By JIM BUTLER

To many in these parts an Italian-themed dinner without wine is like rice without gravy.

They can rest easy – The Olive Garden has applied for a liquor permit.

Notice of its petition was made Wednesday, exactly two months, according to its website, before the restaurant is now scheduled to open in Alexandria.

The eatery’s decision to locate here apparently fulfills one slot on the bucket lists of many parish and surrounding area gourmands.

Franchisers’ decision back in March to locate on South MacArthur Drive was hailed by many as an end to a long-held gastronomic search.

The building formerly housing Johnny Carina’s was demolished, making way for a new one to house Olive Garden.

Applicants for the liquor permit are Lindsay Koren, manager-president, and Colleen Lyons, manager- secretary-treasurer, Olive Garden Holdings LLC.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises the public that beginning Thursday, Nov. 13 there will be alternating lane and ramp closures on several entrance and exit ramps along a section of I-49 in Alexandria.

These nighttime ramp closures will take place on I-49 northbound and southbound between Exit 80 (US 71/US 167) and Exit 86 (US 71/US 165) from approximately 7 PM to 5 AM.

In addition, intermittent lane closures will be in effect during the daytime in both northbound and southbound directions on I-49 between Exits 80 and 86 from approximately 6 AM to 6 PM.

These lane/ramp closures are necessary as part of an ongoing project that includes the replacement of pavement markings (roadway striping) and other related work. All work is anticipated to be completed by December 2025, weather permitting.

Pavement markings are used to convey messages to roadway users. They indicate which part of the road to use, provide information about traffic regulations, passing zones, and enhance nighttime visibility.

Pavement markings provide continuous information to motorists related to roadway alignment, vehicle positioning, and other important driving-related tasks.

Permit/Detour section:

No detours are 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 may call 511, visit http://www.511la.org, or download the Louisiana 511 mobile app for additional travel information. Out-of-state travelers may call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website at http://www.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MyDOTD to sign up for email updates, or by visiting the DOTD Facebook and X (Twitter) pages.

An arrest was made during the investigation into a shooting that occurred on Louise Street in Alexandria.

From their investigation, Sheriff’s Detectives were able to identify Antoine Latrel Raymond, 20 of Alexandria, as the suspect who allegedly fired shots at or near a vehicle that was driving in front of his residence. Three other individuals were detained but were later released.

According to victims and witnesses statements, the victims were physically accosted by Raymond and when another family member drove to the residence, that’s when Raymond allegedly fired the shots.

The RPSO Crime Scene Unit conducted their investigation and processed the scene where several .40 caliber shell casings were found. A handgun drum magazine was located in the residence that matched the caliber of casing found in the yard but no handgun was located.

Raymond was taken into custody without incident, placed under arrest and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center on multiple charges, including simple battery, illegal use of weapons and aggravated assault with a firearm. Raymond remains in jail at the time of this release, being held on a $150,500 bond.

Sheriff’s Detectives say this is still an active, ongoing investigation. If anyone has any information about this crime, they are asked to contact Detective Tim Stanley, Criminal Investigations Division-Kolin Substation at 318-484-7350, RPSO Main Office at 318-473-6700 or Crime Stoppers at 318-443-7867.

“ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW OR ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION.”

Arrestee: Antoine Latrel Raymond, 20
1323-B Louise Street, Alexandria, LA

Charges: simple battery
Illegal use of a weapon
Illegal discharge of a weapon
6 counts aggravate assault with a firearm

A new Hampton by Hilton hotel is coming soon to Alexandria Mall Drive, according to the Developing Vernon, Beauregard, and Rapides Parishes social media account, bringing one of Hilton’s most recognized brands to the heart of the city’s shopping and business district.

The new hotel will be located near the Alexandria Mall, adding convenient lodging for travelers, shoppers, and business guests visiting Central Louisiana. While details such as the opening date and number of rooms have not yet been announced, the hotel is expected to feature Hampton’s signature amenities — including free hot breakfast, Wi-Fi, fitness facilities, business-friendly services and more!

Part of Hilton’s midscale portfolio, Hampton Inn is known for offering comfortable, reliable stays with modern rooms and friendly service. The addition of the new property reflects growing demand for quality accommodations in the area and is expected to contribute to local tourism and job growth.

NATCHITOCHES — Behind-the-scenes stories recounting the filming of the 1989 box office hit movie “Steel Magnolias,” shot on location in Natchitoches, will be shared Thursday evening at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum at 800 Front Street in Louisiana’s oldest city.

“Steel Magnolias Memories with Tom Whitehead and Friends” from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Natchitoches museum (800 Front Street) includes a reception and panel discussion about 6:45 with audience participation, sharing memories of the beloved classic film with a star-studded cast.

Whitehead, a now-retired journalism professor at Northwestern State University, was the second local person hired by the production company, assisting in logistics and hosting the stars in the cast throughout their stays in Natchitoches.

He will be joined on the panel by other locals who were involved in the production – Bill Brent, Sandra Dickens, Ed Ward – and Shreveport entertainment writer Maggie Martin. 

Tickets at the door are $20 for the public, $10 for NSU students, and free for FLASH members. Enjoy complimentary refreshments during the event.

The event is a fundraiser for FLASH, Friends of Louisiana Sports and History, the local support group for the museum, which is part of the Louisiana State Museum system.

Written by Natchitoches native Robert Harling Jr. and immediately a smash hit on Broadway, “Steel Magnolias”  was adapted for the screen just two years later and featured the breakout performance by future Academy Award-winning actress Julia Roberts, alongside Oscar winners Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine and Olympia Dukakis, superstar entertainer and actress Dolly Parton, and Daryl Hannah, with acclaimed actors Tom Skerritt and Dylan McDermott in key supporting roles.

The comedy/drama continues to resonate four decades later, inspiring thousands of stage adaptations around the world and a 2012 Lifetime Network movie remake, and is treasured for its themes of friendship and reliance and its portrayal of Southern small-town charm.

Harling wrote about the life and 1985 passing of his sister, Susan Harling Robinson, a young mother who died from complications with diabetes. 

After he persuaded TriStar Pictures executives to shoot the movie in Natchitoches, the production was a seminal event for the community, with many locals working behind the scenes and appearing as extras or even with small speaking parts in the film. Its release and reception sparked a stream of visitors to Natchitoches to see the film’s location and soak in the ambiance of the city, a phenomenon that continues today.

For more information or to join FLASH, call the museum at 318-357-2492. It is open to the public Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. with modest admission prices topping out at $6.

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

Nov. 12

Kentavious Artel Baines, 24, Pineville – attempted second-degree murder, probation violation, $500,000 bail.

Nov. 11

Misty Marie Hastings, 34, Ball – theft, $1,000 bail;

Dorian Oashea Lacour, 31, Alexandria – possession of CDS, safety belt violation, possession of CDS, $100 bail;

Bobby Leonard, 47, Alexandria – two counts possession of CDS, safety belt violation, following too close, improper lane usage, $300 bail;

John Fitzgerald Marshall, 54, Alexandria – create distribute possession with intent counterfeit CDS, failure to secure registration, failure to yield emergency vehicle, switched license plate, improper inspection, safety belt violation, obstruction of justice, intentional littering, illegal use of weapons/dangerous instrumentalities, reckless operation of a vehicle, running a stop sign, $21,600 bail;

Charles Elvin Mathis, 46, Boyce – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, disturbing the peace, $2,000 bail;

Jarrod Heath McNeal, 43, Alexandria – two counts possession of CDS, resisting an officer, open container state law, driving under suspension, display of temporary registration license plates, probation violation, $800 bail;

John Oliver Perkins III, 28, Boyce – possession of fentanyl, Louisiana fugitive, three counts contempt of court, $80,000 bail;

Antoine Latrel Raymond, 20, Alexandria – six counts aggravated assault with a firearm, illegal discharge of weapon in subdivision, illegal use of weapons/dangerous instrumentalities, simple battery, $150,500 bail;

Kelvin Releford, 60, Colfax – illegal use of weapons/dangerous instrumentalities, obstruction of justice, intentional littering, possession of CDS, safety belt violation, possession of drug paraphernalia, $2,600 bail.

Nov. 10

Donald Ray Ates Jr., 35, Ball – possession of CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, possession of marijuana, parole violations, $500 bail;

Denzel Deron Daily, 31, Alexandria – Louisiana fugitive, no bail data;

Damichael Darrel Deal, 18, Pineville – attempted armed robbery, theft, two counts criminal conspiracy, aggravated assault with a firearm, domestic abuse battery strangulation, criminal damage to property, $321,000 bail;

Damichael Damon Drane, 23, Boyce – three counts contempt of court, two counts failure to appear, $27,000 bail;

Robbie Fountain, 33, Winnfield – possession of firearm by convicted felon, misrepresentation during booking, Louisiana fugitive, $100,500 bail;

Odyesr Earl Lasyone Jr., 45, Pollock – attempted first degree murder, resisting an officer, Louisiana fugitive, $1,000,500 bail;

Kyle Hart Lawrence, 37, Pineville – possession of CDS, legend drug possession, paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, parole violations, $12,500 bail;

Quantavious Jamar Richards, 30, Alexandria – second degree murder, criminal conspiracy, taking contraband to and from penal institutions, two counts producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, simple battery, two counts illegal carry firearm with drugs, three counts possession of firearm by convicted felon, three counts Louisiana fugitive, illegal possession of a stolen firearm, resisting an officer, obstruction of justice, illegal use of weapons/dangerous instrumentalities, $2,000 bail.

Nov. 9

Moses Maine Jacobs, 46, Arlington, Texas – OWI first offense, $1,000 bail;

Orlando Kendal Jones, 42, Pineville – cruelty to juveniles, parole violations, $10,000 bail;

Robert Taylor, 31, Pineville – aggravated second degree battery, possession of firearm by convicted felon, $150,000 bail.

Vera Helen Jackson Alexander, 73 of Alexandria, entered eternal rest peacefully at her residence on the evening of Thursday, November 6, 2025. She was born on May 28, 1952.

Ms. Alexander is survived by her devoted daughter, Demetra D. Lemons; three siblings, Donna Faye Hughes, Donald Ray Jackson, and Angela D. Harper; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will cherish her memory.

Funeral services celebrating Ms. Alexander’s life will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Pilgrim Baptist Church, located at 410 Solomon Street, Alexandria, Louisiana, 71302. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by the Celebration of Life service at 11:00 a.m.

Ms. Alexander will be fondly remembered for her warmth, kindness, and the love she shared with all who knew her.

Marjorie Rodgers Dexter departed this life, Wednesday, November 5, 2025 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at the age of 85. Ms. Dexter was a resident of Boyce, Louisiana and a native of Colfax, LA.

She attended school in Colfax, Louisiana and graduated from Mary E. Graham High School. She received a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Grambling State University in 1962 and a Masters in Elementary Education from Louisiana State University.

A dedicated, inspirational and effective educator, Ms. Dexter cared deeply about her students in a unique way. The love developed between them were lasting and many remained in regular contact whether near or far. Ms. Dexter was employed by the Rapides Parish School Board for twenty-six years having worked at South Alexandria Elementary, Boyce Elementary and Northwood High School.

She was the most giving mother figure, daughter, sister, friend and woman. Her compassionate nature compelled her to participate in countless good-hearted deeds. She always had time to help others in addition to taking care of her family. If you were ever having a bad day, you could always dial her number for an inspirational message to lift you up.

Celebration of Life will be held, Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Matthew Baptist Church – 5605 Old Boyce Rd., Boyce, LA 71409 with visitation from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.

Arrangements entrusted to:
Hall Davis & Sons Funeral Services
9348 Scenic Highway
Baton Rouge, LA 70807

The City of Pineville has announced that Dr. Mark Johnson, President of Louisiana Christian University (LCU), will serve as Grand Marshal for the 2025 Pineville Christmas Parade.

Dr. Johnson, who became the 10th president of LCU earlier this year, has quickly become a prominent figure in Central Louisiana. His selection as Grand Marshal highlights the strong and lasting connection between the city and Louisiana Christian University, which has been a cornerstone of the Pineville community for more than a century.

Mayor Joe Bishop said Dr. Johnson’s leadership reflects the spirit of partnership that defines the city and its historic university. He praised LCU as a vital economic engine, cultural hub, and training ground for future community leaders.

Founded in 1906 as Louisiana College, LCU has long contributed to Pineville’s growth through its academic programs, local engagement, and campus activities. The university continues to play an important role in the city’s economy, workforce development, and cultural life.

Dr. Johnson expressed gratitude for the honor and emphasized his personal and professional ties to the community. He noted that his family is deeply rooted in Pineville, with his children attending local schools and the university.

The Pineville Christmas Parade will take place on December 12 at 7 p.m., officially opening the city’s holiday season and celebrating the partnership between Louisiana Christian University and the City of Pineville.

Four members of the Pineville High School band represented their school with pride this past weekend at the 2025 Big Easy Band Fest, held at Loyola University in New Orleans.

Students Holland, Shelby, Zach, and Dakota spent the weekend working alongside talented musicians and learning from top clinicians, including Colonel John R. Bourgeois, USMC (Ret.), the former conductor of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band.

The Pride of Pineville Parent Club commended the students for their dedication, musicianship, and commitment to excellence.

For more than six decades, the small island in New York Harbor served as America’s front door. But on November 12, 1954, Ellis Island processed its final immigrant and closed as a federal immigration station, marking the end of an era that had defined the American story.

Since its opening in 1892, more than 12 million immigrants — many from southern and eastern Europe — had passed through its gates. For countless families, Ellis Island represented both hope and hardship, offering a chance at new beginnings in the United States.

By the mid-20th century, immigration laws had changed, and air travel replaced ocean liners as the dominant mode of international arrival. Screening and processing were relocated to U.S. embassies abroad, leaving Ellis Island largely obsolete.

Its final detainee, a Norwegian seaman named Arne Peterssen, departed quietly that November day. The closure signaled a new chapter in U.S. immigration policy, one increasingly focused on regulation rather than mass arrival.

Ellis Island later became a museum and national monument, preserving the stories of millions who entered through its halls. For historians and families tracing their ancestry, the site remains a symbol of the nation’s immigrant roots.

The date — November 12 — continues to stand as a milestone in the evolution of American identity. It reminds the country of its promise to those seeking opportunity, and of the ever-changing definition of what it means to become an American.

We are now about 7 months out from our departure! What an exciting time it is as we being a journey together that is certain to make memories to last a lifetime!  Moses: A Pilgrimage of Deliverance with a Nile River Cruise and Jordanian extension is a great adventure!

Our trip dates are June 15-26, 2026, for the Egypt portion of the pilgrimage, and June 26-29 of the Jordan portion.  A link to the Good Shepherd Travel site can be found here which details all the information and can be shared:

https://reserve.goodshepherdtravel.com/tours/join-rev-kennon-pickett-on-a-pilgrimage-to-egypt-from-houston-tx-iah-june-15-26-2026/

To update you on our group, we have 6-8 spots remaining so at this time, we are opening the trip up to our community for the remaining spots.  

If you, your family, and friends are interested in coming, please send me their email addresses as we are having a special ZOOM call which will include an orientation and organization meeting going through the itinerary.   I will also be giving some details about a Bible Study that ties to our itinerary that I will be offering ahead of the pilgrimage.  

Our ZOOM pilgrimage trip presentation is on Thursday, Nov 20th at 7pm.  Here is the link:

Rev Kennon Pickett is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Egypt Pilgrimage 2026

Time: Thursday, Nov 20, 2025, 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/99497810759?pwd=JUv4rtgE9qo9R4KzA5DFepz6gZZSHl.1

View meeting insights with Zoom AI Companion

https://zoom.us/launch/edl?muid=d934f863-b62e-4f69-9c86-25c25b297e32

Meeting ID: 994 9781 0759

Passcode: 507439

Friends,  I am excited to be leading us on this incredible experience together, and I am praying expectantly for God to surpass everything we know is possible. I hope to hear from you about who else may be called to walk the steps of Moses with us.

With the Deliverer’s love,

Rev Kennon

Tyrone Lee Allred, 64, of Alexandria, Louisiana, passed away on November 7, 2025, in Alexandria at Rapides Regional Medical Center.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday November 14, 2025 at Gallagher Funeral Home and Crematory. Visitation will take place on Thursday November 13, 2025 from 5-8 p.m. at Gallagher Funeral Home and Crematory and again on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.

He was born on September 5, 1961, in Alexandria to the late Mitchell Allred Sr. and Pauline Norwood Allred. Tyrone lived life to the fullest. He was a man full of laughter, love, and adventure, known for his ability to brighten any room with his humor and big personality. He loved to hunt and fish-especially saltwater fishing-and his happiest days were spent at his most favorite place in the world Grand Isle with his beloved wife, Linda, whom he proudly and lovingly still referred to as “his bride.” He enjoyed speedboat racing, spending time with his “brother-in-law” and best friend, Jimmy Parker, and he loved making people laugh. Though he loved to dance, he was a terrible dancer but his zest for life was unmatched, and he cherished time with his family more than anything else. Tyrone had a passion for racehorses and proudly owned Ship Stalker, All Star Superstar, and America’s Choice. He was a proud “Paw Paw Man” to his grandchildren, who were the joy of his life. His love for family was deep, steady, and ever-present.

Professionally, Tyrone was highly respected. He served as General Manager of Sales at All Star Toyota and Leglue Nissan. He earned the distinction of being the youngest recipient of the Toyota President’s Award in the history of the corporation. He also served as President of the Boys and Girls Club of Alexandria, where he poured his heart into supporting the youth of his community.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Mitchell Lee Allred Jr.; his sister, Teresa Kreps; and one grandchild, Marley Franklin.

Tyrone is survived by his devoted wife, Linda DiMarco Allred, and his children: Del (Kim) Bernard of Mandeville, LA; Dawn (Tony) Rhodes of Pearlington, MS; April (Kenneth) Sepulvado of Kentwood, LA; Tara Franklin of DeQuincy, LA; Susan (Jeff) Reeves of Orange, TX; Kristen (Michael Sr.) Trantham of Red Stone Arsenal, AL; Regan (Kyle) Allred of Golden, CO; and Hillary (Cody) Franklin of DeQuincy, LA. He is also survived by his sister, Mechelle (Brian) Hildebrandt of Red Hook, NY. Tyrone was “Paw Paw Man” to his grandchildren: Adelyn, Lucas, Wesley, Gracie, and Lillie Bernard; Michael Jr., Christopher, Autumn Rose, Addisyn, Elizabeth, and John Mark Trantham; Dason Irwin, Abigail Bernard, Donovan Irwin, Braedon Anseman, Bentley Sepulvado, Kenadie Sepulvado, Bre McDonald, Zachary Allred, Michael Franklin Jr., and Annabelle Franklin.

Those who knew Tyrone will always remember his heart for family, his loyalty to friends, his adventurous spirit, and the way he lived every day fully and joyfully. His life was rich in love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, and fun-and a lifetime of stories that will be told with smiles and laughter for generations.

Mrs. Patricia Lee Parker Hay, lovingly known as Patty to her friends and family, age 84 of Alexandria, Louisiana entered eternal rest on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at her residence surrounded by her devoted daughters.

Services were held on Nov. 11 in the chapel of Gallagher Funeral Home with Joe Arnold officiating. Burial followed at Alexandria Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers honored to serve were Johsua Hay, Christopher Rini, Bryson Rini, Trey Guillot, Kevin Wallace, Kyle Wallace, and Dean Howard.

Patricia is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Hay; parents, Earl and Maxine Parker; sister, Mary Ellen Skains; brother, Tommy Parker; and grandson, Zachery Haley.

Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Teri Rini (John), Debbie Haley (Johnny), and Vicky Hay; grandchildren, Joshua Hay (Debra), Christopher Rini (Stacy), Victoria Guillot (Trey), Kevin Wallace, and Kyle Wallace; great grandchildren, Alyssa Hay, Isabelle Hay, Bryson Rini, Emma Rini, Trinity Dubea, Georgia Guillot, Dean Howard, and Harper Wallace; sister, Deanna Arnold (Tom); brother, Jimmy Parker (Sherry); and host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Born on September 13, 1941, in Sprague, West Virginia, Patty grew up with a joyful spirit and a steadfast faith that would guide her throughout her life. As a proud military wife and mother of three young daughters, she embraced adventure and service, traveling the world from Africa to the Philippines and across the United States, from the coast of California to the shores of South Carolina.

Blessed with artistic flair and a creative soul, Patty mastered sewing, painting, woodworking, and crafting. She shared her many gifts freely, touching countless lives with her generosity and talent. Her creations carried not only beauty but love-each piece a reflection of her caring heart.

A devoted child of God, Patty’s life was a testament to kindness, faith, and unconditional love. She will always be remembered for her warm smile, gentle spirit, and the comforting hugs that could brighten even the hardest of days.

Though she has gone to her heavenly home, the light she brought into this world will continue to shine through those who knew and loved her.

The family would like to thank Faith Foundation Hospice and all of the amazing caregivers who provided such loving care to their mother.

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office received a report of shots fired at a vehicle on Nov. 11 around 5:52 pm in the 1300 block of Louise Street in Alexandria.

Deputies arrived on scene and spoke with the complainant, who stated that their vehicle had been shot at. No injuries were reported, and investigators have not located any damage to vehicles at this time.

Four individuals have been detained in connection with the incident as Sheriff’s Detectives and the Crime Scene Unit continue their investigation.

The Sheriff’s Office said additional information will be released as it becomes available. Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact the RPSO Main Office at 318-473-6700 or Crime Stoppers at 318-443-7867.

The only game in town Friday night when local high school football teams engage in first round of the playoffs is at Menard.

The history of Menard’s stadium, which has gotten distorted a bit over the years, is worth telling, not only to set the record straight but because it is a testament to what can be done on a minimum budget with wave after wave of bighearted volunteers.

Retired engineer Wilson Cedars, the brainchild for the idea of building the stadium, said Monday it came around 1995, when morale was sinking and enrollment (grades 7-12) was skidding. Some feared the school might close.

A graduate of old Natchitoches High School, Cedars had a daughter who was a junior high cheerleader at Menard at the time. One day he was walking on the old practice field, and he began thinking about the idea that had come up from time to time for 30 years that Menard should build a football stadium. Throughout its football history, Menard had always played its “home” football games at another school’s stadium. At the time, it was playing its home games at Pineville High School at a rental price of $500 a game.

“As an engineer, I visualize things to draw,” said Cedars, “and as I walked, I noticed they have lights here, and a small scoreboard and some wooden bleachers.” Meanwhile, he saw discarded bricks from an abandoned house, tall weeds all over and bushes tangled in the surrounding fence.

“I started to visualize a press box behind the stands. We went to a game at Montgomery High School, and I studied their stadium, which wasn’t fancy, and some of us parents talked and thought we can build something like that.”

The day after the last game of the 1995 season, a Saturday in November, Cedars and volunteer Paul Squyres started plowing the field. A group of volunteers spruced up the field for junior high games that in ’96 began attracting crowds, such that with concession and gate fees, revenue started coming in, along with a soaring spirit of students attending the games.

That was enough to sway Bobby Distefano, a 1964 Menard grad and business manager for Menard at the time. He reminisced in a Town Talk story after his retirement that he was initially against the idea. He said the school had plans to play football in ’96 at the old England Air Force Base. “No, Bobby,” Cedars said, “they want to play here. The guys on the varsity see the junior high games and are asking, ‘Why can’t we play here?’”

Cedars sought and received a grant of $12,000 from the Huie-Dellmon Trust to fund the project. Cleco donated creosote poles for stadium lights, and Menard grad Red Simpson installed the poles at no cost.

“More and more volunteers kept showing up,” said Cedars. “We’d all work on Saturdays and sometimes on weekdays after work. Different people took charge of different projects, whether it be the scoreboard, a sprinkler system, improved drainage, whatever.”

Cedars and Martin Lyons were the co-chairmen of the project, dubbed “Project: Home Field Advantage,” and they kept reminding themselves and anyone else who volunteered to work: “It’s not our property, it’s Menard’s, and it’s not ‘I,’ it’s ‘we.’ It’s not about any individual, it’s all of us working together.”

Bishop Sam Jacobs called Cedars and Lyons to his office to talk about the project.

“He asked, ‘How much is it going to cost me?’” Cedars said. “I did this (holding his finger and thumb to make a 0 sign) and said, ‘Nothing.’ He said, ‘Now, that’s what I like to hear.’

“I told him the idea was to keep it simple: ‘We’re going to build what we can afford, not Tiger Stadium.’”

He drew up a plan for a baseball field and football field and showed it to then head football coach Tim Tharp and Barbara Trotter, then president of the Menard Athletic Association, and they “went nuts” with excitement.

The project moved forward, thanks to a can-do attitude and a relentless work ethic and some good connections. About 40 businesses donated equipment or services to the project. A core group of close to 20 men did the brunt of the volunteer work but hundreds of others showed up to help from time to time.

“And anytime there was a problem,” Cedars said, “somebody always knew somebody who could take care of it.”

When they decided to paint the unvarnished wooden bleachers, a tractor supply business donated 25 1-gallon buckets of green paint (Menard’s color).

“Martin said, ‘We can’t use that, it’s automotive paint!’,” said Cedars. “I said, it’s free and it’s green, we’re going to use it.” And grandparents, parents and children painted the bleachers.

“We’re undertaking a project that should probably take a year and a half,” Cedars said at the November, 1996 groundbreaking ceremony, attended by Bishop Jacobs, “and we’re going to hopefully do it in nine months.”

Cedars, amazingly, was right on target. The field was ready in nine months — August, 1997 — and the first game was played that September, and more than 2,500 people attended.

“The message that went out to the community,” said Distefano, “was Menard was certainly not closing if they’re building their own stadium.”

Over the next three years after it was built, the Eagles’ Nest had record attendance, and enrollment increased to just under 500 students.

Bishop Jacobs was impressed.

“Before he left (the Alexandria diocese),” said Cedars, tearing up with a catch in his throat, “Bishop Sam told me, ‘Wilson, that stadium saved Menard.’

“People have asked me why I’d do something like that, since I wasn’t a graduate and I didn’t have a son on the football team,” said Cedars. “I just tell them, because it was the right thing to do.’”