Month: August 2022

Lake Bistineau: Access to the lake

/ NPJ

Lake Bistineau water levels are beginning to show the effect of a drawdown scheduled by the Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) which began in late July, but boating enthusiasts and sportsmen can still access the lake for recreation, hunting, and fishing.

At the Bossier Parish Camp on the southern end of the lake, access is still available at the Bossier Parish Camp public boat launch. Once the water reaches the LDWF desired level of eight feet below the pool stage, Parish Camp’s launch will still be a site for access.

Other areas that will offer access to the lake during the lowest water levels include the Port of Bistineau launch, Grices, and Bayou Dorcheat public launch at Dixie Inn.

LDWF officials said the purpose of the drawdown is to reduce the further expansion of giant Salvinia infesting the lake. Additionally, the drawdown will benefit fisheries production by improving aquatic habitat and reducing the amount of organic matter on the lake bottom, officials said.

Boaters are advised to use caution during the low water period. Boat lanes will not provide normal clearance of underwater obstructions.

Notice of Death – August 14, 2022

/ NPJ

Wanda Lee Jackson
March 22, 1954 — August 11, 2022
Visitation: Monday, August 15, 2022, 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Rose Park Baptist Church, 5560 Buncombe Road, Shreveport.
Services: Monday, August 15, 2022, 2:00 p.m. at Rose Park Baptist Church, 5560 Buncombe Road, Shreveport.
Interment: Monday, August 15, 2022, following services at Centuries Memorial Park, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.

John L. Talley
November 21, 1927 — August 12, 2022
Visitation: Tuesday, August 16, 2022, 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.
Services: Tuesday, August 16, 2022, 2:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.
Interment: Tuesday, August 16, 2022, following services at Centuries Memorial Park, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.

Bonnie M. King
September 17, 1934 — August 11, 2022
Visitation: Tuesday, August 16, 2022, 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.
Services: Tuesday, August 16, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.
Interment: Tuesday, August 16, 2022, immediately following the service at Centuries Memorial Park, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.

James H. Powell
November 25, 1941 — August 12, 2022
Visitation: Wednesday, August 17, 2022, 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.
Services: Wednesday, August 17, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.

John Frank Herren
May 9, 1926 — August 12, 2022
Services: Wednesday, August 17, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at Harmony Chapel Cemetery, Hico.

A.D. Johnson
September 12, 1933 — August 12, 2022
Services: Monday, August 15, 2022, 2:00 p.m. at Spring Ridge Baptist Church, 5200 LA-175, Pleasant Hill.
Interment: Monday, August 15, 2022, 3:00 p.m. at Spring Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery, 5200 LA-175, Pleasant Hill.

Bobby Allen Vaughn
July 21, 1948 — August 11, 2022
Visitation: Monday, August 15, 2022, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.
Services: Tuesday, August 16, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.
Interment: Tuesday, August 16, 2022, at Forest Park West Cemetery, 4400 Meriwether Road, Shreveport.

Fraya Yates Saucier
April 4, 1947 — August 11, 2022
Visitation: Monday, August 15, 2022, 12:00-1:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.
Services: Monday, August 15, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.
Reception: Thursday, August 18, 2022, 1:00-2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 900 Jordan Street, Shreveport.

Alan Mays
August 25, 1964 — August 7, 2022
Services: Thursday, August 18, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at Bethel AME Church, Dequincy.
Graveside service: Friday, August 19, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at Northwest La. Veteran Cemetery, 79701 Mike Clark Road, Keithville.

Jerry Dean Boughton
November 26, 1932 — August 4, 2022
Services: Thursday, August 18, 2022, 12:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 900 Jordan Street, Shreveport.
Reception: Thursday, August 18, 2022, 1:00-2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 900 Jordan Street, 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)

A day that (still) lives in infamy

/ Megan Lowe

By the time you read this, I will already have received at least two or three texts.

How do I know? Because this is August 12. I always receive texts from a certain group of people on August 12.

We share the same memories of this day, which is inexorably etched in our minds (and, all these years later, perhaps still in our bodies).

The texts will begin with “Remember when …” or “I still …” or “It’s hard to believe …” and will go from there.

We all know August 12 because we can’t forget August 12.

Way back when, August 12 was the day that high school football practice started. And not just one practice – it was the start of two-a-days.

Our group of former team members will text each other on special days during the year – Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter … and August 12. And while the old “war stories” are fun, the bigger part is the bond that still exists all these decades later. It’s not just the former players; a couple of our coaches also join in. (Thankfully none of them are yelling at us to “do it again until we get it right!”)

To be honest, what we went through at the start of summer practice really didn’t resemble football. There was a lot of rolling around in the dew-filled grass, jumping jacks, sprints, getting hit by hand-held padded dummies and more sprints. Every once in a while, an actual football would appear.

Then we’d come back and do it again in the afternoon. Fun times!

You can’t do two-a-days anymore because school has started by now. But even if you could, the authorities would probably be slapping the cuffs on high school coaches for mistreatment of minors.

It was around August 11 when we all realized that maybe we should have gotten in better shape in the previous three months instead of hanging out at the lake or working on our suntan.

Every year on the morning of August 12 in my high school football years, I would walk into the locker room with the same thought college basketball teams have during March Madness — survive and advance. Get through this practice and get one step closer to the finish line.

You could forget about any kind of break from the weather. I actually looked it up — between August 12 and the 29th in my senior year, it rained exactly .04 inches — total.

It was always a tough call whether morning or afternoon practice was more miserable. Morning was sticky and humid; afternoon was Equator Hot. I would stand on the practice field and calculate how long it would take the sun to get behind the nearby nine-story United Gas building. That might drop the temperature from 100 degrees all the way down to 97, huh?

Even worse, if possible, was the smell of mesh practice shirts with dried sweat on them in the locker room. That is an odor I can still smell to this day.

Unless you lived through it, you can’t possibly imagine the dread of waking up on the morning of August 12. There are a lot of things I have feared going through in my lifetime and I can promise you that August 12 is still at the top of the list.

But the dread was only temporary. We didn’t realize it at the time, but those two weeks of hell did so much more than just get us in condition for the upcoming high school football season.

I know that, because I just got another text.

Contact J.J. at JohnJamesMarshall@yahoo.com

Postseason success the standard to meet at Calvary

/ Megan Lowe

By ROY LANG III, Journal Sports

Rodney Guin’s resume is stout. His program at Haughton was excellent for two decades and included a deep playoff run by a guy named Dak Prescott. When Guin crossed the river and entered the private school sector, he won a state title at Calvary Baptist.

He doesn’t need much help when it comes to leading a group of young men in pursuit of a ring, but a winning culture sure doesn’t hurt.

“It’s a big deal,” Guin said. “The (players) expect to win.”

In just about every sport, the Calvary Cavaliers not only hope to win a state championship, they expect it. Football is no different. Guin helped continue and enhance that mindset with the 2020 state crown.

Guin, and consequently the players, also take pride in Calvary’s annual choice to play the biggest and the best non-district opponents early in the season.

Calvary opens the regular season against perennial state title contender Logansport before a matchup with 5A Captain Shreve in Week 2. The Cavaliers have a date with the other member of the city’s most intense rivalry, Byrd, in Week 3.

If the Cavaliers take their lumps early, it’s for one reason only.

“Our season starts the second week of November – that’s what we’re geared up for,” Guin said. “Everything else is like preseason.”

The Cavaliers, who moved up to Division III in the LHSAA’s Select classification, aren’t without question marks in 2022. They have big shoes to fill at quarterback — the position many value as the most important in the sport.

Gone is Landry Lyddy, the state’s reigning Mr. Football and Gatorade Player of the Year. His replacement? That’s to be determined.

Two players — junior Bryce Carpenter and sophomore Abram Wardell — are deep into the competition to be the No. 1 guy.

“We’re going to have to see them in the jamboree and scrimmage,” Guin said. “We have OCS and Union Parish. They will be well-tested early.”

The good news, Guin is geeked about the rest of the squad.

“We can be really good on defense, and we’re going to have to be,” he said. “It’s very important and I’m very pleased what they’ve been doing. And our skill guys and our lines are as good as we’ve had since I’ve been there. We just have to get that quarterback position ironed out.”

Senior linebacker Cade Bedgood and safeties Hutch Grace (junior) and Landon Sylvie (senior) are expected to lead the Cavs’ stout defense.

“We have some athletes and we are excited to see them run around,” Guin said.

No matter who emerges behind center, it’s clear, once again, the Cavaliers’ talent and that ring-or-bust mentality are going to be tough to handle come November.

Contact Roy at roylangiii@yahoo.com

 

 

 

 

Calvary back in District 1-2A for 2022 football season

Calvary’s Grace is a divine talent

Calvary, Evangel head list of district, state champions since 2012

Calvary, Byrd top SBJ list of wins over past decade

Bedgood is ‘heart and soul’ of Cavaliers’ defense 

/ Megan Lowe

By LEE BRECHEEN, Louisiana Football Magazine

Calvary Baptist has had its share of great FBS football players come through its program over the years like quarterback Shea Patterson (Michigan), cornerback Greedy Williams (LSU), cornerback-athlete Brandon Wilson (Houston), cornerback Rodarius Williams (Oklahoma State), and most recently quarterback Landry Lyddy (Louisiana Tech).

Then you have sleeper players over the years, a longer list. The latest addition: Calvary’s three-year starting linebacker Cade Bedgood, an upcoming senior, who is the heart and soul of the defense for another talented Calvary team in 2022.

Players like Bedgood are the reason high school football in Louisiana is such a great sport with guys who play the game 100 percent and play every play with passion and determination.

Bedgood has amassed over 140 tackles (51 solo), eight sacks and four caused fumbles for his program since 2020.

I hope Bedgood gets an opportunity to play football at a small college when it’s all said and done. This is someone who runs at a “football speed” colleges are looking for at the Division III and Division II level.

Even though he’s not very big at 5-11 and 200 pounds at linebacker, he has room to grow and play a few spots in college at linebacker, safety or fullback for many small colleges and could be a very productive player in time if given a shot at an FCS college like a Northwestern State, Grambling, Southeastern, McNeese State or Nicholls.

Linebackers coach Cade Maxwell likes Bedgood’s enthusiasm.

“Cade Bedgood is the definition of toughness,” said Maxwell. “Cade has been through a lot since his time here at Calvary Baptist Academy. Can’t say enough about how fun and enthusiastic he is every day, whether in the weight room or on the field; he works his tail off and does everything the right way. He also epitomizes the way we want to play defense here at Calvary Baptist Academy, with grit, relentless effort, and selflessness.”

Bedgood likes everything about playing football.

“I love football because I love the excitement it gives me walking on the field together with my teammates and coaches, the sacrifices, and all the hard work that goes into the game,” said Bedgood. “I have been playing football since I was 6 years old. From playing in the back yard to playing under the Friday night lights, it doesn’t get much better.”

NOTES ON CADE BEDGOOD:  Away from football, he is an avid outdoorsman. “The reason I like duck hunting is because there is nothing like watching the sun rise and seeing a bunch of mallards flying in. Laughing and joking around with the guys in the duck blinds.

“I love fishing, whether it’s bream, catfishing, running yo-yos, running trot lines with my mom and (brother) Cole, to bass fishing and deep-sea fishing with family and friends. I also like to fish by myself because it gives me time to relax and unwind.”

His dad (Michael) played football (linebacker, running back) for St. Mary’s in Natchitoches and also participated in track and field (high jump and 4×100 meters). He also played for Northwestern State in track and field (pole vault and javelin) and football as a linebacker.

“My brother Cole Bedgood played football (linebacker) and wrestled at Calvary Baptist Academy.”

Bedgood scored a 21 on his ACT and carries a 3.24 GPA.

His favorite colleges are Louisiana Tech, ULM and Northwestern State.

“I plan on majoring in criminal justice, and after college I’m going to be a game warden,” said Bedgood.

GET YOUR ORDER IN:  For previews of every Louisiana high school and college football team, info on the state’s top senior prospects, and more, you can pre-order the 2022 Louisiana Football Magazine at LaFootballMagazine.com – offering North Louisiana and South Louisiana editions, printed or digital.

Contact Lee at lbrecheen@aol.com

Byrd’s Ball still holds local record for single-game rush yards

/ Megan Lowe

By LEE HILLER, Journal Sports

Charles Ball isn’t a name you will find splashed all over the C.E. Byrd High School football record book, but he still holds the single-game rushing record for the Shreveport-Bossier Journal coverage area.

His 407 yards on 24 carries against Huntington in 1990 is the only time a Caddo-Bossier running back has surpassed the 400-yard mark in a game. It came on a Thursday night at now Lee Hedges Stadium and was Homecoming for the Jackets. He scored all five of Byrd’s touchdowns in a 34-14 win. Four of those came on the ground with the last TD of the game coming on a 64-yard screen pass.

According to correspondent Chuck Herron, who covered the game for The (Shreveport) Times, Ball believed in two good things: the good Lord and good offensive linemen. “This was fun,” Ball told Herron. “People were coming up to me at school today and saying I was going to get over 400 (yards). I just asked the Lord at halftime to help me get through the game.”

Ball, a 5-foot-11, 205-pound senior, led District 1-AAAA with 1,101 yards that season.

The closest anyone has come to the record was in 2006 when Jeremy Jefferson of Booker T. Washington ran for 393 yards on 42 carries against Fair Park in a 46-7 win. Jefferson, who played collegiately at Northwestern State, scored three touchdowns and added a couple of 2-point conversions as he set the career scoring mark in Shreveport-Bossier City. His rushing total surpassed his own previous school record set the year before of 351 yards against Woodlawn (45 carries).

Bossier star and future LSU standout Tony Moss had the second-best game at the time of Ball’s feat. Moss totaled 361 yards against Airline in 1984 on 36 carries. Moss’s son Anthony Moss broke the 300-yard mark in 2001 with 323 yards against Natchitoches Central on a mere 10 carries to become the only father-son combination with more than 300 yards.

Richard Gay had the previous Byrd school record with 353 yards on 31 carries against Springhill in 1954. His total was the most for 30 years when Moss surpassed it in 1984.

Top 10 all-time single-game rushing performances:

407              Charles Ball                       Byrd, vs. Huntington, 1990 (24 carries)

393              Jeremy Jefferson            BTW, vs. Fair Park, 2006 (42 carries)

361              Tony Moss                       Bossier, vs. Airline, 1984 (36 carries)

353              Richard Gay                     Byrd, vs. Springhill, 1954 (31 carries)

351              Jeremy Jefferson            BTW, vs. Woodlawn, 2005 (45 carries)

344              Stevarrio Hogan             Bossier, vs. Mansfield, 2005 (22 carries)

343              Bo Wheatley                   Benton, vs. North Caddo, 1994 (34 carries)

342              Jalin Thomas                   Byrd vs. Parkway, 2017 (27 carries)

323              Anthony Moss                Airline, vs. Natchitoches, 2001 (10 carries)

323              Brandon Nightingale     Byrd, vs. Evangel, 2000 (21 carries)

Contact Lee Hiller at lee.hiller51@gmail.com

Bat banishment to start demolition of Fair Grounds Field

/ Megan Lowe
DESTRUCTION LOOMS:  Abandoned for many years, dilapidated Fair Grounds Field is slated for destruction in a two-phase process beginning Aug. 22.

By TONY TAGLAVORE, Journal Sports

Fair Grounds Field doesn’t have a specific demolition date, but there is now a timeline for its demise.

The removal of flocks of bats will begin Aug. 22. As the Shreveport-Bossier Journal reported in April, the bats — which have lived in the stadium for years — must be removed and relocated before the city-owned, abandoned former home of Shreveport minor-league baseball can be demolished.

The process was stalled due to federal regulations protecting some bat species during their mating season, which runs from April to August. That pause ends next week.

“We will be taking these bats and trapping them live, and replacing them 25 miles away from the stadium,” said David Perault with Perault’s Nuisance Wildlife Control, in Denham Springs. “Basically, they’re getting a new home.”

Perault will catch the bats using traps he invented. Perault and his six-person crew will bring 10 traps to Fair Grounds Field.

“We have caught up to 400-500 bats in a trap,” Perault said. “We will put multiple traps in places where there are a lot of bats, and just see what we’ve got. It’s going to be around-the-clock work for us. We’re going to watch for them in the evening when the bats come out. If (a trap) starts to get too many in it, we will switch it out.”

Perault has twice scouted Fair Grounds Field. He doesn’t know how many bats he will catch, but he knows it will be a lot.

“My record is 1,440 in one place,” Perault said. “I think we’re going to beat the record. I have seen four or five hundred at the stadium, but you don’t know what’s behind everything. That’s why this system works so well. When the bats come out, they will go into the system. We will get a good count of them.”

Once the bats are trapped, they will be released outside the city.

“Usually, we like to get 20-25 miles away at least,” Perault said. “That’s to make sure the bats don’t come back. There’s no guarantee they won’t, but we will have them gone enough in time for the stadium to be taken down.”

Perault hopes to have the bats removed in seven days. Then, Henderson Construction Services of Shreveport can begin the stadium demolition process. There will not be a “3-2-1 BOOM!” moment.

“There won’t be any explosions,” said Ida Henderson, who runs Henderson Construction with her father, Shelton. “We will take it down with machines. We’re going to do it section by section. We’re going to get the building down on the ground, and we will haul the debris to a landfill. We will take environmental measures to keep the dust controlled, so anything won’t get out in the neighborhood, to the hospitals, and the Queensboro community.”

Henderson cited safety concerns.

“We’ve been doing demolitions for a couple of years now, and that’s the way we’ve done them,” Henderson said. “We’ve taken down buildings at Louisiana Tech and Southern University in Baton Rouge. We’ve found that’s the safe way to do things.”

Lately, Henderson Construction has become more of a call center for people asking how they can get items from Fair Grounds Field before it’s too late.

“Someone called,” Henderson said, “because there’s a sign they vividly remember and they want to get it. Someone called about a metal knife sharpener they remember. They know exactly where it was left, and they want to get it. Some people were season ticket holders. They want the seats they sat in. Some people want some benches.”

Henderson said it hasn’t been decided if there will be a charge for items.

“We’re still working that out. We will have to pull those items because of safety. Our employees will have to do a little labor to get those items out.”

Anyone interested in memorabilia from Fair Grounds Field can call Henderson Construction at 861-0512.

Contact Tony at SBJTonyT@gmail.com

https://shreveportbossierjournal.com/2022/04/12/untended-fair-grounds-field-set-for-demolition/

https://shreveportbossierjournal.com/2022/04/15/fair-grounds-field-left-us-a-long-time-ago/

https://shreveportbossierjournal.com/2022/04/21/spotlight-swinging-bats-delay-demolition-of-fair-grounds-field/

Beat the heat: Mudbugs skate into training camp

/ NPJ

By ROY LANG III, Journal Sports

Despite temperatures still hovering near 100 degrees, the ice at George’s Pond at Hirsch Coliseum is fresh and ready for another season of Shreveport Mudbugs hockey.

The Mudbugs can protect just 24 players and will carry barely more than that during the 2022-23 season, but more than 80 players will attempt to make that squad when training camp begins Saturday.

Shreveport aims to reboot following a tumultuous 2021-22 campaign. In defense of their 2020 North American Hockey League Robertson Cup, the Mudbugs were forced to climb out of a massive hole just to qualify for the postseason – which they’ve done every year as a developmental junior franchise. However, Shreveport was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.

Now, Jason Campbell and his staff are tasked with replacing roughly half the roster.

One of the newbies with an eye on a Mudbugs sweater is 17-year-old Kason Muscutt, son of general manager Scott Muscutt, the original Mudbug and a former coach of the franchise.

“I don’t look at him like a Muscutt,” Campbell said. “He’s practiced with us a lot in previous years and I’ve seen a lot of development from him just in the past year. He’s been rewarded for all the work he’s put in.”

It would be hard to imagine a better example of the impact made by Shreveport’s hockey franchise over the past two decades than if Kason Muscutt were to make the roster. But marketing isn’t the goal.

“He’s coming in as an undrafted, untendered free agent with a chip on his shoulder,” Campbell said. “He’s going to get a fair look like everybody else.

“There are a lot of different scenarios in play here, but the main thing for him, or any young guy – ‘Am I going to develop enough in the role the team sees me in?’”

In addition to sweeping changes on the ice, Shreveport made one behind the bench, too. Michael Hill, a part of three junior hockey championships during his coaching career, will serve as the Mudbugs’ associate head coach.

“He’s everything I’m not,” Campbell said. “He’s extremely organized. He has a library full of videos and practice plans and drills. He’s young and he has a good eye for the game. He wants to be heavily involved and that’s what he’s going to be.”

Training camp includes practices, scrimmages, and player appearances and runs through Aug. 20. Then, Campbell and his staff will make significant cuts prior to preseason games in North Richland Hills, Texas, and Springfield, Ill.

The 2022-23 opener is slated for Sept. 14 against the Minnesota Wilderness at the NAHL Showcase in Blaine, Minnesota. The first game at The George is set for Sept. 23 against Amarillo.

Contact Roy at RoyLangIII@yahoo.com

Photo by DEREK CONSTANTINO

Trailblazer: Wildlife workshop offered

/ NPJ

A free Fall Wildlife Food Plot workshop will be offered on Tuesday, Aug. 30 at the Bossier Parish Libraries History Center in Bossier City to provide information on how to improve wildlife habitats by establishing or improving wildlife food plots.

This workshop is hosted by Bossier Parish Libraries, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Trailblazer RC&D.

Information on food plot site selection and development, what to plant and when to plant, soil fertility, weed management, and financial/technical assistance will be featured. Wildlife biologist Terry Johnston will share advice on the best plant species, selecting seeds, soil testing, and more. Johnston will share his personal experience with food plots; what worked and what didn’t.

On-site registration begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Bossier Parish Libraries History Center, 2206 Beckett St., with refreshments. Workshop sessions begin at 6 p.m. and conclude at 7:30 p.m. To pre-register or for more information on the workshop, call or text (318) 237-8350 and provide contact information plus the name of the workshop.

This workshop will be conducted in accordance with Louisiana Department of Health COVID-19 guidelines. If you are not feeling well or you have been exposed to COVID-19, please stay home.

Free registration and refreshments for this workshop are made possible by the support of partners and sponsors including Energy Transfer; Hunt Forest Products, LLC; Mudd & Holland Consulting Foresters, LLC; Weyerhaeuser; Allstate Land & Timber Company; and National Wild Turkey Federation.

Also, Burnham Construction, Inc.; Canfor Southern Pine; Louisiana Forestry Association; Bossier Parish Police Jury; Bossier Parish Libraries; Whitetails Unlimited, Lincoln Parish Chapter; USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; and Trailblazer RC&D.

Bossier Parish: Burn ban lifted

/ NPJ

A parish-wide burn ban which was implemented July 14 has been lifted, effective immediately, according to an announcement by the fire chiefs in Bossier Parish.

Bossier Parish Police Jury President Tom Salzer signed the order terminating the state of emergency and officially lifting the ban. According to the termination order, the parish fire chiefs agree that due to recent rainfall, conditions have improved to the point that the burn ban is no longer necessary.

Notice of Death – August 11, 2022

/ NPJ

Wanda D. Bamburg
August 10, 1930 — August 9, 2022
Celebration of Life: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 1:30 p.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.

Dr. John Gilmer
September 7, 1942 — August 11, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 12, 2022, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at 116 South Williams, Natchitoches.
Graveside services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 4:00 p.m. at Stonewall Cemetery, 100 Church Road, Stonewall.

Alan Mays
August 25, 1964 — August 7, 2022
Visitation: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Services: Thursday, August 18, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at Bethel AME Church, Dequincy.
Graveside service: Friday, August 19, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at Northwest La. Veteran Cemetery, 79701 Mike Clark Road, Keithville.

Joan Austin
December 28, 1947 — August 9, 2022
Services: Friday, August 12, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 943 Polk Street, Mansfield.
Interment: Friday, August 12, 2022, 11:30 a.m. at Converse Cemetery, Converse.

Maureen Waldron Trussell
December 3, 1926 — August 9, 2022
Visitation: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.
Services: Sunday, August 14, 2022, 2:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.
Interment: Sunday, August 14, 2022, following services at Centuries Memorial Park Cemetery, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.

Jerry Dean Boughton
November 26, 1932 — August 4, 2022
Services: Thursday, August 18, 2022, 12:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 900 Jordan Street, Shreveport.
Reception: Thursday, August 18, 2022, 1:00-2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 900 Jordan Street, Shreveport.

Malachi Montrel Burks
April 19, 2002 — August 6, 2022
Viewing: Friday, August 12, 2022, 1:00-8:00 p.m. at Precious Memories Chapel, 4017 Greenwood Road, Shreveport.
Celebration of Life: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Jerusalem Baptist Church, 4054 Koran Road, Haughton.

Ida Louise (Fuller) Stephens
October 18, 1949 — August 7, 2022
Viewing: Friday, August 12, 2022, 1:00-4:00 p.m. at Precious Memories Chapel, 4017 Greenwood Road, Shreveport.
Family Hour: Friday, August 12, 2022, 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Bossier Missionary Baptist Church, 809 Hamilton Road, Shreveport.
Celebration of Life: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Bossier Missionary Baptist Church, 809 Hamilton Road, Shreveport.

Eustace L. Edwards, III
September 17, 1950 — August 9, 2022
Services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Osborn Funeral Home, 3631 Southern Avenue, Shreveport.
Visitation: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Osborn Funeral Home, 3631 Southern Avenue, Shreveport.

 Louise Elizabeth Tuminello
November 6, 1926 — August 9, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 12, 2022, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Osborn Funeral Home, 3631 Southern Avenue, Shreveport.
Services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 211 Atlantic Avenue, Shreveport.

Maureen White
December 22, 1958 — August 5, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 12, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Interment: Saturday, August 13, 2022, following services at Lincoln Cemetery, 6917 W. 70th Street, Shreveport.

 Catherine Bryant Hendrix
April 4, 1931 — August 7, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 12, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Paradise Baptist Church, 1706 Hollywood Avenue, Shreveport.
Interment: Saturday, August 13, 2022, following services at Lincoln Cemetery, 6917 W. 70th Street, Shreveport.

Wilbert Davis
March 7, 1950 — August 7, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 12, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 12:00 p.m. at Waterloo #2 Baptist Church, 177 Highway 527, Elm Grove.
Interment: Saturday, August 13, 2022, following services at Ebernezer Cemetery, 199 Ebernezer Road, Taylortown.

Tia Wilson
February 28, 1970 — August 5, 2022
Graveside services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at Liberty Cemetery, Keithville.

Alan Mays
August 25, 1964 — August 7, 2022
Visitation: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Services: Thursday, August 18, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at Bethel AME Church, Dequincy.

Kathy Irvin
May 10, 1946 — August 6, 2022
Celebration of Life: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 3:00 p.m. at Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church, 943 Pine Hill Road, Shreveport.

Kelly Christopher Poole
January 8, 1973 — August 8, 2022
Services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.

Stephen Amos Bosher
March 23, 1946 — August 9, 2022
Services: Friday, August 12, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Brookwood Baptist Church, 9014 Brookwood Church Way, Shreveport.

Frances Browning
August 11, 1945 — August 9, 2022
Graveside services: Friday, August 12, 2022, 2:00-3:00 p.m. at Belmont Cemetery, Belmont.

Jerry Malone
November 27, 1936 — August 7, 2022
Visitation: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 543 Ockley Drive, Shreveport.
Services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 543 Ockley Drive, Shreveport.

Bruce Newton Lynn, Jr.
September 10, 1950 — August 6, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 12, 2022, 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport.
Services: Friday, August 12, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport.

Arthur James Reed
October 31, 1936 – August 3, 2022
Services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Sunflower Baptist Church, 349 East Texas Street, Bossier City.

Wayne Morris
July 14, 1956 – August 5, 2022
Services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Good Samaritan Funeral Home, 2200 Laurel Street, Shreveport.

Arthur Willie Bates
May 15, 1945 – August 5, 2022
Services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at Good Samaritan Funeral Home, 2200 Laurel Street, Shreveport.

James “Jay” Braden Atherton
August 12, 1974 — August 3, 2022
Graveside services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 3:30-4:30 p.m. at Rose-Neath Cemetery, 5185 Swan Lake Spur, Bossier City.

Judith “Judy” Babineaux Wells
January 27, 1941 — August 6, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 12, 2022, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.
Services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 3:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.
Interment: Saturday, August 13, 2022, at Forest Park West Cemetery, 4400 Meriwether Road, Shreveport.

Joseph Sherman
March 6, 1986 – August 1, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 12, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at True Holiness Church, Shreveport.
Interment: Saturday, August 13, 2022, following services at Lincoln Cemetery, 6917 W. 70th Street, Shreveport.

Gertie Allen
April 5, 1932 – July 31, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 12, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Morning Star Baptist Church, 5340 Jewella Avenue, Shreveport.
Interment: Saturday, August 13, 2022, following services at Lincoln Cemetery, 6917 W. 70th Street, Shreveport.

Doris Anderson
August 29, 1954 – August 3, 2022
Services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Union Star Baptist Church, 600 W. 65th Street, Shreveport.
Interment: Saturday, August 13, 2022, following services at Lincoln Cemetery, 6917 W. 70th Street, Shreveport.

Kenneth Eugene Lemmons
December 26, 1934 — July 29, 2022
Visitation: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 2:00-3:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport.
Services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 3:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport.

Katie Gertrude Amis
December 25, 1933 — August 5, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 12, 2022, 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.
Services: Friday, August 12, 2022, 2:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.
Interment: Friday, August 12, 2022, at Rose-Neath Cemetery, 5185 Swan Lake Road, Bossier City.

Samuel K. Carnahan
December 18, 1945 — July 29, 2022
Services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 2:00 p.m. at Aulds Funeral Home Chapel, 7849 East Kings Highway, Shreveport.

Tammy Lynn Rubey
June 7, 1970 — July 29, 2022
Services: Friday, August 12, 2022, 12:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.
Interment: Friday, August 12, 2022, at Providence Baptist Church Cemetery following services.

Lewis Kilbourne Forrester Kalmbach
July 22, 1961 — July 17, 2022
Services: A Celebration of Life honoring Lewis will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Sunday, August 14, 2022, at Big Sun Studios, 619 Edwards Street, Shreveport.

Mary Harris
February 2, 1924 – July 22, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 12, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, 6915 W. 70th Street, 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)

O.J.’s local roots bring him back for golf, family

/ Megan Lowe
JUICE BREAK: After a round of golf at Huntington, O.J. Simpson shared his thoughts on football, the presidency, and his family.

By HARRIET PROTHRO PENROD, Journal Sports

I don’t know what it was that made me drive the golf cart across the fairway and introduce myself. Curiosity, I imagine. It’s not like I put a lot of thought into it. In fact, I had no idea what I was going to say when I got to his golf cart.

There I was, in the middle of the 17th fairway at Huntington Park golf course, introducing myself. “Hi. I’m Harriet Prothro Penrod. I’m with the Shreveport-Bossier Journal, and I was wondering if I could do a short Q&A with you after your round.”

He looked me right in the eyes, held out his hand, smiled, and said, “Are you related to (College Football Hall of Fame coach) Tommy Prothro?”

“No,” I said, “but it is spelled the same way.”

He said sure, he’d be happy to sit down and visit after the round. “Well, okay,” I replied. “I’ll meet you in the clubhouse.”

It was on this same course two years ago – playing in the Ebony Golf Tournament – that I saw O.J. Simpson. Actually, I heard him first and recognized that voice. There was no doubt about the identity of the large man bending over to find his golf ball in the high grass on the other side of the 15th green.

He hung around the clubhouse after the tournament, but I had no desire to go up and talk to him. Perhaps now – two years later — that I was writing for the SBJ (which didn’t exist then), I felt the journalistic urge to interview the (in)famous individual. Maybe people would be interested to know what he was doing in Shreveport.

Think what you may about him.

Growing up, my favorite sport was football. I spent endless days in the front yard – in pads and helmet – playing with my cousin, younger brother, and any of the boys from the neighborhood who wanted to play. When my cousin, who was “all-time QB,” wasn’t playing, that meant I got to be quarterback. When Jeff was there, I’d play wide receiver.

More than once, there would be a knock on our front door and my mom would answer to hear a young boy say, “Can Harriet come out and play quarterback?”

Believe me, that’s not what my mom wanted to hear. But I digress.

I say all that to say this: I loved football – playing it and watching it. And I grew up watching O.J. Simpson play football – at USC and for the Buffalo Bills, where his quarterback was Shreveport’s own Joe Ferguson.

Maybe that’s what made me want to talk to him. Whatever the reason, last Sunday I cut my own round short and waited in the clubhouse at Huntington, wondering if he was actually going to come in and sit down to talk.

If he did, what would I ask him? I hadn’t prepared a “Q&A” or anything else to ask him. I’d just wing it – bring up some topics and see what he had to say.

And in he walked . . .

And so I said . . .

“I saw you at the Ebony tournament here a couple of years ago. How often do you get to Shreveport?”

 Every two to three years, I come for a family reunion. We’re having our reunion this weekend. We own property in Greenwood – it was deeded down to our family. My kids didn’t make it this year. My two younger kids both have kids under one (year old).

“How are you spending your time these days?”

Between golf and fantasy football, I stay pretty busy. Golf has kept me sane through the years. It gets me up, keeps me moving. I just turned 75. I’ll usually play Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday (in Las Vegas). Sometimes people in town want to play, so I’ll play more. We’ve got a golf group in Vegas called “In the Cup.” There are about 12-13 guys from the Shreveport area who come play. Eventually, we’re all going to come down here and have a tournament – maybe at Squire Creek (outside of Ruston in Choudrant).

“What do you do when you’re not playing golf?”

I’m on Twitter. I’ve had over 900,000 followers. I try to stay out of politics, but that’s almost impossible. I try to keep it in sports and history.

“Who do you think are the best running backs in the NFL today?”

King (Derrick) Henry (Tennessee Titans) and Jonathan Taylor (Indianapolis Colts). And Saquon Barkley (New York Giants) is definitely in the top 5 – he just can’t stay healthy.

O.J. talked some more about football – how he and (Pro Football Hall of Famer) Eric Dickerson would be attending, and had a bet on, this year’s opening NFL game between the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams. He talked some more about politics – how he thought either California Governor Gavin Newsom or Florida Governor Ron DeSantis would be the next President of the United States.

Before leaving, I told O.J. I had one last question: “So, generally, how do people treat you out in public?”

Generally, very well. Rarely do people say something out-of-line.

It was then that a gentleman walked across the clubhouse and asked O.J. if he could have his picture taken with him. You see, as a 10-year-old, he had watched Simpson play in Buffalo and had even gotten O.J.’s autograph after the game.

A football fan . . . like me.

Contact Harriet at sbjharriet@gmail.com

Photo by GINA WOODWARD

Long odds against Super Derby this year

/ NPJ

By TONY TAGLAVORE, Journal Sports

Early this spring, new Louisiana Downs Racetrack and Casino owner Kevin Preston spoke proudly about bringing the Super Derby to the Bossier City oval for the first time since 2019.

“It puts us back on the map and shows that this new ownership group is serious about racing, and about bringing this track back to life,” Preston said in an April 6 Shreveport-Bossier Journal story.

Four months later, there are doubts about the Super Derby taking place Sept. 10 as planned.

Wednesday, a source with direct knowledge of the situation — who spoke on the condition of anonymity — told the Journal that as of now, what used to be the Downs’ biggest race will not be reborn this year.

The source said there are several reasons. The main reason is that the Downs is cutting daily purses by $1,000 starting next week. In a recent meeting with Preston, local horsemen voiced their displeasure about a planned $300,000 Super Derby purse likely going to out-of-town horsemen, while purses are being reduced for those who run at the Downs every day.

“I’m glad the horsemen were able to voice their opinion, and their opinion was taken to heart,” said Mike McHalffey, who represents Bossier Parish on the Louisiana State Racing Commission. “They put on the show and should have some say in such decisions to have the race or not. Maybe next year, Louisiana Downs will be in a better position to bring back the Super Derby.”

Other reasons for the apparent cancellation, according to the source, include the Louisiana Attorney General’s office looking into $2.3 million of missing money stemming from the ownership transaction a year ago; and the recent, clearly unrelated resignation of Mitch Dennison, who was hired in April as the Downs’ General Manager of Racing and reportedly left due to philosophical differences.

The source said horsemen did not think all things considered, staging the Super Derby was a “good look.”

Wednesday evening, in response to a request for comment, Preston e-mailed the Journal, “We have no comments for you specifically at this time.” Earlier, Andrea Butler, the track’s marketing director, said details would be released Friday. She would not confirm or deny the Super Derby’s cancellation.

As industry observers wonder if a 2022 Super Derby could, at this late stage, attract nationally-competitive horses, one local trainer said there are long odds against Louisiana Downs pulling off an event on the level of past Super Derby races.  He said he believes there won’t be a 2022 edition, but didn’t totally discount the possibility of a race bearing the title being staged a month from now.

“It’s still not (officially) dead, but I think it probably is…They haven’t said it’s on, but they haven’t said it’s off,” the trainer said.

Asked if enough time remains to pull together a quality field, the trainer said, “They better get on the ball.”

Contact Tony at SBJTonyT@gmail.com

Cash in for $250 picking local high school winners

/ NPJ

JOURNAL STAFF

While readers of the Shreveport-Bossier Journal will enjoy comprehensive, quality daily coverage this football season, they can profit from reading it.

The Journal is launching a weekly High School Football Pickem Contest, giving anyone the chance to win a $250 prize as that week’s top predictor of local prep football games.

The contests will be conducted weekly during the 10-game high school football season. There is no entry charge, just like there is no cost to subscribe to the Shreveport-Bossier Journal.

Participation is very simple for anyone able to access this link:

https://tinyurl.com/SBJPIckem


The Pickem portal opens to a menu of game-by-game matchups, with an easy click to pick winning teams for each contest. Two local games will be used as tiebreakers, with participants predicting the total points scored in those games.

It takes 20-30 seconds to sign up and not much longer than that to make your picks.

Entries are open now for the first week’s contest picking the winners from local games on Sept. 1 and 2. The entries will remain open until 4 p.m. on the first playing date that week (usually Thursday).

One person will win each week’s $250 prize, to be announced in the Journal early the following week as the subsequent Pickem Contest launches. All contest decisions by SBJ management are final.

Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the Journal, if you’re not already signed up for the easily-navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. daily e-mail.

A panel of Journal writers and local celebrities will also pick the games each week, but won’t be eligible to win the cash prize. Their individual picks will NOT be publicized, just the week’s final win-loss results and the season’s record for each picker.

The Journal is shifting to publishing all seven days of each week during the football season, providing thorough coverage of local high school sports, along with colleges of local interest (featuring LSU, Grambling, Northwestern and Louisiana Tech) and the NFL, focusing on the New Orleans Saints and the Dallas Cowboys.

Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could collect $250!

Orphan Train to Hall of Fame

/ Megan Lowe

In north Louisiana, you know the story or you don’t, the book on Joe Aillet, the one that reads like legend.

In a hint of foreshadowing, a young orphan is born during football season, 1904, and later rides the Orphan Train (yes, there once was such a thing) from New York City to Louisiana, where he was raised by the housekeeper of the priest of a small Catholic church in Cajun country.

In schools operated by the Congregation of Holy Cross, the boy Joe Aillet developed into a young scholar, and a student-athlete, and finally into a gentleman unmatched, a master of English, an educator for all seasons and in all sorts of classrooms, and an iconic coach.

Who could have known how the trip would end when some kind soul placed him on the train in New York City, now more than a century ago…?

His induction in the Louisiana Tech Athletics Hall of Fame, the College Football Hall of Fame, and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame are just a few of the honors that testify to the impact of the orphan who became a father figure to so many, especially to the young men he coached to a dozen football and golf championships.

There’s another way he was honored. That was in 1972, the year after he died. Today, Joe Aillet Stadium is where Tech has played football for the past half century, and where a little kid named Chris Kennedy ran around and watched games and rolled down the hills that used to be in the south end zone.

“I can never remember not knowing the name ‘Joe Aillet,’” Kennedy, now 25 and a Tech graduate, said. “But I didn’t really know anything about him.”

He does now. The son of Tech faculty, a boy who grew up in the shadow of the stadium, a library guy who loves words and reading, Kennedy began chasing the “legendary mystique,” a journey that’s ended with the recent publishing of Louisiana Tech’s Joe Aillet, a sort of love letter, both to Kennedy’s hometown and to one of its legends.

Kennedy (Class of 2018, 20), currently studying for a second graduate degree and working at the Louisiana State Archives in Baton Rouge, used his personal history, plus information from nearly 1,000 articles and 50 interviews to illustrate the full picture of what he calls “an uncommon coach and reserved scholar” whose “off-field biography rivals his sideline career.”

“He was — is — the most brilliant man in my lifetime in the sports world,” Nico Van Thyn, former executive sports editor of the Shreveport Journal and a student at Tech at the end of Aillet’s career, said. “He was … a teacher who chose athletics as his field, but he would have been super in any endeavor. Those of us who were at Tech during his three decades of leadership were so blessed. He was ‘The Smooth Man.’”

The book is released Monday, but Kennedy will take part in a special pre-release book signing Saturday as the Tech football, soccer, and volleyball teams host Fall Fan Fest from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Thomas Assembly Center. Admission is free, all ages are welcome, and everyone from Kennedy to student-athletes to Champ to the spirit squads will be available for photos and autographs. 

The 176-page paperback, $26.50, is published by The History Press and available from most online and in-store booksellers.

Quick note in closing: While Aillet’s legend bloomed at Tech, it was born at Haynesville and Northwestern State where he got his start, where he was as likely at football practice to be overheard quoting Shakespeare as he was to be teaching the finer points of the power sweep. As Kennedy’s book illustrates, Aillet was a passenger no rails could hold, a runaway train, well-groomed and well-mannered, Fate’s good gift that stopped at our station.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

‘New’ Southwood focusing on physical, mental toughness

/ Megan Lowe
TAKING CHARGE: Southwood coach Jesse Esters says Corinthian Walters (front right) has gained a lot of ground as leader of the Cowboys, who are looking to improve on last season’s disappointing record.

By HARRIET PROTHRO PENROD, Journal Sports

Corinthian Walters and Sean White stood in the middle of the practice field at Southwood High School just as the sun was coming up one morning this week when the two seniors were asked about goals for the Cowboys this season.

“We’re gonna play the way we practice,” said White, a 6-1, 260-pound offensive lineman, “and we practice hard. We’re going to prove people wrong about us. We’re going to show them a new Southwood.”

Walters, an incredible talent (6-1, 200) who will be used all over the field – quarterback, running back, wide receiver, defensive back, and linebacker – was a little more specific.

“Our goal is (to get to) the playoffs,” he said.

Meeting that goal would mean a turnaround of enormous proportions since Southwood is coming off an 0-10 season (including a forfeit to Captain Shreve in the fourth game because of Covid issues on the team).

It is evident these two guys believe that can be done. And, given the effort and excitement shown by both the players and coaches during this early morning practice, that feeling seems to be contagious.

Excitement, yes. But also realism.

“With our schedule, there are no easy roads,” said Jesse Esters, who is starting his third season as Southwood head coach. “Green Oaks (Sept. 2) has made improvements, Woodlawn (Sept. 9) beat us last year and will be looking to do it again, and Carroll (Sept. 16) is a tough Monroe team that has put together a good staff with young, quality coaches.”

Following those three season-opening games, the Cowboys will enter District 1-5A play against Natchitoches Central, Haughton, Parkway, Benton, Shreve, Byrd, and Airline.

“Every week is a fight for us,” said Esters. “The question is: once we experience success, can we maintain it?”

The Cowboys, who will be fielding 25 seniors and 32 juniors this season, are returning everyone on offense except one tailback. In addition to Walters and White, the strong cast of seniors includes defensive lineman Jaydan Stevenson (6-0, 280), defensive back Harold Mitchell (5-11, 180), wide receiver Javien Markray, and defensive back/wide receiver Corinthian Nicholson (6-2, 175).

The key to success for Southwood, according to Esters, is two-fold.

“First, we have to physically improve,” he said. “We have to get bigger, faster, stronger. Then we have to develop mentally, to have an attitude change. We have to develop good habits that define a winning team.”

To that end, the Cowboys have spent the summer concentrating on conditioning.

“Out of the 49 weekdays we were out of school (this summer), 47 of those were dedicated to strength conditioning and working out,” said Esters. “And 20 out of 25 players made it 40 days or better. That speaks to the character of the group we have.”

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Walters participated in all but one of the days (46 out of 47).

“The one day he missed, he overslept,” Esters said of Walters. “He showed up about 20 minutes late, but I didn’t let him stay. That was part of getting the picture – learning what you have to do to develop winning habits.”

“Corinthian has gained a lot of ground as a leader. He participated in powerlifting and ran track to get in better shape. He can play anywhere. He has the skills to play corner; recruiters who have seen him play say he would probably play safety.”

While Esters sees improvement throughout his squad, he says the Cowboys “still have a way to go.”

“The criticisms about the past are deserved, but that is in the past,” he said. “I’ll tell you this: nobody in Shreveport works like we work.”

Contact Harriet at sbjharriet@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 Photo by HARRIET PROTHRO PENROD

Southwood replaces two non-district opponents

Southwood LB Walters has next-level talent

Southwood’s Stevenson likely a force up front this fall

Southwood has a late bloomer in Markray

Southwood DBs Mitchell, Nicholson back strong after missing junior seasons

Airline’s Epps ‘athletic +’ at LB

/ Megan Lowe

By LEE BRECHEEN, Louisiana Football Magazine

I went to an Airline game in 2019 and saw a 5-7, 175-pound freshman come down on special teams and just fly through and make plays. I remember asking the coach on the sideline what grade this kid was, because I did not have a roster and he said, ‘’a freshman.’’ I said, “No way! Kid can play some football.”

Speed up to the present and that little “kid” is Justin Epps, a three-year starter and team leader, and now he’s in the let’s say “5-9, 200 pounds of muscle and jet speed” on the field as a football player. Also, about to become a rare four-year letterman in Class 5A football.

I really mean this: seems like I have seen him play now for like six years. He is a tackling machine and doesn’t know the phrase “half speed” as he’s all full throttle on the field. He’s the kind of player when you watch film, you tell your running backs and wide receivers to go the other direction to stay away from him because he’s going to make the tackle if you come in his area of the field. I love this kid’s game. I think he’s a Division II star or Division III steal. He could go FCS as a walk-on who would end up starting over bigger kids in the end because he can run and plays the game tough, intense and fast. Love his 4.6 speed, and he looks faster in uniform. Plus, he’s strong in pads.

Another reason he’s a steal and sleeper: because of an injury, he played in only three games in 2021 and had 13 tackles and one forced fumble.

Airline head coach Justin Scogin says Epps’ athleticism sets him apart from others. 

“Justin is a selfless player that always does the right thing,” said Scogin. “He’s been injured in the offseason and has never missed a workout or any team activity. Justin is a physical player that can fill the hole or be solid dropping into coverage. His athleticism sets him apart and will continue to pay dividends at the next level for him.”

“What I love most about the game of football is the life lessons that can be learned while playing and the competition,” said Epps.

His list of favorite colleges is LSU, Jackson State and Southern. “I’ve been an LSU fan since the age of 6. Jackson State is a favorite of mine because of the culture and history there. A lot of my family went to school at Southern University in Baton Rouge.”

Notes on Justin Epps: In the classroom he has a 3.1 GPA and a score of 19 on his ACT.

Football and family: “My dad, Justin Epps Sr., played football in high school at Northwood and his positions were fullback and linebacker. My uncle, Myron Epps, played football at Northwood also and he played wingback and safety.”

Hobbies are working out, hanging out with friends and swimming.

Contact Lee at lbrecheen@aol.com

Give lightning some distance, because a bolt packs quite a jolt

/ Megan Lowe

The folks at the TV station had cautioned everyone about the possibility of thunderstorms in our area. OK, so we had been warned, so while we kept our eyes on the skies, life around our house was continuing as normal, one morning about a year ago.

As rain began falling, I made sure our garage door was closed and I settled down with my morning coffee inside rather than taking my usual treasured spot on the back porch. Kay was folding laundry as we watched the rain fall, the sky darken and periodic flashes of lightning and accompanying thunder draw closer.

Without warning, it sounded as if a bomb had detonated inside our house. The explosion was ear-splitting and with all the tall pines around our house, we knew that a bolt struck one of them.

Recovering from the blast, I cautiously stepped into the garage to begin assessing the damage. Strangely, the garage door I had closed only moments ago had opened by itself. Hitting the switch to close it, nothing happened; the bolt had knocked out the remote control.

Next, I checked our alarm system; it was also dead. The biggie, though, was when we activated the central air system and it was inoperative.

The sum total of damages resulted in replacement and repair costs approaching $2,000. Fortunately, homeowners insurance paid a portion but we had to pay the difference.

I began a search later that day for the tree that lightning had struck to cause such damages to our home. It was not until several weeks later that I noticed the tell-tale results of a dying tree, the little white globs of resin that begin showing up once a tree begins its demise. Bugs had started working on the tree that lightning had struck, a tall pine that stood within 10 steps of our garage.

Lightning is something that can be deadly. A typical lightning flash is about 300 million volts and about 30,000 amps. In comparison, household current is 120 volts and 15 amps. Wow, no wonder we experienced damage when it hit a tree so close to our house.

When lightning strikes a tree, water in the cells instantly begins to boil, creating steam and the expanding steam can explode, cracking or stripping off bark.

Another source said that lightning is one of the leading weather-related causes of death and injury in the U.S. Did you know you can be struck by lightning when the center of the thunderstorm is 10 miles away?

Several years ago, I witnessed the aftermath of a lightning strike on a big oak at Lincoln Parish Park. The tree was virtually blown apart with strips of bark catapulted several yards from the trunk.

On another occasion, hay was being baled in the pasture across the road from our home with round bales on the ground waiting for pick-up. A bolt of lightning struck one of the bales and I watched in amazement during a heavy rainstorm as the bale had caught fire and was burning. 

This is the time of year when folks are out on the lake fishing, boating or skiing and it’s also the time when thunderstorms can crop up quickly. If skies darken and the rumble of thunder is heard, it’s time to leave the water and seek shelter until the storm passes.

Lightning can be deadly and can do strange things, like causing a garage door to open by itself or setting a hay bale on fire.

EDITOR’S NOTE

Congratulations to our outdoors columnist, Glynn Harris, for adding to his legendary awards stash in the recently-announced Louisiana Outdoors Writers Association writing contest.

LOWA celebrated its 75th anniversary last weekend with its annual convention in Thibodaux. Excellence in Craft awards were presented and Mr. Harris collected three for articles he wrote for various publications before joining the Shreveport-Bossier Journal this spring.

He won first and third-place awards for his syndicated articles, and a first in the “magazine short story” category. He is one of the most acclaimed outdoors writers in LOWA history.

Harris is a weekly contributor to the SBJ, appearing every Thursday.

Contact Glynn at GlynnHarris37@gmail.com

RSJ’s New Orleans restaurant recommendations 2022

/ NPJ

By Robert St. John

NEW ORLEANS— This city is, unquestionably, one of the top five restaurant cities in America. I would imagine that if one were to poll national food critics New Orleans would be listed among the top three. To my taste— and I’ve eaten extensively in most of America’s top restaurant cities— New Orleans is number one. Period. No question. End of discussion.

As a citizen, I consider myself fortunate to have grown up 90 minutes away from this culinary mecca. As a restaurateur, I consider myself blessed to have spent over six decades eating my way through New Orleans. Granted, the Crescent City is a second home for me, but I still log in over 120 New Orleans restaurant meals each year.

For the past couple of decades, I have kept a running journal of my restaurant visits in New Orleans. I also keep a to-do list of new restaurants that I have yet to visit, and a separate list of restaurants that I plan to re-visit. I also field a lot of requests for restaurant recommendations in New Orleans. There are a few dozen restaurants that aren’t on any to-do or re-visit list because they are places that I frequent on a regular basis. The following is that list.

Author’s Note: Everyone has an opinion on restaurants, and all restaurant opinions are 100 percent subjective. You have yours. These are mine:

MY FAVORITE BREAKFAST SPOT: LA BOULANGERIE, 4600 Magazine St— Most mornings I drive from the Marigny to Uptown Magazine just west of Napoleon, because the croissants are worth the drive. I have been doing a deep dive into bakeries for the past year as we prepare to open one in Hattiesburg. I have yet to find one that tops La Boulangerie.

Other Breakfast Joints I Frequent: Toast, 5433 Laurel Street— I bounce between the Uptown location and the one near the fairgrounds. Toast is 100% local New Orleans in the morning.

MY FAVORITE BRUNCH SPOT: PALADAR 511, 511 Marigny Street— This is the place I eat brunch most often, and not just because it’s in our building. The huevos rancheros and the lemon-ricotta blueberry pancakes are stellar. I can never choose between the two, so I always order both. The new dinner menu is excellent, too.

Other Brunches I Frequent: Justine, 2440 Chartres St.— Justin Devillier’s French Quarter spot, and its sister restaurant to La Petit Grocery, are fun, lively, and all the offerings are excellent.

Brennan’s, 417 Royal Street— Of the four old-line French Quarter institutions, Galitoire’s, Arnaud’s, Antoine’s, and Brennan’s, I eat at the latter most often. Ralph Brennan did the city a huge favor when he took over the reins several years back.

Gris Gris, 1800 Magazine Street— Eric Cook is a hard-working, dedicated chef who has excellent touch when it comes to food and a keen eye to know what his guests want. The brunch is great, but so are lunch and dinner. Great Sunday/Monday spots. The newly opened Saint John in the French Quarter is hitting on all cylinders as well.

MY FAVORITE DINNER SPOT: BRIGTSEN’S, 723 Dante St— This restaurant and this chef have been at the top of my list for over three decades. Frank Brigtsen is the heir apparent to his longtime mentor, Paul Prudhomme. The Butternut Shrimp Bisque is one of the best soups I have ever tasted (second only to Paul Bocuse’s mushroom soup in Lyon). The seafood platter is off the menu these days, but components of it — such as Warren LeRuth’s baked oyster recipe — still remain. I could seriously make a meal of just the crawfish cornbread, alone. Long live Frank Brigtsen.

Other dinner spots I frequent:

La Petit Grocery, 4238 Magazine St— The birthplace of the Blue Crab Beignet

Coquette, 2800 Magazine St— Solid offerings from a team with excellent “touch” who always seem to be working together as a team.

Lilette, 3637 Magazine St— Also a perfect spot for lunch.

Bywater American Bistro, 2900 Chartres St— Nina Compton runs my wife’s favorite New Orleans restaurant.

August, 301 Tchoupitoulas Street— Probably still my favorite fine-dining spot in the city after all of these years.

MY FAVORITE STEAKHOUSE: DORIS METROPOLITAN, 620 Chartres St— Their aged prime beef is excellent. My son loves this place.

Other steakhouses I frequent: Mr. John’s Steakhouse 2111 St. Charles Avenue— It always feels very “Uptown New Orleans” in that room, and the steaks are great, too.

MY FAVORITE PO-BOY SHOP: DOMILISE’S, 5240 Annunciation Street— My go-to for po-boys for over 30 years.

Other po-boy shops I frequent:

Parkway Bakery and Tavern 538 Hagan Avenue— There’s always a line so schedule accordingly.

R&O Restaurant and Catering, 216 Metairie-Hammond Highway— A great roast beef po-boy, and excellent fried seafood.

If there’s not a line out of the door at the Acme in the Quarter, dash in, be seated, order the best roast beef po-boy intown, and a dozen on the half shell with the hottest horseradish known to man. Excellent.

MY FAVORITE SANDWICH: THE SAM AT STEIN’S DELI, 2207 Magazine St— In years past I have driven from Hattiesburg, ordered this sandwich, eaten it, and driven home.

Other awesome and original sandwiches:
Turkey & the Wolf, 739 Jackson Avenue— A few years ago Mason Herford turned the sandwich world upside down, in the most beautiful and hilarious way. The Collard Green Melt and Fried Bologna Sandwiches are, on one hand, everyman’s food, and on the other hand, brilliantly inspired.

MY FAVORITE APPETIZER: OYSTER BLT, GRIS GRIS, 1800 Magazine Street— Perfection on a plate. Smoked pork belly, tomato jam, crispy fried oysters, and sugarcane vinegar with a touch of heat.

Other Favorite Appetizers:
Shrimp and Tasso Henican, Commander’s Palace, 1403 Washington Avenue

MY FAVORITE BLOCK FOR FOOD: (*the three-fer)

The Italian Barrel, 1240 Decatur St— Solid Italian (my favorite in the city).

Dian Xin, 1218 Decatur St— Solid Chinese (my favorite in the city).

El Gato Negro, 81 French Market Place— Solid Mexican (my favorite in the city).

MY FAVORITE PIZZA: PIZZA DELICIOUS, 617 Piety Street— Excellent pies.

MY FAVORITE BURGER: COMPANY BURGER, 4600 Freret Street— Everything I want in a burger joint.

(Note: Those who wait in line at Port Of Call can get the same burger at Snug Harbor a few blocks away, without the wait)

MY FAVORITE THAI RESTAURANT: SUKHO THAI, 2200 Royal St— My family eats a fair amount of Thai food. This place is always spot-on.

MY FAVORITE OYSTER BAR: PASCAL’S MANALE, 1838 Napoleon Avenue— It’s an old-school stand-up oyster bar. The oysters are always cold and salty. My son and I go there for the raw oysters and typically eat dinner somewhere else. Though he would probably tell you that Casamento’s is his favorite. Lately, the four of us have been eating oysters at Cooter Brown’s at the Riverbend (oysters always taste better in a dive bar).

MY FAVORITE ATMOSPHERE: SEAWORTHY, 630 Carondelet Street— The designers did such a great job on all aspects of this interior. I love it. Killer oyster selection, too.

MY OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH FAVORITE: ROSEDALE, 801 Rosedale Drive— You have to be going there to get there, but this Susan Spicer restaurant almost feels as if it were 100% tailor made for me— very casual, comfortable, with great service and excellent food. The barbeque shrimp served there should be the gold standard for all others. The fried chicken thighs perfect.

MY FAVORITE TACOS: GALAXIE TACOS, 3060 St. Claude Avenue— the barbacoa tacos here are spot-on. The converted gas station vibe is perfect, and there’s almost always a place to park on the neutral ground of St. Claude.

Other taco joints: Val’s, 4632 Freret— there must be something about tacos served in a converted gas station that appeals to me.

MY FAVORITE GUMBO: STATION 6, 105 Metairie-Hammond Highway— I have yet to finish a giant bowl of this gumbo that always comes out piping hot and loaded with large shrimp and plenty of oysters and crabmeat.

Other gumbos I like:

Herbsaint, 701 St. Charles Avenue

Gris Gris 1800 Magazine Street

MY FAVORITE SOUP: SHRIMP AND SQUASH BISQUE, BRIGTSEN’S, 723 Dante St— So good it’s worth mentioning twice in this list.

MY OFTEN-RECOMMENDED NOT-IN-ANOTHER-CATEGORY FAVORITES (the Link trifecta)

Herbsaint 701 St Charles Avenue

Cochon 930 Tchoupitoulas Street

Peche 800 Magazine Street

OTHER RANDOM FAVORITES

Mosca’s— the best red gravy in town. Also, the spot for Monday lunch Red Beans and Rice.

N7— cool outdoor area. Solid French-inspired cuisine.

Horn’s— another great locals-only breakfast spot.

Red’s Chinese— three words: Kung Pao Pastrami.

Gabrielle— glad they’re back.

Saint Germain— one of the best fine dining meals I’ve eaten in New Orleans in years. The chefs have excellent “touch.” It’s a tough reservation to get. Partially because there are only 12 seats inside, but also because it is so good.

Mosca’s— No need to make decisions, get the Spaghetti Bordelaise and the Oysters Mosca and eat them together.

Crabmeat Holleman

1 /2 cup Mayonnaise
2 Egg Yolks
1 Tbl. Sherry
1 Tbl. Creole Mustard
1 Tbl. Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 tsp. Crescent City Grill Creole Seasoning
1 tsp. Worcestershire
1 tsp. Crescent City Grill Cayenne & Garlic Sauce
1 /3 cup Red bell pepper, small dice
1 /3 cup Green bell pepper, small dice
1 lb. Jumbo lump crabmeat
1 /2 lb. Backfin lump crabmeat
2 8oz. wheels Brie or Camembert cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
6 Tbl. Seasoned breadcrumbs
8 Oven-proof ramekins or scallop shell

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Combine the first eight ingredients and mix thoroughly with a wire whisk. Stir in peppers. Gently fold crabmeat into liquid mixture making sure not to break up the crabmeat lumps.

Place a layer of crabmeat mixture into a 6 oz. ramekin, then 2 cubes of Brie and another layer of crab. Top with seasoned breadcrumbs and bake for 10 – 12 minutes or until bubbly and breadcrumbs are brown. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Yield: 8

Robert St. John is a chef, restaurateur and published cookbook author.

Notice of Death – August 10, 2022

/ NPJ

Malachi Montrel Burks

April 19, 2002 — August 6, 2022
Viewing: Friday, August 12, 2022, 1:00-8:00 p.m. at Precious Memories Chapel, 4017 Greenwood Road, Shreveport.
Celebration of Life: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Jerusalem Baptist Church, 4054 Koran Road, Haughton.

Ida Louise (Fuller) Stephens
October 18, 1949 — August 7, 2022
Viewing: Friday, August 12, 2022, 1:00-4:00 p.m. at Precious Memories Chapel, 4017 Greenwood Road, Shreveport.
Family Hour: Friday, August 12, 2022, 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Bossier Missionary Baptist Church, 809 Hamilton Road, Shreveport.
Celebration of Life: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Bossier Missionary Baptist Church, 809 Hamilton Road, Shreveport.

Eustace L. Edwards, III
|September 17, 1950 — August 9, 2022
Services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Osborn Funeral Home, 3631 Southern Avenue, Shreveport.
Visitation: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Osborn Funeral Home, 3631 Southern Avenue, Shreveport.

Louise Elizabeth Tuminello
November 6, 1926 — August 9, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 12, 2022, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Osborn Funeral Home, 3631 Southern Avenue, Shreveport.
Services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 211 Atlantic Avenue, Shreveport.

Maureen White
December 22, 1958 — August 5, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 12, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Interment: Saturday, August 13, 2022, following services at Lincoln Cemetery, 6917 W. 70th Street, Shreveport.

Catherine Bryant Hendrix
April 4, 1931 — August 7, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 12, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Paradise Baptist Church, 1706 Hollywood Avenue, Shreveport.
Interment: Saturday, August 13, 2022, following services at Lincoln Cemetery, 6917 W. 70th Street, Shreveport.

Wilbert Davis
March 7, 1950 — August 7, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 12, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 12:00 p.m. at Waterloo #2 Baptist Church, 177 Highway 527, Elm Grove.
Interment: Saturday, August 13, 2022, following services at Ebernezer Cemetery, 199 Ebernezer Road, Taylortown.

Tia Wilson
February 28, 1970 — August 5, 2022
Graveside services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at Liberty Cemetery, Keithville.

Alan Mays
August 25, 1964 — August 7, 2022
Visitation: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.

Services: Thursday, August 18, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at Bethel AME Church, Dequincy.

Kathy Irvin
May 10, 1946 — August 6, 2022
Celebration of Life: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 3:00 p.m. at Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church, 943 Pine Hill Road, Shreveport.

Kelly Christopher Poole
January 8, 1973 — August 8, 2022
Services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.

Stephen Amos Bosher
March 23, 1946 — August 9, 2022
Visitation: Thursday, August 11, 2022, 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.
Services: Friday, August 12, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Brookwood Baptist Church, 9014 Brookwood Church Way, Shreveport.

Frances Browning
August 11, 1945 — August 9, 2022
Visitation: Thursday, August 11, 2022, 5:00-9:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 943 Polk Street, Mansfield.
Graveside services: Friday, August 12, 2022, 2:00-3:00 p.m. at Belmont Cemetery, Belmont.

Jerry Malone
November 27, 1936 — August 7, 2022
Visitation: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 543 Ockley Drive, Shreveport.

Services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 543 Ockley Drive, Shreveport.

Bruce Newton Lynn, Jr.
September 10, 1950 — August 6, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 12, 2022, 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport.
Services: Friday, August 12, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport.

Arthur James Reed
October 31, 1936 – August 3, 2022
Services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Sunflower Baptist Church, 349 East Texas Street, Bossier City.

Wayne Morris
July 14, 1956 – August 5, 2022
Services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Good Samaritan Funeral Home, 2200 Laurel Street, Shreveport.

Arthur Willie Bates
May 15, 1945 – August 5, 2022
Services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at Good Samaritan Funeral Home, 2200 Laurel Street, Shreveport.

Maurice H. Lamothe
June 11, 1933 – August 7, 2022
Mass of Christian Burial: Thursday, August 11, 2022, 10:00-11:00 a.m. at St. John Berchmans Cathedral, 939 Jordan Street, Shreveport.

James “Jay” Braden Atherton
August 12, 1974 — August 3, 2022
Graveside services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 3:30-4:30 p.m. at Rose-Neath Cemetery, 5185 Swan Lake Spur, Bossier City.

 Judith “Judy” Babineaux Wells
January 27, 1941 — August 6, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 12, 2022, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.
Services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 3:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.
Interment: Saturday, August 13, 2022, at Forest Park West Cemetery, 4400 Meriwether Road, Shreveport.

Joseph Sherman
March 6, 1986 – August 1, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 12, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at True Holiness Church, Shreveport.
Interment: Saturday, August 13, 2022, following services at Lincoln Cemetery, 6917 W. 70th Street, Shreveport.

Gertie Allen
April 5, 1932 – July 31, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 12, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Morning Star Baptist Church, 5340 Jewella Avenue, Shreveport.
Interment: Saturday, August 13, 2022, following services at Lincoln Cemetery, 6917 W. 70th Street, Shreveport.

Doris Anderson
August 29, 1954 – August 3, 2022
Services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Union Star Baptist Church, 600 W. 65th Street, Shreveport.
Interment: Saturday, August 13, 2022, following services at Lincoln Cemetery, 6917 W. 70th Street, Shreveport.

Kenneth Eugene Lemmons
December 26, 1934 — July 29, 2022
Visitation: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 2:00-3:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport.
Services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 3:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport.

Katie Gertrude Amis
December 25, 1933 — August 5, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 12, 2022, 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.
Services: Friday, August 12, 2022, 2:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.
Interment: Friday, August 12, 2022, at Rose-Neath Cemetery, 5185 Swan Lake Road, Bossier City.

Samuel K. Carnahan
December 18, 1945 — July 29, 2022
Services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 2:00 p.m. at Aulds Funeral Home Chapel, 7849 East Kings Highway, Shreveport.

Tammy Lynn Rubey
June 7, 1970 — July 29, 2022
Visitation: Thursday, August 11, 2022, 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.
Services: Friday, August 12, 2022, 12:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.
Interment: Friday, August 12, 2022, at Providence Baptist Church Cemetery following services.

Lewis Kilbourne Forrester Kalmbach
July 22, 1961 — July 17, 2022
Services: A Celebration of Life honoring Lewis will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Sunday, August 14, 2022, at Big Sun Studios, 619 Edwards Street, Shreveport.

Mary Harris
February 2, 1924 – July 22, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 12, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Services: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, 6915 W. 70th Street, 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)

Don’t ask for whom the school bell tolls…

/ NPJ

We couldn’t afford a bicycle then, so I learned early how to stick my thumb out in the wind and hitch a ride in a pickup or on a tractor the two miles into our rural Carolina town for my first-grade classes. 

My parents believed in tough love. 

They were Old School, even though I was the very definition of New School. 

Since they had to walk to school uphill 16 miles and back home, again uphill, for 17, they figured I was getting off easy by having to flag down a ride for just two measly miles. “And FLAT miles at that!” I can hear them say, maybe tough lovingly. 

Of course, modern kids have gotten soft now and don’t hitchhike to school as they once did. Don’t get me started. . . 

Here’s something else that’s changed, and not for the better. 

No matter how “bored” or out of sorts you might have gotten with school back then — and even those of us who actually secretly sort of liked school and realized it was “good for us” wanted to run away now and then – we knew the Start Game and the End Game. And that helped. 

The Great State of South Carolina and all us little children there cut a deal with each other: the state-owned us from right after Labor Day until Memorial Day. No questions asked. You’d get a day at Thanksgiving and Easter and a few days at Christmastime, the Super Bowl Week of being a kid, but the rest of the time, your denim-covered butt was in a desk at Lake View Elementary. 

BUT … they could not touch us from Memorial Day until Labor Day. No one even SAID “school” during June, July, and August. We were a hands-off, school-free zone. 

Summer, with all its bee stings and scraped knees and bologna sandwiches, was ours. 

We could play AND we could make all the money, picking cucumbers or driving a tractor or, depending on how low you were to the ground, picking up tobacco sticks at the barn if your leg wasn’t long enough to reach the clutch on a Farmall yet. 

Just thinking about it makes me want to kick off my shoes and go run in the grass and step on a nail and have to go get a tetanus shot. (Even summer had its risks. But the risks were worth it.) 

Somewhere along the way, it was decided by Grownups that school would start Early, and so children are back at school this week even though it’s just now double-digits in August. (We’re talking dates, not temperature.) There will be “breaks” and the number of days spent in class will be the same now as they were back when I went to school, back when only four vowels and 22 consonants had been invented. 

And maybe it’s better that way, but you ask people from our generation, and we’ll tell you being out for three months solid was the way to go, that even the thought of hitching a ride to school in August was a two-thumbs-down deal.  

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu 

Firetower Road repairs and overlay move forward

/ NPJ

Bossier Parish Police Jury highway department workers are moving ahead with maintenance on parish roads, including repair and overlay projects throughout the parish.

A crew is currently making repairs on Firetower Rd., with the work area approximately one mile south of the intersection with LA Hwy. 2. The road is open to traffic but may be reduced to one lane in the work area.

All the repair and overlay projects are part of the department’s road improvement plan.

Green Oaks ready for changes in upcoming season

/ Megan Lowe
NEW SEASON, NEW DISTRICT: With just three opponents remaining on their schedule from last season, the Green Oaks Giants will be lining up against some new teams this season.

By HARRIET PROTHRO PENROD, Journal Sports

Green Oaks head coach Chadwick Lewis wasn’t surprised when the Giants were moved down to District 1-2A this season after reclassification by the LHSAA. Actually, it was something he saw coming.

“We kind of knew we would reclassify,” says Lewis, who is entering his second season as head coach. “Our numbers have dropped. We were able to play up the past few years and it worked out for us.”

You’ve heard it said that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Sometimes, they actually change quite a bit.

First, the Giants’ schedule looks quite different as the only teams remaining on the schedule from last season are Carroll (Monroe), former 1-3A opponent Loyola, and long-time rival Booker T. Washington – who Green Oaks will play in the annual “Soul Bowl” on Sept. 17.

“Our schedule is kind of heavy those first five (non-district) games,” says Lewis. “We’ll be going up against mostly 4(A) and 5A teams. We should be able to compete. That will get us ready for district.”

That’s the next change for the Giants, who will now be in the district with Calvary Baptist (which moved up to 1-2A), D’Arbonne Woods, Lakeside, Loyola (which moved down to 1-2A), and North Caddo.

What will remain the same for Green Oaks this year will be youth. “We’re going to be young,” says Lewis. “Last year we only had seven seniors – we played a lot of freshmen and sophomores. And we’ve got only seven seniors this year.”

One of those seniors is 6-foot-1, 265-pound Kashaun Green, who will play all over the defensive line for the Giants. “In the four-man front, he’ll play tackle,” says Lewis, “and in the three-man front, he’ll play on the end.”

Green, who Lewis calls “one of our top guys,” will also play on the offensive line this season – a move that will hopefully create some big holes for the Giants’ running backs.

“We’re going to be running back by committee,” says Lewis. “We’re hoping that Christopher Hicks (5-4, 145, junior) comes out and makes that jump for us.”

Top wide receiver Delarrious Marshall will also see playing time at running back. “He’s pretty much our ‘do everything kid,’” Lewis says of the 5-8, 165-pound junior who has already received his first offer to play college ball. “He’ll play in the slot, on the outside and he is one of our top defensive backs.”

Lewis is hoping quarterback Tovoras Lee, who started as a freshman last year, continues to show improvement. “He’s still a year away from being ‘that guy,’” says Lewis, “but he’s more settled and is making better reads.”  

So, what will it take for the Giants to be successful this season? According to Lewis, that requires three things – listening, focusing, and remaining disciplined. Yes, they want to improve on last season’s 1-9 record.

“But it’s more so about making sure we’re competing every single game,” he says.

And that’s when things can really change.

Contact Harriet at sbjharriet@gmail.com

Photo courtesy of Green Oaks HS

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