With cooler weather arriving, the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office will begin selling firewood each Thursday starting Nov. 6, excluding Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27.

Firewood sales will take place from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $60 per rick, with a limit of two ricks per customer.

The Sheriff’s Office reminds residents that firewood supplies are limited and sales will continue weekly while supplies last.

For more information, contact the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Benny Ray Curl, age 80, entered eternal rest on Saturday, November 2, 2025, in Alexandria at Rapides Regional Medical Center.

Visitation for Mr. Benny will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Gallagher Funeral Home from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Services will begin at 2:00 p.m. with Bro. David Gibson officiating. Interment will follow in Malone Cemetery in Ball, under the direction of Gallagher Funeral Home.

He was preceded in death by his parents, C.S. Curl and Ruby Sharbono Curl; siblings, Jimmy Curl, Milton Curl, Vernon Curl, Elvin Curl, Shelby Curl, Gary “Tiny” Curl, Rita C. Johnson, and Linda Curl; and a grandson, Ethan Curl.

Those left to cherish his memory include his sons, Chris Edward Curl and Randy Lane Curl; step-children, J.W. Morace, Cheryl Hawthorne (Felix), and Richard Morace (Patricia); brother, Stanley Curl (Susie); sisters, Vivian Rush (N.D.) and Shirley Guillot; and grandson, Jansen Curl.

Mr. Benny Ray was a loving father, brother, and grandfather. He was a hard worker and drove a truck for most of his life. He enjoyed fishing, going to the casino, and spending time with the family. He will forever be missed by those that loved and knew him.

Pallbearers honored to serve are Johnny Curl, Jimmy Curl, Richard Morace, Jansen Curl, Hunter Curl, and Frederick Fielder.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Antoinette “Toni” Barrett, a beloved sister, friend, and dedicated civil servant, who left us on Friday, October 31, 2025. She was born in Elizabeth, Louisiana, to William Francis Oliphant and Mattie Carter Oliphant.

Toni is survived by one sister, Olivia “Libby” Chambley of Alexandria, Louisiana; and nephew, Tracy Vercher, and wife, Jody of Keysville, Virginia. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, along with numerous extended family members and close friends.

She has preceded in death by her parents, William and Mattie Carter Oliphant; and brother, Billy Ray Vercher.

Ms. Barrett led a remarkable career as a civil servant, dedicated to serving the public interest. From 1959 to 1976, she worked at the Department of Defense at Fort Polk, earning multiple awards and recognition for her outstanding commitment to her role. In 1976, she transitioned to the Department of Agriculture, US Forestry Service in Pineville, where she continued her legacy of excellence until her retirement in 1991. Antoinette was honored by leadership from both the US Army and the USDA for her exceptional service.

After retiring, she devoted herself to her family and her passions. She cherished her time with her sister “Libby” in Alexandria. Antoinette was an avid sports fan, proudly supporting LSU football, the New Orleans Saints, and following golf legend Tiger Woods. She would never miss a chance to cheer on her favorite tennis player, Rafa Nadal, or to celebrate the excitement of the Kentucky Derby.

Toni’s love for animals was evident through her tireless support for wild animal conservation and her generous donations to local animal charities. She was known for her culinary skills and delighted family and friends with her delicious home-cooked meals.

Toni’s warm spirit and unwavering dedication to her community and loved ones will be profoundly missed. A public visitation will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM, followed by a service at Gallagher Funeral Home in Ball, LA at 11:00 AM with Travis Austin officiating. Interment will follow the service and be Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her name to local animal charities, reflecting her love for wildlife and the natural world.

As we celebrate her life, we remember Toni Barrett as a woman of integrity, compassion, and joy. A shining light in our lives. May her memory live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

By JIM BUTLER

Tioga-area students who were kindergarteners when Dresser Industries lost hazardous material in the ground near its now-closed plant are high school seniors as the next chapter in the continuing saga unfolds.

Those youths were seventh-graders before the 2012 toxic release and resulting contamination became public knowledge in 2020.

They will be legal adults before the matter is resolved.

Next step in U.S. District Judge David C. Joseph’s courtroom is a motion hearing at 10 a.m. today, the first action of record since he ordered specific responses by specific dates.

On August 25 Joseph wrote that it was clear the case record contains no plan developed by Dresser or any other entity that contains a feasible plan to fully remediate the 229 acres affected.

He noted intentions to move forward with a plan but cited an inability to do so without still more information.

Consequently he ordered that on or before August 3, 2026 Dresser SHALL (emphasis added) develop and file a plan for “full evaluation and remediation.”

He gave plaintiffs and other parties until October 5, 2026 to file objections or modifications to whatever Dresser proposes.

Joseph then ordered the La. Department of Environmental Quality on or before December 7, 2026 to respond and provide feedback, objections and/or modifications.

After those steps are complete, his order states, the judge will decide the next step.

Joseph’s ruling came after a hearing devoted to the Most Feasible Plan proposals from parties involved, including a host of residents/businesses who are plaintiffs in at least five civil suits.

Today’s motion hearing pertains to one of those.

Two years ago Joseph ruled the various plaintiffs did not constitute a proper class action, meaning each damages suit proceeded on its own.

Last November two plaintiff actions were chosen for a “bellwether” trial to give some indication of the likely fate of the litigation. Jurors favored the defense on all claims.

What started as a three-person steel fabrication shop in 1954 has turned into a three-generation family business and one of the most important manufacturing names in Louisiana.

Hayes Manufacturing operates a 150,000 square-foot facility in Pineville and is one of the most trusted names in in-house fabrication and machining.

The manufacturer produces steel components and fabrication in critical industries such as energy and transportation.

Whether companies need steel components in fossil-fuel industries like oil, natural gas and coal or components in alternative energy sources like solar and wind, Hayes Manufacturing can fulfill any industry’s specific needs with its machining and welding capabilities.

Hayes Manufacturing is an expert particularly in pressure vessel manufacturing, where they’ve received ASME U and R Stamps.

It’s commitment to quality and dependability means they are an important player in servicing America’s growing energy industry.

With more manufacturing potentially returning to America’s shores, Hayes is also positioned to support the American manufacturing industry as a whole.

Hayes crafts nearly 20 components for the railroad industry to ensure that products and supplies are efficiently transported across the country.

A 2013 expansion added 75 jobs and around 60,000-square feet to its current facility, positioning Hayes Manufacturing to contribute to diverse industries.

Then Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal praised The Hayes Companies, which includes Hayes Manufacturing, Hayes Industrial Services and Hayes Crane Services, for their partnership with the state.
The company appointed Jason Hayes as its new CEO/President this past February, meaning the Hayes family name will be attached to the company for years and decades to come.

Jason Hayes has cut his teeth in the family business for 20 years, starting as a production manager and working his way up through various roles on the floor and in administration.

He’ll continue the company’s building the company’s reputation that earned it the best business overall award in 2021.

One of Hayes’ responsibilities is to shape the next generation of proud manufacturing professionals by serving on the board of Central Louisiana Technical College.

As Louisiana’s education leaders are moving toward the expectation that high school graduates finish their schooling with college credit and/or an industry credential, Hayes Manufacturing will be an important voice in forming and delivering that type of instruction that will produce more skilled professionals in the state.

Much like its nearly 30 cranes that are the lifeblood of its mobile hydraulic crane operation, Hayes Manufacturing is a key partner in lifting Louisiana to new heights.

BATON ROUGE, La. — Gov. Jeff Landry announced Wednesday that Louisiana will fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through November after federal funding lapsed because of the government shutdown.

Benefits will be distributed in stages, with elderly and disabled residents receiving assistance during the first four days of November. Families with children will receive benefits throughout the rest of the month.

The state will use Louisiana Department of Health funds totaling between $140 million and $150 million to cover the program. The federal government is expected to reimburse the funds once operations resume.

However, about 53,000 Louisiana residents classified as able-bodied adults will not receive SNAP benefits in November, Landry said.

State Sen. Cameron Henry said lawmakers passed emergency legislation during a special session allowing the health department to fund SNAP recipients temporarily.

“You have to make sure that your disabled, your elderly, and about a thousand families and individuals on this program are taken care of,” Henry said.

More than 800,000 Louisiana residents participate in SNAP, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The USDA announced it does not have funding to pay SNAP benefits for November if the shutdown continues. Several states have adopted similar emergency measures using state funds.

U.S. Representative Cleo Fields of Louisiana’s 6th congressional district has awarded a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition to Director of Aviation and Deputy Director of AEX and England Airpark Scott Gammel. The honor is in recognition of Scott receiving the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s 2025 Allen R. Taylor Legacy Award for his decades of service in the aviation field. The certificate also commends Scott for his “contributions to the vitality and safety of our state’s aviation network.”

Pictured with Scott (center) are Congressman Fields’ Regional Field Representative LaVonya Malveaux and England Airpark and AEX Executive Director Ralph Hennessy.

It looks bleak for LSU’s football team going into Saturday’s road game at fourth-ranked Alabama, but as someone who tries to see the bright side of things, I can offer a glimmer of hope.

It has nothing to do with logic. LSU, with three straight losses – albeit to nationally-ranked teams – is in disarray with an interim head coach and an interim athletics director. Alabama is ranked No. 4 in the country with a 7-1 record and six straight victories after losing its season opener. The Crimson Tide, playing at its home Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa Saturday evening in a 6:30 p.m. game Saturday, is favored by 10 ½ or 11 points.

Logic says Alabama should win by at least 11 points, maybe a lot more, but you never know. There are precedents of unexpected upsets in the past, and one, especially, comes to mind.

Things looked even bleaker in 1993 before LSU played at Bryant-Denny Stadium. LSU, under coach Curley Hallman, was coming off consecutive losing seasons and was 3-5, and home attendance had dropped to just more than 63,000, the lowest in 23 years. Tiger Stadium, so often known as Death Valley, was more like Debt Valley.

Alabama, under coach Gene Stallings, on the other hand, boasted a 31-game unbeaten streak, the longest in the nation.  It was ranked No. 5 in the country, was 7-0-1 and in the hunt for its second straight national championship.

Yet, LSU – normally hapless LSU – somehow won, 17-13. Leesville’s Kevin Mawae, who earned a spot in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame after a lengthy NFL career, was a senior center on that team. After a walk-through at the stadium on the day before the game, he called a players-only huddle and encouraged his teammates to play the next day’s game as if it were a bowl. He noticed the sky darkened and he told them, “Look, if we win this game, Alabama will have a gray cloud over their heads this season. And we will be the ones who put it there.”

It helped LSU’s cause that Alabama starting quarterback Jay Barker was out with an injured shoulder. It also helped that the Tide’s leading rusher, Sherman Williams, injured his shoulder on Alabama’s first possession and missed the rest of the game. That sidelined the running game, which was ineffective aside from a 43-yard fake punt.

The backup quarterback to Barker couldn’t control the offense, and the third quarterback, versatile David Palmer, rallied the Tide from a 14-0 deficit but it was too little, too late.

LSU picked off four passes — two by Ivory Hilliard that set up short TD drives in the third quarter — and the Tigers added a fourth-quarter field goal. Strangely, that’s all LSU needed offensively to topple the uninspired defending national champions.

So even though LSU has not in any game played up to its lofty preseason billing, it may just be that without any pressure, the Tigers may find their groove – and a valor under adversity. Picture Rooster Cogburn going against Ned Pepper’s gang, shooting two pistols while wearing an eye patch and riding towards the bad guys on horseback.

Will the offensive line suddenly be able to block even a three-man rush? Can the Tigers muster a decent running game?

It could happen. And, yes, pigs can fly, as they did at Bryant-Denny 32 years ago.

Exchange fold

This past summer, the Exchange Club of Central Louisiana, which had been around under one title or another since 1942, folded. Sadly, it may be just the first of other organizations that will have to do the same in coming months or years, for the same reason: a lack of members.

“We reached the point that many of our members were forced out due to age and/or health reasons,” said Exchange Club board member David Michiels, a past president. The club’s by-laws required a minimum 20 members, and Michiels said the club had dwindled to 23 members, and the back-breaker was last spring when the club couldn’t muster enough members to work at the Alexandria River Fete.  

The Exchange Club supported many community events and fund-raisers, but Michiels said the best thing the club probably did was award scholarships to college-bound students. “We’d give a scholarship to a different student for eight months of the year, and in the ninth month, we’d look over the eight winners and from that group give another one to the student we felt was the most deserving.”

Michiels said when he first started working at a local bank, it required its employees to be on at least one and preferably two civic clubs, and other businesses had similar requirements. “No more,” he said. “As with any organization, fresh blood was needed to continue growth and prosperity, but little was found.”

Kudos to the club for all the fine work it has done for so many years.

Best five World Series

The recently completed 2025 World Series between the winning Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays is being touted as the best of all time, going a full seven games and loaded with amazing catches, home runs, double plays and records, agonies and ecstasies. The Blue Jays missed by inches winning the Series on a play at home plate in the seventh game.

It’s hard to pick a single Series as the all-time best, but I’d put it in my top five, along with the 1975 Series between the Cincinnati Reds and Boston Red Sox, the 1991 Series between the Minnesota Twins and Atlanta Braves, the 2016 Series between the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians and the 2017 Series between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Alexandria Senior High pushed past Ouachita and stayed put in the weekly Class 5A Top 10 poll chosen by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association, while Tioga’s dominance has finally lifted the Indians into the Class 4A statewide rankings.

ASH (8-1) outlasted Ouachita 28-21 on Halloween and held on to its No. 5 ranking. Tioga broke through into the 10^th spot in 4A after blasting Grant 75-20.

Both teams can win district championships if they can beat formidable opponents this Friday in their final regular-season games.

ASH goes to Neville, which just knocked off West Monroe – the only team to beat the Trojans, in a game-ending flurry of 10 points a month ago.

Tioga travels to Franklin Parish, ranked sixth in Class 4A. .A week before Tioga walloped Grant by 55, Franklin Parish ripped the Cougars by 42 (77-35).

Area teams Bunkie, Jena and Marksville are in the 3A top 10 poll again this week.

The Week 10 LSWA Top 10 state high school football polls, as voted by an 11-member committee:

Class 5A

School (1^st place votes), W-L, voting points, last week’s ranking

1. Karr (11), 9-0,132, 1

2. St. Augustine, 7-1,108, 4

(tie) John Curtis, 7-1, 108, 2

4. West Monroe, 7-2,105, 3

5. Alexandria Senior High, 8-1, 90, 5

6. Ruston, 7-2, 81, 6

7. Catholic-Baton Rouge, 7-2,  69, 7

8. Destrehan, 7-2, 41, 10

9. Evangel Christian, 7-2, 31, 8

10. Central-Baton Rouge, 7-2, 28, NR

Others receiving votes: Neville 22, Parkway 19, Zachary 12, Archbishop Rummel 10, Thibodaux 4, Ouachita 1, St. Paul’s 1.

Class 4A

1. North DeSoto (9), 9-0, 129, 1

2. Teurlings Catholic (2), 9-0, 122, 2

3. Plaquemine, 8-1, 98, 4

4. Iowa, 9-0, 91, 5

5. St. Thomas More, 6-3, 80, 3

6. Franklin Parish, 7-2, 77, 6

7. St. Charles, 8-1, 75, 7

8. Lakeshore, 8-1, 59, 9

9. Vandebilt Catholic, 9-0 , 49, 10

10. Tioga, 8-1, 30, NR

Others receiving votes: Belle Chasse 21, Franklinton 10, Archbishop Shaw 10, Loyola 4, Westgate 4, E.D. White 4, Brusly 3, Cecilia 2.

Class 3A

1. Jewel Sumner (9), 9-0, 127,1

2. University (2), 7-2,115, T3

3. St. James,7-2, 106, T3

4. Madison Prep, 7-2, 100, 2

5. Sterlington, 7-2, 90, 5

6. Jena, 8-1, 73, 6

7. Erath, 9-0, 71, 7

8. Bunkie, 7-1, 60, 8

9. Lake Charles Prep, 7-2, 39, 9

10. Marksville, 8-1, 28, 10

Others receiving votes: Amite 17, Church Point 15, John F. Kennedy 9, Jennings 7, De La Salle 1.

Class 2A

1. Lafayette Christian Academy (5), 8-1, 126, 2

2. Ouachita Christian (5), 9-0, 121,1

3. Dunham (1), 8-1, 119, 3

4. Calvary Baptist, 8-1, 102, 4

5. South Plaquemines, 7-1, 80, 5

6. Notre Dame, 7-2, 76, 6

7. Kinder, 9-0, 50, 8

8. Catholic-New Iberia, 7-2, 48, 9

9. Oak Grove, 7-2, 41,10

10. Lafayette Renaissance Charter, 7-2, 36, 7

Others receiving votes: Newman 25, Mangham 22, Loreauville 13, Ferriday 4, Union Parish 3.

Class 1A

1. Haynesville (11), 9-0, 132, 1

2. Hamilton Christian, 8-0, 116, 2

3. Riverside Academy, 8-1, 113, 3

4. Covenant Christian, 7-2, 90, 4

5. Westminster-Opelousas, 9-0, 82, 5

6. Jeanerette, 8-1, 74, 6

7. Ascension Episcopal, 9-0, 69, 7

8. Ascension Catholic, 7-2, 45, 9

(tie) Southern Lab, 5-4, 45, 8

10. St. Edmund, 8-1, 31, 10

Others receiving votes: North Iberville 15, Kentwood 14, Logansport 13, Vermilion Catholic 12, Sacred Heart-Ville Platte 4, Catholic-Pointe Coupee 7, Opelousas Catholic 2, St. Frederick 1.

The Alexandria VA Health Care System is hosting a series of drive-thru flu vaccination clinics for enrolled Veterans this fall and winter, making it easier than ever to get protected for the season.

The free flu vaccinations will be offered at the Pineville Main Campus, Building 45, on the following dates:

• October 9, 2025, 12–3 p.m.
• November 13, 2025, 12–3 p.m.
• December 11, 2025, 12–3 p.m.

The drive-thru setup allows Veterans to receive their vaccination without leaving their vehicles — simply roll down the window and roll up your sleeve.

In addition to the drive-thru events, flu vaccinations are also available at the Alexandria VA main campus and all Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) during regular hours of operation. Both walk-in and scheduled appointments are accepted.

The Alexandria VA encourages all enrolled Veterans to take advantage of the free service to help protect themselves and others during flu season.

For more information, Veterans can contact the Alexandria VA Health Care System or visit their local clinic for details.

The Rapides Parish School Board recently recognized Glenmora High School teacher Damian Alejandre-Gonzalez as part of its weekly Classroom Hero Highlight series, which celebrates educators making a positive impact in their schools and communities.

Alejandre-Gonzalez, who has been teaching for six years, is known for creating a classroom environment built on hard work, resilience, and understanding. He said his goal is to give students a space where they can succeed through effort and learn that it’s okay to make mistakes.

“I want each of my students to learn and thrive in this environment so they can, in turn, be heroes to other people,” Alejandre-Gonzalez said.

He credited fellow educator Jonathan Gros for inspiring him with his dedication to his own students. Gros, an English teacher, is known for designing engaging lessons that help students develop reading and writing skills while also encouraging self-reliance.

Alejandre-Gonzalez described his teaching “superpowers” as empathy, resilience, and positivity—qualities he uses daily to empower students to believe in themselves and in their ability to grow.

The Rapides Parish School Board’s Classroom Hero Highlight series showcases teachers across the district who demonstrate exceptional commitment to education and student success.

January 6, 1961 – October 30, 2025

Funeral services and gathering of friends of Tammy Bordelon will be celebrated from 4-6 PM on Thursday, November 6, 2025 in the chapel of Fall Creek Funeral Home, 1800 Military Hwy., Pineville.
Ms. Bordelon, age 63 of Plaucheville, formerly of Tioga, entered eternal rest on Thursday, October 30, 2025 in The Oaks Care Center, Pineville.

Tammy was of the Baptist faith. She was a native of Tioga, a graduate of Tioga High School and a graduate of LSUA Nursing School where she worked as a Registered Nurse for over 30 years. In her leisure she loved riding horses, camping, playing bingo and dancing. She had a very deep love for her grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Terry and Emma Pullig and her grandson, Levi Trantham.
Tammy is survived by her spouse, Lynn Bordelon of Plaucheville, two daughters, Amanda Trantham of Alexandria and Kelly Basco (Derek) of Cheneyville. Step-children, Lindsay Gremillion of Plaucheville, Brooke Vaughn of Lafayette, Micah Bordelon of Plaucheville and Luke Bordelon of Plaucheville. Her siblings, Sandi Hudson (Kevin) of Deville and Tim Pullig (Terry) of Pineville. Six grandchildren, Brice Riggs (Elizabeth) of Pollock, Colton Basco of Cheneyville, Westyn Basco of Cheneyville, Abby Trantham of Pineville, Victoria Trantham (CJ) of Pineville and Chloe Basco of Cheneyville.

February 9, 1954 – October 27, 2025

Funeral services celebrating the life of Mr. Rodney Blair will be at 1:00PM on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at Deville First Pentecostal Church, 260 Hwy 1206 Deville, with the Revs. Ricky Belgard and Evan Norris officiating. Interment will follow in Holloway Baptist Church Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 11:00AM until time of services in the church.

The requested attire is bright colored clothing.

Mr. Blair, age 71 of Deville, La., entered eternal rest on Thursday, October 27, 2025 at Oak Haven Nursing Home, Centerpoint surrounded by his loving family.

Rodney was a man of many words and he knew no stranger. He loved his two daughters and grandchildren very much. Rodney was a dad to more than his two daughters. He had many kids through the years that he loved dearly and loved to have them help him work. His compassion for others had no bounds. Rodney couldn’t have a bad day if it was spent on any tractor or piece of equipment. He served honorably in the Louisiana National Guard for four years. He spent most of his life working as a heavy equipment operator, building fence, cutting firewood and sitting on a tractor. He loved to sit around and swap stories with the ole timers.

Mr. Blair is survived by his daughters, Heather Lee Blair and Mildred “Minnie” Angelina Blair Elliott. His grandchildren, Kathryn Lee Blair and Joel Patrick Elliott. His siblings, Joseph Roberts and Barbara Blair Parker. Step daughters, Kaitlynne Hamm and Miranda Metoyer and a host of nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank all of Rodney’s friends for their love and prayers, The Cancer Center at DCH, Tuscaloosa, Alabama and the staff of Oak Haven Nursing Home.

Pallbearers honored to serve will be; Dale Roberts, Michael Davis, James Henry, Alvin Gaspard, Steven Lachney and Brad Thornton.

Honorary will be; Larry Dorsey, Keith Singletary and Cody Norris.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Fall Creek Funeral Home, Pineville, Robbie Dauzat, Director

By JIM BUTLER

The Diocese of Alexandria lists assets of $16.7 million and liabilities of $9.5 million in its bankruptcy petition filed October 31. 

Seeking Chapter 11 reorganization, the diocese through its attorneys lists $7.8 million in unsecured claims. 

Chapter 11 stays action against a debtor, allowing time for reorganization and court assessment of payment demands.

Bishop Robert N. Marshall Jr. in a letter to parishioners said the 93-page petition seeks a global settlement with those who seek remuneration as a result of alleged clergy sexual incidents.

More than half the 85 identified complaints, by the alleged victims or on their behalf, as of the filing stem from the 1970s or earlier.

A final number will not be known until the court, Chief Bankruptcy Judge John S. Hodges, U.S. Western District of Louisiana, presiding, sets a claims deadline.

It has been previously reported that diocesan officials thought it could pay up to $4 million to resolve the matter and remain solvent.

The diocese a year ago confirmed it and 40 other organizations were working to reach a global settlement before any filing, as a result avoiding extensive delays and legal fees.

(The diocese estimates legal fees of the current matter to be $1 million to $2 million.) A mediator hired by that consortium worked with six attorney groups to reach agreement to stay civil proceedings while negotiating proceeded. 

In the interim staggering award numbers have occurred in several jurisdictions, most recently New Orleans, where $230 million is in play.

(An aside: Alexandria attorney Richard Arsenault is court-appointed reviewer of the New Orleans individual claim awards under a points system.) Status of the Alexandria mediation effort has not been disclosed.

Unsecured claims listed in the Diocesan filing include $7.1 million for priest retirement, health insurance and burial benefits and $626,000 guarantee of a loan to Holy Savior Menard Central High.

In addition to the primary petition the filing includes 21 motions, mostly relating to enrollment of counsel, agent for eventual distribution, financial management and the like.

Bradley L. Drell, of Alexandria’s Gold Weems, is counsel. Also enrolled is national firm Husch Blackwell LLP, three of its partners and a senior counsel.

The filings include a proposed interim order, a proposed final order and disclosure of compensation, none of which is viewable online without subscription to the court-approved information system.

The case number is 25-31257.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Peace be with you!

About one year ago, there were some reports in the media about the Diocese of Alexandria considering entering a bankruptcy proceeding.  After consultation with my priest consultors, diocesan advisors, and after my own prayerful consideration, I write to tell you that I have directed attorneys for the diocese to file a petition for a Chapter 11 reorganization of its financial affairs under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.

This is not an easy decision and one of my many concerns is the impact it will have on the spiritual well-being of the Faithful of the Diocese.  However, after reviewing the facts in front of us, I determined it was the most prudent course of action.  Here’s why.

This action is occurring because some past priest-perpetrators sexually abused minors, actions that are evil, sinful and go against everything the Church and the priesthood represent.  As a result, there are financial claims pending against the diocese that exceed our means. 

In taking this action, we have two goals.  First, we want to do as much as we can, as fairly as we can, to compensate those who have been harmed.  Second, we want to carry on the essential ministries of the diocese so we can continue to meet the needs of our parishes, parishioners and others who rely upon the Church for assistance.  A Chapter 11 proceeding is the best way to achieve these goals.

Alexandria is a mission diocese, meaning we already rely upon others to sustain the work of the Church.  As such, our resources are scarce.  Chapter 11 will allow the diocese to use available funds to compensate all abuse survivors with unresolved claims in a single process overseen by a court, ensuring that all are treated equitably.  Second, by serving as a final call for legal claims against the diocese, the proceeding will allow the Church to move forward on stable financial ground, focused on its Gospel mission.

The Diocese is also committed to making sure that nothing like this can ever happen again.  We will continue our outreach to abuse survivors as an ongoing ministry of the Church.  We will continue the policies and practices we have implemented to keep children safe. 

 Some of you may feel disheartened or frustrated by this development.  Some may feel anger or resentment that we have come to this moment.  I have experienced the same emotions.  We are at this moment for one reason:  some priests sexually abused minors.  For that, I feel deeply ashamed.  As your bishop, I apologize to abuse survivors for the harm, pain and suffering they experienced and continue to experience in their lives.

I also want to apologize to all the faithful priests, deacons, religious and laity whose ministry may have a shadow cast upon them by this next step in the process. 

This bankruptcy applies only to the diocese itself.  Our parishes and other Catholic entities are separately incorporated under state law and are not affected by this filing.

Our hope is that the diocese can reach a global settlement with those who have claims in the very near future.  We have already been in negotiations for some months with a group of lawyers whom we understand represents the vast majority of currently known abuse survivors.  If we can reach an agreement toward the beginning of the case, we would be able to avoid the lengthy delays and unnecessary professional fees that would otherwise result.

I know there will be many questions to answer as we move through this legal process.  Our website – https://www.diocesealex.org/  – will serve as a repository for information.  Some answers will come only as the process unfolds.  I promise to share information with you in an open, candid and straightforward way.

Although this will be a difficult journey, what inspires me is the Faithful of the Diocese.  I have witnessed your faith in action: in worship, in charity and in service.  So even as we proceed with this Chapter 11, I am confident this good work will continue.

Our Pastoral Plan, Together as One Church, will also continue.  We must remember that we are pilgrims on a journey to our eventual heavenly home.  We cannot allow our mission to stagnate, even though the diocese is in legal proceedings. 

Lastly, I ask that you pray for the Church, especially in the Diocese of Alexandria, asking God to give us wisdom and grace in our decision making.  Together as One Church, we will move forward, not forgetting our past, but addressing it and taking appropriate responsibility for those who were harmed, and placing our trust in God, who is our strength and our hope, and who is with us always.

With assurance of prayers and with faith in Jesus Christ, who makes all things new, I am,

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Robert W. Marshall, Jr.
Bishop of Alexandaria

Louisiana Central recently joined partners at the Central Louisiana Regional Port to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new $23.6 million electrical substation manufacturing facility by DisTran. The major investment will enhance local manufacturing capacity, create skilled job opportunities, and further strengthen Central Louisiana’s regional economy.

The project reflects the success of public-private collaboration and the region’s continued focus on innovation-driven growth.

Louisiana Central expressed gratitude to the many partners, community leaders, and industry supporters who contributed to making this milestone possible, noting that projects like this showcase the collective commitment to advancing economic development across Central Louisiana.

The Kiwanis Club of Alexandria held its annual pancake breakfast fundraiser Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at First United Methodist Church, supporting local high school service clubs and scholarship programs across the community.

Students from Holy Savior Menard, Peabody Magnet High School, Alexandria Senior High and Louisiana State University of Alexandria participated by selling tickets and assisting with event operations.

According to the organization’s event summary, 75% of proceeds from ticket sales are directed back to each school’s Key Club for community service projects. The remaining 25% supports Kiwanis-funded scholarships for graduating seniors pursuing higher education.

Event organizers reported serving several hundred pancakes during the breakfast, which continues to be one of the club’s most successful annual efforts. Planning is already underway for the group’s next major fundraiser, the spring crawfish boil scheduled for April.

The Kiwanis Club of Alexandria is part of a global volunteer organization focused on improving communities through service and youth development. The local chapter partners with area schools to provide leadership opportunities, scholarship funding and hands-on experience in community engagement.