A benefit fish fry scheduled for Friday, March 27, will now take place at a new location, organizers announced.

The event, hosted by Alexandria Firefighters Local 540, will be held at Four Seasons Bowling Alley, located at 3510 North Boulevard. 

The fundraiser will begin at 11 a.m. and continue until sold out. Plates will be available for $15 and include a three-piece fried fish meal with coleslaw, fries, and a drink.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Captain Joshua Holloway and his family. Organizers are encouraging the community to attend and show support.

Large pre-orders are available by contacting Cory Brumfield at 318-201-0007.

Organizers are also asking the public to help spread the word about the location change to ensure strong turnout for the event.

By JIM BUTLER

School Board discussion about cashless transactions a few months back indicated previously noted problems with such accounting lingered across the system. Indeed.

A legislative audit report written in December and posted this week repeats findings of previous years – some schools didn’t yet have the hang of handling cash.

Reports by the board’s internal auditor noted shortcomings during the 2024-25 fiscal year, the state audit report notes.

“The items that were found to be noncompliant and consistently noted at all schools were teacher daily deposit slips not given to  the secretary to be deposited in a timely manner; teacher daily deposit slips not completed with the required date, student name, or student initial; teacher daily deposit slips reporting canteen sales not signed by both workers; receipts and disbursements without sufficient supporting documentation; purchase orders that were not approved prior to purchasing items; invoices or packing slips without the signature of the person receiving the item; disbursements for reimbursements where the receipt was not turned in to the  secretary in a timely manner or paid in accordance with Rapides Parish School Board’s policy;

“Disbursements paid from or transfers to improper accounts; purchase orders not dated; disbursements over $5,000 that were not approved by the Executive Assistant Superintendent of Administration; disbursements for travel or travel-related expense reimbursements that were not approved by the Executive Assistant Superintendent of Administration; disbursements being paid for staff gifts; sales tax being paid on purchases; 

“Fundraiser forms without sufficient supporting documentation; fundraiser forms without prior approval; fundraiser forms not reviewed and signed by the principal; fundraiser forms not completed or not completed accurately; canteen/concession inventory forms and teacher daily deposit slips for canteen/concession not completed or not completed accurately; canteen/concession stand inventory forms not signed by the principal; gate receipts forms not completed or not completed accurately.”

The board audit response notes a computer program installed in November along with training in January should help turn the tide.

Other findings:

• Inadequate control of school activity funds for schools visited were found at Ruby-Wise Elementary, Brame Middle and Glenmora High; 
• A similar finding at Buckeye High from 2023-24 was not yet fully resolved;
• A non-compliance finding in 2022-23 at Arthur F. Smith was still unresolved;
• And a 2017-18 non-compliance finding regarding some policy procedures at Alexandria Senior High remained outstanding. 

Hundreds of Louisiana Christian University students, faculty  and staff spent Tuesday afternoon serving the Cenla community. 

SENDLA, which is a phonetic play on the familiar CENLA for Central Louisiana, is rooted in the call of Matthew 28, where Jesus commands His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations.” 

LCU President Dr. Mark Johnson began the university’s first-ever SENDLA event with a campus-wide abbreviated Chapel service, encouraging participants before everyone split into community groups.

“We are going out sharing the gospel in many ways, shapes and forms,” he said.

Participating organizations included First Baptist Pineville, Philadelphia Baptist Church in Alexandria, Family of Grace Church, the Hope House, Fostering Community, the Food Bank of Central Louisiana, Main Street Missions, Rapides Parish Library System, CENLA Pregnancy Center, and Faith Baptist Church in Tioga. 

 Johnson led a group of about 30 students who visited with residents in the neighborhood surrounding the campus. 

“It was good to see young people leading the way,” he said. “We prayed with people, and they opened their hearts to us with their needs, and they shared the needs of the community.”

Danny Cobb, a junior convergence media major, volunteered with First Baptist Church in Pineville.

“This was my first time serving,” he said. “I became a Christian my freshman year in college. I think it’s important for a Christian school, for students to go out into the community.”

Cobb said he helped with a group clean up a yard of a disabled woman to ready it for a ramp to be installed for her to be able to use a wheelchair. 

Al Quartemont, LCU assistant professor of journalism, served with a group led by Faith Baptist Church of Tioga pastor Clark Palmer. The group handed out cookies to customers outside Mac’s Fresh Market and invited those without a home church to visit Faith or Alpine Baptist Church, both in the Tioga community.

“The students enjoyed engaging with the people and giving back to the community,” he said.

Junior Christian studies major Kaelyn Richard served with a group representing the Family of Grace Church outreach team. They went to small businesses in downtown Alexandria.

“Our goal was to love and listen to the community, share the love of God, and share the gospel when we could,” Richard said. “I had a wonderful time. It was also well received by the people we got to pray over and the employees of the businesses we went to. It’s always so fulfilling for me to be able to have the opportunity to go out and serve and be able to do it with the student body and with students that really wanted to be there and wanted to pray for people was beautiful and refreshing.”

SENDLA will take place every fall and spring semester. Other organizations that would like to be involved are encouraged to contact the university.

SENDLA was sponsored by the SEND Network and the Louisiana Baptists.

Students from Rapides Parish pursuing degrees through Northwestern State University’s School of Education were recognized during an Apple Pinning ceremony held March 24, marking their acceptance into teacher candidacy.

The ceremony honors students who have demonstrated a commitment to careers in education and will now advance into upper-level education coursework.

Students from Rapides Parish recognized include:

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development reported that a roadway safety improvement project affecting Rapides Parish received bids in March.

The project includes striping and pavement marker upgrades along Interstate 49 between Louisiana Highway 6 and an area just south of Boyce. The work is designed to improve roadway visibility and reduce potential hazards for drivers.

The apparent low bid for the project totaled $3,524,215.00. The work will also take place in neighboring Natchitoches Parish.

State officials continue to prioritize projects based on safety concerns, traffic patterns, and infrastructure needs.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announces a project to provide intersection improvements along US 165 at its junction with LA 1254 and LA 116 in Pineville, Rapides Parish.

The $1.1 million project is scheduled to begin on the night of Monday, March 30, 2026, and will require nighttime alternating lane closures from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. These will take initially take place at the LA 116 intersection with US 165 (Proctor & Gamble).

The project includes the replacement of drainage structures to ensure proper drainage through the area, milling to remove old asphalt, base repairs, new asphalt paving and related work.

All work is anticipated to be completed by July 2026, with progress dependent on weather conditions and other factors that can impact construction timelines.

The contract was awarded to Progressive Construction Co., LLC.

Permit/Detour section:
There are no detour’s associated with this project.

Safety Reminder:
All construction activity is weather-dependent and may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. DOTD appreciates the motoring public’s patience and reminds drivers to please exercise caution when traveling through work zone areas and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.

Additional Information:
Motorists can access the latest updates on real-time traffic and road conditions using the 511 Traveler Information System by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region on which they are seeking information. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Travelers can also access this information by visiting the 511 Traveler Information Web site at www.511la.org. Additionally, you can follow the Traffic Management Center on Twitter: (@Alex Traffic). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website @ www.dotd.la.gov and the DOTD Facebook page.

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

March 25

Torrance Flakes, 39, Thibodaux – Louisiana fugitive, peeping Tom, remaining on premises, $750 bail;

James Earl Gallow, 44, Ville Platte – Louisiana fugitive, no bail data;

Tracey Denise Jones, 55, Cheneyville – two counts Louisiana fugitive, no bail data;

Xavien Michael Smith, 19, Alexandria – three counts contempt of court, $15,000 bail;

Anthony Tezeno, 48, Ville Platte – Louisiana fugitive, no bail data;

Keith John Vanderlick, 65, Effie – OWI second offense, careless operation, open container, $1,700 bail.

March 24

Mark Wayne Allen, 32, White Castle – DWI first offense, seat belt, $695 bail;

Jequarius Anderson, 21, Alexandria – two counts manufacture transfer or possession of machine guns, obstruction of justice, concealed negligent carry handgun, resisting an officer, reckless operation of a vehicle, $1,500 bail;

Anthony Demetrius Bobb Sr., 52, Alexandria – theft, contempt of court, $2,500 bail;

Herbert Lee Dotson Jr., 50, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing fentanyl with intent, criminal conspiracy, $150,000 bail;

Christopher Morrisell Farris, 33, Alexandria – two counts theft, two counts contempt of court, $6,000 bail;

Tyquasha Teaunquay Griffith, 22, Alexandria – possession of marijuana, tail lights, three counts contempt of court, $11,600 bail;

Erick Dustin Love, 38, Alexandria – possession of firearm by convicted felon, theft, burglary of inhabited dwelling, two counts contempt of court, $5,500 bail;

Lacey Denae Meaux, 42, Alexandria – possession of CDS, $1,500 bail;

Derrick Deon Millner, 42, Alexandria – three counts possession of CDS, three counts contempt of court, $18,500 bail;

Sarah Lane Paul, 41, Dry Prong – three counts simple burglary, resisting an officer, possession of burglary tools, $1,000 bail;

Burt Vecent Ryder, 48, Pineville – Louisiana fugitive, two counts contempt of court, $2,500 bail;

Demetric Smith, 32, Alexandria – three counts possession of CDS, possession of firearm by convicted felon, illegal carry firearm with drugs, concealed negligent carry handgun, producing manufacturing distributing CDS, obstruction of justice, resisting an officer, bicycle reflectors, $3,100 bail;

Richard Tademy, 49, Dallas – two counts possession of CDS, speeding, possession of firearm by convicted felon, $100 bail;

Antione Dewayne Thomas, 48, Alexandria – OWI second offense, reckless operation, $1,700 bail.

March 23

Gail Glendolia Bass, 48, Ball – two counts battery on officer, two counts resisting a police officer with force or violence, $6,500 bail;

Javier Arkuis Brown, 35, N/A – aggravated resisting a police officer with force or violence, second degree battery, aggravated second degree battery, obscenity, simple battery, two counts contempt of court, $21,000 bail;

Anthony G. Crochet, 41, Alexandria – OWI fourth offense, obstruction of court orders, obscenity, careless operation of a vehicle, $101,600 bail;

Carlos Jerome Davis Jr., 21, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery pregnant, $10,000 bail;

Ladonna Delrie, 53, Pollock – first degree murder, flight from an officer, criminal damage to property, simple burglary, Louisiana fugitive, $5.3 million bail;

Brennan Michael Hicks Jr., 29, Pineville – domestic abuse battery with child present, contempt of court, $10,000 bail;

Lorenzo Jewitt, 35, Alexandria – simple burglary, criminal trespass, false imprisonment, violation of protective orders, home invasion, three counts contempt of court, $78,500 bail;

Karen Denise Lafleur, 64, Glenmora – simple resisting a police officer with force or violence, battery of a police officer, criminal trespass, $2,000 bail;

Todd Leighton Lucas, 39, Pineville – OWI, unlawful refusal to submit to chemical test, operating a vehicle while under suspension for certain prior offenses, reckless operation of a vehicle, failure to yield to emergency vehicle, $2,100 bail;

Gerlad Keith Luke, 30, Alexandria – criminal conspiracy, producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, probation violation, taking contraband to and from penal institutions, remaining on premises, $150,250 bail;

Christopher Demoine Nash, 37, Ball – aggravated assault, theft, resisting an officer, criminal trespass, possession of drug paraphernalia, contempt of court, $57,000 bail;

Jayla A. Richards, 19, Alexandria – OWI first offense, speeding, $1,100 bail;

Maya Telfer, 44, Alexandria – OWI first offense, open container, careless operation of a vehicle, $1,200 bail;

Tyrese Marques Tucker, 25, Alexandria – attempted second degree murder, second degree battery, parole violations, simple battery, obstruction of justice, possession of marijuana, possession of firearm by convicted felon, resisting an officer, inciting to riot, simple battery, $91,500 bail;

Tawny Nicole Williams, 40, Ball – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, legend drug possession, criminal trespass, $2,500 bail.

March 22

John E. Clark, 59, Pineville – OWI first offense, $1,000 bail;

Bryan Chayce Iles, 27, New Orleans – OWI first offense, multiple beam lighting distribution, expired MVI sticker, $1,200 bail;

Marquis Petrell Marshall, 55, Alexandria – theft (second/subsequent conviction), resisting an officer, possession of drug paraphernalia, parole violations, $6,000 bail;

Jennifer Phillips, 36, Pineville – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, $1,100 bail.

Funeral services for Mrs. Sadie Laverne Vandevelde will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026, in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, with Reverend Walter Fausphoul officiating. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Alexandria Memorial Gardens, Woodworth, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

Mrs. Vandevelde, 78, of Pineville, entered eternal rest on Monday, March 23, 2026, in her residence surrounded by her loving family.

She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother whose life was defined by kindness, generosity, and devotion to her family. She found great joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially gardening, fishing, and arranging beautiful flowers. Her hands were rarely still, always tending to something that would bring happiness to others.

She was a deeply giving person, always ready to lend a helping hand or offer a warm smile. Above all, she cherished the time spent with her family, creating lasting memories filled with love and laughter. Her presence will be greatly missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by one son, Charles Edward “Chuck” Patrick; and her parents, Jimmy Bradford and Willie Lee Cotten.

Those left to mourn her loss and cherish her memory include her loving husband, Thomas F. Vandevelde of Pineville; one son, Clint Patrick (Tara) of Pineville; one daughter, Shellie Mitcham (Kyle) of Pineville; her siblings, Clifton, Connie, and Tammy; five grandsons, Austin Vidrine, Brannon Vidrine, Blaze Patrick, Maximus Gypin, and Justice Patrick; one granddaughter, Addisynn Hennigan; and three great grandchildren.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are: Clint Patrick, Kyle Mitcham, Blaze Patrick, Austin Vidrine, Justice Patrick, and Maximus Gypin.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Psalm 23 (King James Version)
Mrs. Mattie Simmons Harris, age 98, of LeCompte, Louisiana, entered her eternal rest on March 17, 2026. Mattie was Born on May 11, 1927, in Cheneyville, Louisiana. She was the cherished daughter of Virginia Cheatam Simmons and Winfield Simmons. She was raised in the Cheneyville and Lamourie communities, where she developed the strong faith and values that would guide her throughout her life. At an early age, she was baptized by the late Rev. E.C. Curtis. She joined St. John Baptist Church where she remained a faithful and devoted member.

In March of 1951, Mattie was united in marriage to Noah Harris of LeCompte. Together, they built a loving home and were blessed with six children. Mattie was a devoted wife and mother who worked tirelessly to create a life rooted in love, protection, and purpose for her family. Her strength, sacrifice, and unwavering care shaped generations.

Mattie was employed at Purkey Nursery, where she worked faithfully until her retirement at the age of 70. She developed a close relationship with her employer, Margery Poole Purkey. She was known for her warm spirit, her radiant smile, and her kind heart. She made friends wherever she went and was the type of woman who would give her last to someone in need. Her beauty was not only seen outwardly but deeply felt by all who knew her.

Her life was anchored in her faith in God. She faithfully served at Saint John Baptist Church as a choir member, Deaconess, and Trustee always demonstrating humility, grace, and devotion.

She was a proud and loving grandmother to Noah Harris Jr. IV, Tomika Harris, LaTrice Harris, Ophelia Joseph, Tyesha Joseph, and Norah Joseph, Meagan Houston, Robert Rashad Houston, Kenrick Frank, Courtney Frank, Jametra Frank, Tiffany Harris Smith, Diona Harris, Dior Harris Juarez, Jamesha Harris, Marquita James, Dionte’ Kirk and Dewun Davis.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory her daughter, Rosemary Harris Houston (Robert) of Anniston, Alabama; her sons, Noah Harris, Jr. (Patricia) of LeCompte,, and Elvis Harris of Hitchcock, Texas, her faithful son-in-law Hilton James Frank of Lake Charles; her sister, Doris Baker and a host of nieces, nephews, great – grandchildren, great- great grandchildren and extended family who will continue to carry her legacy forward.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Noah Harris; her parents, Virginia and Winfield Simmons; Three of her children, Dorothy Mae Harris Johnson, Janice Marie Harris Frank, and Marvin Wayne Harris; two of her grandchildren, Stephen John Johnson and Christopher Joseph, and siblings, Lettie Simmons Duhon, Carrie Mae Brown, Lloyd Simmons, Floyd Simmons, Winfield Simmons, and Willie Lee Simmons Tatum.

Service will be held on Saturday, March 28 at 11 am at St. John Baptist Church in Lecompte.

Mrs. Harris lived a long and meaningful life marked by faith, family, and love. Her legacy will live on in the lives she touched, the values she instilled, and the memories that will forever be cherished.

By JIM BUTLER

Arriving home earlier than expected Monday afternoon cost legendary lawman William Earl Hilton his life. Investigators say the long-time Rapides sheriff, 80, got to his Hineston residence as an alleged burglar was coming out of it.

Ladonna Briggs Delrie, 53, they assert, ran him over in her vehicle when he tried to bar her escape, and fled toward east, eventually captured on Coliseum Boulevard in Alexandria.

Initially booked into the Rapides jail Monday night,  she was transferred to another facility, held under $5.3 million bond.

That transfer is normal under such circumstances. The obvious conflicts also pose potential problems for prosecutors and judges.

Services for Hilton will be at noon Friday at Calvary Baptist Church. Visitation will be at the church on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. and on Friday from 9 a.m. until services. 

What Delrie took in the alleged burglary, if anything, or was recovered hasn’t been indicated by authorities.

The Monday events followed a weekend interaction with the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Steven McCain said Delrie contacted his office Sunday with questions about the federal prison near her residence. A deputy went to her residence to discuss the matter.

Monday, McCain said, Delrie’s brother called to say she had damaged his residence.

Moments later, the sheriff learned of Hilton’s encounter and that the fleeing vehicle was registered to Delrie.

Hilton’s life of public service is widely known and has been thoroughly recounted since Monday.

Far less is documented regarding the suspect.

A resident of the Grant Parish area between Creola and Simms, she has over time pursued several career paths, according to public records.

Prior to Monday her only apparent run-in with the justice system was a January 2023 theft charge, later reduced to criminal mischief, to which she pleaded guilty.

Whether Delrie has retained counsel or will have a court-appointed attorney is not known.

BOYCE — A large white construction tent now visible from Interstate 49 near Boyce signals that site work is actively underway on a 672-acre parcel that could become one of the most significant economic development projects in Rapides Parish history.

The tent, along with graded earth and mobile construction offices on the property, marks the earliest visible stages of development on land purchased by Applied Digital Corporation in December 2025 for $26.9 million.

(Rapides Parish Journal Staff Photo — Construction activity is visible from Interstate 49 near Boyce, including a large white tent and graded acreage on the Applied Digital site.)

The facility, known internally as Project Lightning, is planned for approximately 672 acres and is intended to serve high-performance computing and artificial intelligence industries. The project anticipates creating 1,500 construction-related jobs and 200 new employees in its first year of operation, with an average annual wage of $65,000.

The property sits along I-49 just down from the Cleco facilities, a short distance from Boyce. Applied Digital, a Dallas-based firm listed on Nasdaq under the ticker APLD, designs, develops and operates digital infrastructure, cloud services and artificial intelligence facilities across North America. The developer often leases its completed facilities to major tech companies that operate massive computing networks, known as hyperscalers. No hyperscaler tenant has been publicly identified for the Boyce site.

ENGLAND AUTHORITY CREATES SPECIAL SUBDISTRICT

In December 2025, Applied Digital purchased the 672-acre parcel near Boyce, west of Alexandria. In February, the England Authority — the Rapides Parish economic development district — approved the creation of England District Subdistrict No. 4, an overlay district that encompasses the property.

Louisiana Central, the regional economic development organization, has been coordinating with Applied Digital and state officials on the prospect and has begun discussions with parish taxing authorities about creating special incentives to attract tenants to the site. Amazon, Hut 8 and Meta have each struck payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreements for their own Louisiana data center projects.

Louisiana Central CEO Chris Masingill addressed the authority board ahead of the February vote, describing the potential scope of the project as among the most consequential in the parish’s modern history — potentially surpassing major industrial investments dating to the 1950s and 1960s in terms of capital investment and job creation. He was explicit, however, that no agreement is in place and that the site remains an active prospect, not a confirmed project.

POWER AND WATER

Masingill acknowledged Cleco’s role in the planning process, noting the utility’s cooperation as critical to the parish’s ability to compete for the project. The Louisiana Public Service Commission would maintain regulatory authority over any electricity generation required to support operations.

England Airpark Executive Director Ralph Hennessy said Applied Digital has been engaged in discussions with Cleco and that power arrangements are progressing, though whether new generation facilities would need to be built remains unclear.

On water demand, Hennessy said the impact would be modest. Applied Digital’s data centers use a closed-loop cooling system that recirculates coolant continuously, eliminating the need for constant water replenishment — a standard feature in modern data center design.

Residents raised concerns about utility costs and water usage at the February authority meeting.

TAX STATUS CHANGES

Tax records reflect the scale of what is being contemplated. The land carried annual parish taxes of roughly $3,900 when classified as Agricultural Vacant prior to 2026. Following Applied Digital’s purchase, the parcel was reclassified as Industrial Vacant, with its assessed value adjusted from $257,350 to $25,287,000. Estimated annual parish property taxes on the undeveloped land now stand at approximately $300,000.

LOUISIANA’S DATA CENTER BOOM

The Boyce site is one of several major data center projects now in motion across Louisiana. Meta is constructing a $10 billion AI campus in Richland Parish in northeast Louisiana. Amazon announced a $12 billion multi-campus project in Caddo and Bossier parishes in February. And Hut 8 is developing a $10 billion facility in West Feliciana Parish.

England Airpark’s Hennessy said his hope is that the Applied Digital project, should it materialize, will provide a significant economic boost for Rapides Parish, similar to what Hut 8’s currently under-construction data center is expected to deliver for West Feliciana Parish.

No timeline for a formal project announcement has been made public. Applied Digital did not respond to a request for comment prior to publication.

— Rapides Parish Journal

England negotiating with digital infrastructure firm

A stretch of warm, dry weather is expected across Rapides Parish through the upcoming week, with mostly sunny skies and mild overnight temperatures.

Wednesday brings sunny skies and highs in the mid-80s, with light south winds around 5 mph. Conditions remain mostly clear Wednesday night, with lows again in the upper 50s.

Sunny weather continues Thursday, with highs in the mid-80s and south winds increasing slightly to 5 to 10 mph. Thursday night will start clear before becoming partly cloudy, with lows around 60.

Friday will be the warmest day of the stretch, with highs climbing into the upper 80s under mostly clear skies. Overnight lows will drop into the mid-50s.

A noticeable cooldown arrives Saturday, with highs in the lower 70s and mostly clear conditions. Saturday night will be cooler, with lows in the lower 50s.

By Sunday, temperatures rebound under sunny skies, with highs in the lower 80s. Partly cloudy conditions will develop Sunday night through Monday night, with lows around 60 and highs holding in the lower 80s.

By Tuesday, skies turn partly sunny, with temperatures warming back into the mid-80s.

Overall, the forecast remains dry and seasonable, with a mix of warm afternoons and comfortably cool nights.

Summer Steiner, Director of Finance and Human Resources at England Airpark/Alexandria International Airport, has earned the Airport Certified Employee (ACE) – Airport Finance certification from the American Association of Airport Executives.

The certification program covers topics including budgetary policies and airport operations and is designed for professionals managing financial operations at commercial service and general aviation airports. Steiner successfully completed the curriculum and certification exam last week.

The ACE designation recognizes airport professionals who demonstrate advanced knowledge and expertise in airport finance and operations.

The Rapides Parish School Board is encouraging feedback that will help shape student programs funded through federal Title IV dollars.

School officials say the funding supports a wide range of opportunities, including robotics, archery, band, choir, theater, and extended learning programs across the district.

Take a brief survey to share input on how funds should be prioritized for the upcoming school year. District leaders say community feedback plays a key role in determining which programs are expanded or introduced.

Survey Link: https://rpsb.la/titleIV2627

First United Methodist Church of Alexandria will host a special Palm Sunday celebration on Sunday, March 29, beginning with one blended worship service at 10 a.m., followed by a churchwide potluck and Easter egg hunt on the grounds.

The Palm Sunday service will bring together traditional and contemporary elements in a unified time of worship for the congregation and community. A highlight of the morning will be a special musical performance from preschoolers from First United Methodist Preschool, who will perform a song they have been joyfully preparing. Following worship, the celebration will continue with a Family Fun Day designed for all ages. Activities will include face painting, balloon animals, live bunnies, inflatables, and an Easter egg hunt, creating a welcoming and festive space for families to gather, connect, and celebrate the season together.

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, commemorating Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, inviting worshippers into a deeper journey through the final days of Christ’s life. FUMCA’s observation of Holy Week will continue with two distinct and immersive worship experiences later in the week. On Maundy Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the church fellowship hall, attendees are invited to experience worship in a new way through an intimate, church-in-the-round setting. The service will feature candlelight, Holy Communion, and a live praise band, creating a reflective and participatory atmosphere. As part of the Lenten sermon series The Prayers That Changed Everything, the message, The Prayer that Serves, based on John 13:1–17, will invite worshippers to reflect on humility, service, love, and surrender.

On Good Friday at 6:30 p.m., the congregation will gather in the traditional sanctuary for an immersive observance of the Passion of Christ. Designed to engage the senses within the sacred space of the church’s historic sanctuary, the service offers a solemn and meaningful time of reflection. Continuing the sermon series, The Prayer That Offers All, drawn from Luke 23:46, will guide participants in contemplating total surrender, sacrifice, and the hope that endures even beyond death.

Easter Sunday will be celebrated on April 5 with two morning services: Grace Life contemporary worship at 8:30 a.m. and Traditional worship at 11 a.m. Both services will include Holy Communion and the celebration of confirmations, marking a joyful culmination of the Lenten season and the proclamation of the resurrection.

First United Methodist Church of Alexandria is located at 2727 Jackson Street in Alexandria and invites the entire community to take part in these services and celebrations, offering a meaningful pathway through Holy Week and into the joy of Easter. For more information on FUMCA, visit fumca.org.

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NATCHITOCHES — Northwestern State, Central Louisiana and friends and colleagues from around the country will have a final chance to say thank you and goodbye to legendary Demon football coach Sam Goodwin in a most fitting place.

Goodwin, who passed away at home March 20 at age 82, will be honored with a memorial celebration at Turpin Stadium at 10 a.m. April 25. Along with his legendary tenure as head coach at Northwestern, Goodwin was a Pineville native who helped the Rebels win the 1960 state football championship and later revived  (2014-15) a struggling program at Alexandria Senior High, where he had current Trojans coach Thomas Bachman as his offensive coordinator.

The celebration of Goodwin’s life will lead into the annual Joe Delaney Bowl spring game that caps Northwestern’s spring practice, which began Tuesday. Goodwin launched the Delaney Bowl tradition and also inaugurated the Joe Delaney Memorial Leadership Awards for permanent team captains after Delaney’s heroic drowning death in 1983.

In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will take place in A.A. Fredericks Auditorium on campus.

Goodwin won a school-record 102 games in 17 seasons at the helm of the Demon program, turning it into a perennial Southland Conference championship contender while setting the Southland Conference wins record.

Goodwin led the Demons to four conference championships – the 1984 Gulf Star crown and the 1988, 1997 and 1998 Southland titles. He twice was named Southland Conference Coach of the Year.

His 1998 Demon team reached the FCS semifinals where it fell to eventual national champion UMass. That 1998 team equaled the school single-season record of 11 wins and featured four of the 22 All-Americans Goodwin coached at Northwestern.

His 1988 squad advanced to the FCS quarterfinals and is the only Northwestern team to go unbeaten in Southland play. That season, Goodwin’s “Road Warriors” picked up five straight conference or playoff wins away from Turpin Stadium, including a regular-season-ending 20-17 victory at Stephen F. Austin, which had previously been ranked No. 1 in the nation. Two weeks ahead of the win at SFA, the Demons took down another top-ranked team, North Texas, on the road.

In addition to the 20 on-field All-Americans he produced, Goodwin also coached two Academic All-Americans, a National Football Foundation Scholar-Athletes, 42 first-team All-Southland Conference selections and 38 players who reached the NFL – several whose only Division I scholarship offer was from Goodwin.

Goodwin earned induction into the N-Club Hall of Fame – the highest honor the university awards to student-athletes and athletic staff members – in 1999. He was inducted into the Southland Conference’s Hall of Honor in 2007.

His granddaughter Jaycee Goodwin designed the graphic announcing the memorial event.

It’s barely spring, and it already feels like summer showed up early. Around here, people aren’t just noticing—it’s becoming the main topic of conversation.

Even the jokes are writing themselves. Crawfish might as well be saying they’re “boiling before the pot now.”

All humor aside, the early heat has folks doing double takes at the calendar and wondering what the rest of the season has in store.