Month: December 2022
A year in, having a blast sharing ‘all sorts of stories to tell’
When I walked into the Captain Shreve gym on January 11, I knew I was in a place I hadn’t been in a long, long time. No, it wasn’t the gym itself – I’ve seen more than a few games there in the last few years.
This had nothing to do with a physical location. But I was in a professional place – if that’s what you call it – that felt both very strange and very familiar all at the same time.
It was the Captain Shreve-Byrd boys basketball game and I was there to cover it for the Shreveport-Bossier Journal. I hadn’t covered a high school basketball game in almost 30 years, but I quickly came to realize the truth about how, like riding a bicycle, you never forget.
And I knew I was back in a place that I needed much more than it needed me.
The Journal isn’t my main job – in fact, it’s not even my second job – but I grew up professionally as a sports writer. It was a part-time job for me when I was in high school and a summer internship while I was in college, so there was no doubt where I was headed once I found myself in the real world.
I did that for as long as I could (or as long as I could stand it) and moved on to something else, which I dearly love. But covering events like a Tuesday night high school basketball game never really leaves you. (I know … that sounds borderline pathetic.)
It was an otherwise forgettable game – Shreve won by 33 — and I had to explain to both coaches who I was and what I was doing there. But I knew what I was doing there and that it was about to open all sorts of stories to tell.
Such as …
I saw Jaylin Turner come off the bench, grab a bat and hit a pinch-hit, walk off home run in the 10th inning to send LSUS to the NAIA World Series and complete an improbable week-long comeback for the Pilots. (Following the game, I also didn’t see a celebratory water balloon and took one in the onions that literally knocked me to my knees.)
I wrote about the deaths of two people who never met each other and were about as opposite as you could get. Huntington’s Devin Myers, 18, and former Fair Park legend Jimmy Orton, 85, died within a few hours of each other. Their deaths were not similar but there was a bond they shared – athletics.
I was able to turn on the voice recorder and let eight retired coaches tell story after story about their experiences in high school athletics. It was a series that started by accident and one that I could still be doing because of the profound impact they have had on countless lives.
I got a chance to be at Disch-Falk Stadium, home of Texas Longhorns baseball, and witness a capacity crowd start to get a little nervous as Louisiana Tech wouldn’t go away in one of college baseball’s cathedrals.
I wrote about issues like too many players being named to post-season teams or how high school baseball had become too “nice.” Or stupid stuff, like the two-part series about my amazement of the “EAST/WEST” signs at Lee Hedges Stadium, only to see them removed days later.
I was there when things happened. I saw stuff and wrote about it. I got a chance to interact with players and coaches and let them tell me all about what was going to happen or what had happened.
So that’s what 2022 was for me. The Shreveport-Bossier Journal put me back in the sports writing game. To be able to do it with a group of writers such as the one assembled does nothing but make each edition, each group text message, each staff meeting, each staff lunch a total pleasure.
On January 11, I had a feeling that might happen.
Contact JJ at johnjamesmarshall@yahoo.com
Upstart Demons begin Southland season at home
By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports
NATCHITOCHES – There’s really no debate. Heading into the Southland Conference basketball season, Northwestern State has the best resume’ – and the best record among the league’s 10 men’s teams.
Not bad for a squad with a new coach and nearly all new players, a team picked for sixth in the preseason coaches’ poll in October.
Two months later, the Demons own the best record in the league (8-5) and the Southland’s signature non-conference win (64-63 at 15th-ranked TCU on Nov. 14) as they open the 18-game league race at home in Prather Coliseum Saturday at 2:30 against the overwhelming preseason favorite, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (7-6).
The Lady Demons (4-5) begin their Southland season today at home, also facing a TAMCC squad (5-6) picked to win the league, tipping at 1 in Prather.
Saturday’s men’s game will be the focal matchup in the first round of Southland competition. The visiting Islanders return all five starters, and their five top scorers, from last year’s NCAA Tournament entry that won the Southland Tournament and finished 23-11.
But Demons’ coach Corey Gipson isn’t immersing his team in a deep scouting report.
“What we always say is, the No. 1 opponent is Northwestern State,” he said after Thursday morning’s practice. “We really have not dived into Corpus Christi. We focus on improvements, tightening the screws in our own program.”
NSU rode a seven-game win streak to an 8-2 mark before road losses at Rice, No. 12 Baylor and Texas A&M, getting blown out by the Owls but playing competitively in the last two outings.
“We felt like we have underachieved (at 8-5),” said Ja’Monta Black, one of three co-captains, all who followed Gipson as transfers from Missouri State, where he was associate head coach last year for an NIT entry.
But Black (14.4 points per game) and the other captains (DeMarcus Sharp, 16.2 ppg; Isaac Haney, 12.7 ppg) understand the prior 13 games are preparation for what’s about to unfold. While seeing many “bracketology” analysts projecting NSU as the Southland’s NCAA Tournament representative is a nice upgrade from middle-of-the-pack projections by the league coaches, the Demons are not indulging in visions of March Madness.
“It feels good, but we’ve got to show them why we are going to be that team,” said Black. “It’s going to be a hard run, but we’re ready. We’re very excited to get to conference play. It’s my dream, it’s all of our dreams, to win a ring at this level. It’s time to go ring-chasing. Each day we go to practice, we’re thinking about the end goal, a conference championship, and our expectations are through the roof.
“We tell the guys, it’s conference time. We don’t worry about outside noise. We worry about getting better each day. We prepare for our opponents, but we focus on ourselves. We can only control ourselves, and as long as we play our game, we can win any time we play.”
What’s the secret? The influx of talent from the basketball-rich Missouri Valley Conference is the obvious cornerstone, but it’s all about bonding, said Black.
“We’ve gotten better so fast, we’ve jelled together so well. When coach tries to teach us something, I know the guys are doing everything they can to get better at it. That’s what has helped us. We love to get better, seeing ourselves as individuals improve and seeing the team improve.”
The Lady Demons have shown flashes in portions of games so far – except a complete-game sparkler in a dominant 79-52 homecourt rout of ULM on Dec. 10. But today, they’ll face a Corpus Christi team with 10 players back from a squad that went 11-3 in Southland games last season.
“It will be important to come out quick and be the aggressor,” third-year coach Anna Nimz said about the first five minutes of the game against Corpus. “We need to set the tone early.”
Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com
The 100-unit season is complete, let’s do it again
By ROY LANG III, Journal Sports
It’s been a fun year, because, let’s be honest, winning is fun. And we’ve done plenty of that.
We officially end 2022 with a 101-unit profit and a return-on-investment (ROI) of 30 percent.
Those familiar with sports betting will understand these are staggering figures.
It’s not a surprise that golf was the main money-maker this season. We bet more action on the links than any other sport by far. I will have a full breakdown of what sports worked, what specific bets worked and what didn’t as we look to somehow come close to this performance in 2023.
To whet the appetite for the new year, we offer up some anytime touchdown scorer options.
Good luck.
Notes
All bets are measured in units. For instance, if your normal bet on a game is $100, that is one unit. If the bet is listed as .2 units, it’s a $20 bet.
Best line (as of Thursday) is listed in parenthesis. Find the best price — one key to being a successful sports bettor! Shop around! Remember this is a VALUE-based system, so don’t settle for a price significantly less than the one listed. And jump on better prices!
Sportsbook legend
CAE: Caesar’s
FD: Fan Duel
MGM: Bet MGM
DK: DraftKings
BS: Barstool
BR: BetRivers
LANG’S LOCKS
Season total: +101 units
THIS WEEK’S SELECTIONS
FOOTBALL
NFL
ANYTIME TOUCHDOWN SCORERS
(.5-unit plays)
Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions, +105 (MGM)
David Montgomery, Bears, +115 (CAE)
Alvin Kamara, Saints, +112 (CAE)
(.3-unit plays)
New York Giants defense/special teams, +600 (DK)
Indianapolis defense/special teams, +800
Contact Roy at roylangiii@yahoo.com
Thursday’s basketball, soccer scores; upcoming games
College Basketball
Thursday’s scores
WOMEN
Louisiana Tech 62, UTSA 57
LSU 69, Arkansas 45
MEN
Louisiana Tech 91, UTSA 69
Grambling State 101, North American 42
Today’s games
WOMEN
Dallas at Centenary, 4 p.m.
Texas A&M-CC at Northwestern State, 1 p.m.
MEN
Dallas at Centenary, 6 p.m.
Saturday’s games
WOMEN
Austin at Centenary, 1 p.m.
Charlotte at Louisiana Tech, 2 p.m.
MEN
La. Tech at Charlotte, 1 p.m.
Baton Rouge Capitols at BPCC, 2 p.m.
Texas A&M-CC at Northwestern State, 2:30 p.m.
Austin at Centenary, 3 p.m.
High School Basketball
Thursday’s scores
GIRLS
Airline “Doc” Edwards Invitational
Winners bracket
Airline 63, Hornbeck 61
Gibsland-Coleman 48, Winnfield 29
Benton 66, Homer 27
Haughton 47, Zwolle 46, 2OT
Semifinals
Gibsland-Coleman 48, Airline 29
Benton 56. Haughton 25
Consolation bracket
Loyola 38, Haynesville 35
Byrd 56, Minden 46
BTW 67, Logansport 38
Consolation semifinals
Byrd 53, Loyola 23
BTW vs. Northwood, late
Sandra Meadows Classic – Duncanville, Texas
Parkway 50, Midlothian 22
Pearland (Texas) 59, Captain Shreve 18
Sidney Smith Invitational at West Monroe
Wossman 60, Huntington 39
BOYS
Airline “Doc” Edwards Invitational
Winners bracket
Airline 48, Minden 32
Huntington 71, Lakeview 59
Bossier 57, Benton 45
Semifinals
Huntington 54, Airline 49
Captain Shreve 40, Bossier 38
Consolation bracket
Loyola 46, Hornbeck 37
Gibsland-Coleman 58, Northwood 38
Consolation semifinals
Loyola 55, Gibsland-Coleman 50
BTW 52, Ringgold 31
Sidney Smith Invitational at West Monroe
Calvary 43, Neville 40
Today’s games
GIRLS
Airline “Doc” Edwards Invitational
Consolation Championship
Byrd vs. BTW-Northwood winner, Noon (AHS)
Third place
Haughton vs. Airline, 3 p.m. (AHS)
Championship
Gibsland-Coleman vs. Benton, 6 p.m. (AHS)
BOYS
Airline “Doc” Edwards Invitational
Consolation Championship
Loyola vs. BTW, 1:30 (AHS)
Third place
Airline vs. Bossier, 4:30 p.m. (AHS)
Championship
Huntington vs. Captain Shreve, 7:30 p.m. (AHS)
High School Soccer
Thursday’s Scores
GIRLS
Mandeville Holiday Tournament
Byrd 2, Baton Rouge 0
Byrd 0, Central LaFourche 0
BOYS
Bossier 8, West Ouachita 0
St. Michaels Holiday Tournament
Shreve 2, St. Louis Catholic 2
Today’s games
BOYS
St. Michaels Holiday Tournament
Shreve vs West Jefferson 11:30 a.m.
Shreve vs TBD 4 p.m.
Where are we in America today?
Today, I’m venturing away from my fishing stories by wrapping up 2022 taking a hard look at where we are as a country. In so many ways 2022 was a great year, as we finally returned to a sense of normalcy. It seems like years ago that we were under mask mandates and trying to figure out the facts and fiction of Covid-19. It truly rocked our world like nothing ever has in my lifetime. We’re still trying to make sense of what this disease brings with it and the lasting effects it could have for generations.
But for now, I am going in a different direction as I reveal my observations on the state of our Union.
First, politics has come to the forefront now that Trump is no longer in office but has declared he’s running for office again in 2024, halfway through the Biden years. Never can I remember, in my 61 years of living in this great country, the political and moral division that exists today.
The 1960’s might be the closest era we’ve seen similar to now. Who’s responsible for this? EVERYONE!!! No one party can excuse themselves from this plain and simple fact that we are a nation divided. Republicans and Democrats and their leadership from within are all guilty of fueling the flames of this division. Yes, Trump had a hand as well with all of his idiotic Tweets and trying to communicate with Americans through social media — something no other president has ever done. While a lot of his policies were for the good of America, his mouth was nothing but pure venom and created a “take a side” mentality.
As a church-going member of the First United Methodist Church, I’ve seen a decline in the number of people attending church. Recently I counted 24 empty pews out of 40 during a church service. More than half of the church, and churches all across this country, are empty. People have walked away from the church but more devastating, they’ve walked away from God. Our schools and state officials have also taken God out of the equation with few willing to challenge the powers that be to bring back this one saving grace.
The family dynamic has all but disappeared from the American landscape. It used to be our foundation for what was right with this country. Divorce attorneys are in high demand and single parent dwellings are on the rise. People no longer see the importance of the family structure and the stability it brings to the next generation.
One common quote I hear so often amongst couples is, “I’m not happy.” I’m sorry, but I don’t recall seeing anywhere in my Christian upbringing where the good Lord above promises happiness. But he has given us the tools and the playbook (the Bible) to follow and work things out and to do what’s always in the best interest of the family and the children.
Kids need a mom and a dad under the same roof. This is critical for their total development as a boy or a girl. We have kids today who are so confused with who and what they are. Really?!!!
This is a total lack of parenting and not being exposed to the Word of God. Do you remember the slogan a few years ago for educating our children? “No child left behind.” Well, we have left the children behind, and they will turn in whatever direction they can to get the answers they’re looking for. The problem is they’re turning to the wrong people and looking in the wrong places.
People have become so consumed with their own selfish needs that they have forgotten what’s really important. Couples’ ability to communicate effectively and fight hard to save their marriages seemingly no longer exists. It’s easier to give up and just get a divorce.
Meanwhile, our churches are empty, we have turned our backs on God, and we wonder why we are in the shape we’re in. If this one concept of getting back in the church does not return to the American landscape, we are doomed to fall not only from God’s grace, but as a nation as well. We must start to rebuild our church base and bring back the family dynamics that are missing today.
We must elect officials who have the same moral compass as the church. Know what and who the people are you’re voting for and what they represent. If we as Christians don’t rise up and redirect our nation, we will be at a point of no return. I’m not so sure we’re not already there.
For those of you who have made a point to acknowledge my articles this year, I say, “Thank you!” It always makes my day to know that what I’m writing has touched someone in a good way. I’m always very appreciative of the kind words you’ve sent in person, by text or by email.
I hope each of you has a healthy and prosperous 2023! See you on the other side! Until then, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget your sunscreen.
Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com
Starting the New Year with a day off
Happy New Year!
There’s much to be excited about as 2023 arrives Saturday at midnight. For the Shreveport-Bossier Journal team, we are eager to continue bringing you top-quality coverage of local sports, news and information.
We are thankful for your taking advantage of our free publication. We’re never going to charge you a penny, we’re never going to bombard you with pop-ups and pay walls, and we’re never going to share your e-mail with anybody.
We are, however, going to take a day off to start the year! To allow our wonderful team members to enjoy quality time with their families, friends and pets, or in the woods, in front of the TV, or finding fun and relaxation to refresh for 2023, we will not publish an edition on Monday morning, Jan. 2.
We will be back on schedule Tuesday, Jan. 3, with coverage of LSU’s bowl game, high school sports, local news and information, and much more – all at no cost to you.
Notice of Death – December 29, 2022
Fred James Thomas
February 22, 1947 — December 27, 2022
Visitation: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at New Hope CME Church, 3821 Ninock Street, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at New Hope CME Church, 3821 Ninock Street, Shreveport.
Interment: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, following service at New Hope CME Cemetery, Shreveport.
Leo Triveno Johnson
November 4, 1974 — December 12, 2022
Gathering of Family and Friends: Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, 1:00 p.m. at Round Grove Memorial Gardens, 2869 Round Grove Lane, Shreveport.
Taja Savannah
July 2, 1989 — December 22, 2022
Visitation: Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, 1:00-8:00 p.m. at Precious Memories Mortuary, 4015 Greenwood Road, Shreveport.
Celebration of Life: Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, 1:00 p.m. at Shadows of the Cross Baptist Church, 4140 Greenwood Road, Shreveport.
Claiborne Ray Joiner, Jr.
November 16, 1951 — December 25, 2022
Visitation: Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, 1:00-8:00 p.m. at Precious Memories Mortuary, 4015 Greenwood Road, Shreveport.
Celebration of Life: Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, 1:00 p.m. at Precious Memories Mortuary, 4015 Greenwood Road, Shreveport.
Marie Sampson Barton
May 11, 1955 — December 27, 2022
Funeral Service: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Marksville.
Thomas Erwin Gregory
September 9, 1942 — December 27, 2022
Visitation: Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.
Interment: Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, following service at Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 79701 Mike Clark Road, Keithville.
Nannette Phillips Bryant
January 18, 1937 — December 18, 2022
Funeral Service: Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, 10:30 a.m. at Rose Park Baptist Church, 5560 Buncombe Road, Shreveport.
Interment: Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, following service at Forest Park West Cemetery, 4400 Meriwether Road, Shreveport.
Judith ‘Judy’ Elaine Hicks
July 31, 1956 — December 28, 2022
Visitation: Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, 10:30 a.m. at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 8400 E. Kingston Road, Shreveport.
Interment: Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, following service at Forest Park East Cemetery, 3700 St. Vincent Avenue, Shreveport.
Emma Elaine Boddie Tyndall
June 7, 1923 — December 28, 2022
Visitation: Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport.
Graveside Service: Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport.
Interment: Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, following service at Douglas Cemetery, Ruston.
Betty Ann Waggoner
November 19, 1963 — December 28, 2022
Visitation: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Weldon Baptist Church, Bernice.
Graveside Service: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, 2:00-3:00 p.m. at Weldon Cemetery, Bernice.
Jerry Lee Booth, Sr.
April 30, 1955 — December 28, 2022
Graveside Service: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 11:00-11:30 a.m. at Booth Cemetery, Cotton Valley.
Nancy Ruth Perdue Wright
November 14, 1932 — December 27, 2022
Visitation: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Drive, Bossier.
Graveside Service: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Cemetery, 5185 Swan Lake Road, Bossier.
Thomas Max Allen, Jr.
October 7, 1972 — December 20, 2022
Visitation: Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport.
Interment: Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, following service at Forest Park East Cemetery, 3700 St. Vincent Avenue, Shreveport.
John Stowe
October 1, 1940 — December 17, 2022
Graveside Service: Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, 1:00 p.m. at Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest, Abilene, Texas.
Jack Latham
April 2, 1933 — December 25, 2022
Visitation: Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, 3:00-6:00 p.m. Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.
Celebration of Life: Monday, Jan. 1, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.
Dorothy ‘Dottie’ McIntosh
December 8, 1926 — December 28, 2022
Visitation: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.
Graveside Service: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.
James Erwin Hughes
July 6, 1947 — December 13, 2022
Memorial Service: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, 2:00 p.m. at Sarepta Community Building, Sarepta.
Mark Layne Watts
March 29, 1954 — December 22, 2022
Graveside Service: Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Forest Park West Cemetery, 4000 Meriwether Road, Shreveport.
Jonn France
May 1, 1952 — December 22, 2022
Memorial Service: Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, 2:00 p.m. at Aulds Funeral Home Chapel, 7849 East Kings Highway, Shreveport.
Rosie Lee Williams
January 1, 1928 — December 23, 2022
Visitation: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Midway #2 Baptist Church, 6811 Woolworth Road, Shreveport.
Interment: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, following service at Jerusalem Cemetery, 1111 River Road, Armstead.
Erma Pugh
January 25, 1942 — December 24, 2022
Visitation: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at Greater New Zion Baptist Church, 421 Oak Ridge Drive, Benton.
Interment: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, following service at Benton Community Cemetery, Benton.
Josiah James Bradford
September 7, 2016 — December 21, 2022
Visitation: Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, 1:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Interment: Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, following service at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, 6915 W 70th Street, Shreveport.
Sharon Abraham
September 17, 1956 — December 26, 2022
Visitation: Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Graveside Service: Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, 1:00 p.m. at Carver Cemetery, 498 Kennie Road, Shreveport.
Ronnie Rachal
August 16, 1950 — December 25, 2022
Visitation: Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Graveside Service: Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 79701 Mike Clark Road, Keithville.
Billy Lewis
April 16, 1947 — December 26, 2022
Visitation: Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Interment: Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, following service at Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 79701 Mike Clark Road, Keithville.
William Bogan
September 16, 1949 — December 24, 2022
Graveside Service: Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, 12:00 p.m. at Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 79701 Mike Clark Road, Keithville.
Robert Mims
March 17, 1957 — December 26, 2022
Graveside Service: Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Pilgrim Rest Cemetery, Crichton Road, Sibley.
Katie Roberson
November 16, 1951 — December 25, 2022
Visitation: Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Bryants Temple COGIC.
Interment: Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, following service at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, 6915 W 70th Street, Shreveport.
Charlesetta Baker Smith
January 25, 1942 — December 24, 2022
Visitation: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 1:00-5:00 p.m. at Winnfield Funeral Home, 3701 Hollywood Avenue, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 8480 Dixie-Shreveport Road, Shreveport.
Interment: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, following service at Old Ebenezer B.C. Cemetery, Belcher.
Willie M. Wood
March 17, 1930 — December 27, 2022
Visitation: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 4:00-6:00 p.m. Osborn Funeral Home, 3631 Southern Avenue, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at Osborn Funeral Home, 3631 Southern Avenue, Shreveport.
Cathy Leggitt
March 1, 1938 — December 26, 2022
Celebration of Life: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 3:00 p.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.
William E. Glezen
November 14, 1929 — December 23, 2022
Visitation: Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.
Celebration of Life: Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, 2:00 p.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.
Eunice Lee Martin
December 18, 1952 — December 24, 2022
Visitation: Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Forest Park Funeral Home, 1201 Louisiana Avenue, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, 12:00 p.m. at Forest Park Funeral Home, 1201 Louisiana Avenue, Shreveport.
Gary Wayne Reddick
February 3, 1960 — December 25, 2022
Celebration of Life: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Open Road Fellowship Church, 780 Bodcau Station Road, Haughton.
Flora M. Frierson
April 13, 1937 — December 22, 2022
Funeral Service: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at Union Mission Baptist Church No. 1, 6029 Buncombe Road, Shreveport.
Sidney Barrow Peacock
September 17, 1933 — December 27, 2022
Funeral Service: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 500 Common Street, Shreveport.
Jack N. Cranford
June 30, 1930 — December 26, 2022
Visitation: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 4:00-6:00 p.m. Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 405 E. 5th Street, Homer.
Graveside Service: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home & Park, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.
Eddie Leroy Mitchell
May 29, 1939 — December 24, 2022
Visitation: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 10:00-11:00 a.m. Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.
JoAnn Youngblood
November 23, 1942 — December 23, 2022
Funeral Service: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Aimwell Baptist Church, 1892 Highway 1215, Zwolle.
Interment: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Aimwell Baptist Church Cemetery, 1892 Highway 1215, Zwolle.
Michael Shane Lafitte
January 15, 1974 — December 22, 2022
Celebration of Life: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, 2:00 p.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.
Calvin Webb
July 4, 1951 — December 12, 2022
Funeral Service: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at Bossier Baptist Church, 809 Hamilton Road, Bossier.
Interment: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, following service at Liberty Hill Cemetery, Coushatta.
Johnnie Adams
December 31, 1936 — December 25, 2022
Funeral Service: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 12:00 p.m. at Mt. Bethel MBC #1, 12535 Mansfield Road, Keithville.
Interment: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, following service at Mt. Bethel Cemetery.
Ester Mae Lathon
January 3, 1948 — December 19, 2022
Funeral Service: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at St. Savior B.C., Coushatta.
Interment: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, following service at Springville Cemetery, Springville Road, Coushatta.
Rosa Pouncy
October 13, 1939 — December 23, 2022
Funeral Service: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at Peaceful Rest MBC.
Interment: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, following service at Carver Cemetery, 498 Kennie Road, Shreveport.
Marshal Wayne Baxter
June 9, 1948 — December 7, 2022
Memorial Service: Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 405 E. 5th Street, Homer.
Shirley B. Norris Shelton
January 20, 1926 — December 16, 2022
Visitation: Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.
Celebration of Life Memorial: Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, 2:00 p.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.
Virginia Chambers
July 31, 1962 — December 20, 2022
Graveside Service: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, 6915 W 70th Street, Shreveport.
William Marshall ‘Bill’ McCutcheon
September 8, 1951 — October 24, 2022
Memorial Gathering: Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, 10:00-11:00 a.m. at North Highlands United Methodist Church, 835 Poleman Road, Shreveport.
Betty Waddles
September 9, 1951 — December 16, 2022
Visitation: Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at New Bethel MBC, 3300 Greenwood Road, Shreveport.
Interment: Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, following service at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, 6915 W 70th Street, Shreveport.
Ruby Mae Bailey
July 31, 1926 — December 9, 2022
Graveside Service: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 10:00-10:45 a.m. at Minden Cemetery, 301 Goodwill Street, Minden.
Dianne Renee Phillips (Kiser)
September 27, 1978 — December 7, 2022
Celebration of Life: Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, 12:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church Sibley, 124 NE 2nd Avenue, Sibley.
Lori Lewis Maddry
May 11, 1968 — November 16, 2022
Celebration of Life: Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal, 1107 Broadway Street, Minden.
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)
December 29, 2022
SBJ Story of the Year: Whole Lotta Scorin’ Goin’ On
By TEDDY ALLEN, Journal Sports
Prep football in Shreveport-Bossier this fall was the kind of season where you could score 42 and 71 points in consecutive games — and lose both.
It happened to Haughton, who made it the playoffs’ second round, in back-to-back October losses to Airline and Benton. But true to 2022 prep football form around here, the Bucs bounced back the next week to score 56, plenty enough to beat Natchitoches-Central.
Benton was the Top Dog when it came to scoring; the Tigers averaged 46 points a game this fall. Airline averaged “only” 41 but beat Benton, 75-59, in the District 1-5A lid-lifter September 23. In its 7-0 sweep of district, the Vikings averaged a robust 56 points a game. Once they got warmed up …
And so it went this autumn, a head-spinner for those of us who remember when a 35-28 game was a real barnburner. The all-fall tale of these record offensive eruptions makes it the Shreveport-Bossier Journal Story of the Year.
It outscored some memorable contenders:
Benton’s the fall guy in a last-partial-second loss to Denham Springs;
Kason Muscutt becomes first homegrown Mudbug;
Louisiana Downs cancels Super Derby that was never scheduled;
Mobile sports betting launches in Louisiana;
Huntington hoops advances to the Top 28 a day after the fatal shooting of a team member, led by coach Mack Jones, who won No. 700 last month;
Mikaylah Williams shines at Parkway and for Team USA, and signs with LSU;
Byrd golfer Sydney Moss wins the state Junior Amateur and Women’s Amateur titles;
Benton golfer Noah McWilliams repeats as Louisiana Player of the Year;
Calvary sweeps softball, baseball state titles;
Loyola girls’ soccer nets a state crown;
Louisiana Tech baseball makes its second consecutive NCAA regional led by a pair of Byrd High scholar-athletes, Steele Netterville and Jonathan Fincher;
LSU football wins nine games, about five more than most people thought in preseason, in large part due to Evangel products and defensive starters Micah Baskerville and Jarrick Bernard-Converse;
Dak Prescott leads Cowboys back to Super Bowl contention;
LSUS baseball rallies to reach World Series, finishes third;
Mike McConathy’s coaching career ends, then he enters politics; and most recently,
Ice-cold Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl provides last-minute drama as Houston edges ULL.
As usual, a quality year. Including the breakout campaign for Calvary’s and LSU’s Sam Burns, who scored three victories and more than $7 million in earnings on the 2021-22 PGA Tour and earned the inaugural Shreveport-Bossier Journal Sportsperson of the Year crown.
But it’s prep football on greenies that made the most noise, a kind of pinball pigskin game that has been lurking since the birth of summertime 7-on-7, the spread offense, the run-pass option, and year-around conditioning, to name a few factors.
A story by SBJ’s John James Marshall ran October 5 and began like this:
“If you took just their best single game in the last two weeks, the combination of Airline’s Ben Taylor, Huntington’s Kam Evans and Benton’s Gray Walters has thrown for 22 touchdowns and 1,429 yards.
“What’s crazier, no one seemed all that surprised by it.”
To explain the haughty numbers, the seven coaches he talked with (none were named) offered the factors above, plus some others, like continuing to score in lop-sided games, putting the best players on offense, and the improvement in top-to-bottom coaching and ramped-up sophistication of the game, to name a few.
In our case locally, there is also the Experienced Quarterback Factor. Benton, Byrd, Evangel, Haughton and Northwood each had a third-year starter at QB. Huntington, Parkway and Shreve had a returning starter. “It’s almost cheating when you can put a quarterback on the field who can think like you do as a coach,” one of the SBJ panelists of coaches said.
Lots of skill players and an up-tempo system help too. Witness the outlier that is Airline’s Ben Taylor, who won the starting job late in summer practice and passed for 2,730 yards and 34 touchdowns; he’s a sophomore.
It was definitely The Year of the War-and-Peace Scoring Summary. Calvary averaged 44 points a game and scored 50-plus seven times. Evangel averaged 34 points a game. Haughton, Byrd and Huntington each averaged 32 points a game. Loyola averaged 38 a game in five of its six wins. Northwood scored 35 three times and 48 twice.
The most perfect example of this year’s offensive wizardry was on full display at Haughton’s Harold E. Harlan Stadium on October 21, a perfect night for football. Benton and the homestanding Bucs combined for 21 touchdowns. Every single conversion try was successful. Fifty-one points were scored in the fourth quarter.
Benton was the survivor, 78-71.
Keith Burton was the arm-weary referee. “After a while,” he said, “we just tried to stay out of the way.”
Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu or Twitter @MamaLuvsManning
The Shreveport-Bossier Prep Hoops Report, Volume 5: tourney time
As we approach the new year, in Shreveport-Bossier basketball, holiday tournaments are the focus of the area teams.
Historically speaking, every area team used to participate in the CNB Times Classic to prepare for their district season. While that tournament is gone, others have emerged to fill that holiday need.
In this edition of the Prep Hoops report, we will focus on the holiday tournament schedule in the twin cities and the other places our teams are playing during their holiday break.
The Doc Edwards Tournament
Nine area boys’ teams and seven girls’ teams from Shreveport-Bossier are participating in this post-Christmas staple. Day 1 was competitive as the teams in the twin cities found ways to pull out first-round wins.
On the boys’ side, top seed Captain Shreve defeated Ringgold 52-16. Host team Airline beat the Loyola Flyers 72-63 behind 42 combined points by Colby O’glee and Kevin White.
Huntington handled Class C state champion Gibsland-Coleman 70-46 and Bossier defeated crosstown rival Parkway. Benton won a thriller over Booker T. 43-41 and Northwood lost to perennial 2A power Lakeview 55-39.
These victories set up some interesting second-round meetings today. Lakeview and Huntington will begin the day at Airline followed by Airline and the Minden Crimson Tide. Bossier and Benton will meet at 3 o’clock with the winner facing Captain Shreve in the semifinals at 7:30 in Benton while the other winner will play their semifinal at Airline.
In the girls’ division, host team Airline will face Haynesville in the second round following convincing first-round wins by both teams. C.E. Byrd lost to Gibsland-Coleman in a tight matchup. The Lady Jackets will face Winnfield in a 9 a.m. tip at Cope Middle.
BTW lost a close one to Homer 41-39. The Lions will face the loser of the Benton-Logansport matchup at Cope as well. The Haughton Lady Bucs had a convincing win over St. Mary’s from Natchitoches. They will face the Northwood-Zwolle winner at noon in Benton.
Area teams playing elsewhere
The Southwood Lady Cowboys and Huntington Lady Raiders began their week in West Monroe playing in the Sidney Smith Invitational. Southwood went 1-1 during the first two days. The Lady Cowboys defeated Carroll 40-31 and lost to Albany 46-32. Huntington won its initial contest with Ponchatoula on Tuesday and faced Carroll on Wednesday afternoon. The Lady Raiders will face defending Class 3A champion Wossman today in what should be a must-watch game.
The only area boys’ team playing in the Sidney Smith Invitational is Calvary Baptist. The Cavs will face Neville from District 2-4A today followed by a contest with Ruston from District 2-5A on Friday.
The Evangel Eagles will hit the road to play in the Big 10 Classic at Scotlandville High on Saturday. They will face Liberty in a 2 p.m. matchup to kick off the day in Baton Rouge.
We will look forward to an interesting weekend as the Doc Edwards concludes and we look forward to next week as the Bossier Tournament/Invitational kicks off at Bossier High.
Contact Preston at preston9360@gmail.com or Twitter @peedee1906
Mudbugs look to continue momentum after holiday break
By ROY LANG III, Journal Sports
The Shreveport Mudbugs filed back into town this week from their holiday excursions, but it wasn’t long before they boarded a bus and hit the road once again.
The Mudbugs enjoyed their time at home with family and friends, but now it’s time to pick up where they left off. And this week’s trip to last-place Corpus Christi (6-17-5) could pose a challenge.
The two-game set against the IceRays begins Thursday night and is sandwiched between the trips home and the beginning of a month-long homestand.
“We didn’t look that rusty (in Tuesday’s practice),” Mudbugs head coach Jason Campbell said. “I was pretty impressed.
“We just need a little bit of refocus. We talked about where we’re at when the players got back. We’ve been on a nice little roll and we need to be dialed in and ready to keep doing it. It started (Tuesday) morning. It’s just a mental refocus.”
Prior to the break, the Mudbugs were rolling. They had won seven of eight games and had climbed into third place in the North American Hockey League’s South Division.
Shreveport’s recent success is directly attributed to a spike in its offense. Over the first 18 games of the season, the Mudbugs (14-10-4) averaged less than two goals per game (1.94). Shreveport scored more than three goals just twice in that stretch.
Since Nov. 11 (10 games), the Mudbugs have averaged 3.4 goals per game and have topped three goals in half of those contests. Shreveport has also allowed fewer goals (2.2) in the last 10 games than the first 18 (2.67).
Campbell said his team has not only started finishing the quality chances around the opponents’ net, Shreveport is also creating more opportunities – specifically from the defensemen, who are beginning to find a way to sneak shots past the first layer of defenses.
“We’ve been playing with the same guys for a while now, so we’re starting to get comfortable,” Mudbugs captain Garrett Steele said. “We’ve been working on getting pucks to the net. If you watch (our goals), they aren’t pretty goals, but they all count the same.”
Following this weekend, the Mudbugs will play on George’s Pond at Hirsch Coliseum on every weekend during the month of January.
Mudbugs at Corpus Christi
Thursday and Friday (7:05 p.m.)
American Bank Center
Contact Roy at roylangiii@yahoo.com
Tech tips off homecourt CUSA campaign tonight
By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports
RUSTON – No better place than the Thomas Assembly Center for the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs basketball team to avert an 0-2 start in the 2022-23 Conference USA season.
Tech has won 90.5 percent of its home games since Feb. 2012 at the TAC, including 69 of 80 in CUSA play, 30 of the last 36. This evening at 6, the Bulldogs (7-5) entertain UTSA (6-6) in a matchup of teams that dropped their league openers on the road before Christmas.
Tip time is 6 o’clock with broadcast coverage on ESPN-Plus with Lyn Rollins and Chris Mycoskie on the call.
The game showcases two noteworthy freshmen, Tech’s Jordan Crawford and D.J. Richards of UTSA.
Crawford, who led Simsboro High School to four straight state championships, is the first Ruston resident since 2008 to play for the Bulldogs. Just before Christmas, he had a double-double (13 points, 12 assists) in a 55-point rout of Jarvis Christian, earning him CUSA Freshman of the Week honors. Richards has already claimed that award twice in pre-conference action.
Cobe Williams leads Tech with averages of 17.9 points and 4.2 assists.
LADY TECHSTERS AT UTSA: In San Antonio, the Tech women are also trying to square their CUSA slate after a surprising homecourt loss to UTEP before Christmas. Tech (7-4) hasn’t lost (7-0) when holding opponents under 60 points and is 6-0 when outrebounding the opposition. UTEP won the rebounding battle decisively to offset 50 percent shooting aim by the Techsters.
Keiunna Walker (14.7 points per game) and Anna Larr Roberson (13.2) top the Tech offense, which is getting 24.3 points off the bench.
UTSA is 2-7 and making its league debut in the 7 p.m. contest inside the Convocation Center on campus.
Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com
Wednesday’s basketball, soccer scoreboard; today’s basketball, soccer schedule
JOURNAL STAFF
College Basketball
Wednesday’s scores
LSU 60, Arkansas 57
Today’s games
MEN
UTSA at La. Tech, 6 p.m.
North American at Grambling State, 7 p.m.
WOMEN
Louisiana Tech at UTSA, 7 p.m.
LSU at Arkansas, 6 p.m.
High School Basketball
Wednesday’s scores
Airline “Doc” Edwards Invitational
GIRLS
Gibsland-Coleman 59, Byrd 53
Hornbeck 56, Haynesville 26
Haughton 62, St. Mary’s 26
Winnfield 54, Minden 44
Airline 49, Loyola 19
Homer 41, BTW 39
Benton 60, Logansport 17
BOYS
Lakeview 55, Northwood 39
Huntington 70, Gibsland-Coleman 46
Minden 62, Hornbeck 47
Bossier 69, Parkway 51
Captain Shreve 52, Ringgold 16
Airline 72, Loyola 63
Benton 46, BTW 43
Sidney Smith Invitational at West Monroe
Albany 46, Southwood 34
Sandra Meadows Invitational – Duncanville, Texas
Parkway 76, Vista Ridge 57
Parkway 50, Bartlett (Tennessee) 47
John Paul II 51, Captain Shreve 9
Today’s games
Airline “Doc” Edwards Invitational
GIRLS
Winners bracket
WB1 – Airline vs. Hornbeck, 1:30 p.m. (AHS)
WB2 – Gibsland-Coleman vs. Winnfield, 1:30 p.m. (Cope MS)
WB 3 – Benton vs. Homer, 1:30 p.m. (BHS)
WB 4 – Haughton vs. Zwolle, Noon (BHS)
Semifinals
WB1 winner vs. WB2 winner, 6 p.m. (AHS)
WB3 winner vs. @B4 winner, 6 p.m. (BHS)
Consolation bracket
CB1 – Loyola vs. Haynesville, 10:30 a.m. (AHS)
CB2 – Byrd vs. Minden, 9 a.m. (Cope MS)
CB3 – Logansport vs. BTW, 10:30 a.m. (Cope MS)
CB4 – Haughton vs. Northwood, Noon (BHS)
Consolation semifinals
CB1 winner vs. CB2 winner, 4:30 p.m. (Cope MS)
CB3 winner vs. CB4 winner, 4:30 p.m. (BHS)
BOYS
Winners bracket
WB1 – Airline vs. Minden, 3 p.m. (AHS)
WB2 – Lakeview vs. Huntington, Noon (AHS)
WB3 – Bossier vs. Benton, 3 p.m. (BHS)
Semifinals
WB1 winner vs. WB2 winner, 7:30 p.m. (AHS)
Captain Shreve vs. WB3 winner, 7:30 p.m. (BHS)
Consolation bracket
CB1 – Loyola vs. Hornbeck, 9 a.m. (AHS)
CB2 – Northwood vs. Gibsland-Coleman, Noon (Cope MS)
CB3 –BTW vs. Parkway, 10:30 a.m. (BHS)
Consolation semifinals
CG1 winner vs. CG2 winner, 6 p.m. (Cope MS)
Ringgold vs. CG3 winner, 4:30 (AHS)
Sidney Smith Invitational at West Monroe
Wossman vs. Huntington, girls, 12:40 p.m.
Neville vs. Calvary, Boys, 4:40 p.m.
High School Soccer
Wednesday’s Scores
GIRLS
Mandeville Holiday Tournament
Byrd 2, Mandeville 1
Today’s games
GIRLS
Mandeville Holiday Tournament
Byrd vs Baton Rouge 11 a.m.
Byrd vs Central Lafourche 2 p.m.
BOYS
West Ouachita at Bossier 11 a.m.
St. Michaels Holiday Tournament
Shreve vs. St. Louis Catholic 1 p.m.
The evolution of the deer hunter
On November 24, 1967, I went deer hunting for the first time. My venture with friends to Summerfield in Claiborne Parish resulted in my downing the biggest buck, antler points wise, I have ever taken. Bill Bailey’s hounds pushed a 10-point buck past me and I got him. I have killed bigger deer since but none with more points.
So much has changed since that day more than half a century ago when I was introduced to hunting deer. Back then, it was “bucks only” hunting and it mattered not if the buck had a nice rack or sported a pair of spikes on its head; to down a deer with any headgear, no matter how small, was quite an accomplishment. Sometime later, a “doe day” was added which allowed hunters to take a doe on that one day.
There were few if any hunting leases back then and all you had to do was receive permission from a property owner to hunt his land or hunt one of our wildlife management areas. Still later, owners of large parcels of land, mainly timber companies, were paid by groups interested in having exclusive rights to the property.
My first experience with a hunting lease was a sweet deal. The owner of 500 acres was a friend and he approached me with an offer I couldn’t pass up. Get a group of my hunting buddies together to help him keep an eye on his property that had been abused by having fences cut and trash dumped in exchange for exclusive hunting rights free of charge. We enjoyed several years of hunting, taking quite a few deer, including my personal-best 140-inch 8-point.
After the property owner’s death that eventually led to us losing our hunting rights, I joined another club. After having rather loose restrictions at the outset, as to what deer we could take on that club, we eventually adapted a minimum size for bucks; it had to have at least 6 points with a 12-inch inside spread.
By allowing bucks to get more age on them before being targeted, our club of roughly 1,000 acres evolved into one with a growing number of mature bucks above the “6-12” limit.
Gordon Whittington, retiring editor of North American Whitetail, one of this nation’s highest rated deer hunting magazines, recently shed some light on what he has noted among the deer hunting populace across the country.
“Back in the early 1980s, deer hunters had the ‘if it’s brown, it’s down’ philosophy, sort of a meat hunter mentality,” said Whittington. “People might want to down a big buck but nobody was managing for them and they weren’t being very selective. Today, there has been so much of an evolution of being more selective, realizing what the potential is for growing big deer.”
Whittington noted that the increased use of trail cameras has allowed hunters to gain knowledge of just what is out there on their club, allowing them to be more selective, letting young bucks that are showing potential be bypassed with the aim of their becoming trophies.
“A problem may be that some are getting heavy-handed when somebody shoots a young buck, especially when it’s a kid or new hunter, with criticism that has the potential of turning off these hunters and driving them away from the sport,” said Whittington.
No doubt, today’s deer hunter is a far cry from the hunter of half a century ago, one who was dressed in jeans and flannel shirt, wearing an Army surplus jacket and sporting a 12-gauge shotgun loaded with buckshot with an eye out for a deer — any deer.
Thinking back, I think it may have more exciting and enjoyable back then.
Contact Glynn at glynnharris37@gmail.com
Frozen sensors cripple water system
Christmas holidays turned into overtime working days for Bossier Parish Police Jury workers and parish contractors as frigid temperatures wreaked havoc on water systems in the area.
Frozen level sensors on equipment serving the West Central Bossier Water System, which serves residents along Old Plain Dealing Rd. plus the parish’s prison complex, caused the storage tank water level to deplete without sending signals to automatically turn on wells for the system.
Parish Administrator Butch Ford said tankers contracted to the police jury began hauling water Christmas eve and continued through the holiday weekend. Levels in the system have stabilized, but are being closely monitored to ensure no leaks have occurred.
Police Jury staffers also responded to a request for assistance from the Bellevue water system where a similar situation developed after that system’s sensors froze. Contracted tankers were dispatched Tuesday to help resupply the storage tank for the system’s more than 400 customers.
Notice of Death – December 28, 2022
Jack Latham
April 2, 1933 — December 25, 2022
Visitation: Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, 3:00-6:00 p.m. Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.
Celebration of Life: Monday, Jan. 1, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.
Dorothy ‘Dottie’ McIntosh
December 8, 1926 — December 28, 2022
Visitation: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.
Graveside Service: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.
James Erwin Hughes
July 6, 1947 — December 13, 2022
Memorial Service: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, 2:00 p.m. at Sarepta Community Building, Sarepta.
Shirley Eubanks
August 31, 1941 — December 17, 2022
Memorial Service: Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at Aulds Funeral Home Chapel, 7849 East Kings Highway, Shreveport.
Mark Layne Watts
March 29, 1954 — December 22, 2022
Graveside Service: Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Forest Park West Cemetery, 4000 Meriwether Road, Shreveport.
Jonn France
May 1, 1952 — December 22, 2022
Memorial Service: Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, 2:00 p.m. at Aulds Funeral Home Chapel, 7849 East Kings Highway, Shreveport.
Rosie Lee Williams
January 1, 1928 — December 23, 2022
Visitation: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Midway #2 Baptist Church, 6811 Woolworth Road, Shreveport.
Interment: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, following service at Jerusalem Cemetery, 1111 River Road, Armstead.
Erma Pugh
January 25, 1942 — December 24, 2022
Visitation: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at Greater New Zion Baptist Church, 421 Oak Ridge Drive, Benton.
Interment: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, following service at Benton Community Cemetery, Benton.
Josiah James Bradford
September 7, 2016 — December 21, 2022
Visitation: Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, 1:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Interment: Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, following service at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, 6915 W 70th Street, Shreveport.
Sharon Abraham
September 17, 1956 — December 26, 2022
Visitation: Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Graveside Service: Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, 1:00 p.m. at Carver Cemetery, 498 Kennie Road, Shreveport.
Ronnie Rachal
August 16, 1950 — December 25, 2022
Visitation: Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Graveside Service: Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 79701 Mike Clark Road, Keithville.
Billy Lewis
April 16, 1947 — December 26, 2022
Visitation: Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Interment: Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, following service at Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 79701 Mike Clark Road, Keithville.
William Bogan
September 16, 1949 — December 24, 2022
Graveside Service: Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, 12:00 p.m. at Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 79701 Mike Clark Road, Keithville.
Robert Mims
March 17, 1957 — December 26, 2022
Graveside Service: Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Pilgrim Rest Cemetery, Crichton Road, Sibley.
Katie Roberson
November 16, 1951 — December 25, 2022
Visitation: Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Bryants Temple COGIC.
Interment: Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, following service at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, 6915 W 70th Street, Shreveport.
Charlesetta Baker Smith
January 25, 1942 — December 24, 2022
Visitation: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 1:00-5:00 p.m. at Winnfield Funeral Home, 3701 Hollywood Avenue, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 8480 Dixie-Shreveport Road, Shreveport.
Interment: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, following service at Old Ebenezer B.C. Cemetery, Belcher.
Willie M. Wood
March 17, 1930 — December 27, 2022
Visitation: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 4:00-6:00 p.m. Osborn Funeral Home, 3631 Southern Avenue, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at Osborn Funeral Home, 3631 Southern Avenue, Shreveport.
Cathy Leggitt
March 1, 1938 — December 26, 2022
Visitation: Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport. Celebration of Life: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 3:00 p.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.
William E. Glezen
November 14, 1929 — December 23, 2022
Visitation: Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.
Celebration of Life: Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, 2:00 p.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.
Eunice Lee Martin
December 18, 1952 — December 24, 2022
Visitation: Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Forest Park Funeral Home, 1201 Louisiana Avenue, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, 12:00 p.m. at Forest Park Funeral Home, 1201 Louisiana Avenue, Shreveport.
Gary Wayne Reddick
February 3, 1960 — December 25, 2022
Celebration of Life: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Open Road Fellowship Church, 780 Bodcau Station Road, Haughton.
Flora M. Frierson
April 13, 1937 — December 22, 2022
Visitation: Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, 12:00-5:00 p.m. at Union Mission Baptist Church No. 1, 6029 Buncombe Road, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at Union Mission Baptist Church No. 1, 6029 Buncombe Road, Shreveport.
Sidney Barrow Peacock
September 17, 1933 — December 27, 2022
Visitation: Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Osborn Funeral Home, 3631 Southern Avenue, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 500 Common Street, Shreveport.
Jack N. Cranford
June 30, 1930 — December 26, 2022
Visitation: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 4:00-6:00 p.m. Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 405 E. 5th Street, Homer.
Graveside Service: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home & Park, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.
Eddie Leroy Mitchell
May 29, 1939 — December 24, 2022
Visitation: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 10:00-11:00 a.m. Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.
JoAnn Youngblood
November 23, 1942 — December 23, 2022
Visitation: Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, 5:00-9:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 9891 Texas Hwy., Many.
Funeral Service: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Aimwell Baptist Church, 1892 Highway 1215, Zwolle.
Interment: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Aimwell Baptist Church Cemetery, 1892 Highway 1215, Zwolle.
William Arthur Chambless, Sr.
June 1, 1940 — December 23, 2022
Funeral Service: Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.
Interment: Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, following service at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home & Park, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.
Michael Shane Lafitte
January 15, 1974 — December 22, 2022
Celebration of Life: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, 2:00 p.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.
Calvin Webb
July 4, 1951 — December 12, 2022
Visitation: Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at A.M. (Friendship Cemetery, Heavenly Gates).
Funeral Service: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at Bossier Baptist Church, 809 Hamilton Road, Bossier.
Interment: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, following service at Liberty Hill Cemetery, Coushatta.
Johnnie Adams
December 31, 1936 — December 25, 2022
Visitation: Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 12:00 p.m. at Mt. Bethel MBC #1, 12535 Mansfield Road, Keithville.
Interment: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, following service at Mt. Bethel Cemetery.
Ester Mae Lathon
January 3, 1948 — December 19, 2022
Visitation: Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at St. Savior B.C., Coushatta.
Interment: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, following service at Springville Cemetery, Springville Road, Coushatta.
Rosa Pouncy
October 13, 1939 — December 23, 2022
Visitation: Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at Peaceful Rest MBC.
Interment: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, following service at Carver Cemetery, 498 Kennie Road, Shreveport.
Marshal Wayne Baxter
June 9, 1948 — December 7, 2022
Memorial Service: Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 405 E. 5th Street, Homer.
Shirley B. Norris Shelton
January 20, 1926 — December 16, 2022
Visitation: Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.
Celebration of Life Memorial: Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, 2:00 p.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.
Virginia Chambers
July 31, 1962 — December 20, 2022
Graveside Service: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, 6915 W 70th Street, Shreveport.
William Marshall ‘Bill’ McCutcheon
September 8, 1951 — October 24, 2022
Memorial Gathering: Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, 10:00-11:00 a.m. at North Highlands United Methodist Church, 835 Poleman Road, Shreveport.
Marianne Schwartz Jones
December 24, 1928 — December 7, 2022
Graveside Service: Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Forest Park Cemetery West, 4000 Meriwether Road, Shreveport.
Eva English Daigrepont
August 25, 1947 — December 19, 2022
Memorial Service: Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Henrietta Congregational Methodist Church, Converse.
Betty Waddles
September 9, 1951 — December 16, 2022
Visitation: Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at New Bethel MBC, 3300 Greenwood Road, Shreveport.
Interment: Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, following service at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, 6915 W 70th Street, Shreveport.
Ruby Mae Bailey
July 31, 1926 — December 9, 2022
Graveside Service: Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 10:00-10:45 a.m. at Minden Cemetery, 301 Goodwill Street, Minden.
Dianne Renee Phillips (Kiser)
September 27, 1978 — December 7, 2022
Celebration of Life: Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, 12:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church Sibley, 124 NE 2nd Avenue, Sibley.
Lori Lewis Maddry
May 11, 1968 — November 16, 2022
Celebration of Life: Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal, 1107 Broadway Street, Minden.
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)
December 28, 2022
What’d we do in ’22
In good ol’ 2022, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of Love Languages, a lady named Amy earned $1 million-plus and made the Jeopardy! TV game show cry “Uncle!”, LSU’s football team won more games than even the Tigers’ most loyal and optimistic fan thought possible, and Port-O-Lets again made their presence known during Mardi Gras as one of the best inventions since indoor plumbing — which turned out to be heavy plastic outdoor plumbing.
Good times.
These were just some of the more light-hearted and trivial happenings of a somewhat gray 2022, a year that had this One Big Thing going for it: it wasn’t 2021 or, Lord help us all, 2020, when our leaders didn’t.
I was born at night, but not last night.
Actually, I was born at 8:15 in the morning, just in time to clock in, and have been carrying my little tool box and lunch pail since. Like you, the past two years have beaten all I’ve ever seen and have tried, overly hard, to beat us down.
But here we are, still flying the flag, like the old man in Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea, a little thinner and gaunt, showing some deep wrinkles and splotches, some deep-creased scars, but our eyes are bright and cheerful and undefeated.
We can hardly afford to buy the toot off a whistle if they were selling for a nickel apiece, but we soldier on. The world keeps spinning and we’re happy to be along for the ride into what we trust will be a more upbeat 2023.
2022 was the year that brought us Wordle. Remember last year this time when everybody was Wordleing? The fad has worn off a bit, but last spring, Wordle was almost as popular as Taylor Swift.
2022 was also the year when Top Gun: Maverick became required viewing. Is it the best sequel since The Godfather Part II?
Fair Grounds Field was demolished in 2022 — until it wasn’t. Red tape and bat poop sort of sums up the year; the higher-ups don’t want to admit a mistake and get things back on greased grooves.
Closer to home, we became grandparents in July 2022, a definite highlight. She’s a healthy five months old. Because we are good grandparents, we took her to see Top Gun: Maverick five times and sold all we have except our toothbrushes to get her a Taylor Swift concert ticket. She’ll have to go alone because one is all we could afford but the kid has got to learn to stand on her own at some point.
We did not get her a ticket to Monday’s Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in Orlando when 9-4 LSU takes on 8-5 Purdue/Purdon’t because although we love Chees-Its, one of the highest quality dairy foods you can eat, who knew LSU could threaten a 10-win season? This is a team that started a receiver at quarterback and had 38 players on scholarship in last year’s bowl game, something called the TaxAct Texas Bowl when Kansas State beat what was left of the Tigers, 42-20.
Hat tippage to new coach Brian Kelly and Tiger fans everywhere for their expectation-exceeding results this fall.
Since this is the first time ever the two programs have met and since the only alum of Purdue people in these parts might know is New Orleans Saints forever-hero Drew Brees, you might find it of interest that the nice lady who invented Stovetop Stuffing, Ruth Siems, went to Purdue, as did Orville Redenbacher, the popcorn magnate. Doubtful that either of those things will come into play during Monday’s game — unless the Boilermakers have Stovetop Stuffing and popcorn for pregame. Then we really like LSU to cover the two-touchdown spread. Kick is at noon Monday, Jan. 2.
2023 kicks off the day before.
Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu
LeVette Fuller will continue working for the betterment of Shreveport
By HARRIET PROTHRO PENROD
When LeVette Fuller returned to Shreveport after four years in California, she thought she’d stay in her hometown for a year and then move away again. After that year, however, Fuller couldn’t decide where she wanted to go, so she stayed.
Over an incredible lunch at Zuzul Coastal Cuisine – I enjoyed the delicious Grilled Fish of the Day (Red Snapper) while LeVette went with the Crispy Fried Chicken – she talked about her goals back then, everything that has happened since, and her plans for the future.
When LeVette Fuller realized she was going to stay in Shreveport, she made a decision.
“If I was going to be here,” she says, “I wanted to make a difference.”
Fuller thought she would begin in the public library system, so the Caddo Magnet High School and Centenary College graduate went to work for Shreveport Memorial Library – first at the Wallette Branch and then at the Downtown Branch, before moving to the North Shreveport Branch.
She served the young people of Caddo Parish as Teen Services Associate and shared her love of comics, young adult literature, and children’s books with them.
And when I say she “shared” her love of children’s books, that is not an understatement.
“I was Dr. Spaghetti the storyteller,” says Fuller, whose background is in dance and theater. “I did all the voices for all the books.”
In addition to her work with local schools and community partners through the public library system, Fuller volunteered with the Junior League of Shreveport and served on both the Leadership Council for Step Forward and the Metropolitan Planning Commission – where her interest in architecture turned to learning about the zoning laws and other policies that shape Shreveport.
“When I came off the MPC, I had all this knowledge about land use and nowhere for it to go,” says Fuller.
She soon found an outlet for that passion.
With founding members Tim Wright, Luke Lee, and Chris Lyon, Fuller created Re:Form Shreveport, whose mission is to build a stronger and more resilient Shreveport by growing a culture of engagement and trust between citizens, businesses, and government.
Wright, director of the organization, is a civil engineer and downtown enthusiast who moved here from Dallas; Shreveport native Lee is a multi-disciplined designer, maker, and business owner; and Lyon, who has called Shreveport home for over 25 years, is a filmmaker and community activist.
Re:Form Shreveport uses the theory learned from the Better Block Foundation.
“Go where people are struggling and humbly walk with them,” says Fuller. “Don’t tell them what they need. Listen to their struggle and what they are telling you they need. Then do one small thing that alleviates that struggle. And then do it again. And again.”
In partnership with SPAR and Shreveport Green, the organization revitalized Highland Park – cleaning it up and installing features such as a bike rack and water fountain in addition to creating terraces to prevent erosion.
Other projects include the Bikeway Pilot Program, Prize Fest Parklet, Common Parklet, and Caddo Heights Revitalization.
Things slowed down and the members took a “little break” as they all got “really busy.”
In 2018, Fuller got busy by beginning her political career. Elected to the Shreveport City Council, she served the people of District B from Anderson Island, Caddo Heights, Downtown, Highland, South Highlands, Stoner Hill, and Queensborough (where she grew up).
Some of the issues she has supported as a Councilwoman include streamlining the permitting process for new business and addressing blight in District B’s neighborhoods by working directly with the Department of Property Standards and dedicated local volunteers.
The issue closest to her heart, however, is higher salaries for law enforcement.
Fuller was born and raised in Shreveport by her father, retired Shreveport Police Lt. Everett Fuller, and her mother, Caddo Parish teacher Mary Fuller. Together, they taught her the value of reading, education, and public service.
As the daughter of a police officer, Fuller has first-hand knowledge of the struggles faced by those who serve.
“We need to focus on what is going to be right for Shreveport and not worry about what other cities are doing,” says Fuller. “Our officers have to endure low pay and low morale. They should be paid according to the hazards they face, morale, and the skill set required.”
While Fuller has enjoyed her time on the Council and has no regrets about serving, frustration with some colleagues and difficulty working with the administration kept her from running for re-election. Instead, she decided the best way she could contribute to the community was to seek the office of mayor of the City of Shreveport.
For her campaign, Fuller focused on public safety, infrastructure, fiscal responsibility and transparency, and economic development. Instead of just talking about those issues, she created YouTube videos that explained them and answered questions about each one.
When votes were counted in November’s primary, Fuller had finished fifth in the 10-candidate race – behind Tom Arceneaux, Greg Tarver, Mario Chavez, and current mayor Adrian Perkins.
And when Arceneaux defeated Tarver in the December runoff, the mayor-elect asked both Fuller and Chavez to join his transition team.
“If you have a similar goal, you bring those people to the table,” says Fuller. “You don’t dismiss them. And, to some degree, that is what Tom has done.”
Fuller will chair the Blight Abatement Transition Committee while Chavez will serve on the Community Building Transition Committee.
“We’re not making decisions, we’re making recommendations based on data and research,” Fuller says of the 90-day commitment to the transition team. “I’m looking forward to seeing what we’re able to do.”
As for what Fuller will do when her commitment has lapsed, there is plenty to consider. Could that mean another foray into public office?
“I’m not a ‘never, ever person,’” says Fuller. “But not anytime soon. This will be time for me to expand my knowledge base, have some adventures, live a little, and maybe be a little bit selfish.”
Fuller, who will pursue a career in real estate, is eager to get back to work at Re:Form Shreveport and will continue to take care of her father (which she has done since her mother passed away).
And she would love to return to the stage.
“I want to play Miss Hannigan from Annie,” she says.
I’ll be there.
Contact Harriet at sbjharriet@gmail.com
Cool Customer: Burns earns SBJ’s highest honor
By ROY LANG III, Journal Sports
Hal Sutton set the stage for David Toms.
Toms did the same for Sam Burns.
Burns had big shoes to fill considering the success of his predecessors on the PGA Tour, but it looks like the 26-year-old is well on his way to paving the way for the next Shreveport star on the links.
During the 2021-22 PGA Tour campaign, Burns racked up three victories and more than $7 million in earnings. He also qualified for the United States’ Presidents Cup squad that dusted the Internationals in September.
Sutton, a 14-time winner on the PGA Tour, never won more than twice in a season during his 24-year career. Toms won 13 times in 24 years on Tour, but collected three victories in a season just once (2001). His career-best haul was $3.9 million in 2005.
The breakthrough season for Burns, a former LSU and Calvary Baptist star, helped him coast to the inaugural Shreveport-Bossier Journal Sportsperson of the Year crown.
And he’s just getting started.
Burns began the 2021-22 campaign ranked 25th in the world with one PGA Tour victory under his belt. He quickly served notice a career run was imminent. He won the first event of the season, the Sanderson Farms Championship in Jackson, Miss.
The 2016-17 Jack Nicklaus Award winner (best Division I college golfer) then successfully defended his Valspar Championship crown before an incredible rally to capture a trophy at Colonial.
Despite facing a seven-stroke deficit entering the final round in Fort Worth, Texas, Burns posted a Sunday 65 to sneak into a playoff with Scottie Scheffler – a good friend and the No. 1-ranked player in the world.
A 38-foot putt from off the green on the first playoff hole gave Burns the title and a 1979 Pontiac Firebird. His first of three victories last season came three hours to the east of his hometown; the last came three hours to the west.
The trio of triumphs highlighted a season that included eight top-10 finishes in 24 events. Toms had more than eight top-10s on three occasions (2001, 2002, 2005) while Sutton had four seasons of at least 10 finishes in the top 10 (1983, 1984, 1999, 2000).
Burns vaulted as high as No. 9 in the Official World Golf Rankings.
“(The season) feels like it’s flown by,” said Burns, who ranked in the top 10 in putting on the PGA Tour last season. “I’m just trying to think about and reflect on this past year; it just seems like this year went really fast, and then I think about the previous years, and it’s like, ‘Where has the time gone?’”
Next up, a major championship victory, something Sutton (1983 PGA Championship) and Toms (2001 PGA) accomplished. One thing is for sure: Burns will enjoy the pursuit.
“This is something I don’t take for granted,” he said. “I’m very honored that I get to play golf for a living, and I get to do it on the best Tour in the world.
“I try to make sure that I’m keeping that in the forefront of my mind.”
Contact Roy at roylangiii@yahoo.com
Local College Hoop Scoop: Long holiday breaks nearing their end
By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports
A long holiday break sounds good but for the Centenary Gentlemen, it’s been bittersweet. All the much better, then, that their basketball season resumes at home on Friday.
The Ladies and Gents get going again on Friday at home against Dallas, and are home again Saturday against the Kangaroos of Austin College. Bossier Parish Community College tips off Saturday afternoon at home. The LSUS teams don’t play again until next Tuesday.
MEN
CENTENARY: Why was the break bittersweet for the Gents? Centenary was stunned in the final seconds Dec. 18 at Texas Lutheran University, 68-67, as the Bulldogs snapped the Gents’ eight-game winning streak in a Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference contest in Seguin, Texas. The Gents (9-3, 3-1 SCAC) lost for the first time in over a month, dropping a game for the first time since a 63-51 home defeat to Louisiana Christian University on Nov. 16.
Centenary, which extended its season-best winning streak to eight a night earlier with a gritty 58-49 win at Southwestern, was aiming for its longest unbeaten streak since winning 10 in a row during its 2019-20 conference championship season.
Next game: Friday at home vs. Dallas, 6 p.m., Gold Dome.
LSUS: The Pilots also had a dramatic contest on the road going into the break, but held off Wayland Baptist 92-90 Dec. 19 in Fort Worth. For the 18th-ranked visitors (9-3, 4-1 in the Red River Athletic Conference), Jalen Brooks posted 30 points and 14 rebounds to lead the win over the No. 22 hosts (8-4).
Next game: Next Tuesday at home vs. Louisiana Christian, 7:30 p.m. at The Dock. LC’s coach and athletics director is former Captain Shreve standout Reni Mason.
BOSSIER PARISH CC: The Cavaliers (7-5) have won two in a row but will momentum carry through an 18-day break? The upcoming schedule favors BPCC, with five home games in the next six outings. The Cavaliers are averaging 85 points per game in a balanced attack with five players scoring at least 10 points per game, topped by the 13.5 average by Christian Caldwell.
Next game: Saturday afternoon at 2 at Billy Montgomery Gym when the Baton Rouge Capitols visit.
WOMEN
LSUS: The Lady Pilots (9-4, 3-2 in the Red River Athletic Conference) blasted visiting Paul Quinn 80-46 on Dec. 17 behind 21 points from Angel Reese and a double-double by Chelsey White (12 points, 11 rebounds).
Next game: At home Saturday at 4 against Louisiana Christian, formerly known as Louisiana College.
CENTENARY: Freshman forward Kyra Stokes, a hometown product, scored a season-high 16 points and grabbed a season-best 12 rebounds in the Ladies’ 64-50 loss at Texas Lutheran Dec. 18 as she earned her first-career double-double in just her fifth game of the season.
Stokes, who scored eight points an evening earlier against Southwestern in her first action in over a month, played 34 minutes and was 7-12 from the floor with two steals, an assist, and a blocked shot. The Ladies are 0-13 overall, 0-4 in conference play.
Next game: Friday at home vs. Dallas, 4 p.m., Gold Dome.
Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com
Tuesday’s basketball scoreboard; today’s basketball, soccer schedule
College Basketball
Tuesday’s scores
MEN
Texas A&M 64, Northwestern State 52
High School Basketball
Tuesday’s scores
GIRLS
Sidney Smith Invitational at West Monroe
Huntington 60, Ponchatoula 39
Southwood 40, Carroll 31
BOYS
Lakeview 57, Parkway 52
Today’s games
Airline “Doc” Edwards Invitational
GIRLS
Gibsland-Coleman vs. Byrd, Noon (Green Acres MS)
Haynesville vs. Hornbeck, 1:30 p.m. (AHS)
Haughton vs. St. Mary’s, 1:30 (Cope MS)
Minden vs. Winnfield, 3 p.m. (Cope MS)
Airline vs. Loyola, 4:30 p.m. (AHS)
BTW vs. Homer, 4:30 p.m. (Green Acres MS)
Benton vs. Logansport, 6 p.m. (Green Acres MS)
Northwood vs. Zwolle, 7:30 p.m. (Airline)
BOYS
Lakeview vs. Northwood, 12:00 p.m. (Airline)
Huntington vs. Gibsland-Coleman, 1:30 p.m. (Green Acres MS)
Minden vs. Hornbeck, 3 p.m. (Airline)
Parkway vs. Bossier, 3 p.m. (Green Acres MS)
Ringgold vs. Captain Shreve, 4:30 p.m. (Cope MS)
Airline vs. Loyola, 6 p.m. (Airline)
Benton vs. BTW, 7:30 (Green Acres MS)
Sidney Smith Invitational at West Monroe
Huntington vs. Carroll, girls, 11:20 a.m.
Southwood vs. Albany, girls, 3:20 p.m.
High School Soccer
Today’s game
GIRLS
Mandeville Tournament
Byrd vs. Mandeville, 1 p.m.
BOM supports Haughton High School Baseball
BOM is continuing our support of the Haughton High School Baseball program. Pictured left to right: BOM’s Henry Burns, HHS Head Baseball Coach Glenn Maynor, and BOM’s Melinda Williams.