Month: July 2022

Notice of Death – July 24, 2022

/ NPJ

Bonnie Parnell Hubbard
July 27, 1929 — July 20, 2022
Services: 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at Hill Crest Memorial Park Cemetery, 601 US-80, Haughton

Bonnie Mae Johnson Hall
April 16, 1946 — July 18, 2022
Visitation: 10:00 a.m. until the time of service
Services: 12:00 p.m. Monday, July 25, 2022, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Drive, Bossier City

Arthur “Artie” Wayne Howse
December 4, 1945 — July 18, 2022
Visitation: 5:00 p.m. until service time
Services: Thursday, August 4, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Marshall Street, 1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport

Rev. Samuel Jacobs, Jr.
November 15, 1938 – July 11, 2022
Visitation: Sunday July 24, 2022 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM Heavenly Gates 1339 Jewell st Shreveport
Services: Monday July 25, 2022 10:00 AM Heavenly Gates 1339 Jewell st Shreveport

Sammie Landreth
September 28, 1943 – July 18, 2022
Visitation: Friday July 29, 2022 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM Winnfield Funeral Home – Shreveport
3701 Hollywood Avenue
Services: Saturday July 30, 2022 11:00 AM Pilgrims Travelers M.B.C. 604 Harrison St. Shreveport

Sharon Ann Spoor
April 19, 1949 — July 3, 2022
Visitation: prior to the service from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Services: 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 6, 2022 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport

Marshall “Kerry” Gray
November 2, 1973 — July 12, 2022
Visitation: 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday, July 25, 2022, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home
Services: 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Drive, Bossier City

The Shreveport-Bossier Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $90. Contact your funeral provider or SBJNewsLa@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to SBJNewsLa@gmail.com)

Smith’s ’87 All-Star journey home is something to remember

/ Megan Lowe

There are plenty of indicators of how baseball’s All-Star Game has changed – bad uniforms, mic’d up players, an actual game that nobody seems to care about winning – but for me, there is no better example of where we are vs. where we were than 35 years ago in, of all places, Jamestown, Louisiana.

Seventeen hours after he was the winning pitcher in the All-Star Game in Oakland that had gone 13 innings (there’s another indicator!), Lee Arthur Smith of the Chicago Cubs found himself in a truck with two local sportswriters from the long-since defunct Shreveport Journal.

Teddy Allen was one. I was the other.

We rode from his home in Jamestown into Castor to help bring back some childhood memories for a story we were doing on him. We all sat in the front seat of Teddy’s truck – a young sportswriter couldn’t afford anything with two rows of seating – and Lee Arthur wasn’t about to sit between us.

But we rolled the windows down as we drove around and Smith waved at the people in town who instantly recognized him. A kid selling cantaloupes. Two men working on a truck. A woman about to grill some chicken and ribs.

OK, let’s stop for moment and let all of this sink in. One of the best players in baseball (he would go on to set the record for career saves) pitches in an All-Star Game that lasts past midnight, flies from Oakland to be back home for only a day and hangs out with two sportswriters who barely knew how to conjugate a verb?

And here is the truly incredible part – do you know where the Cubs played their next game after the All-Star Break? San Francisco. So Lee Arthur Smith traveled 4,000 miles roundtrip just to go 20 miles.

Even with an extra day now built into the All-Star Break, how many players are doing that these days. (Not to mention the part about hanging with the local yokel sportswriters.)

Like many things 35 years ago, there are some details I don’t remember and some I remember vividly. But what I remember the most was how incredible the whole experience was.

Nationally known writers would have given their right shift key to be where we were, especially because Lee Arthur was (1) a future Hall of Famer and (2) not exactly the friendliest when it came to media relations in Chicago and other places.

But with us, he was nothing but an A+. We kept thinking at some point this was all going to blow up in our face and instead, it kept getting better and better.

Little boys from down the street dropped by Lee Arthur’s house to talk about the strikeout of Mark McGwire in the 10th inning. We talked about how he had to actually bat in the top of the 13th inning (another indicator!) because the National League was out of position players, then got pulled for Mets lefty Sid Fernandez.

There was discussion about basketball being his first love, hunting, fishing and Ebenezer Baptist Church. He talked about getting the phone call that he had been drafted and then getting back on the truck and hauling more pulpwood because that was his job.

On the day we were with him — July 15, 1987 — we were the two luckiest sportswriters on Earth.

When it came time to write the story (which was published two days later), all we had to do was put our fingers on the keyboard and let it write itself. As it turned out, the story won Best Feature in the national Associated Press Sports Editors contest.

That was really nice and quite humbling. But the story wasn’t the story. Instead, the true story was the experience.

And as the years go by, the experience just seems to get better.

Contact JJ at johnjamesmarshall@yahoo.com

SBJ conducts Q & A with Caddo Schools Superintendent

/ NPJ
Dr. T. Lamar Goree – Caddo Parish Schools Superintendent

JOURNAL STAFF

You could say Dr. T. Lamar Goree was destined to become an educator. After all, both his parents were career educators in Caddo Parish Public Schools.

A product of Caddo Parish schools, Dr. Goree began his career as a math teacher in Georgia before moving to Texas, where the Huntington High School graduate was a teacher, principal, and administrator – most notably as Area Superintendent with Mansfield Independent School District.

In December 2013, Dr. Goree returned to his hometown district to take on the role of Superintendent of Caddo Parish Schools – and the rest, as they say, is history. Dr. Goree, now the longest-serving superintendent in more than 30 years, was named the 2019 Louisiana Superintendent of the Year.

In Part Two of our preview of the upcoming 2022-2023 school year, the Journal reached out to Dr. Goree to get his answers to some important questions facing administrators in today’s public education field.

SBJ: What do you think your biggest accomplishment has been since taking over this role?

LG: One of the biggest highlights over the last nine years has been the creation of the Transformation Zone. When I entered the role of Superintendent, I was immediately met with the task of keeping 10 schools from state takeover.

The Board allowed staff the freedom to work with the state to develop a comprehensive plan to address these long-neglected schools and put in place innovative programs to turn around school performance. The Transformation Zone was launched in 2014. The Zone took long-standing issues including teacher quality, school climate and culture, and student behavior and tackled them head-on.

The results were powerful. Arrest rates at high schools in the Zone went from 400 the previous year to 10, eight of the 10 schools exited failing status, schools became inviting places that embraced the parents and community members as partners and the numbers of certified teachers in classrooms increased at incredible rates.


SBJ: What is the biggest challenge you are now facing as Superintendent?

LG: Teacher recruitment and retention is a concern affecting districts across our nation — including right here in Caddo Parish.

Among the single greatest indicators of student success is having a highly effective, engaging teacher. Therefore, the stakes are incredibly high. Today, the greatest majority of teachers receiving certification today are doing so through alternative certification programs where they are coming from another degree field. Still, districts are not receiving the numbers of applicants we need.

SBJ: What is the biggest challenge facing teachers?

LG: These recent years have been nothing short of difficult. The demand that comes with students who have distinct needs following the pandemic not only academically but socially and mentally asks a lot of teachers. Further, teachers over the years have been asked to do more and more. This is a time to lean in and have some candid conversations about where they are in this moment and how we can support their time in the classroom.


SBJ: What is the biggest challenge facing students?

LG: Mental health is absolutely top of mind regarding students and their wellbeing. Even before the pandemic, high school students were surveyed on their issues. Overwhelmingly, mental health was the most often cited concern. And those findings have only increased since this time.


SBJ: What steps are being taken to ensure the students’ safety on the campuses?

LG: Student and staff safety is the top priority of our school system. If students and staff do not feel safe, they cannot focus on learning. We have made strides in recent years to invest in enhanced physical security at campuses to limit who can come on campuses. Caddo also continues to train our principals, teachers and staff including drills and mock scenarios.

Further, our district has law enforcement officers on every campus as well as security coordinators and district staff dedicated to campus safety. We also work with law enforcement to collaborate on training opportunities for their members as well as work through our crisis response plans. 


SBJ: Teachers nationwide are leaving the profession at an alarming rate. How is this impacting your school district and what can be done to meet this challenge?

LG: Educators leaving the profession or not entering the profession at all is a source of great reflection for not only myself but other superintendents and the work we do as a whole. Caddo continues to actively recruit while reviewing our salaries and benefits to ensure we are competitive.

 

SBJ: What is your message to teachers, parents, and students going into the 2022-2023 school year?

LG: First, we are so excited to welcome our families back starting Aug. 3. This is a year of great hope and promise for our district. Between increased and updated technology, top-rated curricula and resources and well-trained teachers, we have the right people in the right places with the right resources to provide students with what they need for success. It’s going to be a great year!

SBJ conducts Q & A with Bossier Schools Superintendent

Bossier basketball coach Bohanan steps down

/ Megan Lowe
BEARKATS TRANSITION:  After five highly-successful seasons as head basketball coach at Bossier High School, Nick Bohanan has stepped aside, but is not completely departing the Bearkats’ program.

JOURNAL STAFF

Bossier High School’s Nick Bohanan has stepped down from his position as head boys basketball coach and will be accepting a position at the Bossier Parish School for Technology & Innovative Learning as an HVAC instructor, it was announced Thursday by BHS principal David Thrash.

Assistant coach Justin Collins will take over as he has all summer and serve as interim coach.

“It has been a blessing to be the coach for the Bossier Bearkat family over the last 13 years with the last five being the head coach of your beloved basketball program,” said Bohanan in a press release from the school. “I will always be thankful for the opportunity Mr. Thrash gave me entrusting the thriving Bossier basketball program. I have been blessed to coach some extremely talented players who have gone through the program and made the program what it is today. I will be playing a lesser role moving forward.”

The move allows him more time to see and coach his own two kids, he said. He will retain an as yet undefined role with the Bearkats.

In his five seasons of leading the program, Bohanan compiled a 139-33 record with five district championships and won the 2020 Class 3A state championship after a runner-up finish in Class 4A the previous year. The Bearkats were 49-1 in district play under his leadership and averaged 27 wins overall a year.

“We have a solid coaching staff that had the team all summer so the coaches and players knew what could possibly happen,” said Thrash. “We will trust the ‘next man up’ mentality as we always have and make sure our program is in good hands. After winning the league championship with both freshman and JV squads and returning some solid starters in Tahj Roots, Javon Johnson, LaKavin Thomas and a wealth of young talent in Demarquis Trammel, Quin Scott, Kerel Woods, Cam Davenport, Sentavion Ball, Keyshawn Johnson, Keyshawn Daniels, Javonte Small, Jakavarious Guice, and Mateo Guerrero so we will build on that.

“I am more focused on getting the academic piece in place as Coach Bo did an outstanding job in the classroom in the Special Ed Department,” continued Thrash. “This makes navigating this a little tougher than normal since we only have a special ed position open. Justin Collins will serve as interim coach until approved by the upper staff of central office.”

Collins is a graduate of Airline High School where he was a four-year starter under coach Miles Holaday from 1997-2001. He was an All-State pick who is the sixth-leading scorer in Vikings’ history with 1,730 career points.  He finished his basketball career at LSUS under coach Chad McDowell where he was an all-conference performer.

Photo courtesy of KTAL-TV

Bossier Parish prep football coaches, administrators gather for appreciation supper

/ NPJ
COLLEAGUES, NOT COMPETITORS:  Football coaches and administrators from the six Bossier Parish high schools gathered for supper and conversation Thursday night at the Origin Bank on Market Street in Shreveport, looking forward to the upcoming prep football season covered for the first time by the Shreveport-Bossier Journal.

JOURNAL STAFF

For 48 minutes on Friday nights each fall, they are fierce competitors, but throughout the year local high school football coaches and administrators are always colleagues sharing the same motivations and challenges.

Thursday evening, Origin Bank hosted an appreciation supper at its downtown Shreveport location on Market Street for Bossier Parish high school football coaches and related personnel, coordinated by the Shreveport-Bossier Journal, which is preparing for its first fall of prep football coverage.

The coaches, administrators and others shared plenty of fellowship, laughs and eager anticipation for the fast-approaching season. The affinity among the “coaching fraternity” was evident – especially with brothers Jason and Coy Brotherton as veteran head coaches at Haughton and Parkway, respectively, along with the former coach-player bond between Parkway’s Brotherton and Bossier High head coach De’Aumante Johnson, who played when Brotherton was on staff at Plain Dealing.

Principals, assistant coaches and staff members thoroughly enjoyed the outstanding food and hospitality provided by Larry Little and his Origin Bank staff, and mingled with Journal writers Teddy Allen, Jerry Byrd Jr., Lee Hiller, Doug Ireland, Harriet Prothro Penrod and Tony Taglavore, along with photographer John Penrod and Online Journals general manager Bill Vance. Veteran SBJ scribes Roy Lang III and John James Marshall were traveling but helped organize the appreciation supper.

Caddo Parish high school head football coaches, administrators and related personnel will be the guests of honor at Origin Bank for another appreciation supper with the Journal team next Thursday, as the excitement climbs with the 2022 preseason just around the corner.

Photos by JOHN PENROD

Don’t sleep on these talented local WRs 

/ Megan Lowe

By LEE BRECHEEN, Louisiana Football Magazine

I have shared some profiles recently of great Class of 2023 wide receivers from Shreveport/Bossier. Today we’ll introduce you to the area’s sleeper receivers who I think can play college football or are athletic enough to have a chance to play a different sport in college.

They are Tay Bell of Bossier High, Fred Benjamin of Green Oaks, Pearce Russell of Benton High, John Carmody of Loyola Prep, Trenton Lape and Mark Mathieu Jr. of Parkway, and Jalen Lewis and John Ecot of Haughton.

We start with a newcomer to the gridiron, Tay Bell of Bossier, who came out from the basketball team with a ton of raw talent. Bell has a chance to really hit the recruiting scene at 6-3, 160 with 4.55 speed and a frame to be 185 pounds in another year of growth.

Bell enjoys playing basketball, football, running track and playing video games.

His favorite college teams are Miami, Georgia, Mississippi State and Ohio State.

He would like to major in business because “I would like to sell shoes or have my own business while investing NFL money,” Bell said.

Fred Benjamin of Green Oaks will embark on his first year of football after coming over from the track team. Benjamin is 6-1, 170 with 4.5 speed and has a chance to become a star as a sleeper.

“Fred may be new to football but the explosiveness that he brings along with leadership skills will be extremely valuable to our team,” said head coach Chadwick Lewis.

Benjamin lists his favorite colleges as East Texas Baptist, Louisiana Tech, Northwestern State and LSU-Shreveport. “I have visited all of these schools for camps,” he said, “and all of these coaches are very welcoming and positive on and off the field or court.”

He plans on majoring in either engineering, arts and sciences, health science or biology.

In track he runs the 400 meters, 4×400 and 4×200 relays. His 400 time is 53 seconds, and he will run the 800 this year and maybe the 100 meters.

Benjamin is the cousin of Robert Rochell of the Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams.

Both his dad and uncle ran track and played football.

Pearce Russell of Benton is a three-year starter going into the 2022 season. I saw Russell play a few times on film. He has great hands, makes things happen in space and is tough as nails. Russell had 53 catches for 1,032 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2021 alone and holds most of the records for the Benton program as a wide receiver going into his senior season.

John Carmody of Loyola is 6-2, 185, a late bloomer who is a big-time basketball player for Loyola with a 14.2 points-a-game average. He started to show over the summer he could become a big-time football player in 2022 with 4.65 speed, good hands, and the kind of frame that can add weight.

He is cousins with former Loyola kicker Art Carmody, who went on to become an All-American and Lou Groza Award winner for Louisville, and current offensive guard Joseph Alexander of Army, who played for Catholic High of Baton Rouge.

Carmody plans on majoring in pre-med.

“Coach Greene is an icon in this area,” said Carmody of head coach Mike Greene. “I am fortunate and grateful to be coached by him for my last two years of high school.”

Parkway’s Trenton Lape, 6-2 and 190, has committed to LSU for baseball but is a big-time wide receiver for the football program with 4.55 speed in the 40, great hands and the talent to be a Division I wide receiver if he wasn’t playing baseball in college; he’s got a 92 miles-per-hour arm.

Mark Mathieu Jr. of Parkway is an example of a high school team being deep with players at one spot. Mathieu rotates in the game and he’s 6-2, 178 with 4.55 speed. He has a chance to sign although he doesn’t even start all the time.

Jalen Lewis from Haughton is a big-time sleeper as a slot/wide receiver, at 5-10 ½, 170 pounds. He’s a very productive wide receiver for the program and also will carry the ball at running back at times. Lewis had 29 catches for 394 yards and three TDs in 2021 and scored once as a quarterback.

“I enjoy just being outside with my friends. I also play video games any chance I get,” said Lewis.

His favorite colleges are Ohio State, Grambling, LSU and Oregon. He plans on majoring in sports medicine.

“What I like most about football is really just how much I enjoy playing and the teammates that I have around me that push all of us to go harder every day and the chemistry that we build with them every year,” Lewis said.

John Ecot of Haughton is a big-time playmaker in space as a slot/wide receiver for college with 4.33 speed in the 40 — one of the fastest players in the area — and a 5-7, 150-pound frame. He was hurt most of last season and hopes to have a great year in 2022. Ecot runs a 10.8 100 and 21.86 in the 200 in track. He is also a kick returner.

“What I love most about football is celebrating with the crowd and my team after a win,” said Ecot.

He is being recruited for track by ULM, Navy, Southern Arkansas, and Bucknell.

Contact Lee at lbrecheen@aol.com

Northwood enters season on a roll

/ Megan Lowe

By LEE HILLER, Journal Sports

After an excellent run last fall, Northwood opens its 2022 football season with a pair of Class 5A opponents among the three non-district foes that it hopes will prepare the Falcolns for a sixth consecutive winning season.

The slate opens at Benton, who recently moved up to compete in District 1-5A after battling the Falcons in 1-4A for 12 straight years from 2007-2019. Northwood has won just seven times in 27 meetings with one tie.

Northwood will then hit the road to Monroe to face Wossman. The Wildcats and Falcons have played each other the past three seasons for the first time since they were playoff opponents three straight years from 1992-94. Northwood won the last two games for its only wins in the previous 11 meetings.

Airline will invade Jerry Burton Memorial Stadium for Northwood’s first home game. It will be the first time the Falcons and Vikings have played each other since 1990, with Airline winning all four games.

Northwood entertains Huntington to open the 1-4A schedule with hopes of running its consecutive win streak over the Raiders to five games. The Falcons have won seven of the last eight for their only wins in the 22 games that have been played in the series.

Northwood will cross the bridge into Bossier City to face the Bearkats at the mid-point of the regular season. It returns for two more home games against Evangel and Minden before playing at Booker T. Washington.

A home game with Woodlawn precedes the regular season finale, which could be a showdown in Stonewall at North DeSoto.

Northwood 2022 Football Schedule

Sept. 2 at Benton

Sept. 9 at Wossman

Sept. 16 vs. Airline

Sept. 22 vs. Huntington

Sept. 30 at Bossier

Oct. 7 vs. Evangel

Oct. 14 vs. Minden

Oct. 21 at BTW

Oct. 27 vs. Woodlawn

Nov. 4 at North DeSoto

 

Contact Lee at lee.hiller51@gmail.com

Get ready for some fun in the sun this weekend

/ NPJ

JOURNAL STAFF

Don’t let the current heat wave stop you from getting outside this weekend. If you do, you’ll miss out on some fun activities planned over the next few days.

Just be cautious when battling the sweltering heat – drink lots of fluid, wear loose-fitting clothing (unless you’re in a bathing suit), or strap one of those popular compact fans around your neck.

Enjoy an outdoor movie, run around in the sprinklers, or have some fun in the sun while raising money for a worthy cause.

Friday, July 22

Champions Splash Bash: Join the Holy Angels Champions by the pool at this annual fundraising event at Pierremont Oaks Tennis Club (578 Spring Lake Drive) from 6-8 p.m. Fun in the sun will include a cannonball contest with resident judges, burger bar, bingo, and door prizes. Ticket choices range from the Splash Bash Package (Best Value at $40 includes entry, two bingo cards, and burger bar); Burger Bar Package ($32 includes entry and burger bar); Bingo Package ($10 includes entry and one bingo card); Entry Only ($5 includes entry). Adult and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase at the event. For information and tickets, go to www.laholyangels.org. Holy Angels is a residential and training campus for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities located in Shreveport.

Twilight Talkies: Enjoy an evening with family on the lawns of the Norton Art Gallery as the Shreveport landmark hosts the latest of its movie under the stars. Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” will begin at 8 p.m. Be sure to get there early to find the ideal spot for your blankets and chairs. Food trucks setting up at 6 p.m. include Tasty Treats, Yeero-Yeero, Happy Belly’s Italian Ice, and Mama’s Popcorn. Norton Art Gallery is located at 4747 Creswell Avenue.

Saturday, July 23

Sprinkler Day: Have fun in the sun – and cool off in the sprinklers – as Norton Art Gallery is hosting Sprinkler Day from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. that will include local food trucks Onos Hawaiian Grill, Hot Dawg Hut, Frios Gourmet Pops, Dripp Donuts and Baskin Robbins. Norton Art Gallery is located at 4747 Creswell Avenue.

Keeping Your Cool in the Heat

If you’re planning on getting outside for any activities this weekend, please follow these tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to “stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay informed.”

  • Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink; muscle cramping may be an early sign of heat-related illness
  • Pace your activity – start activities slowly and pick up the pace gradually
  • Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing
  • Take cool showers or baths to cool down
  • Seek medical care right away if you or someone you’re with has symptoms of heat-related illness

OPPORTUNITY: Production Engineer

/ NPJ

AS A PRODUCTION ENGINEER, YOU WILL: 

  • Conceptualize, develop, and initiate process improvements and cost reductions 
  • Use Lean principles to reduce cycle times and reduce waste  
  • Manage problem solving teams from inception to corrective actions.  Will often involve leading a team through the process. 
  • Self-initiate improvement and / or corrective actions for safety, quality, cost and productivity concerns using formal six sigma problem solving tools 
  • Develop documentation for operators and maintenance on proper equipment operation and care 
  • Effectively communicate changes to all levels of the organization and at all stages of implementation 

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS: 

  • BS degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or equivalent engineering technology degree 
  • Excellent interpersonal skills  
  • Strong computer skills (Microsoft Excel and Word) 
  • Self-starter able to work independently 

If qualified and interested, please apply online at www.emerson.com 

BENEFITS:

We offer medical insurance plans, dental and vision coverage, 401(k), tuition reimbursement and more. We also provide you flexible time-off plans, including parental leave, vacation, and holiday leave.  

Equal Opportunity Employer 
Emerson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.  

Hot Grill Summer, Vol. 7 – Summer Rib Show

/ NPJ

It’s hard to believe that summer is more than halfway over. 

Of course, I almost welcome it, considering the sweltering heat in Lincoln Parish over the last month. But I digress. 

You know what’s harder to believe? We’re seven weeks into this thing, and today is the first day we ACTUALLY USE A GRILL. 

This week is especially fun since this is a recipe from my own dad. We both turn 40 and 70 this year, and in recent years we decided to just cook huge meals for each other instead of getting gifts (no joke, last year was prime rib and lobster rolls; we go all out on our birthdays now). 

He’s a fantastic cook. I can’t tell you how many times I call him and say, “What are you thawing out for tomorrow?” Honestly, it really doesn’t matter, since we’re going over to eat with him anyway. If he’s cooking, we’re there. 

At the risk of getting mushy on you this morning, I’ll sum it all up by saying that I’m thankful that cooking is something we share together. I don’t take for granted that not everyone who is turning 40 soon still has a father on this earth to share experiences. Here’s to many more years cooking together, Pops. 

This baby-back rib recipe is fantastic, and not time consuming at all. We cooked on my wood-pellet grill at a precise temperature for just a couple of hours and then finished off with a glaze. 

As always, thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy! 

Ingredients 

1 Slab of ribs 

Your favorite rub (or any McCormick’s Grill Mates will do)

½ cup of honey 

¼ cup of brown sugar 

2 tbsp butter 

Aluminum foil 

Directions 

  1. Preheat grill to 250 degrees. 
  2. Prepare your ribs by liberally sprinkling the rub over the top side and bottom side. 
  3. Cook on grill for 2 hours (bone side down). 
  4. When the two hours is almost up, melt butter in a small pan over medium low heat. 
  5. Add honey and brown sugar over melted butter. 
  6. Constantly stir until thoroughly mixed. 
  7. Take ribs off grill and put in a sheet of aluminum foil. 
  8. Pour glaze over the meat side of ribs and fully wrap in aluminum foil. 
  9. Place back on grill for 1 hour. 
  10. Take ribs out of foil and cut per bone.
  11. Enjoy! 

OPPORTUNITY: Team Leader (2nd shift)

/ NPJ

AS A TEAM LEADER, YOU WILL: 

  • Supervise utilizing strong interpersonal skills 
  • Use technical knowledge of manufacturing processes, as applies to such supervision 
  • Utilize computer skills to facilitate processes and software used 
  • Pursue objectives with organizational skills to meet goals 
  • Work with personnel at all levels of the organization 

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS: 

  • Two (2) year Associates Degree, plus one year of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience 
  • Excellent communication skills; both oral and written 
  • Great computer skills (Excel and Word) 

BENEFITS:

We offer medical insurance plans, dental and vision coverage, 401(k), tuition reimbursement and more. We also provide flexible time-off plans, including parental leave, vacation, and holiday leave.  

Shift is 4:30 p.m. until 3:00 a.m.  Overtime requirements are based on customer needs to meet business objectives. 

If qualified and interested, please apply online at www.emerson.com 

Equal Opportunity Employer
Emerson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.  

Notice of Death – July 21, 2022

/ NPJ

Sarah Lynn Coleman
November 26, 1981 — July 18, 2022
Services: Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Summer Grove Baptist Church, 8924 Jewella Ave., Shreveport

Miles Edward Green
April 6, 1930 – July 14, 2022
Visitation: 1pm to 8pm Friday Night at Good Samaritan Funeral Home. 
Services: Saturday, July 23, 2022 11:00 AM First Baptist Church of Plain Dealing 535 Perrin Street Plain Dealing

George Etta Jordan
January 27, 1968 – July 12, 2022
Visitation: 1pm to 8pm Friday Night at Good Samaritan Funeral Home. 
Services: Saturday, July 23, 2022 11:00 AM One Way to Heaven Church 4514 Mansfield Road Shreveport

Lisa Michelle Locke
May 7, 1970 – July 14, 2022
Visitation: 1pm to 8pm Friday Night at Good Samaritan Funeral Home. 
Services: Saturday, July 23, 2022 11:00 AM Greater New Zion Baptist Church 421 Oak Ridge Drive Benton

Percy Netter, Jr.
February 10, 1954 – July 15, 2022
Visitation: 1pm to 8pm Friday Night at Good Samaritan Funeral Home. 
Services: Saturday, July 23, 2022 11:00 AM Greater Provision Church 3449 Gorton Road Shreveport

DeShunna Marie Patterson
June 30, 1984 – July 14, 2022
Services: Saturday, July 23, 2022 11:00 AM GOOD SAMARITAN FUNERAL HOME 2200 LAUREL ST
Shreveport

Rev. Samuel Jacobs, Jr.
November 15, 1938 – July 11, 2022
Visitation: Sunday July 24, 2022 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM Heavenly Gates 1339 Jewell st Shreveport
Services: Monday July 25, 2022 10:00 AM Heavenly Gates 1339 Jewell st Shreveport

Sammie Landreth
September 28, 1943 – July 18, 2022
Visitation: Friday July 29, 2022 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM Winnfield Funeral Home – Shreveport
3701 Hollywood Avenue
Services: Saturday July 30, 2022 11:00 AM Pilgrims Travelers M.B.C. 604 Harrison St. Shreveport

Sharon Ann Spoor
April 19, 1949 — July 3, 2022
Visitation: prior to the service from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Services: 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 6, 2022 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport

Marshall “Kerry” Gray
November 2, 1973 — July 12, 2022
Visitation: 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday, July 25, 2022, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home
Services: 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Drive, Bossier City

David Eugene Cupp
September 27, 1938 — July 19, 2022
Visitation: Friday, July 22, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport

Betty McInnis Lee
April 8, 1932 — July 18, 2022
Visitation: 10:00 a.m. until service time
Services: Friday, July 22, 2022 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Dr., Shreveport

John “Jack” William Norman, Sr.
September 1, 1937 — July 16, 2022
Visitation:  10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Saturday, July 23, 2022, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Drive, Bossier City
Services: 12:30 p.m. Saturday, July 23, 2022, at Rose-Neath Cemetery, 5185 Airline Drive, Bossier City

Jean Upshaw
October 8, 1925 — July 12, 2022
Visitation: Friday July 22, 2022 11:00 PM to 7:00 PM Heavenly Gates 1339 Jewell st Shreveport
Services: Saturday July 23, 2022 1:00 PM Heavenly Gates 1339 Jewell st Shreveport

Vera Clark
August 8, 1937 — July 2, 2022
Visitation: Friday July 22, 2022 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM Heavenly Gates 1339 Jewell st Shreveport
Services: Saturday July 23, 2022 1:00 PM Zion Baptist John H Wilson Center 3038 Hollywood Avenue
Shreveport

Georgia Johnson
July 14, 1939 — July 9, 2022
Visitation: Friday July 22, 2022 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM Heavenly Gates 1339 Jewell st Shreveport
Services: Saturday July 23, 2022 11:00 AM Isrealite B.C, Isrealite Cemetery, La, Ringgold

Barbara Caldwell Washington
April 1, 1939 — July 2, 2022
Visitation: Friday July 22, 2022 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM Heavenly Gates 1339 Jewell st Shreveport
Services: Saturday July 23, 2022 11:00 AM New Bethel MBC 3300 Greenwood Rd Shreveport

Linda Chambers
August 27, 1959 — July 13, 2022
Visitation: Friday July 22, 2022 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM Stoner Hill Baptist Church 1201 Cornwell Street
Shreveport
Services: Friday July 22, 2022 6:00 PM Stoner Hill Baptist Church 1201 Cornwell Street Shreveport

Deacon Raymond Gatlin
March 27, 1933 — July 12, 2022
Visitation: Thursday July 21, 2022 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Heavenly Gates 1339 Jewell st Shreveport
Services: Friday July 22, 2022 10:30 AM New Creation Family Church 8410 Kingston Rd Shreveport

Anice Thomas
March 10, 1938 — July 11, 2022
Visitation: Thursday July 21, 2022 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM Heavenly Gates 1339 Jewell st Shreveport
Services: Friday July 22, 2022 10:00 AM Lincoln Cemetery 6917 W 70th St Shreveport

The Shreveport-Bossier Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $90. Contact your funeral provider or SBJNewsLa@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to SBJNewsLa@gmail.com)

When Birds ruled baseball’s roost

/ Megan Lowe

No young people believe this but the Baltimore Orioles of my baseball-memory infancy were very good and the New York Yankees were god-awful bad.

For reals.

Was reminded of the Glory Days when the Orioles won 10 straight and 11 of 13 right before the All-Star Break. This was cause for great joy—even though it left Baltimore at only 46-46 and last in the American League East, the best division in baseball and a serious problem for my team, the O’s, especially since “we” aren’t very good.

It should be noted that the Yankees, no more than late-60s and early-70s birdseed for Baltimore, are in these more modern times 13 games better than the second-best team in the AL East, currently Toronto.

So not only is my team bad, but the other team, the Evil Empire, is playing like everyone on the roster is a direct offspring of Zeus.

The ultimate indignity.

If you are loyal to a bad team—I smell what you’re stepping in, Texas Rangers fans—the summer can be over before it starts. We in Birdland, the modern day Mudville, have been bad so long that instead of “Wait ’til next year,” I like to say, “Wait ’til next decade.”

More appropriate.

We’ve had issues since the early 1990s when Peter Angelos became the team’s primary owner. Now all Baltimore fans would like to “disowner” him, trust me. Since he started writing the checks, it has been feast (playoffs in 1996 and 1997, 2012, 2014, and 2016) but mostly famine, and by famine I mean rotting carcasses (or carcaii if you prefer) across a dry and barren plain.

Consider that since 2018, the Orioles’ season-wins totals are 47, 54, 25 (COVID season, when we were 25-35 and had a respectable-for-us .417 winning percentage!), and 52 last year. Thank goodness the 2022 bunch should sweep past that mark in early August — I hope.

It’s easier to be a fan of typhoid.

It started going downhill October 9, 1996, Game 1 of the American League Championship Series for heaven’s sake, with Baltimore leading 4-3, bottom of the eighth, when that little kid Jeffrey Maier interfered with Derek Jeter’s fly ball to right that Tony Tarasco had a bead on against the wall until Maier’s chubby little gloved hand reached out and snatched it. Umpire Richie Garcia ruled it a homer; later Garcia said it should have been fan interference, and by “later” I mean after O’s manager Davey Johnson had been ejected and after Baltimore had lost, 5-4, in 11 on a Bernie Williams homer.

Of course New York would win the Series, and that began a quarter century of baseball’s version of Taps played on a regular basis around Camden Yards.

But I’m old enough to remember that Baltimore was the winningest team in the big leagues from 1960-1983. No one won more games.

Beat the Dodgers in 1966 for the World Series title, Cincinnati in 1970 (this is when I was old enough to start remembering), and dough-popped Philadelphia in 1983, when Cal Ripken Jr. was a rookie and stabbed the final liner to end it.

Joy! But …

Reagan was president then. Tootsie was a hit movie.

And Ripken’s now been retired for 21 seasons.

I’d say the new has worn off.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

ON THE HOT SEAT: Tips for protecting yourself during this extreme heat wave

/ NPJ
BEATING THE HEAT: When enjoying summertime at the swimming pool, it is important to take precautions to protect your skin from the extreme heat wave that has hit Shreveport-Bossier.

JOURNAL STAFF

It seems like a typical summer in Shreveport-Bossier – swimmers at the local pools, people mowing their yards, golfers on the local courses, tennis players (and pickleballers) on the local courts, kids out playing at local parks, and families enjoying watersports on local lakes.

But it’s not your typical summer here, or anywhere else in the United States. On Wednesday, the National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for Shreveport-Bossier in addition to prompting alerts in 28 states.

Dozens of temperature records are expected to be broken in the coming days – with Texas and Oklahoma already reaching highs of 115 degrees. In addition, the sweltering heat in Great Britain has caused a state of emergency – with Londoners urged not to use the city’s transport network.

Obviously, you don’t need to be reminded that it is hot outside. But here’s a reminder – the hottest month on average for Shreveport-Bossier hasn’t even arrived. With an average high of 93.7 degrees, August is historically the hottest month around here.

Before you think about how hot it will be next month, consider this: the average temperature so far for July 2022 is 94 degrees. Now imagine how hot it will be over the next six weeks.

If you’re going to be spending time outside, it’s important to understand how dangerous this type of heat can be to your skin. For answers to questions about the heat and tips to stay safe, the Journal spoke to Dr. Sarah Glorioso of Ark-La-Tex Dermatology.

SBJ: What is the most important thing for people to realize about the record-breaking heat we are experiencing?

Dr. G: This amount of heat can be dangerous and it’s important to stay hydrated and not to overexert yourself outdoors. Seek shade, wear loose-fitting and sun-protective clothing, and apply sunscreen when outside. Also, certain medications can make you more likely to dehydrate — be aware of your medication’s side effects. 

SBJ: What is the most common problem you see resulting from this extreme heat wave?

Dr. G: As dermatologists, we are seeing severe sunburns from patients who are outside without sunscreen or forgetting to reapply. I am also seeing an increase in heat rashes this year. The ER’s and urgent care centers are seeing heat strokes and dehydration, which are very serious and can be deadly. 


SBJ: What are some lasting effects that can be caused from our daily exposure?

Dr. G: Repeat daily exposure from the sun can cause skin cancer, dry skin, and premature aging. If you have a heat stroke, it can cause permanent damage. 


SBJ: What are some things people can do to cope with the heat?

Dr. G: Stay hydrated, stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, wear loose clothing, wear sunscreen and sun-protective clothing. Also, make sure to not leave anyone or animals in the car. 


SBJ: What are some common misconceptions people have about this type of heat?

Dr. G: People think because they grew up in the South that they are already acclimated to this weather, but extreme heat can affect anyone. Athletes can push themselves too hard and need to be careful — just because you are “in-shape” or “young and healthy” doesn’t mean you are immune to heat exhaustion. 

MORE TIPS: In “Fluid Play,” the Northwest Louisiana Community Tennis Association offers these hydration tips for competitors:

BEFORE: drink 12-16 ounces of fluids; DURING: drink 4-6 ounces after warm-up and on every changeover; AFTER: weigh before and after playing; then drink 20-24 ounces for every pound of post-play body weight deficit.

Next up in SBJ: Tips for taking care of your pets during the extreme heat wave. Stay tuned.

Photo by HARRIET PROTHRO PENROD

Sarah Glorioso

Shreve’s “Macho” Stevenson not just winging it

/ Megan Lowe

By LEE BRECHEEN, Louisiana Football Magazine

Captain Shreve’s Marquez Stevenson is a kid who has as much potential as any athlete in Louisiana for the Class of 2023.

After seeing Stevenson play in 2021 for Shreve, I came away impressed with his upside after seeing him return kickoffs, play wide receiver and play some free safety.

He reminds me in build and length of current LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas, who is 6-3, 210 now, but was 6-3, 185 in high school at Walker. Stevenson is a legit 6-2, 180 pounds but he has an 80-inch wingspan which makes him look all of 6-4 or 6-5 because he’s so long. I like his hands after watching him in a full game film, and I think they can become really good in college. Speed is a legit 4.45 or faster.

I haven’t seen him in track, but after I talked to coaches, they convinced me that he’s the real deal in track. He was All-State and one of the best in the state in different events, which we will share in his notes below.

It’s scary how good he can become once he fills out in college to his full weight of 210 or better. Once he gets more weight on and gets stronger, he will win most 50/50 balls that are thrown high in college.

Stevenson is committed to Texas Tech. His teammates call him by his nickname, “Macho.”

Captain Shreve interim head coach Adam Kirby has nothing but good things to say about Stevenson.

“Macho is an exceptional athlete who works extremely hard for everything he has,” said Kirby. “His ability to high point the ball and his speed after he catches it really set him apart from other wide receivers in the state. His strength, height, and wingspan are unreal for his age, and he’s only going to get better as his career progresses.

“He’s already a 3-star prospect and is rated by some as the 18th best player in Louisiana. With all of his hype and his commitment to Texas Tech, he still is hungry to prove himself. He’s a kid who does everything right in terms of work ethic, attention to detail, film study and preparation. He’s one of the most genuine, fun-loving kids I’ve ever had the privilege to coach, and I have no doubts moving forward that he will be successful in whatever he chooses to do.”

“My wide receiver coach (Aaron) Wicklund is competitive,” said Stevenson. “He wants his group to be the best in every category — blocking, route running, speed, strength — and to fight every rep.”

Notes on Marquez “Macho” Stevenson: His hobbies are running, football, playing the game; loves basketball, track. “I like to eat a lot and just love to be active.”

He wants to major in kinesiology.

“My favorite college growing up was always LSU, because it’s my home state, but I’m committed to Texas Tech and I love my Tech family in Lubbock, Texas,” said Stevenson.

He’s a big-time track athlete who made All-State. He runs a 21.37 in the 200 meters, 46.0 in the 400 meters, and has run a 10.5 in the 100 meters (was Class 5A silver medalist in May). The state’s defending indoor and outdoor 400 meter champion in 5A, he was The Journal’s All-Metro boys track and field “Athlete of the Year” for 2022.  He’s one of the best in Louisiana.

Contact Lee at lbrecheen@aol.com

Robert Williams’ basketball camp Saturday, others soon for local youth

/ Megan Lowe
BACK HOME:  Robert Williams continues to honor his local roots, with the Boston Celtics’ star staging a basketball clinic Saturday at North Caddo High School.

JOURNAL STAFF

Camp season is coming to an end as the school year approaches, but for young, aspiring basketball players, there are some appealing opportunities beginning Saturday with our local NBA star.

  •  Boston Celtics standout Robert Williams III is returning to his North Caddo Magnet High School alma mater Saturday to host a clinic and school supply giveaway. The clinic for grades 6-to-8 is 8 a.m. – noon; the clinic for high school players is noon – 4 p.m. 

  •  Evangel will host a Back-to-School Basketball Camp for ages 7-to-16 Friday, July 29, from 9 a.m. – noon. There will be free food and entertainment, games and activities, and campers will work on fundamentals and skill development. For more information, contact Judy Meller, 318.393.3785.
  •  The Bossier Parish Community College basketball program will host a Prospect Camp Aug. 3 from noon-2 p.m.. The following day, Aug. 4, BPCC will host a Rising Seniors Camp from 2-4. Both camps will be held at Airline High School. Cost for the Prospect Camp is $55. Cost for the Rising Senior Camp will be $40. To register online visit the anglinbasketballcamps.com website.

“We’re still looking to fill roster spots,” said Bossier Parish CC coach J.A. Anglin. “This Prospect Camp is a tryout, basically. We know there are some young kids out there who aren’t getting the looks from the bigger schools, and hopefully we will be able to fill the couple of the spots we have remaining.”

For Anglin and his staff, the goal is different for the Rising Senior Camp.

“That camp will be an opportunity for us to look at the Class of 2023,” Anglin said. “Recruiting never stops.” 

With reporting by JERRY BYRD, Journal Sports

Huntington faces challenging football schedule

/ Megan Lowe

By LEE HILLER, Journal Sports

Huntington High School‘s 2022 football schedule is one of the more challenging slates in the Shreveport-Bossier area with its first five opponents all schools that played in the playoffs a season ago.

The Raiders, coming off a 9-3 season that tied with the 2002 team for the best in school history, will start their season on the road at District 1-2A Mansfield. It will be the 16th meeting between the schools with 13 of them being season openers.

Huntington then hosts former district rival Byrd at Independence Stadium. The Yellow Jackets are coming off a 9-2 season and District 1-5A co-championship. It will be the 34th meeting of the two schools with Byrd winning 23 times.

Neville of Monroe remains on the schedule and will make the trip to Shreveport in the third week of the season. The Tigers, who have played in the last four consecutive Class 4A semifinals, move to District 2-4A after the LHSAA reclassified all schools.

District 1-4A play for the Raiders begins with a trip to Northwood. The Falcons won the last four meetings from 2015-2018 with the Raiders’ last win coming in 2014. The following Friday, Minden will make the drive to Shreveport for a mid-season matchup. The Tide has won the last eight meetings with the Raiders’ last win coming in 2012.

Huntington then goes to Leonard C. Barnes Stadium to face Booker T. Washington before hosting Woodlawn at Independence Stadium. Road games at North DeSoto and Evangel precede a final regular-season home game with Bossier.

Huntington 2022 Football Schedule:

Sept. 2 at Mansfield

Sept. 9 vs. Byrd

Sept. 16 vs. Neville

Sept. 22 at Northwood

Sept. 30 vs. Minden

Oct. 7 at BTW

Oct. 13 vs. Woodlawn

Oct. 21 at North DeSoto

Oct. 28 at Evangel

Nov. 4 vs. Bossier

Contact Lee at lee.hiller51@gmail.com

When (mourning) doves fly, how often do hunters make them pay?

/ Megan Lowe

Rather late in life, I joined the cadre of hunters who open hunting season in September. When I was growing up, I didn’t hunt doves. I don’t know anybody who did and it could be that there wasn’t a season on these fast-flying gray missiles back then.

Years later I got in on the sport and really, it’s hard to call dove hunting dove “hunting.” It is more of a social gathering where friends get together in a field of bush-hogged sunflowers, millet or wild goat weed, have a barbecue beneath the shade of a big oak and scatter out, bellies full, to find a shade to sit under and take a crack at doves flying over.

We’re a few weeks away from opening of dove season this year as it traditionally opens on Labor Day weekend. In the meantime, research is ongoing concerning doves to see what effect hunting doves has on the overall population.

Marty Edmonds, retired employee of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, is involved in research and provided information about these popular game birds.

“Mourning doves nest in every state except Hawaii. In Louisiana, nesting is observed throughout the year with peak nesting period being from May to July,” Edmonds wrote.

“The male picks the nest site and both male and female doves incubate. The nests are poorly constructed with both males and females building nests that may take from a few days to a week to construct. The pair averages about five young per year.”

According to information Edmonds furnished, doves feed almost entirely on plant seeds such as goat weed, rag weed, poke salad, foxtail, sunflower, corn and wheat.

It is estimated that the mortality rate of doves is in the 70 percent range whether doves are hunted or not. Although they have the potential to live several years, most live only a year or so.

A research program is ongoing, headed by Jeff Duguay, Dove Research Program Director for the LDWF. Doves are being trapped and banded not only around the state but nationwide at this time to determine the impact hunting may have on doves.

“The trapping and banding program is part of an overall program to gauge mortality. Banding and recovery of bands gives us information on hunting mortality,” said Duguay.

“When a hunter harvests a banded dove, he goes online and reports the band number. This gives us an idea of what percentage of banded doves are bagged, which gives us an overall estimation of dove harvest not only in Louisiana but nationwide. It’s similar to the waterfowl banding program in this regard,” he said.

How do you capture doves for banding and release? Duguay said that doves feed on bare ground and when suitable areas are located either on wildlife management areas or private acreage where permission has been granted for banding, feed such as milo, wheat or cracked corn is used to attract doves to the area, which can take a week or two before birds begin regularly coming to feed.

“This is when we put out the wire traps which feature a funnel entrance that birds can readily utilize but can’t figure out how to exit. There is an opening on top where birds are removed for banding, recording band numbers and (then) released,” Duguay explained.

This coming season, I’ll not only be on the lookout for doves flying over my shade tree. But just like in duck hunting, I’ll get an extra thrill should I be fortunate enough to hold in my hand, a dove when a silver band on its leg.

Contact Glynn at GlynnHarris37@gmail.com

Blue Goose season ends with a whimper and not a bang

/ Megan Lowe
FREE KICK: LA Blue Goose midfielder Jayson Frink awaits a Texas United free kick.

By DAVID ERSOFF, Journal Sports

LA Blue Goose Soccer Club finished in fifth place (out of six teams) in its first season in the US League Two after recently dropping its final three games of the season against the top three teams in the division. The season, which started promising with a 3-0 win against the Little Rock Rangers and a close 1-0 loss to the undefeated champions, Texas United, ended with a 3-9-1 mark.

On July 7, in their third match against the Texas Rangers, the injury plagued Blue Goose fell 5-0, in a one-sided game, that saw Texas United clinch the title and a playoff berth.

Blue Goose’s next game was scheduled for July 13, against Mississippi Brilla. Fifteen minutes before game time, lightning was detected within the 10-mile protected rule. The game went on a 30-minute delay, but every few minutes more lightning was detected with more delays. Mother Nature then opened up the skies and the game was cancelled.

Their final game was played July 16 at Clinton High School in Mississippi against second-place Mississippi Brilla.

The game started well for Blue Goose, as they kept the score at 0-0 through most of the first half, even having a couple serious challenges at goal. Keeper Shae Wirt had five solid saves early in the half, with one goal disallowed because of an offsides call.

In the 39th minute Brilla forward Miguel Fernandez hit a rocket from distance, assisted by Marco Astorga, to put them on the scoreboard 1-0. Shortly before the halftime whistle Brilla winger Ocho Fasteen crossed the ball to Dom Gibson, who calmly finished it for what ended up being the final score of 2-0.

The second half was a bit more evenly played, aided by a red card given to a Brilla player. They played the last 30 minutes a man down. Blue Goose forward Samuel Scarth had two solid shots on goal denied by the Brilla keeper.

Blue Goose’s season leader in goals was Juri Schlingmann with six, followed by Johan Arevalo and Scarth with four goals each. Nico TheBerge led the team with four assists, followed by Scarth with three and Gerardo Martinez and Arevalo with two each.

Brett Ekperouh led the team with 43 saves and a 2.14 goals against average, followed by Wirt, who had 12 saves and a 2.31 GAA.

Blue Goose hopes to build on this year’s successes, and learn from the failures, to have a stronger second season next summer.

Contact David at DErsoff@BellSouth.net

Photo courtesy by Texas United

Cooking in Love

/ NPJ

By Kelsey Horath

There is something special about pulling out ingredients and cooking with a loved one. Between the whole process of cooking the meal, setting the table and enjoying the night’s creations, cooking might become one the favorite date time activities.

Cailee Fruge and her fiancée Caleb Whitten have taken nights out of the week to cook together for the last two years.

“Caleb and I began dating during the COVID shut down in 2020, so many of the restaurants were closed,” Fruge said. “That’s one reason we started cooking.”

Since applying these cooking dates into their schedule, Fruge and Whitten have found many perks to cooking at home like saving money and quality time.

“Cooking at one of our homes means saving money, while spending quality time together,” Fruge said. “Cooking together provides us the opportunity to be with each other and not get distracted by life.”

Allowing time to simply cook a meal with another presents some many opportunities to relax, unwind and have a meaningful conversation.

Brandi and Todd Whitlock cook together still after 14 years of marriage and three children later. This special time set aside at night to cook has always been a priority for the two.

“Cooking together really involves so many aspects that you need in a marriage,” Brandi Whitlock said. “We have had to learn to work together and we have to communicate with one another when making meals together.”

Brandi Whitlock said they have also learned each other’s strengths and weaknesses by cooking together and know who is best suited for each job in the cooking process.

“All these skills have helped our marriage become stronger,” Brandi Whitlock said.

As time passes and life moves forward, more events and activities will be added to the schedule and life will remain hectic. However, making cooking a priority will help ease the stress of a long day and give you time to reflect with someone you love.

“I know life is going to get busier whether it be with careers or kids but cooking together will help us have a definite time we can be together,” Fruge said. “It provides us an opportunity to be intentional about communicating about our days or each other.”

Notice of Death – July 20, 2022

/ NPJ

Miles Edward Green
April 6, 1930 – July 14, 2022
Visitation: 1pm to 8pm Friday Night at Good Samaritan Funeral Home. 
Services: Saturday, July 23, 2022 11:00 AM First Baptist Church of Plain Dealing 535 Perrin Street Plain Dealing

George Etta Jordan
January 27, 1968 – July 12, 2022
Visitation: 1pm to 8pm Friday Night at Good Samaritan Funeral Home. 
Services: Saturday, July 23, 2022 11:00 AM One Way to Heaven Church 4514 Mansfield Road Shreveport

Lisa Michelle Locke
May 7, 1970 – July 14, 2022
Visitation: 1pm to 8pm Friday Night at Good Samaritan Funeral Home. 
Services: Saturday, July 23, 2022 11:00 AM Greater New Zion Baptist Church 421 Oak Ridge Drive Benton

Percy Netter, Jr.
February 10, 1954 – July 15, 2022
Visitation: 1pm to 8pm Friday Night at Good Samaritan Funeral Home. 
Services: Saturday, July 23, 2022 11:00 AM Greater Provision Church 3449 Gorton Road Shreveport

DeShunna Marie Patterson
June 30, 1984 – July 14, 2022
Services: Saturday, July 23, 2022 11:00 AM GOOD SAMARITAN FUNERAL HOME 2200 LAUREL ST
Shreveport

Rev. Samuel Jacobs, Jr.
November 15, 1938 – July 11, 2022
Visitation: Sunday July 24, 2022 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM Heavenly Gates 1339 Jewell st Shreveport
Services: Monday July 25, 2022 10:00 AM Heavenly Gates 1339 Jewell st Shreveport

Sammie Landreth
September 28, 1943 – July 18, 2022
Visitation: Friday July 29, 2022 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM Winnfield Funeral Home – Shreveport
3701 Hollywood Avenue
Services: Saturday July 30, 2022 11:00 AM Pilgrims Travelers M.B.C. 604 Harrison St. Shreveport

Sharon Ann Spoor
April 19, 1949 — July 3, 2022
Visitation: prior to the service from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Services: 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 6, 2022 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport

Marshall “Kerry” Gray
November 2, 1973 — July 12, 2022
Visitation: 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday, July 25, 2022, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home
Services: 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Drive, Bossier City

David Eugene Cupp
September 27, 1938 — July 19, 2022
Visitation: Friday, July 22, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport

Betty McInnis Lee
April 8, 1932 — July 18, 2022
Visitation: 10:00 a.m. until service time
Services: Friday, July 22, 2022 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Dr., Shreveport

John “Jack” William Norman, Sr.
September 1, 1937 — July 16, 2022
Visitation:  10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Saturday, July 23, 2022, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Drive, Bossier City
Services: 12:30 p.m. Saturday, July 23, 2022, at Rose-Neath Cemetery, 5185 Airline Drive, Bossier City

Jean Upshaw
October 8, 1925 — July 12, 2022
Visitation: Friday July 22, 2022 11:00 PM to 7:00 PM Heavenly Gates 1339 Jewell st Shreveport
Services: Saturday July 23, 2022 1:00 PM Heavenly Gates 1339 Jewell st Shreveport

Vera Clark
August 8, 1937 — July 2, 2022
Visitation: Friday July 22, 2022 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM Heavenly Gates 1339 Jewell st Shreveport
Services: Saturday July 23, 2022 1:00 PM Zion Baptist John H Wilson Center 3038 Hollywood Avenue
Shreveport

Georgia Johnson
July 14, 1939 — July 9, 2022
Visitation: Friday July 22, 2022 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM Heavenly Gates 1339 Jewell st Shreveport
Services: Saturday July 23, 2022 11:00 AM Isrealite B.C, Isrealite Cemetery, La, Ringgold

Barbara Caldwell Washington
April 1, 1939 — July 2, 2022
Visitation: Friday July 22, 2022 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM Heavenly Gates 1339 Jewell st Shreveport
Services: Saturday July 23, 2022 11:00 AM New Bethel MBC 3300 Greenwood Rd Shreveport

Linda Chambers
August 27, 1959 — July 13, 2022
Visitation: Friday July 22, 2022 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM Stoner Hill Baptist Church 1201 Cornwell Street
Shreveport
Services: Friday July 22, 2022 6:00 PM Stoner Hill Baptist Church 1201 Cornwell Street Shreveport

Deacon Raymond Gatlin
March 27, 1933 — July 12, 2022
Visitation: Thursday July 21, 2022 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Heavenly Gates 1339 Jewell st Shreveport
Services: Friday July 22, 2022 10:30 AM New Creation Family Church 8410 Kingston Rd Shreveport

Anice Thomas
March 10, 1938 — July 11, 2022
Visitation: Thursday July 21, 2022 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM Heavenly Gates 1339 Jewell st Shreveport
Services: Friday July 22, 2022 10:00 AM Lincoln Cemetery 6917 W 70th St Shreveport

Alvin Hines
February 4, 1948 — July 12, 2022
Visitation: Wednesday July 20, 2022 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM Heavenly Gates Funeral Home 1339 Jewell Street Shreveport
Services: Thursday July 21, 2022 6:00 PM Heavenly Gates

Josephine (Penn) Williams
September 5, 1930 — July 15, 2022
Visitation: Wednesday July 20, 2022 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM Winnfield Funeral Home – Shreveport
3701 Hollywood Avenue
Services: Thursday July 21, 2022 11:00 AM Carver Memorial Park Cemetery 498 Kennie Road Shreveport

David Dale Jones
July 25, 1942 — July 15, 2022
Services: Thursday, July 21, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 7970 Mike Clark Rd., Keithville

The Shreveport-Bossier Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $90. Contact your funeral provider or SBJNewsLa@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to SBJNewsLa@gmail.com)

A just-right room that fits the Bill

/ NPJ

Because of his refusal to be anything less than a servant, Bill Stokes drew people to him, especially the college students he gave his heart to as director of Louisiana Tech’s Wesley Foundation from 1957 until his retirement in 1988.  

When he passed away in the spring of 2020 at age 95, he left behind thousands of handshakes and smiles and friends forever loyal to his heart and memory. 

Saturday at the corner of Railroad Avenue and College Street on Tech’s campus, in an unassuming brick building he turned into a second home for so many of us when we were struggling with acne and advanced math and advanced life, a couple hundred of us met, finally, to share memories and to dedicate the Bill Stokes Room at Wesley.  

The delay was due to circumstances but the feeling, being in that building with people who knew and loved Bill, was familiar. 

This was a man who never met a stranger, but a lot of strangers met him, whether they wanted to or not. And then, forever in his world, they would never be strangers again. Not if Bill had anything to do with it. 

And he made it his mission to have everything to do with it. You could not be on campus very long without meeting Bill. He made it his mission to be Jesus’ hands and feet, to reach out to kids trying to find their way, and to give them a home in his heart. 

“A Southern gentleman,” said Vicki McGuire, whose father Doug pioneered Wesley Foundation work in 1937 during his college years, became a minister, and was a best friend to Bill when the 32-year-old young preacher from Mississippi showed up in Ruston to follow his calling of working with students. Vicki can’t remember a time she didn’t know Bill. 

A lot of us felt that way. 

“His outgoing, friendly personality made him irresistible,” she said. “I think that he reached out to everyone describes him as much as anything. When someone reaches out to you, that intentionally, you have to respond. You like people who like you and care about you. That’s how he made you feel. 

“I was amazed that he could come up with everyone’s name and hometown,” she said. “He was a master at that.” 

He was. Because he cared.  

His memory and genuine concern must have been something God gifted him with to increase Bill’s impact on so many of us. We weren’t just students. We were Bill’s students, Bill’s kids, each of us one of his projects. Because of him, lots of lives were changed in what is now the Bill Stokes Room. I witnessed it more than once.  

What Bill did as much as anything was bring people together. Sometimes, that was romantically. (A couple dozen people at Wesley Saturday were introduced to each other by Bill, then married by him.)  But mostly, he got students from all sorts of backgrounds together and, somehow, he got us to believe we needed each other, that we were better and fuller, more ourselves in the moment, together. 

He was a friend and a friend maker, a deeply missed man of truth and goodness, a man who leaves behind not only a room, but also a heart that always had room for us. 

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu 

ROTC announces scholarship opportunity for incoming freshmen, sophomores

/ NPJ

Northwestern State University’s Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) announces the establishment of the Wise Foundation Army ROTC Scholarship. This two-semester scholarship ($5,500-6,000 a year) is designed to assist with paying for the first or second year of college for incoming students.

NSU ROTC is a college program that prepares students to become U.S. Army officers. Upon completion, an ROTC graduate is commissioned as a Second Lieutenant with a well-respected, well-paying, guaranteed job right out of college on active duty or in the National Guard or U.S. Army Reserve.

OTC courses take place in the classroom and in the field and merge into a typical college schedule. To receive scholarship benefits both semesters, applicants must enroll in the ROTC class, complete a Physical Fitness Assessment, work toward medical qualification, maintain eligibility and remain motivated to sign an intent to commission contract before the end of the spring semester. Contracting perks include an annual book allowance and a monthly living stipend of $420 during the school year.

Qualified Cadets can apply for an additional Army ROTC scholarship to assist with their remaining two or three years of college.

The deadline to apply is Aug. 5.

APPLICATION: Application.Summer NSU ROTC Scholarship App.14 Jul.pdf (nsula.edu) or visit “Scholarship Wise Foundation” on the Scholarships page at https://rotc.nsula.edu.

This scholarship offer is valid only at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. To be eligible to participate in this program, an applicant must meet the following criteria.

1. Be a citizen of the United States.
2. Be a high school graduate or equivalent (GED).
3. Be able to be admitted into Northwestern State University.
4. Add the Army ROTC Freshman class (CRN 11980).
5. Be able to complete a Pre-Participation Physical (Sports Physical).
6. Complete the Cadet Command Fitness Assessment (1-minute pushups, 1-minute sit-ups, 1 mile run) administered by NSU ROTC cadre prior to 10 November 2022.
7. Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 grading point system.

For more information, please contact Raymond McDowell at (318) 357-6501 or mcdowellr@nsula.edu.

LSU’s Kelly wants in-state players, but not all want LSU

/ Megan Lowe

Not many people cared where I went to college.

Mom. Dad.

That’s about it.

I wasn’t a highly recruited football player. Heck, I wasn’t a football player at all. So, no signing ceremony. No putting on one of five caps, while sitting at a table surrounded by parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins — anyone who wanted to be on TV. No fancy graphic on social media. (Never mind there wasn’t social media in 1981.)

But for kids who play high school football in Louisiana and are talented enough to be offered a scholarship to LSU, a lot of people care where those players take their talents (aren’t you tired of hearing that expression?).

Including new Tigers head coach Brian Kelly.

Speaking Monday at SEC Media Days, Kelly made it clear he wants the state’s best players to wear the purple and gold — including players from our part of the state.

“You gotta get all the way up through Shreveport,” Kelly said. “You gotta get up to Monroe. You gotta get all up into the state of Louisiana. Now, that doesn’t mean you just take a kid from Louisiana just because he’s from Louisiana. If he’s not rated as high, then can you go out of state? Sure. But you better know the players in the state of Louisiana, and that means the entire state.”

But Kelly won’t get every in-state player. And if you read the message boards, you know nothing gets the Bayou Billys, Bengal Barneys, and Touchdown Tommys worked up more than a Louisiana kid not going to the Louisiana school.

Back in the day, there wasn’t much discussion around the family dinner table. If you had a chance to play for good ’ol State U, you played for good ’ol State U. In Louisiana, that’s still LSU, no matter what the folks at The University of Louisiana-Lafayette want you to believe.

But times have changed. Boy, have they. For some, the purple and gold of LSU just doesn’t look as good as, say, the Crimson and White of Alabama (see Shreveport’s Kendrick Law last year), or the Red and White of Nebraska.

Speaking of … a few weeks ago, North Caddo receiver Omarion Miller — who committed to LSU, then decommitted, pledged his allegiance to the Huskers. Memorial Stadium is 919 miles from Tiger Stadium — and a heck of a lot colder. Miller didn’t grow up surrounded by cornstalks. He was never a part of that consecutive sellout streak Husker Nation always tells us about — which, by the way, is now at 382 games.

Instead, Miller and his grandfather (Miller’s father died when the young man was still in grade school) spent many a Saturday night in front of the TV watching the Tigahs. Last year at practice, Miller was easy to see. He was the one wearing LSU gloves.

So why would the four-star recruit choose not to play at LSU? Why would anyone choose not to play at LSU?

As with most players these days, it’s all about relationships. Relationships with the coach who is recruiting you. Those relationships mean more than the name of a school.

“Each kid just wants to know that somebody understands them, and knows what they’ve gone through, and are possibly going through in life, and has their best interest at heart,” North Caddo head coach Johnny Kavanaugh told me.

So, what’s it like to disappoint an entire state?

Shreveport’s Ross Setters knows. Growing up in Memphis, Missouri, he was that state’s second-ranked offensive lineman.

But good ‘ol Mizzou wasn’t so good.

“They were horrible, and had been horrible for 12 years,” Setters told me. “It was assumed I was going to go there.”

But Setters showed the Show-Me state.

“I ticked off a lot of people when I went to LSU.”

Setters found out quickly that those who loved him when they thought he would stay home and play for their Tigers, didn’t want to have anything to do with him when he decided to play for our Tigers.

“Everybody was always pumping you up, pumping you up, pumping you up. But then you don’t go close to home — you go off to a big school — they’re like ‘Aw, he’s going to fail. He’ll be back within a year, working at the Gas & More.’”

By the way, the big fella enjoyed a nice career at LSU, starting his junior and senior seasons “when I wasn’t hurt.”

So, the next time a Louisiana boy decides to play football somewhere other than the Louisiana school, cut him some slack. He is already under enough pressure.

Would you want to go back home and work at the Gas & More?

Contact Tony at SBJTonyT@gmail.com