Corn harvest marks the end of summer along our bayou.

Sure there’s plenty of August remaining and September beyond that, but we consider summer finished.

As corn stalks disappear so too are remnants of vegetable gardens long since overwhelmed by heat and dry ground though okra stubbornly resists.

Corn taken in means school opening is at hand, and football’s fast approaching.

Doves, picking through stover seeking cracked kernels remaining behind the harvesters, will soon be targets of wing shooters ringing the fields.

Teal, beginning to appear in sunrise sweeps across the horizon, will be legal quarry in a flip of the calendar.

There’s still plenty to be done on the back 40 – soybeans, milo and cotton harvests remain.

But corn headed to the silo is the benchmark. Summer’s done.

Al Jerome Keys was convicted of three counts of Second Degree Rape on May 19.

This week, Judge Patricia Koch handed down a 20-year sentence on each count to be served consecutively for a total of 60 years.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Chuck Johnson.

Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying suspects in several camp burglaries on Lonzie Doyle Road.

According to initial reports, these suspects were caught on surveillance video on July 30 and again on August 5. 

Several items were taken including gasoline and lawn equipment.

If anyone has any information on these suspects, they are asked to contact Detective Russell Norsworthy, Criminal Investigations Division-Glenmora at 318-748-4226, RPSO main office 318-473-6700, or Crime Stoppers 318-443-7867.

The Alexandria Police Department arrested 19-year-old Feyton Payne on Tuesday, Aug. 5, in connection with the March 30 shooting that occurred in the area of 8th Street and Woodard Street.  Payne was charged with four counts of attempted second-degree murder and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center.

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 318-43-7867. 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.

Aug. 6

Kelmond Dwayne Hamilton, 45, Alexandria – two counts simple burglary, contempt of court, $20,575 bail;

Michael J. Lacoste, 70, Boyce – simple assault, littering, two counts contempt of court, $21,000 bail;

Derrick Dewayne Swafford, 31, Alexandria – second degree murder, introduction of contraband into a correctional facility, taking contraband to and from penal institutions, producing manufacturing distributing with intent, criminal conspiracy, two counts possession of CDS, $159,000 bail.

Aug. 5

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

Brian Paul Fletcher, 54, Boyce – OWI second offense, $1,500 bail;

Laramy Shane Dunn, 46, Pineville – possession of CDS, possession marijuana, paraphernalia, $3,500 bail;

Demetrius Dewayne Goodman, 46, Alexandria – solicitation on a highway, criminal trespass, eight counts contempt of court, $14,000 bail;

Cedric Dione Jefferson, 48, Pineville – contempt of court, $25,000 bail;

Jayden Johnson, 19, Natchitoches – OWI first offense, illegal carrying of a weapon, producing manufacturing distributing CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia, improper lane usage, $16,000 bail;

Leroy Dewayne Kirklin, 27, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, safety belt violation, no driver’s license, parole violations, $200 bail;

Feyton Clerion Payne, 19, Alexandria – four counts attempted second degree murder, $2 million bail;

Dwight Edwin Poole, 69, Boyce – simple battery, simple assault, criminal trespass, possession of CDS, paraphernalia, probation violation, simple escape, six counts contempt of court, $144,000 bail;

Demitrus Kendrick Smith, 42, Alexandria – armed robbery, contributing to the delinquency of juveniles, criminal conspiracy, probation violation, $251,000 bail;

Tishaunna Sharell Spearman, 24, Alexandria – aggravated assault domestic abuse, domestic abuse battery, possession of marijuana, aggravated assault with a firearm, $12,000 bail;

Bailey S. Summerlin, 22, Pineville – theft, $10,000 bail;

Jerry Lewis Swafford Jr, 38, Pineville – domestic abuse battery strangulation, possession of marijuana, resisting an officer, contempt of court, $26,500 bail;

William Todd White, 43, Pineville – aggravated criminal damage, parole violations, probation violation, $10,000 bail;

Desmon Marquis Williams, 28, Alexandria – unauthorized entry into inhabited dwelling, resisting an officer, parole violations, three counts burglary of inhabited dwelling, $100,500 bail.

Aug. 4

Jeremy Wayne Belgard, 33, Pineville – theft of a motor vehicle, $1,000 bail;

Andre Lamonte Blakemore, 36, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, $3,000 bail;

Dennis Ray Blue, 41, Alexandria – aggravated assault with a firearm, $5,000 bail;

Michael Todd Bynog, 56, Hineston – Louisiana fugitive, possession of fentanyl, paraphernalia, theft of a motor vehicle, unauthorized entry into inhabited dwelling, $14,000 bail;

Michael Scott Coldiron, 41, Pollock – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, running a yellow light, driving under suspension, $3,200 bail;

Steven Darcell Darbon, 46, Alexandria – two counts possession of CDS, paraphernalia, three counts contempt of court, $13,500 bail;

Tycarius Jerome Davis, 28, Pineville – possession of fentanyl, possession of CDS, paraphernalia, bicycle reflectors, three counts contempt of court, probation violation, $14,100 bail;

Totteaanna Nicole Dunbar, 33, Alexandria – obscenity, 11 counts contempt of court, $20,000 bail;

Raydrian Jaquan Fisher, 19, Alexandria – attempted second degree murder, second degree battery, firearm-free zone, contempt of court, $175,000 bail;

Sheila Marie Goodman, 44, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, $3,000 bail;

Payton Guidry, 25, Lake Charles – simple burglary, criminal damage to property, obstruction of justice, possession of drug paraphernalia, $200,000 bail;

Nicholas Trey Johnson, 21, Calcasieu – theft of a firearm, $5,000 bail;

Gerald C. Jones Jr, 35, Alexandria – possession of firearm by convicted felon, contempt of court, $13,000 bail;

Bobbie Rose, 43, Metairie – three counts contempt of court, $55,000 bail;

Tavarious Demond Thomas, 20, Alexandria – six counts attempted second degree murder, criminal conspiracy, $3.05 million bail;

Dyllan Earl Whiddon Sr, 22, Glenmora – aggravated assault domestic abuse, $10,000 bail.

Aug. 3

Jo Michael Boudreaux, 36, Pineville – domestic abuse battery intentional serious injury, domestic abuse battery with child present, $20,000 bail;

Kaylee Alexis Brister, 27, Pineville – OWI first offense, hit and run driving, possession of CDS, paraphernalia, careless operation, $4,600 bail;

Daniel W. Chelette Jr, 52, Pineville – resisting a police officer with force or violence, resisting an officer, disturbing the peace, $1,250 bail;

Keldrick Dewone Mitchell, 39, Alexandria – theft, contempt of court, $5,500 bail;

Chandler Raymond Richey, 28, Boyce – OWI second offense, open container, improper window tint, aggravated obstruction of highway, $11,700 bail;

Anthony T. Wilson, 39, Alexandria – theft, criminal trespass, resisting an officer, $1,250 bail.

By JIM BUTLER

Students gathering for the new semester this month will encounter a changing LSU Alexandria campus.

Projects aimed at modernizing the grounds, meeting student needs and enhancing their collegiate experience are being launched or nearing completion.

Perhaps most noticeable is a spectacular tower in the Welcoming Plaza roundabout. Even in the slow summer days between semesters it has become a landmark. It will provide students an entrance to their campus career and an exit point on graduation.

Adjacent to it is the Martin Family Student Services Center, where campus life will eventually begin for every student.

The $12 million project is well under way by M.D. Descant Construction. RoyOMartin contributed $2 million of the cost; a host of donors gave another $5 million.

Across campus to the north preliminary work has begun on construction of new student housing.

Occupying a portion of the now-closed university golf course the project will provide much-needed quarters for 352 students.

It is the first phase of redevelopment of the 40 acres formerly occupied by the golf course.

And there’s a tank now on site, an outsized reminder of LSU’s military tradition, the Louisiana Manuevers and a natural fit for the Generals teams.

The M60 behemoth came from Vivian with National Guard escort.

Not as readily apparent is completion of drainage improvements that promise to move water off streets and grounds in a more expeditious manner.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) today announced the expansion of the SNAP produce bonus pilot project to include Walmart stores in Calcasieu, Jackson, Lafayette, Rapides and Terrebonne parishes.

The five parishes join Ascension, LaSalle, Sabine, Tangipahoa, Webster and West Carroll parishes already taking part in the Electronic Healthy Incentives Project (eHIP), which encourages Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to make healthy food choices by purchasing more fresh fruits and vegetables.

SNAP recipients who shop at participating Walmart locations in these parishes during the pilot project will receive a 30-cent bonus for every dollar spent on fresh produce back on their EBT card, with a maximum of $25 back a month.

So far, Louisiana SNAP shoppers have received over $280,000 in produce bonus benefits since the project launched in April.

When SNAP shoppers buy fresh fruits and vegetables at one of the participating stores, they receive produce bonus benefits that can be used to buy any SNAP-eligible groceries at any retailer that accepts EBT. Bonus benefits are automatically added to a SNAP recipient’s EBT card and can be used as soon as the next transaction.

“The project helps Louisianans stretch their food budget, but the broader goal is to improve health outcomes,” said Sammy Guillory, Assistant Secretary of Family Support. “By making nutritious food more accessible, we’re supporting healthier families, stronger communities, and a better future for our state.”

Key project features:

• No enrollment required—simply use your EBT card at a participating store
• Open to all Louisiana SNAP recipients who shop at a Walmart store in the eleven parishes
• Bonus benefits are automatically added to EBT cards at checkout
• Produce bonus benefits can be used as soon as the next purchase to buy SNAP-eligible grocery items at any retailer that accepts EBT

Visit dcfs.la/ehip for more information on the initiative and the full list of participating stores.

Pineville Junior High School will host an open house Thursday, Aug. 7, 5-6:30pm. 

Attendees can pick up schedules; receive important information about the school, classes, and bus routes; meet the teachers; tour the campus; pick up PJH apparel; and pay school fees during the open house. 

School fees are $20. The PE fee is $10. 

Individuals who can’t make the Aug. 7 open house can come by the school on Friday, Aug. 8, 1-3pm, to the library. During that time, individuals can do everything that would be done at the open house EXCEPT meet the teachers. 

The schedule for the first week of school is as follows.

• Monday, Aug. 11 – 8th graders only
• Tuesday, Aug. 12 – 7th graders only
• Wednesday, Aug. 13 – all students. 

Rapides High School will host an open house on Thursday, Aug. 7, at 4pm in the Auditorium. Parents and students will have an opportunity to visit classrooms following the parents meeting. Schedules will also be available during the open house.

The schedule for the first week of school is Monday, Aug. 11, will be 9th grade only. Tuesday, Aug. 12, will be all students. 

Donna Gail Price Holliday, 78, of Collierville, Tennessee, passed away on August 1, 2025, at Baptist Hospital Collierville after a brief illness.

Born and raised in Pineville, Louisiana, Donna graduated from Louisiana College and began her career as an elementary school teacher at Pineville Elementary School  before dedicating herself to her family as a proud homemaker. She was the beloved widow of Michael Holliday, her husband of 33 years, who passed away in 2001.

She was predeceased by her parents Clayton  and Thelma Price and her brother, Keith Price.

Donna was the cherished mother of three sons: Brad, Clay, and Andrew Holliday, and the loving grandmother of eight grandchildren: Davis, Coco, AJ, Natalie, Sammie, Honey, Mickey, and Ryder. She found immense joy in spending time with her grandchildren, always nurturing them with the same love and care she gave her sons.

Throughout her life, Donna embodied grace, kindness, and a quiet elegance. She was a gifted painter, a passionate gardener, and an extraordinary cook, talents she shared generously with family and friends. Her home was a sanctuary filled with beautiful plants and flowers, and a lifetime of wonderful memories.

Donna was deeply involved in her faith and her community. She attended both Life Church and Hope Presbyterian Church, where she built lasting relationships with those around her. For over 20 years, Donna devoted her time to delivering Meals on Wheels for the Memphis Inter-faith Association (MIFA), providing nourishment and companionship to homebound seniors. This act of service was a testament to her boundless generosity and unwavering compassion for others.

Known for her vibrant spirit, Donna remained active well into her later years. Just a few months ago, she hiked with her sons in Sedona, and she continued to water ski, whitewater raft, and surf into her mid-70s. Her zest for life and sense of adventure were unparalleled, and she approached every experience with enthusiasm, curiosity, and courage.

Above all, Donna was a woman of exceptional character. She was gentle, kind, and endlessly graceful. She had a way of making everyone around her feel valued and loved. Her warmth, wisdom, and elegance will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A service to celebrate Donna’s life will be held at The Sanctuary on the Square in Collierville on Saturday, August 9, 2025. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the service following at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to MIFA (Memphis Inter-faith Association) to support the Meals on Wheels program, an organization dear to Donna’s heart.

Donna’s legacy of love, service, and kindness will forever live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and the many lives she touched.

BOM Bank was proud to sponsor the Cruising for Kindness Car Show, a fantastic event with a meaningful mission! The funds raised will go toward supporting underprivileged children in the local community, helping to make a lasting difference in their lives. Pictured: BOM’s Titan Marler and Quaneshia Poul.

On August 6, 1997, North American audiences were officially introduced to one of pop culture’s most outrageous and unforgettable characters: Austin Powers. Released in the U.S. months after its U.K. debut, Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery became an instant cult classic, blending absurdity, retro flair, and sharp parody into a film that would reshape comedic cinema in the late 1990s.

Created by Saturday Night Live alum Mike Myers—who also played the film’s title character and his nemesis, Dr. Evil—the film was a loving spoof of 1960s spy films, particularly the James Bond franchise. With its velvet suits, swinging London sets, and outlandish gadgets, Austin Powers took everything iconic about mid-century spy tropes and turned them up to eleven.

But Austin Powers did more than just parody the past. It introduced a brand-new comedic lexicon. Phrases like “Yeah, baby!”, “Oh, behave!”, and “Do I make you randy?” became instantly quotable, crossing generational and cultural lines. Even Dr. Evil’s pinky-to-lip pose and drawn-out “one million dollars” threat became a global gag still referenced in memes and comedy sketches today.

While the film opened modestly at the box office, it gained momentum thanks to word-of-mouth, strong VHS and DVD sales, and the sheer uniqueness of its tone and humor. By the time its sequels—The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999) and Goldmember (2002)—were released, Austin Powers had become a pop culture juggernaut.

The August 6 milestone was significant because it marked a shift in the American comedy landscape. Myers, who had just come off successes like Wayne’s World, proved he could carry an original, high-concept franchise that appealed to both young adults and older viewers who remembered the 1960s. His dual performance as both Austin Powers and Dr. Evil showed remarkable comedic range and timing, echoing the stylings of Peter Sellers and Monty Python while still delivering a distinctly American brand of humor.

Critically, the film also challenged Hollywood to reconsider how nostalgia could be repackaged. Rather than simply revisiting the spy genre, Austin Powers dissected and exaggerated its tropes: the over-sexed hero, the useless henchmen, the monologuing villain, and even the unrealistic gadgets. The result was a film that celebrated its inspirations while also cleverly mocking them.

Culturally, the film’s influence extended far beyond cinema. Halloween costumes, action figures, themed slot machines, and parodies on shows like The Simpsons and Saturday Night Live further cemented Austin Powers as a fixture of late-90s pop culture. Music from the film, including Burt Bacharach’s “What the World Needs Now” and Quincy Jones’s “Soul Bossa Nova” (used as the theme), experienced a resurgence in popularity. Even the character’s iconic teeth—a prosthetic designed to look exaggeratedly bad—became a signature symbol of the franchise’s charm and silliness.

Looking back, August 6, 1997, wasn’t just the day America embraced a shagadelic secret agent. It was the beginning of a cultural moment that would shape the direction of comedy for years to come. From college dorms to water cooler conversations, Austin Powers became a shared language, and the franchise’s impact is still felt today in everything from Deadpool to Archer.

In an era dominated by action blockbusters and high-budget dramas, Austin Powers reminded audiences that sometimes the best way to pay tribute is to laugh. And as far as legacies go, few are as groovy as that.