To: Pineville Citizens

I have decided to resign my position as Councilman for District 4 and not run for a seventh term in the 2026 elections. This was a difficult decision, but one that will allow more time to spend with my family and grandchildren in the nearby State of Texas. My resignation is effective December 31, 2025.

Serving the City of Pineville has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I want to thank the citizens of District 4 for placing their trust in me since 2002. I have tried my best to serve you, and all Pineville residents, with openness and honesty and have always put the needs of our citizens ahead of my own.

I want to especially thank every Pineville employee for the work you accomplish each and every day…you are why Pineville is a great place to call home.

Thank you, former Mayor Clarence Fields, former Mayor Rich Dupree, current Mayor Joe Bishop and all Council members I have served alongside (Randy King, Nathan Martin, Carol Van Mol, Christy Frederic, Kevin Dorn, Joe Bishop, Mary Galloway and Randy James) for making this 24-year journey one I will remember fondly.

There are many decisions I am proud to have been a part of that helped make Pineville a better place to live and raise a family. We helped bring growth to Pineville by creating a welcoming environment for all businesses which saved and created many new jobs. New subdivisions were built and home ownership increased. We went through the difficult process of allowing restaurants to sell alcohol which eventually led to our citizens having a say in whether alcohol sales would be allowed inside the city limits. We have and continue to replace and repair infrastructure setting Pineville up for decades of more growth. And, the re-invention of the old Central State grounds will continue its positive impact on our community. All of these decisions helped to change the trajectory of the City’s sales tax revenue which continues to increase on a yearly basis. I am grateful that Pineville is financially sound.

I will keep all of you in my prayers and I ask for your prayers as my family and I begin a new journey.

May God continue to bless the City of Pineville,

Signed
Tom Bouchie
Pineville City Councilman, District 4

This was no ordinary college fair held on Sunday, September 14 at the LSMSA. Harvard, Yale, Princeton and each of the other members of the Ivy League were in attendance as were MIT, Caltech, and Rice for a total of 37 top-tier colleges and universities from all over the country. This unique program was put on by Yale University’s admissions office as part of the STORY (Small Town Outreach, Recruitment and Yield) program in which representatives from top selective colleges and universities come together to travel to rural areas which are not commonly visited in the normal course of events.

Four hundred and seven students and their families took advantage of this wonderful opportunity to meet with the college and university representatives. The event started with presentations on different types of colleges & universities, financial aid, applying to colleges and other topics. The attendees then went to the LSMSA’s gym where they met with the various representatives.

This year’s fair is the second visit for the group. The fair represents a life-changing opportunity for the young people of our area. Quite simply, there is no other place in the entire state of Louisiana in which one can meet with admissions officers from such an impressive array of institutions. Central Louisiana is indeed fortunate to have such an opportunity.

The Journal Services Family would like to thank the staff of the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts for hosting the fair and graciously inviting all interested families to attend. We would also like to extend our thanks to the young men and women from each of the superb colleges and universities who took time from their busy schedules to visit our state.

By LORI LYONS, Journal Sports

Rapides Parish football teams went 4-4 in the second week of play in the 2025 football season with Alexandria Senior High, Buckeye, Pineville and Tioga all picking up decisive wins.

ASH got things started on Thursday, taking a 57-0 win over Union Parish to improve to 2-0. Trojans wide receiver Alex Fontenot had 128 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns, including one for 70 yards. Kason Williams had a punt return for a score. Latravious Williams blocked a punt and Jackson Townsend scooped it up for the score.

In two games, Alexandria has allowed just one touchdown while racking up 111 points. QB Karsen Sellers has passed for 423 yards and seven touchdowns.

“We got off to a fast start in the first half, just able to grab control of it from the get-go,” said Trojans’ coach Thomas Bachman. “We really played well defensively. They were really limited in moving the football and that’s always a recipe for success.”

Buckeye obviously had the recipe to contain a Grant running back who ran for a record-tying 10 touchdowns in Week One. The Panthers (2-0) managed to hold Aymaud Sykes to zero yards and the Grant team to minus 32 yards in a 46-13 win.

“The boys played hard, they really played well,” coach Aaron York said. “I’ve got to give my defense credit. They held him to zero (yards). I’m pretty excited about that.”

Pineville improved to 2-0 with a decisive 69-14 win over Avoyelles. The trio of quarterbacks Carter Smith, Kaleb Coleman and Evan Schneider combined for over 100 yards passing and four touchdowns. Ayden Tate  ran for a 44-yard touchdown and returned a kickoff 77 yards for a touchdown. Altavius McQuarn ran for 51 yards and a score. Kelmarion Phillips had three catches for 39 yards and a pair of touchdowns, plus he had a 75-yard kickoff return for a score. Xavier Cochran and Dayvion Young also had receiving touchdowns.

After battling powerful Sterlington very competitively in the opener, Tioga broke through in Week 2, defeating Leesville 56-20. It was the first win for new head coach Dan Christman, who got a water shower from his team after the game.  Kenny Ponthier scored three touchdowns for the Indians, including one from 54 yards in the opening minutes. Quarterback Cace Malone threw for two scores and ran for another.

Holy Savior Menard (1-1) was drubbed by powerful Jena 56-3. Peabody (1-1) lost to the other Northwood team – this one from Shreveport – 61-13. Northwood Lena (0-2) bowed to Elton 45-22. Bolton Academy (0-2) lost to Oberlin 53-8.

Contact Lori at sportslyons@gmail.com

By RICHARD THIBERVILLE JR., Louisiana Christian Athletics

For the second-straight week, it came down to the wire for the Louisiana Christian University football team, and this time,  Jaterrius Johnson broke free for the game-winning score with 1:33 to go and Kylon Polk’s interception in the final minute sealed a 43-37 Sooner Athletic Conference win over the Wayland Baptist Pioneers Saturday night at Wildcat Field.

The Wildcats (2-1, 2-0 SAC) seemed poised to open up the game early as both Bryce Perkins, from two yards out, and Datlan Cunningham, from 34 yards away, both rushed for touchdowns in the first quarter, getting LCU out to a 14-0 lead. In the second period, Wayland Baptist (0-2, 0-2 SAC) cut the Wildcat lead down to 14-10.

Johnson scored his first touchdown from nine yards out to push the LCU advantage back out to 21-10 with just over a minute to go before halftime. Wayland opened the second half by cutting the margin to 21-7.

Cunningham plunged in from a yard out with less than four minutes left in the third quarter to make it 27-17. Levi Hilborn connected on a 22-yard field goal to give LCU a 30-17 lead just less than two minutes into the final period.

But suddenly, the Pioneers found big plays to bust in front. First came a 79-yard scoring catch and run. After getting a stop, a five-play, 63-yard scoring drive ended with a 27-yard scoring trot to forge a 30-30 tie after a botched snap on the point after. WBU took its first lead on a fumble returned 83 yards for a touchdown, going up 37-30 with 5:55 left in regulation.

On the first play following the turnover, Perkins found Omarius Davis  for a 39-yard gain. Two plays later, Perkins and Davis connected again, this time in the back of the end zone on a 24-yard scoring strike, bringing the score even again at 37.

After forcing a three-and-out, the Wildcats got the ball back at their own 26 and with 3:05 left to find a winning score. Perkins found

Xavion Butler for 37 yards to get into Pioneer territory as the two-minute timeout was reached. Johnson busted through the right side and galloped to the pylon, getting inside the right corner of the end zone for a 31-yard touchdown with just 1:33 remaining. The point after was blocked, however, keeping the score at 43-37. 

The Wildcat win was secured shortly afterward when Polk tracked down a pass that was lofted to the right sideline for the interception allowing the Wildcats to run out the remaining 43 seconds.

Perkins finished the day 20-for-32 through the air, passing for 354 yards with a touchdown while adding a rushing score as well.

Cunningham rushed for 157 yards on 30 carries and scored twice. Johnson went for 93 yards on 13 carries and also went into the end zone two times.

E.J. Scott had nine catches on the day, totaling 147 yards. Davis made six receptions and went for 118 yards and a score.

The Wildcats racked up 585 total yards of offense while the Pioneers had 410 total yards. The LCU defense forced three turnovers while Wayland Baptist came up with four.

LCU will step away from Sooner Athletic Conference play to travel to old American Southwest Conference foe Hardin-Simmons next week. Kickoff off next Saturday’s contest against the Cowboys (2-0, 0-0 ASC) is set for 1 p.m. at Shelton Stadium in Abilene, Texas.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents cited 32 subjects for alleged dove hunting violations on the opening weekend of the 2025-26 dove hunting season that took place from Sept. 6-7.

Agents seized a total of 219 doves in connection with these cases and donated them to local charities.

In Rapides Parish on Sept. 6, agents cited Anthony Palermo, 26, of Lecompte; Terri Palermo, 59, of Lecompte; James C. Morace, 23, of Deville; Emily M. Morace, 24, of Deville; and William C. Barton, 38, of Marksville; for taking over the limit of doves.

In St. James Parish on Sept. 6, agents cited the following for hunting migratory game birds over a baited area:

Darren Wade Jr., 20, of Baton Rouge; Matthew Faucheux, 30, of Gramercy; Blake Roussel, 29, of Hester; Baylen Louque, 30, of Gramercy; Steven Dykes, 21,of Baton Rouge; Michael Pocorello, 20, of Baton Rouge; Ethan Watson, 20, of Baton Rouge; Talmar Butler, 21, of Baton Rouge; Philip Poche, 30 of Gramercy; Anthony Distefano Jr., 19, of Baton Rouge; Colin Frick, 20, of Baton Rouge; Nicholas Migliacio, 20, of Baton Rouge; and a juvenile. Wade Jr. was also cited for intentional concealment of wildlife.

In Madison Parish on Sept. 6, agents cited Laken Herring, 27, Thomas Caruthers, 25, and Thomas Hamilton, 42, all of Vicksburg, Miss., for hunting without non-resident hunting licenses.

In Tensas Parish on Sept. 6, agents cited the following:

Edward Kirkland, 50, of Saint Francisville, for hunting migratory game birds with an unplugged gun;
Raymond Smith, 50, of Ferriday, for placing bait to take migratory game birds, hunting migratory game birds over a baited area, and hunting migratory game birds with an unplugged gun;
Raymond Smith IV, 18, of Ferriday, for hunting migratory game birds over a baited area;
Drake Smith, 25, of Ferriday, for hunting migratory game birds over a baited area;
Lindsey Lee, 23, of Natchez, Miss., for hunting without a non-resident hunting license.

Agents cited Danny Catoir, 20, and Wyatt Bonaventure, 19, both from Bueche, for hunting migratory game birds over a baited area on Sept. 7 in West Baton Rouge Parish.

Agents arrested Chris Lacombe, 36, of Marksville, for possession of a firearm by convicted felon, hunting with unplugged gun and possession of a stolen firearm in Avoyelles Parish on Sept. 6.

In Vernon Parish on Sept. 6, agents cited Jimmie West, 25, of Leesville, and Marvin Tarver, 23, of Mooringsport, for violating non-toxic shot requirements on a Wildlife Management Area (WMA).

In Concordia Parish on Sept. 6, agents cited Sawyer Perkins, 25, of Vidalia, for hunting migratory game birds over a baited area and placing bait to take migratory game birds.

Intentional concealment of wildlife carries a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. State charges for hunting over the limit of doves and hunting doves with an unplugged gun brings a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail for each offense. Hunting without non-resident hunting licenses and violating non-toxic shot requirements on a WMA carries up to a $350 fine for each offense.

Illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon carries a $1,000 to $5,000 fine and 10 to 20 years of jail. Possession of a stolen firearm brings one to five years in jail.

All migratory game bird baiting cases are filed with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for prosecution in Federal Court.

The Alexandria Police Department responded to the 5400 block of Mansour Drive in reference to a domestic-related shooting on Saturday, Sept. 13, at approximately 1:30am.  Responding officers located 22-year-old Jaheim Williams, deceased from an apparent gunshot wound.

This is currently an ongoing investigation.

If anyone has any information about this incident or any other type of crime in the Alexandria area, contact the Alexandria Police Detective Division at the phone number 318-441-6416 or APD Dispatch 318-441-6559. Information can be emailed to detectives at APDDetectives@cityofalex.com.

For a cash reward, call Crime Stoppers of CenLa at 318-443-7867. The Crime Stoppers P3 Tipster App can also be downloaded to leave tips and get a claim number for a cash reward at www.p3tips.com/community/mobile.

The Alexandria Police Department responded to the 2500 block of Mason Street in reference to a shooting on Friday, Sept. 12, at approximately 6:50pm. One person was transported to a local hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injury.

This is currently an ongoing investigation.

If anyone has any information about this incident or any other type of crime in the Alexandria area, contact the Alexandria Police Detective Division at the phone number 318-441-6416 or APD Dispatch 318-441-6559. Information can be emailed to detectives at APDDetectives@cityofalex.com.

For a cash reward, call Crime Stoppers of CenLa at 318-443-7867. The Crime Stoppers P3 Tipster App can also be downloaded to leave tips and get a claim number for a cash reward at www.p3tips.com/community/mobile.

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

Sept. 14

John David Ryland, 45, Deville – OWI first offense, $1,000 bail.

Sept. 13

Kevin Allen, 45, Jena – OWI first offense, driving under suspension, modified exhaust, improper turn, $1,300 bail;

Clinton Branch Jr., 45, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, parole violations, $1,500 bail;

Blessing Sagoma, 42, Wylie, Texas – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, open container, $1,200 bail;

Tamyra T. Sanders, 20, Alexandria – OWI second offense, running a red light, $1,600 bail;

Gregory Turner, 24, Pineville – OWI first offense, $1,000 bail.

Sept. 12

Cartavius Marcell Brown, 23, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, failure to appear, $10,500 bail;

Latoya Antionette Ferrell, 40, Alexandria – possession of stolen vehicle, contempt of court, failure to return rented/leased motor vehicle, $5,500 bail;

Justin Ray Holmes, 34, Alexandria – possession of marijuana, safety violation, driving under suspension, obstruction of justice, improper lane usage, intentional littering, probation violation, $1,900 bail.

Sept. 11

Jessica Renee Armstrong, 35, Alexandria – two counts theft, following too close, hit and run, two counts contempt fail to pay fine, simple escape, no insurance, driving under suspension, $2,500 bail;

Sarah Kathryn Bass, 27, Alexandria – illegal use of weapons, $1,000 bail;

Angela Denise Bennett, 61, Alexandria – possession of CDS, probation violation, $2,500 bail;

John Randall Collins, 66, Pineville – producing manufacturing distributing CDS with intent, paraphernalia, $1,500 bail;

Stephen Gerard Collins, 62, Pineville – producing manufacturing distributing, paraphernalia, $10,500 bail;

Carsen Randall Crusenberry, 24, Pineville – OWI first offense, open container, no head light, $1,200 bail;

Demetrice Demohn Culbreth Jr, 34, Pineville – possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, resisting an officer, obstruction of justice, bicycle reflectors required, $4,600 bail;

Farron Keith Davis, 60, Boyce – two counts aggravated assault with a firearm, $10,000 bail;

Ameliea Grace Delrie, 21, Pineville – two counts illegal use of weapons, aggravated criminal damage, resisting an officer, misrepresentation during booking, disturbing the peace, $31,500 bail;

Jacoleyn Shonell Gold, 37, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing CDS with intent, producing manufacturing distributing CDS, paraphernalia, two counts contempt of court, $25,500 bail;

Brittany Laice Gonzales, 36, Woodworth – simple burglary, criminal damage to property, five counts contempt of court, $75,500 bail;

Charles Anthony Issac, 37, Lecompte – molestation of a juvenile under 13, sexual battery, aggravated sodomy crime against nature, $750,000 bail;

Trevon Trevante Issac, 27, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery strangulation, $20,000 bail;

Linda Jackson, 55, Pineville – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, paraphernalia, $10,500 bail;

Jana Lewis, 18, Alexandria – battery of a dating partner first offense, criminal damage to property, $2,000 bail;

Casey Elizabeth Mathews, 34, Boyce – four counts simple burglary, probation violation, $6,000 bail;

Markell McNeal, 22, Pineville – OWI, driving under suspension, careless operation of a vehicle, probation violation, $1,800 bail;

Jared Lee Nelson, 44, Alexandria – theft, two counts resisting an officer, simple burglary, intentional exposure to the AIDS virus, simple battery of a police officer, unauthorized entry into a place of business, parole violations, $31,000 bail;

Talbert Frank Ortego, 66, Pineville – theft, sex offender failure to register, failure to obtain sex offender card, $6,000 bail;

Joshua Dale Rabalais, 30, Pineville – disarming of peace officer, resisting an officer, parole violations, $25,500 bail;

Kinsey Lynn Roszell, 37, Pineville – two counts possession of CDS, expired driver license, expired plate registration, switch MVI, $7,200 bail;

Derrick Dewayne Sewell, 38, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, obstruction of justice, safety belt violation, resisting an officer, possession of CDS, failure to appear, $15,100 bail;

Donald R. Spencer, 43, Alexandria – accessory after the fact, $1,000 bail;

Keldrick Vernard Wright, 43, Pineville – possession of CDS, three counts contempt of court, obstruction of justice, probation violation, failure to appear, $5,500 bail.

Sept. 10

Elster Ludger Brouillette III, 64, Dry Prong – two counts possession CDS, paraphernalia, $3,000 bail;

Michael Shawn Haltom, 47, Dry Prong – illegal carrying a weapon, possession of CDS, no bail data;

Devan Shea Hebert, 35, Pineville – theft of a motor vehicle, contempt of court, contempt of court, $1,000 bail.

Louisiana Christian University announces the Minister’s Advisory Council, an initiative to unite church ministers and staff with LCU to equip future generations for Kingdom service and cultural impact.

“We want to better communicate with the churches who we are and what we are doing,” said Dr. David Jeffreys, vice president of Denominational and Church Relations. “At the same time, we are seeking feedback and valuable insight from the churches to help us do a better job at reaching Louisiana Baptist youth.”

Jeffreys said the churches and the university are all a part of the Louisiana Baptist Convention, so it just makes sense to get input from those who lead the churches and youth groups across the state.

The initial goal is to partner with 100 ministers statewide, Jeffreys said, and more than 40 have already signed up.

“I joined the council because of my love for Louisiana Christian University,” said Craig Beeman, pastor of First Baptist Church of Winnsboro. “I want to see it thrive in all aspects. If I can contribute in any way, I will do my best to ensure that a network of pastors across the state helps Louisiana Baptists never forget the greatness of our institution of higher learning here in our state. I have always believed that an informed Baptist is a better Baptist. Through this council, I hope we can enhance communication and strengthen relationships with churches and LCU.”

Members will be advocates for the university, encouraging families to consider LCU as a possibility for future education, and help link LCU with like-minded supporters. The council will meet in person twice a year.

For questions, to join or for more information about the Minister’s Advisory Council, email david.jeffreys@lcuniversity.edu

The City of Pineville encourages the public to save the date for their Family Fall Fest, coming Thursday, Oct. 23, 6-8 p.m. at the Ward 9 Sports Complex. 

The free Family Fall Fest will feature lots of candy for all ages, a petting zoo and jumpers for kids, and free hot dogs for all. 

By JIM BUTLER

Louisiana Central enters its second half-century on sound financial footing, according to a Legislative Audit report.

The organization known as Central Louisiana Economic Development Alliance until 2011, when merged with Cenla Advantage Partnership, serves Rapides and nine other area parishes.

Its new president and CEO,  Chris Musingill, has been on the job about a month. He succeeds the retired Jim Clinton.

The audit report for 2024, released this week, notes revenues of $2.9 million, almost all from contributions, gifts and grants.

Spending totaled $2.7 million, program services accounting for $2.1 million.

Payroll expense was $1.3 million. Legal and professional fees took $469,090. Auditors note no public funds are used to pay the CEO of the non-profit.

Net assets at year’s end were $1.4 million, a year-over-year increase of about $200,000.

LA Central is located at 1302 Murray St.

By LORI LYONS, Journal Sports

Buckeye head football coach Aaron York had to check to make sure it wasn’t a typo.

As he looked to see how his opponent this week, Grant High School, fared in Week 1 action, York must have done a double-take. The Cougars, a Class 4A team, defeated Montgomery by 76-50 and had a player who threatened national high school records.

Running back Aymaud Sykes rushed for 420 yards on 26 carries and scored 10 touchdowns (original reports said 11) to help his team to a come-from-behind win. According to the National Federation of High Schools, that puts Sykes in a tie for fourth most touchdowns in a single high school game.

Now it’s up to York and his Class 3A Panthers to try and stop him tonight in Dry Prong.

“We’ve got 100 yards long and 54 1/3 wide to try and contain him,” York said, adding his defense has seen enough of him. “No. I don’t want to see him run.”

Last week Buckeye took a 45-0 win over Block (the score was originally reported in some outlets as a Block victory).

“The first game of the year you really don’t know what to expect,” York said. “You just want your kids to play well. I thought we played well enough to win but with a lot of things to clean up. That’s the goal this week. We want to see how our kids respond after the first week playing a real game and see if we can get better from last week.”

Pineville is looking for its second win following a surprising 44-34 victory at New Iberia. It was coach Justin Charles’ first win as new coach of the Rebels. This week the Rebels host Avoyelles, which lost last week to Marksville 47-14. Pineville won last year’s matchup 35-20.

After battling defending Division III Non-Select state champion Sterlington very competitively before fading in a 47-31 loss last week, Tioga gets no rest this week. The Indians will have the homefield advantage against last year’s Division II Select state semifinalist Leesville Friday. The Wampus Cats were spanked in their season opener by Sam Houston, 50-28.

Tioga wide receiver Kevin Johnson was named Player of the Week by one local media outlet after nabbing seven receptions for 214 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

In other action, Alexandria Senior High will look to go 2-0 against visiting Union Parish. Quarterback Karsen Sellers threw four touchdown passes in the Trojans’  54-7 win over West Feliciana last week. Union Parish lost to North DeSoto, 46-3.

Holy Savior Menard, 1-0 following last week’s 42-0 win at Northwood-Lena, will host always formidable Class 3A Jena.  The Giants had a wild 64-48 victory at Mangham to open the season.

Northwood-Lena will travel to Elton in a matchup of Class A teams. The Indians lost to St. Edmund 58-28 last week.

Peabody will visit the other Northwood – of Shreveport – on Friday. The Warhorses opened with a 33-10 win over LaGrange while Class 4A Northwood defeated Benton, 49-16.

Bolton Academy, which lost to Mamou, 62-6 last week, will go to Oberlin, which fell to Vinton last Friday 36-6.

After a stirring road win to begin Sooner Athletic Conference play last Saturday, the Louisiana Christian Wildcats football team plays host to Wayland Baptist Saturday evening at 6 in another SAC outing.

The Wildcats (1-1) host a Wayland Baptist squad that fell 49-7 in its season opener at 18^th-ranked Ottawa University-Arizona in a SAC contest. Last year in Texas, Wayland outlasted LCU 49-44.

The Wildcats prevailed last week in Oklahoma at Langston, 31-24, in a game with six lead changes. LCU scored the game-winning TD with 1:38 remaining to cap a clutch 11-play, 77-yard drive, ended with a 2-yard plunge by Datlan Cunningham.

An interception in the red zone in the final minute by Wildcats’ defensive back Brandon Johnson clinched the road win.

In September 2025, the Louisiana State Police Special Victims Unit (LSP SVU) received a report of alleged sexual abuse involving a juvenile in the Cheneyville community. The allegations involved inappropriate contact between an adult male and the juvenile.

As part of the investigation, the Louisiana State Police Special Victims Unit (LSP SVU) conducted interviews and identified the suspect as 37-year-old Charles A. Issac of Cheneyville. Based on the findings of the investigation, arrest warrants were obtained for Issac on the charges of molestation of a juvenile, sexual battery of a victim under the age of 13, and aggravated crimes against nature.

On Sept. 11, Issac was processed into the Rapides Parish Detention Center for the above charges. Issac is the current Chief of Police for the Cheneyville Police Department. All inquiries regarding his employment should be directed to the Office of the Mayor of Cheneyville. Issac was not on duty when this illicit act occurred. The investigation remains active and ongoing. No further information is available at this time.  

LSP SVU works to rescue and seek justice for the victims of crimes involving the exploitation of children and the trafficking of humans for sex or labor. The public plays a vital role in identifying suspects accused of these crimes and is urged to report criminal or suspicious activity. The Louisiana State Police online reporting system is available to the public through an anonymous reporting form that is submitted to the appropriate investigators.

The form can be found by visiting http://la-safe.org/and clicking on the “Suspicious Activity” link.

As the Martin Library marks 75 years of service to the Pineville community, Rapides Parish Libraries has announced a celebration rooted in community, literacy , and local heritage on Thursday, Sept. 18, 5:30-7:30pm.

The 75th anniversary marks a diamond milestone, a testament to the library’s enduring impact, resilience, and commitment to knowledge-sharing across generations.

Join RPL for an evening of celebration as they honor this remarkable legacy and look ahead to the next chapter. The event will feature guest speakers and live music as well as a special presentation recognizing the contributions of the Martin family, whose vision and generosity helped make the library a cornerstone of the Pineville community.

A reception will follow, with light refreshments and an opportunity to connect with neighbors, friends, and supporters of the library.

RPL invites everyone to be part of this special moment as they turn the page to the future of the Martin Library. Contact 318-442-7575 for more information.

Join the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for a FREE event celebrational National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHFD) on Saturday, Sept. 27, 8am to 1:30pm, that will include fun and informative exhibits on LDWF’s research and conservation efforts, as well as shooting and fishing demonstrations, and many other exhibits related to outdoor adventures!

The Woodworth event, being held at the LDWF Education Facility in Woodworth, will include:

▪ Fishing
▪ Outdoor Activities
▪ Dog Retrieval
▪ Baby Alligators
▪ Door Prizes
▪ Shooting Activities
▪ Outdoor Exhibitors
▪ Fish Identification
▪ Alligator Skinning
▪ Casting Inflatable
▪ LDWF Law Enforcement
▪ Free Youth T-Shirts
▪ Bottled Water
▪ Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office
▪ Grand Prize Drawing for Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License and Firearm

NHFD is held nationwide on the fourth Saturday of every September to recognize generations of sportsmen and women for their contributions to conservation.

Admission and parking are free. Come join the fun and celebrate the great outdoors. For more information, visit https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/nhfd.

Persons participating in LDWF-sponsored programs will not need to have a self-clearing permit nor the access-permit to participate.