-443-7867.

WANTED

Angie Tennille Wester, 50
White female
5’2”
155 lbs.
Gray hair
Brown eyes

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The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office held the grand opening of its new Cheneyville Patrol Substation on Sept. 23.

The southeast part of Rapides Parish is a large patrol area, and the substation will provide deputies with a location to work from and provide service to the community.

Groundbreaking for the substation was held Jan. 21, 2026, and it became operational July 21, 2026, with construction completed in seven months.

The substation will be staffed 24/7 with a communications officer and a patrol deputy working 12-hour shifts. A resident deputy and detective will also be assigned to the location Monday through Friday to assist citizens in the Lecompte, Cheneyville, Echo and Poland communities. The location will also be available to assist the LSU-A Police Department if needed.

The Cheneyville Substation was formed in cooperation and conjunction with Rapides Parish Fire District 12. Fire District 12 is part of the Public Safety Complex and is looking forward to the completion of its station in the near future.

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office thanked State Rep. Rhonda Butler, House District 38; State Rep. and Speaker Pro Temp Mike Johnson, House District 27; and State Sen. Jay Luneau, Senate District 29, for their assistance and dedication to the citizens of southeast Rapides Parish in securing funding for the project.

The sheriff’s office also thanked Chief Lee Stanley and the firefighters of District 12 for their assistance in making the project a reality.

Citizens, elected officials, mayors, police jurors and police chiefs from surrounding agencies attended the grand opening. The sheriff’s office also thanked its deputies and support staff for their efforts on the project and grand opening.

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The Red River Delta Law Enforcement Planning Council marked its 50th anniversary with a meeting in Pineville.

The City of Pineville congratulated the Red River Delta on the anniversary.

For half a century, the Council has worked to secure essential grant funding, resources and coordination for public safety agencies across Central Louisiana.

Law enforcement and community leaders from across Central Louisiana attended the anniversary meeting.

The City of Pineville thanked the leadership, board and staff, past and present, for 50 years of support.

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Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

Sept. 23

Lasane Harris, 22, Boyce – criminal conspiracy, contempt of court, $5,500 bail;

Richard Allen Poole, 65, Cheneyville – possession of CDS, illegal carrying of a weapon, improper turn, $100 bail;

Sherry Marie Smith, 55, Pineville – aggravated public intimidation and retaliation, criminal trespass, resisting an officer, contempt of court, $6,000 bail;

Heather D. Walker, 29, Marksville – theft, four counts contempt of court, $7,000 bail.

Sept. 22

James Daniels, 46, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery strangulation, aggravated resisting officer with force or violence, no bail data;

Amanda B. Galle, 39, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery with child present, no bail data;

Anthony Ray Hampton, 48, Alexandria – theft, criminal trespass, misrepresentation during booking, contempt of court, $2,500 bail;

Misti M. Hudgens, 51, Pineville – aggravated assault domestic abuse, domestic abuse battery, disturbing the peace, $500 bail;

Thomas J. Lynch, 34, Deville – operating a vehicle under suspension for certain prior offenses, two counts contempt of court, $10,500 bail;

Joseph Edward Owen Jr., 44, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, disturbing the peace, theft, probation violation, $2,250 bail;

Mack Edward Porter III, 49, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, simple burglary, four counts resisting an officer, three counts contempt of court, $13,000 bail;

Aaron Ryan Robinson, 38, Calcasieu – OWI first offense, open container, $1,100 bail.

Sept. 21

Tavaras Jokeenth Booze, 35, Alexandria – obscenity, criminal trespass, disturbing the peace, parole violations, $2,000 bail;

Della Marie Bordelon, 67, Alexandria – theft, criminal trespass, contempt of court, $6,250 bail;

Jaden Meckenzie King, 26, Alexandria – contempt of court, $15,000 bail;

Robert Brian McDowell, 36, Pineville – possession of CDS, driving under suspension, obstruction of justice, no license plate light, no signals, contempt of court, $2,800 bail;

Stephen Earnest Sasser, 55, Deville – two counts producing manufacturing distributing, two counts illegal carry firearm with drugs, two counts possession of firearm by convicted felon, transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses, parole violations, $250,500 bail;

Landon Allen Seals Sr., 35, Pollock – home invasion, two counts Louisiana fugitive, parole violations, $25,000 bail;

Stacy Edmonson Travis, 51, Alexandria – simple burglary, probation violation, contempt of court, $20,000 bail;

Stephen Dwayne Triggs Jr., 32, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery with child present, resisting an officer, probation violation, $75,500 bail;

Kenyatta Kentai Varra, 34, Pineville – domestic abuse battery, two counts contempt of court, $5,000 bail;

Lacie Danielle Waldron, 42, Pineville – OWI, $800 bail;

Adam James Weston, 31, Alexandria – theft, simple escape, probation violation, contempt of court, $35,000 bail.

Sept. 20

Derek Ivan Leimkuhler, 39, Pineville – theft of motor vehicle, concealed negligent carry handgun, illegal carrying of a weapon, contempt of court, $26,000 bail;

Anthony Jerome Mitchell Jr., 32, Boyce – home invasion, parole violations, $5,000 bail.

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Tommy Louis Crouch, 74, of Monterey, Louisiana, passed away peacefully in Alexandria, Louisiana, on September 22, 2026.

Tommy was born on June 6, 1952, to Doris Tiffee Crouch and Amos Walter Crouch in Jonesville, LA.

Throughout his life, Tommy was no stranger to hard work. He spent his working years as a farmer, school bus driver, and millwright. For more than 30 years, Tommy was also actively involved in the cattle business, a livelihood and passion that became an important part of his life. He was a longtime member of the Louisiana Polled Hereford Association and proudly served on its Board of Directors for many years. His life was deeply rooted in the Monterey community, where he was known and loved by family, friends, and fellow cattlemen.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Cheryl Crouch, Juana Gayle Simonton, and Amy Louise Crouch.

Those left to cherish Tommy’s memory include his brother, Roddie Amos Crouch and wife Carla; his niece, Leigha and husband David, and their children, Ainsley, Leighton, and Thomas; his niece, Alicia and husband Chuck, and their daughter, Hailey; as well as many other cousins and friends.

Tommy also leaves behind a special extended family whom he loved as his own: Joyce Mumphrey; Jennifer Gill; Jamie Taunton; and Jamie’s children, Jake Crawford, Arden Crawford, and Molly Taunton.

Graveside services honoring Tommy’s life will be held Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at New Era Baptist Church. Bro. Dennis Baker, Bro. Tony Ganey, and Bro. Dustin Davis will officiate.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jake Crawford, Tim Poole, Joe Wiley, Dan Lipsey, Andrew Forman, and Rusty Holt.

Tommy’s life was one of hard work, family, and the relationships he built along the way. His memory will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

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Wiley James Perry the Third was born on October 8th in El Dorado, Kansas to Wiley James Perry, Jr. and Anna Mary Perry. He passed away on September 5th, 2026, in Pineville, Louisiana after his battle with cancer.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Dora Perry; eldest child, Skylar; his son, Jim; his older sister, Jackie Bolton and her husband, Rush; his niece, Elizabeth Webb and her husband, Jonathan; great nephews, David and Daniel; as well as many other family members.

He was preceded in death by both his mother and father.

James, “his family called him Jamey” and was also affectionately known as JP by co-workers and his friends, he moved around a lot in his early life. When he was a teenager, his family moved to Natchitoches, where he attended high school all four years. He started college, but decided it wasn’t for him and dropped out, then decided to work with his dad in his security business.

He was described by those that knew him as a wild child in his youth and early adulthood, he traveled around a lot, experiencing life. During this time, he would say he felt the call of God for years but ignored it until an accident changed his life. He started going to seminary school to be a preacher for the Missionary Baptist Church. In 1990, he met Dora and asked her to a church function. She refused the first time, but the second time he asked in 1991, she said “yes”. What started was a whirlwind romance. They became engaged in March of that year and quickly tied the knot that July. Three and a half years later, they had their first child, Skylar, while he was preaching at Temple in Ringgold, Louisiana. Another three years later, they had their second and final child, Jim. Later that year, James and his family moved to Natchitoches, Louisiana, where God called him to preach at Cane River.

He spent many more years in Natchitoches, becoming a volunteer fireman. In 2005, he went to New Orleans to help with the relief and cleanup after Hurricane Katrina. He made lifelong friends during this time. In 2007, God made yet another call, bringing James and his family to Deville, Louisiana, where he spent the rest of his life. He began preaching at Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Pineville, Louisiana.

Durinf his later years, he joined a motorcycle club, becoming the secretary. The other members became like a family to him. After a motorcycle accident in May of 2025, he fought to walk again and did it. Throughout his whole life, James was a fighter and hard worker. He will be immensely missed by those that knew and loved him, but we should take solace that he is now in Heaven with his Heavenly Father.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 6:00 pm at Kolin Hall Lodge at 119 Bonner Miller Rd. in Deville, Louisiana.

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Phonetic: /la·​con·​ic/

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition

using or involving the use of a minimum of words

concise to the point of seeming rude or mysterious

Sue Ellen Gray
October 7, 1942 – September 20, 2026
Service: Saturday, September 26, 2026, 11am at Greenwood Memorial Park, Pineville.

Kathleen Mary Babey Cole
September 24, 1953 – September 17, 2026
Service: Friday, September 25, 2026, 10am at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Pineville.

Marika Creel Loveless
August 20, 1955 – September 17, 2026
Service: Thursday, September 24, 2026, 5:30pm at Junior League, Alexandria.

Thomas Roger Gibbs, Jr.
February 26, 1970 – September 10, 2026
Service: Saturday, September 26, 2026, 2pm at Mt. Triumph Baptist Church, Alexandria.

Rosa Lee Johnson Winn
February 23, 1940 – September 10, 2026
Service: Thursday, September 24, 2026, 11am at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses–Landmark, Alexandria.

Anna Jones
April 13, 1948 – September 1, 2026
Service: Saturday, September 26, 2026, 10am at Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, Lena.

The Rapides Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.

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The City of Alexandria is issuing this release to correct inaccurate reports and clarify the city’s actions regarding the property located at 650 North Bolton Avenue. Contrary to claims that the city arbitrarily shut off water to the entire trailer park, the City of Alexandria has acted strictly on behalf of the residents to enforce city codes, protect public health, and hold the property owner accountable.

The sequence of events began on July 14, when the master water account to the property was disconnected due to nonpayment by the landlord. Following this disconnection, the city discovered extensive water loss on the private system. Water services were temporarily reconnected on July 17, pending the property owner’s assurance that the necessary repairs would be made in a timely manner in compliance with city codes. Due to the owner’s failure to make the necessary repairs and the continued, increased water loss, legal intervention was warranted. On July 28, the court granted the City of Alexandria a temporary restraining order against J & W Development, LLC, which prohibited tampering with the master water meter located at 650 North Bolton Avenue, obstructing the city from inspecting the property, and renting, leasing, or permitting occupancy at the property. Subsequently, on July 30, the property owner was contacted by the Utility Director, requested that the master account be disconnected, and promised to notify his tenants to vacate the property. Ultimately, the City of Alexandria had to remove the master water meter and terminate water service because it posed a severe threat to the overall water quality and the safety of the residents living on the property.

The City of Alexandria remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of its community members and ensuring that landlords fulfill their legal and ethical obligations to provide safe and habitable housing.

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By JIM BUTLER

Malcolm Larvadain has evidently received no answers to his REIGNITE questions and Tuesday asked his City Council cohorts to authorize an economic impact study of the redevelopment plan. 

His proposed ordinance was accepted by consent and dispatched, with several others, to committee hearing, normal procedure for proposed city law.

REIGNITE is an ambitious project for the Masonic Drive corridor. The estimated $82 million public funding required includes about $50 million in city funding, most through dedicated bond proceeds.

Larvadain, running against Mayor Jacques Roy in November voting, earlier this month asked him for a new study of the project cost/benefit and posed a number of questions he seeks answers for.

On another topic, Larvadain’s proposal for revisions to the council’s public comment procedure and policy was not on the agenda. Last week he asked that it be included. 

An audience member, prepared to address that issue, was told notice would be posted when it is scheduled.

Larvadain advocates opening the comment period to matters beyond agenda items, allowing a broader range of input from citizens.

Current policy restricts them to three minutes per specific agenda item.

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About 120 educators from across Central Louisiana gathered in Alexandria last week for the in-person kickoff of the 2026-27 K-5 Numeracy Professional Development program.

The Orchard Foundation, the education affiliate of The Rapides Foundation, partnered with The Charles A. Dana Center at The University of Texas at Austin for the yearlong professional learning series focused on strengthening K-5 mathematics instruction and supporting educators in schools.

The group will continue learning virtually in October and November before returning for in-person training in December. The program continues through June.

By investing in educators and strengthening the quality of teaching, The Orchard Foundation is helping build a stronger foundation for student success in mathematics across Central Louisiana.

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Two Alexandria Men Sentenced on Federal Drug and Firearm Charges
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Louisiana

Two Alexandria men were sentenced Sept. 15 in federal court on drug and firearm offenses. Terrence D. Taylor Jr., 28, received 102 months in federal prison followed by six years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and firearm possession in furtherance of drug trafficking. Officers recovered approximately 27.87 grams of methamphetamine and a stolen loaded Glock handgun from his residence during a May 2024 search. Mikell Dewayne Boyd, 30, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison followed by two years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possessing a loaded firearm while subject to a domestic violence protective order. Both cases were prosecuted under the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative and sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jerry Edwards Jr.

RPSO Seeking Public’s Help in Locating Alexandria Woman Wanted for Bank Fraud
Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Angie Tennille Wester, 50, of Alexandria, who is wanted on warrants for bank fraud and unlawful production, manufacturing, distribution, or possession of fraudulent identification documents. Detectives allege Wester entered a local bank on Sept. 14 impersonating a customer and presenting fraudulent identification in an attempt to withdraw money from the victim’s account. Alert bank employees turned her away and notified the victim, who then contacted RPSO. Detectives secured arrest warrants on Sept. 17. Anyone with information is asked to contact RPSO Detectives at (318) 473-6727, the main office at (318) 473-6700, or Crime Stoppers at (318) 443-7867.

CenLa Chamber Congressional Candidates Event Rescheduled to October 28
CenLa Chamber of Commerce

The Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce has rescheduled its Meet the Congressional Candidates event to Wednesday, Oct. 28, immediately following a luncheon the Chamber is hosting featuring U.S. Senator John Kennedy. For more information, contact Danielle Yerby at (318) 442-6671 or dyerby@cenlachamber.org.

Ball Elementary to Hold Ribbon Cutting for New Multipurpose Building — September 24
Rapides Parish School Board

Ball Elementary School will hold a ribbon cutting Thursday, Sept. 24, at 1:30 p.m. for its new multipurpose building at 89 Camp Livingston Road in Ball. The building includes classrooms and additional spaces funded by a bond approved by District 11 voters in 2023.

Caroline Dormon Junior High to Host Ribbon Cutting and Dedications — September 29
Rapides Parish School Board

Caroline Dormon Junior High will hold a ribbon cutting Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 9:30 a.m. for a new classroom wing at 8906 U.S. 165 in Woodworth. During the ceremony, the wing will be dedicated to Mayor David Butler and his wife, Linda Butler, and the school library will be dedicated to Dr. Gary Jones and his wife, Sarah Jones, in recognition of their lasting impact on Rapides Parish schools.

Alexandria Senior High to Dedicate Butch Crenshaw Fieldhouse — October 1
Rapides Parish School Board

Alexandria Senior High School will hold a ribbon cutting Thursday, Oct. 1, at noon to open and dedicate its new fieldhouse, named in honor of Butch Crenshaw, ASH’s first athletic director and football coach. The fieldhouse features new locker rooms, training areas, and meeting spaces. Tours will follow the ceremony. The event will be held at the ASH Fieldhouse, 800 Ola St.; attendees should enter from James Street and park behind the fieldhouse.

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Rapides Parish will see sunny to mostly cloudy skies through the weekend, with temperatures remaining in the 90s and a chance of showers developing Tuesday.

Wednesday will be sunny, with highs in the upper 90s. Northeast winds will range from 5 to 10 mph. Wednesday night will be mostly clear in the evening before becoming partly cloudy, with lows around 70 and northeast winds of 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday will be mostly sunny, with highs in the mid 90s and northeast winds of 5 to 10 mph. Thursday night will be partly cloudy, with lows in the upper 60s and northeast winds around 5 mph.

Friday will be mostly sunny, with highs in the mid 90s.

From Friday night through Sunday night, conditions will be mostly cloudy. Highs will remain in the mid 90s, with lows in the upper 60s.

Monday and Monday night will be partly cloudy, with highs in the lower 90s and lows in the upper 60s.

Tuesday will be partly sunny, with a chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs will be in the lower 90s, with a 40 percent chance of rain.

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LSUA has been ranked the No. 3 Safest College Campus in America and No. 1 in Louisiana in Niche’s 2027 Best Colleges rankings, placing LSUA among the nation’s leaders in providing a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, and staff.

The ranking is backed by both LSUA’s low rate of reported campus crime and the voices of students who say they feel safe learning, living, and spending time on campus. Niche gave LSUA an A+ for safety in its annual evaluation of colleges and universities nationwide.

Niche’s Safest College Campuses ranking combines federal crime statistics with student perceptions of safety and conditions in the surrounding community. Campus crime rates and student safety surveys each account for 25% of the ranking, while local crime accounts for another 20%. The remaining factors measure alcohol- and drug-related arrests and reported incidents of dating violence and rape in residence halls. Most of the statistical data used in the ranking comes from the U.S. Department of Education.

For a university that functions each day much like a small community, those numbers carry particular significance. Nearly 3,500 students, faculty, and staff are on LSUA’s campus on a typical weekday, roughly the population of Louisiana communities such as Bunkie, Lake Providence, or Rayville. LSUA’s University Police Department includes seven full-time and two part-time POST-certified police officers dedicated to serving that campus community.

“LSUA has remained such a special and safe place because of strong leadership and an exceptional campus community,” said Interim Police Chief Marty Brown. “Chief Donald Collins emphasized attention to detail, professionalism, and proactivity among our officers, and that same commitment extends across campus. Our faculty, staff, and students look out for one another and report concerns before they become larger problems. We are fortunate to serve a community that operates much like a small town, where people know one another and share responsibility for the well-being of the campus.”

LSUA’s recent crime statistics help illustrate the environment behind the national ranking. Across the three most recently completed reporting years, LSUA reported no murders, rapes, robberies, or aggravated assaults, the four offenses used by the FBI to calculate violent crime rates. Based on an on-campus population of approximately 3,500, that represents a reported violent-crime rate of 0.0 incidents per 1,000 people during the period.

For additional context, SafeWise’s 2026 analysis of FBI crime data placed the national violent-crime rate at 4.43 incidents per 1,000 people. Even among the organization’s 100 safest communities in America, the average was 0.2 violent crimes per 1,000. SafeWise uses the same four violent-crime categories and calculates rates per 1,000 residents to permit comparisons among communities of different sizes.

The university’s safety record also extends beyond traditional policing. Niche’s methodology recognizes that campus safety includes how secure students feel in their daily environment, making student survey responses one of the two most heavily weighted components of the national ranking.

“Students should be able to come to LSUA expecting to feel safe and supported in the place they have chosen to learn and grow,” said LSUA Chancellor Elizabeth Beard, Ph.D. “This recognition speaks to the hard work of our University Police officers and to the shared responsibility our entire campus community takes in caring for one another. That sense of security is an important part of what makes the LSUA experience special.”

The No. 3 national ranking comes as LSUA continues to grow rapidly. With thousands of students learning on campus each year, maintaining a safe environment requires coordination among University Police, Student Engagement, Residential Life, Facilities, faculty, staff, and students themselves. The university’s approach emphasizes visible police presence, community relationships, prevention, education, and shared responsibility for maintaining a campus where students can focus on learning and belonging.

For LSUA, the national recognition speaks to something fundamental to the student experience: students should be able to come to campus expecting an excellent and affordable education and an environment in which they feel secure pursuing it. As the university continues to grow, preserving that sense of security will remain central to the LSUA experience.

Written by Adam Lord

Image [L-R]: Interim LSUA Police Chief Marty Brown, Sgt. Mechelle Williams, Officer Brandon Bryan

Photo by Mira Alvarado

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There’s no better place to celebrate Dolly Parton than the Louisiana town where one of her most beloved characters came to life.

This October 9–11, Natchitoches invites visitors to spend a weekend celebrating Dolly with Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend: A Dolly Parton Celebration. Inspired by Dolly’s unforgettable role as Truvy Jones in Steel Magnolias, the three-day celebration brings together music, movies, local businesses and plenty of pink for a weekend in the heart of Louisiana’s oldest city.

Natchitoches has long held a special connection to Steel Magnolias. The beloved film was shot in and around the city, and decades later, visitors still come to Natchitoches to experience the places that made the movie so memorable. This October, that connection takes center stage as the community celebrates Dolly’s legacy in true Natchitoches fashion.

The celebration begins Friday, October 9, with Dolly Bingo at the LSHOF at 5:30 p.m. Later that evening, channel your inner Dolly and head to Mama’s Blues Room for karaoke beginning at 8:30 p.m.

On Saturday, October 10, start the morning with Books & Butterflies from 8 a.m. to noon at the Natchitoches Farmers Market. The celebration continues throughout the day with Truvy’s Downtown Traipse, inviting visitors to explore Natchitoches’ historic downtown and experience Truvy’s Specials offered by participating businesses.

Saturday evening, tease up your hair and get ready for Truvy’s Big Hair Affair at Parkway Cinema 6 at 7 p.m. It’s a fitting way to celebrate a character, a movie and a little bit of Southern style that have become part of Natchitoches history.

The weekend wraps up Sunday, October 11, with a Blush & Bashful Brunch at Flying Heart Brewery beginning at 9 a.m.

While you’re here, make a weekend of it. Stroll the brick streets of the Natchitoches Historic District, shop local boutiques, enjoy Louisiana flavors, take in the beauty of Cane River and discover the filming locations that helped bring Steel Magnolias to the big screen. As Louisiana’s oldest city, Natchitoches offers the perfect backdrop for a weekend filled with history, Southern charm and plenty to explore.

Whether you’ve loved Dolly for decades, can quote Steel Magnolias from beginning to end, or simply need an excuse for a girls’ weekend in Natchitoches, Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend is your invitation to celebrate friendship, Southern charm and the legacy of a woman whose talent and spirit have touched generations.

Pack something pink, bring your best big hair and join us October 9–11, 2026, in Natchitoches, Louisiana.

For complete event information, updates and weekend details, visit Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend: A Dolly Parton Celebration at Natchitoches.com. Visitors can also explore Natchitoches.com for lodging, dining, attractions and everything needed to plan a weekend getaway.

Lodging link: natchitoches.com/stay/
Calendar link: natchitoches.com/calendar/
Embedded event link: https://natchitoches.com/truvys-blush-bashful-weekend-a-dolly-parton-celebration/

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