A former Shreveport Police officer convicted of malfeasance in office in Caddo District Court in October was sentenced there Jan. 21.
Christopher McConnell, 40, of Bossier City, was sentenced by District Judge Chris Victory to serve three years at hard labor, suspended, and to two years of active supervised probation. He was assessed no fine and no court costs.
Facts, testimony and evidence at trial related that on the night of Jan. 16, 2020, McConnell conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on Linwood Avenue due to the license plate light not working.
After McConnell activated his cruiser’s lights and siren, the female driver slowed down but continued to drive as she attempted to locate a safe and better-lit location, finally parking at a local business. McConnell exited his vehicle with his weapon, yelling as he approached the parked vehicle, “license, registration, shut your mouth.” He pulled the driver from her vehicle and attempted to handcuff her. Two other officers on scene assisted McConnell in arresting the driver, who allegedly pulled away from the officers and then was tasered by a different officer. She then sat on the pavement to be handcuffed. Despite her compliance, McConnell struck the driver in the face. Injured, she was taken to a local hospital to be treated for her injuries.
McConnell had faced up to five years in prison with or without hard labor, or a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
McConnell was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Victoria Washington and Courtney Ray. He was defended by Rickey Swift.
A Shreveport man convicted of two counts of manslaughter and a variety of drug and firearms crimes received two life sentences in Caddo District Court Jan. 23.
Terrance Dangerfield, 27, received the sentences from District Judge Donald E. Hathaway Jr., in connection with a Jan. 10, 2023, hit-and-run accident that claimed the lives of Faith Alexander, 31, and her 4-year-old daughter. Dangerfield sped and drove erratically on the Terry Bradshaw Passway and exited onto Walker Road when a patrol officer attempted to stop him. He ran a red light and T-boned the Alexander vehicle at high speed, then fled the accident scene on foot. Dangerfield’s car was found to hold around two pounds of marijuana and two firearms.
Following the conviction, the District Attorney’s office filed a Habitual Offender Bill seeking to have the court impose the maximum sentence allowed under the law. Following the Habitual Offender Bill hearing, Judge Hathaway found that Dangerfield was a fourth-time felony offender as to the two manslaughter convictions. Judge Hathaway also found that Dangerfield was a third-time felony offender with regard to the firearms charges.
Under the enhances sentencing provisions, Judge Hathaway sentenced Dangerfield to serve life sentences for the manslaughter convictions. On the possession of a firearm with a controlled dangerous substance, second offense, Dangerfield received a 40-year sentence. On the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, he received a 30-year sentence. All the terms are to served consecutively.
Assistant District Attorneys Christopher Bowman and Kodie Smith prosecuted the case. Greg Johnson defended Dangerfield.
Few pastries have achieved the universal acclaim and culinary prestige of the croissant. This buttery, flaky, crescent-shaped delight is a breakfast staple, a café favorite, and a hallmark of French baking. National Croissant Day on January 30 is the perfect opportunity to indulge in this beloved pastry and appreciate its rich history, artful creation, and delicious versatility.
The Origins of the Croissant
While the croissant is synonymous with French culture, its roots can actually be traced back to Austria. The precursor to the croissant, the kipferl, was a crescent-shaped bread or pastry popular in Austria as early as the 13th century.
The croissant as we know it today came into being in the 17th century, thanks to a story steeped in legend. According to one popular tale, the crescent shape was created to celebrate the defeat of the Ottoman Empire during the Battle of Vienna in 1683. Austrian bakers are said to have crafted the pastry in the shape of the Ottoman crescent moon as a symbol of victory.
It wasn’t until the late 18th century that the croissant made its way to France. Marie Antoinette, originally from Austria, is often credited with popularizing the pastry in her adopted homeland. The French eventually adopted and refined the croissant, turning it into the buttery, laminated masterpiece we know and love today.
The Art of Making a Croissant
Creating a perfect croissant is no small feat. The process involves a technique called lamination, which requires folding butter into dough multiple times to create thin, alternating layers of dough and butter. When baked, these layers puff up, resulting in the croissant’s signature flaky texture.
Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved in making a croissant:
Mixing the Dough: The base dough is made with flour, sugar, salt, yeast, milk, and water.
Adding the Butter: A slab of cold butter is rolled into the dough, ensuring an even distribution.
Lamination: The dough is folded and rolled out multiple times to create layers. This is a meticulous process that requires precision and patience.
Shaping: The laminated dough is cut into triangles, rolled into the classic crescent shape, and left to proof.
Baking: The croissants are brushed with an egg wash and baked until golden brown.
This labor-intensive process is a true testament to the skill and dedication of bakers. It’s no wonder croissants are considered a cornerstone of French pâtisserie.
Types of Croissants
While the classic butter croissant is a universal favorite, there are countless variations to suit every palate:
Pain au Chocolat: A croissant filled with rich chocolate, perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
Almond Croissant: A decadent version filled with almond paste and topped with sliced almonds and powdered sugar.
Ham and Cheese Croissant: A savory option featuring ham and melted cheese, ideal for a quick lunch or snack.
Specialty Flavors: Modern bakeries experiment with flavors like matcha, raspberry, and pistachio to offer unique takes on the classic.
Croissants Around the World
While the croissant is most closely associated with France, it has become a global sensation. In the United States, croissants are often used as a base for sandwiches or served alongside coffee. In Japan, bakeries have embraced the croissant’s versatility, incorporating local ingredients like red bean paste and matcha.
In recent years, hybrids like the cronut (a croissant-doughnut fusion) have taken the pastry world by storm, further demonstrating the croissant’s enduring appeal.
Tips for Baking Croissants at Home
For those looking to try their hand at making croissants, here are some tips to ensure success:
Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your butter and flour will significantly impact the flavor and texture.
Keep Everything Cold: Chilled dough and butter are essential for successful lamination. Warm butter can seep into the dough, ruining the layers.
Be Patient: Croissant-making is a time-consuming process, but the results are worth the effort.
Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t be discouraged if your first batch isn’t bakery-perfect. Each attempt will improve your technique.
Croissant-Inspired Recipes
If you’re not quite ready to tackle homemade croissants, you can still enjoy their flavors in creative ways:
Croissant Bread Pudding: A rich and indulgent dessert made by layering croissant pieces with custard and baking until golden.
Croissant French Toast: Use day-old croissants to make an elevated version of French toast.
Croissant Sandwiches: Slice a croissant in half and fill it with your favorite ingredients, from smoked salmon to Nutella.
Mini Croissant Appetizers: Wrap small pieces of croissant dough around cheese or sausage for a crowd-pleasing snack.
Celebrate National Croissant Day
This January 30, celebrate National Croissant Day by indulging in this iconic pastry. Visit your local bakery, try your hand at making croissants from scratch, or experiment with croissant-inspired recipes.
For a true treat, pair your croissant with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and take a moment to appreciate the artistry that goes into every flaky bite.
Whether enjoyed plain, filled, or paired with a delicious topping, croissants are more than just a pastry – they’re a symbol of culinary excellence and cultural connection.
Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation in conjunction with Best 13 is hosting a Kick Art Sneaker Ball on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 6pm to 8pm, at the Martin Luther King Neighborhood Association (1341 Russell Rd., Shreveport).
This event will highlight the outstanding efforts of their participants from the KickArt workshops while displaying their custom design shoes. For Grades 8-11.
Registration is limited. To register for this sneaker ball, visit www.caddoparks.org
Dixie DeLatin Cook February 8, 1943 – January 28, 2025 Service: Saturday, February 1, 2025, 10am at The Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport.
Geraldine French Fisher December 17, 1929 – January 27, 2025 Service: Sunday, February 2, 2025, 3pm at Ida Baptist Church, Ida.
Barbara Manno March 16, 1936 – January 27, 2025 Service: Saturday, February 1, 2025, 3pm at Osborn Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Josephine C. Peters September 27, 1934 – January 27, 2025 Service: Thursday, January 30, 2025, 11am at Christ the King Catholic Church, Bossier City.
Rev. Thomas Richard Wilkes February 19, 1953 – January 24, 2025 Service: Saturday, February 1, 2025, 10am at Rose-Neath Southside Funeral Chapel, Shreveport.
Priscilla St. Thomas Bogart May 22, 1942 – January 22, 2025 Service: Saturday, February 8, 2025, 11am at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Bossier City.
Derrick Coleman September 6, 1956 – January 21, 2025 Service: Thursday, January 30, 2025, 11am at Bryant’s Temple COGIC, Shreveport.
Betty Joiner Eddleman November 6, 1940 – January 21, 2025 Service: Friday, January 31, 2025, 2pm at Aulds Funeral Home Chapel, Shreveport.
Dorothy Lee Williams October 27, 1936 – January 19, 2025 Service: Saturday, February 1, 2025, 2:30pm at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, Plain Dealing.
Herman Lee Jr. October 2, 1950 – January 18, 2025 Service: Friday, January 31, 2025, 10am at Aulds Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Hershel Mickey Bickham May 26, 1948 – January 16, 2025 Service: Thursday, January 30, 2025, 11am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Lise’ Ann Taylor October 24, 1958 – January 8, 2025 Service: Monday, February 3, 2025, 10:30am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cathedral, Shreveport.
The Shreveport-Bossier Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. 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 friend recently became the proud father of a brand new bouncing baby vasectomy.
Do you have any idea how much it hurts me to write that? Well, you guys do …
Hate to type “vasectomy” right there in the first paragraph where everyone can see it. Tried to bury it somewhere down in here but wanted you to know right off the bat that we were dealing the serious stuff today. So there’s the V-word, right at the beginning, sticking out like a sore, well, thumb.
Anyway, my friend’s you-know-what is one week old today. However, he has aged considerably more than seven days.
A young man Louisiana born and bred and the father of three sons, his personal breeding habits ended last Thursday in Memphis, where he now lives. He called me last Monday to proclaim The Upcoming Event. Misery loves company.
My first question was the obvious one: “Why?”
“Not wanting four kids in my home,” he said. “Three (boys) is about three more than you need. I’m willing to take a little bloodshed for lack of one more baby.”
After he and his wife decided this was the way to go, they had to find a doctor. They’ve lived in Memphis less than six months, hardly enough time to establish any sort of meaningful relationship with a urologist.
“You can ask people who works on their care or maybe, ‘Hey, who cuts your hair?’” he said. “But you don’t just walk up to somebody and say, ‘By the way, who’s your urologist?’”
So he did the logical thing. He looked in the Yellow Pages.
“Geography is a big thing,” he said. “I found the one closest to my house.
“I called and asked the receptionist to tell me a little about the doctor, you know, not that it matters, but I was just wondering. Keep in mind I was just playing this whole thing by ear, no pun intended.”
He expected her to say something reassuring, like the doctor graduated magna cum laude from the University of Tennessee and was first in his class in Vasectomy 401. Instead, this is exactly what she said:
“Well, he started this practice 19 years ago — and he’s nuts about Corvettes. Probably has 15 Corvettes. Maybe 20.”
“For some reason,” my friend said, “that didn’t exactly put me at ease. I mean, we’re not talking about changing the oil in my car here. Plus she used the word ‘nuts.’ Made me uncomfortable.”
Maybe a bit too cavalier.
She also told him he’d be able to drive himself home.
“She told me it was kind of like when you go to the dentist and your gums are numb,” he said. “Needless to say, I’m starting to lose a little confidence in my urologist selection by now. I mean, she’s comparing my gums to … you know what I’m trying to say.”
Well, he survived. Although FCC rules prohibit me from describing the actual procedure here, I can share some of the during-the-vasectomy conversation. For instance, at one point he thought he was going to faint.
“The nurse looked at me and said that people feel that way all the time, but it’s just from the Novocain and the pulling,” he told me. “I told her — barely— ‘No, ma’am, it’s just the pulling. Novocain’s got nothing to do with it.’ After that, they started running cold drinks in there to me.”
I guess to pass the time, he told the doctor his insurance company had said his $470 rate for The Procedure was a little high. The doctor disputed that, saying it was probably the cheapest rate in town.
“I wanted to ask, ‘Who are you, the Wal-Mart of urologists?’” our luckless friend said. “What does this guy do, put on a disguise and go price other doctors? But I didn’t say anything; shoot, I couldn’t say anything. And I was sort of in a position where I didn’t want to make him too mad.”
In a strange twist of circumstance, our cat had a similar operation last week. This makes him no longer a tomcat — only a consultant.
The cat’s name is Jingle Bell. We may change it to Silent Night.
Citizens and community leaders from across Bossier City came together to join in prayer on Wednesday, Jan. 22. Mayor Tommy Chandler said that he was “excited and thankful” to host the first monthly Mayor’s Prayer Lunch of the year.
The lunch was very well attended, and Mayor Chandler said that he sincerely appreciated the support of those that came out.
Mayor Chandler is quoted as saying that he believes “No matter what the problem is… Prayer is the answer.”
Ms. Christi Rhodes did a great job of providing ministry through song. PIO for Bossier Parish Rod White led the group in prayer. Pastor Dr. Randy Harper was the speaker for the lunch, and he challenged the group to reflect upon all that they have to be thankful for as they look for opportunities to bless and help others.
Officials with the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office are warning residents about another round of phone scams circulating in the parish.
Detectives say the caller in this scam introduces himself as Josh Cathcart or Mike Smith associated with badge number 8. When answered, the caller tells the recipient that they did not show up for a scheduled court appearance, and now a warrant has been issued for their arrest. Money is then required for them to remain out of jail.
Detectives say one way for residents not to fall victim of this scam is to know that it is not the policy of the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office to contact someone by phone demanding payment for a fine or soliciting money.
Anyone who may have fallen victim to this scam should contact the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-965-3418 or 318-965-2203.
The washing machine at the Gibsland house is one of those front-loading types. The dryer is also. The dryer is stacked on top of the washer. I can stand in the laundry room and watch the laundry wash and dry. Sometimes that is better than what is on television. I have entered the phase of watching old football games to get through to the NFL-pre-season in August. I am rapidly running out of football season. I have tried to watch the new spring pro football games, but they have not caught my football fancy completely.
I remember the old-fashioned load it from the top type washing machines. I owned one that had a clear lid so I could stand there and watch the laundry do its thing too. I was a newer model that was missing something, more on that soon. If you have never seen laundry in the machines, you might try it. It is hypnotic. You can play games timing how long it takes the sweater to move from the front to the back and return. I know that none of you kill time like that. There are apps for killing time!
What both washing machines were missing was that thingy in the middle of the washing drum.
That thingy is called the agitator.
The internet, keeper of all knowledge, reads:
“In top loading washing machines, the agitator is responsible for moving the clothes through the water and detergent and is driven by the output shaft of the transmission. The output shaft is normally splined, and the center of the plastic agitator will have a matching spline to ensure a tight fit.”
The new washers have an agitation feature, but it is done in different ways. The thingy in the middle is not there. You want your laundry agitated!
Read again the definition for agitator in washing machines. They move clothes through the process. They are necessary for the washing process.
I think I am going to follow God’s call to be an agitator. My goal is to move people through the process of knowing Christ. If someone knows Christ, I want to agitate in such a way they will know Him better. I will agitate for the church to be a better place. I will agitate myself so that my life and faith are in alignment.
The thing about agitators, they are moving the process toward a better outcome. They not only point out what is wrong, they offer solutions and suggestions to make improvements.
Sunday, I invite you to a gathering of agitators at your local church. They are agitating for change, to transform the world in the name of Jesus.
January 29 marks National Puzzle Day, a celebration of one of humanity’s oldest and most engaging pastimes. From ancient riddles to modern jigsaw puzzles, the act of solving challenges has captivated minds for centuries. Beyond their entertainment value, puzzles offer significant cognitive and emotional benefits, making them a valuable tool for people of all ages.
The origins of puzzles date back thousands of years, with some of the earliest examples being labyrinths and mazes. Jigsaw puzzles, as we know them today, were invented in the 1760s when British cartographer John Spilsbury mounted a map on wood and cut it into pieces to teach geography. Since then, puzzles have evolved into a diverse array of formats, including crosswords, Sudoku, and escape room challenges.
Puzzles are more than just a source of entertainment—they’re a workout for the brain. Solving puzzles helps improve memory, problem-solving skills, and spatial reasoning. For children, puzzles aid in the development of fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. For adults, they offer a way to keep the mind sharp and reduce stress. Studies have even shown that engaging in puzzles regularly can delay the onset of cognitive decline in older adults.
The joy of puzzles lies in their universality. Whether you’re a beginner tackling a simple crossword or a seasoned puzzler working on a 5,000-piece jigsaw, there’s something for everyone. Families can use puzzles as a way to bond, while individuals can enjoy them as a solitary escape.
Celebrate National Puzzle Day by exploring a new type of puzzle or revisiting an old favorite. Consider challenging friends to a puzzle race or working together to complete a complex jigsaw. Libraries and online platforms often offer free puzzle resources, making it easy to join the fun.
By incorporating puzzles into your routine, you can experience the joy of problem-solving while reaping the cognitive benefits. So, grab a puzzle and get solving—you’ll be doing your brain a favor.
Eight hundred ninety-two undergraduate students were named to the Fall 2024 Dean’s List at Northwestern State University. Students on the Dean’s List must be enrolled full time and earn a grade point average of between 3.5 and 3.99.
For questions regarding the Dean’s List, please contact the NSU Registrar’s Office at 318-357-6171 or email registrar@nsula.edu.
Those named to the Dean’s List by hometown (in Caddo and Bossier parishes) are as follows.
Seven hundred seventeen Northwestern State University students were named to the Honor List for the Fall 2024 semester. Students on the Honor List must be enrolled full-time at Northwestern and have a grade point average of between 3.0 and 3.49.
For questions regarding the Honor Roll, contact the NSU Registrar’s Office at 318-357- 6171 or email registrar@nsula.edu.
Those named to the Dean’s List by hometown (in Caddo and Bossier parishes) are as follows.
Bossier City – Melanie Aguilar Noyola, Cyrus Blount, Ruby Breland, Cody Davenport, Danielle Duran, Jasmine Ellinwood, Ashlynn Fiske, Marcus Glass, Hannah Gribble, Mackenzie Hackleman, Alex Harper, Collin Hesson, Ante Huynh, Christian James, Cing Kim, Shannon Kim, David Kolb, Maria Lara, Abigail Lawrence, Gabriella Lawrence, Landan Lee, Kenley Loftin, Danni Lynch, James McKeown, Avery Phillips, Cooper Ray, Mikayla Sampson, Karla Sanchez Herhandez, Quaaronee Smith, Elizabeth Stewart, Toni Sullivan, Kandice Swenney, Callie Thornton, Tanner Underwood, Morgan Vaughan, Isabella Vaughn, Abigail Whatley, Aaliyah Williams
Elm Grove – Kenneth Crooks, Macy Scott, Abigail Stiles, Kaylee Thornton
Northwestern State University announces the names of 529 students named to the President’s List for the Fall 2024 semester. Students on the President’s List must be enrolled full-time at Northwestern and have a grade point average of 4.0.
For questions regarding the President’s List, contact the NSU Registrar’s Office at 318-357- 6171 or email registrar@nsula.edu.
Those named to the Dean’s List by hometown (in Caddo and Bossier parishes) are as follows.
Barksdale AFB – Mariah Kerr, Chloe Sparks
Benton – Leighanne Ballew, Rebekah Edmonds, Jennings Fielding, Kayla Magana, Elizabeth Mathews, Morgan McCrory, Diana Mccabe, Morgan Spradling, Tatum Waites, Reily Washington, Kichauna West, Madison White
Bossier City – Raylon Bailey, Amber Billings, Emily Brown, Aliyah Burke, Molly Decker, Courtney Gasway, Emma Gonzales, John Gray, Duaa Husein, Aries Irby, Ascie Kabalaoui, Dylan Merrow, Abigail Petermann, Alyssa Reeves, Bradley Scott, Morgan Traylor, Kamryn Whatley, Carter White
Elm Grove – William Achee
Greenwood – Jacob Sullivan
Haughton – Ashtyn Bierwirth, Katherine Brown, Hannah Gurtner, Chance Howard, Jillian Kerneen. Irene Lewis, Reva Ott, Taylor Shepherd, Lawson Turner
Keithville – Lauren Britt, Kaci Green
Shreveport – Camilia Adger, Anna Marie Bautista, ShayAnna Beatty, LaShaun Bolden, Tanner Branch, Anna Corbin, Alima Christine Davis, Amy Davis, Anastasia Douglas, Keith Gallagher, Nicole Gipa, Railey Hill, Sophia Johnson, Abagail Kennedy, Anna Kent, Christian Meiki, Samantha Muslow, Patricia Paterno, Alana Pierce, Claire Prda, Sarah Preimesberger, Anikah Jil Purisima, Christian Robinson, Kathryn Sanders, Nathaniel Sanders, Addison Smith, Ainsley Soland, Nykia Taylor, Kinzlee Usie, Angela Valdez, Haley Wiggins, William Wilson
ON THE MOVE:Byrd’s Elizabeth Payne (17) tries to dribble around Loyola’s Grace Sheppard. (Photo submitted by Jessica Whitton)
By DAVID ERSOFF, Journal Sports
After the grind of the regular season and the rush to finish it, the reward is here – state playoffs begin today with one local girls high school soccer team in action, and a dozen more playing in the next few days.
When the final LHSAA brackets came out Tuesday morning, Shreveport-Bossier stood tall, with 13 teams seeded in the tournament, including six top 10 ranked teams across the four divisions, topped by No. 1-ranked Loyola (17-5-3) in Division IV.
Two locals collide in the opening round: Calvary, seeded fifth in Division IV, hosts No. 28 Evangel Friday evening.
Here’s a rundown of all local playoff pairings, which begin today with Airline headed to south Louisiana.
Division I
Second-seeded Byrd will host No. 31 Acadiana on campus at Byrd Friday at 5:30. If the Lady Jackets advance as expected, they will face the winner of Dutchtown (15th-seeded) and Dominican (18) in Round 2.
Earning the highest seeding the school has ever had, No. 3 Benton will meet No. 30 Woodlawn (Baton Rouge). on Friday at 5 at Airline High School. If the Lady Tigers prevail, they will face the winner of West Monroe (14) and Ponchatoula (19).
Eighth-seeded Captain Shreve will host No. 25 Destrehan on Saturday at 2:30 at Caddo Field. Next up for the Lady Gators, if they win, will be No. 9 Fontainebleau or No. 24 Sulphur.
No. 28 Airline is traveling today down to No. 5 Hahnville for a 3 o’clock kickoff. If the Vikings can pull the upset, they will face ether No. 12 Northshore or No. 21 East Ascension.
Division II
North DeSoto (seeded 10th) will host No. 23 Pineville on Friday at 6. Winning would mean a second-round matchup against the Lutcher (7) vs. West Feliciana (26) winner.
No. 12 Caddo Magnet hosts Archbishop Chapelle (21). No playing date has been set, but it must be staged by Sunday. If the Lady Mustangs prevail, they would face either No. 5 Central LaFourche or upset-minded Beau Chene (28) in the next round.
The 22nd seeded Parkway Lady Panthers will travel to No. 11 New Iberia Senior High School Thursday for a 4:30 contest. If they get the upset, they will face the winner of Northwood and Ben Franklin.
Northwood (27th) travels to No. 6 Ben Franklin with day and time TBD. If they win that game the Lady Falcons face New Iberia or Parkway.
Division III
The only local Division III team is No. 27 Bossier. The Lady Bearkats travel to Vandebilt Catholic for their Round 1 game, which has yet to be scheduled.
Division IV
Top seeded Loyola has received a bye in the first round, the only bye in the entire state tournament slate. The Lady Flyers will face the winner of No. 16 Ascension Episcopal and No. 17 Ouachita Christian, hosting a second-round game.
The Calvary-Evangel game is scheduled for Friday at 5:30 at Calvary. These district rivals met Jan. 14 and the Lady Cavaliers won 7-0. The winner will face either Pope John Paul II (12) and Holy Savior Menard (21) in Round 2.
No. 29 North Caddo will travel to No. 4 St Charles later this week for a first-round game, it has not yet been scheduled. If the Lady Titans are able to get the upset, they will face the winner of St. Frederick (13) vs. No. 20 Thomas Jefferson (20).
Rainy weather could scramble schedules, so if your team is postponed, keep an eye on the brackets on the LHSAA.org website.
Final SBJ Coaches Poll
The bracket release followed a final week of the season featuring many matchups between top local teams. These results tracked with last week’s Shreveport-Bossier Journal Girls Soccer Coaches Poll, resulting in no changes in the final 2025 SBJ rankings.
Byrd kept the top spot it occupied most of the season, fueled by a 2-1 victory over Loyola. Benton held onto second despite a 1-1 tie with Captain Shreve. Loyola topped North DeSoto 3-1 before falling to Byrd, and held onto third barely over Shreve, which topped Calvary 3-1 along with its tie with Benton.
North DeSoto held its fifth-place spot with its good showing against Loyola and beating Airline 1-0. Calvary stayed ahead of Caddo Magnet, going 3-1 over the week, winning big over Ouachita Christian 8-0, Minden 5-0 and North Caddo 9-0, along with the loss to Shreve. Magnet went 2-0 with wins over Airline 1-0 and Northwood 2-0.
Final Shreveport-Bossier Journal Girls Soccer Coaches Poll
By PATRICK MEEHAN, Centenary Sports Information Director
With basketball on the road again this weekend, attention on Kings Highway turns to gymnastics, with the Ladies hosting a home meet Friday evening.
MEN’S BASKETBALL: The Gents (6-11, 4-4 Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference) are back on the road going to south Texas in league play as they aim to snap a three-game losing streak after road loses at Colorado College and St. Thomas in Houston last weekend. Centenary will travel to Kerrville, Texas on Friday to face Schreiner and to San Antonio on Saturday to face Trinity.
Senior forward Jakobi Greenleaf has 12 double-digit scoring performances this season (tied for most on the team with senior guard Craig Collier).
Collier had his eight-game streak of reaching double figures snapped as he finished with just 6 points in 38 minutes. It came on the heels of a team and game-high 22 points at Colorado College on Friday. He has scored 20+ points eight times this season.
Collier ranks 15th nationally in Division III in free throw percentage (90.9) as he is an impressive 50-55 at the line. He has a chance to set a new season record for best FT aim in a single season in program history currently held by Wayne Waggoner (.918, 56-61) in the 1978-79 season.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL:The Ladies (2-14, 1-7 SCAC) lost a pair of conference games on the road last weekend at Colorado College and St. Thomas and are back on the road with the men at Schreiner and Trinity this weekend
Freshman forward Shyanne Phillips ranks third in the conference in rebounding (11.3/game) and is 12th in scoring (13.2 points per game), fourth in free throw percentage (84.0) and 14th in field goal aim (45.3).
GYMNASTICS: Sophomore Olivia Williams is this week’s recipient of the Midwest Independent Conference Coaches’ Choice Award as she earned one of the four individual honors that the conference chooses on a weekly basis. She received it for the first time in her career.
TheLadies competed in a pair of meets last week, highlighted by a season-high team score of 185.725 on Saturday evening in a quad meet against host University of Bridgeport, West Chester, and Cornell inside the Wheeler Recreation Center in Bridgeport, Conn.
Centenary posted a season-best 47.275 on vault and a season-high score on floor (47.475). The Ladies also finished with a 45.650 on beam and a 45.325 on bars.
Senior Sophie Schmitz was one of several Ladies who recorded season and career-best scores as she finished third in the all-around with a new season-high score of 38.150. Schmitz also tallied season-bests on bars (9.675), floor (9.40), and on vault (9.50).
Junior Claire Flores posted a career-high 9.475 on vault and a season-high 9.55 on floor. Williams set a new career high on bars (9.40) and tied her season high on floor (9.625), and senior Emma Lavelle posted season highs on both beam (9.55) and floor (9.425).
Sophomore Hayden Cagle posted a career-best score on vault for the second week in a row, freshman Chloe Gilbert had a season and career-high 9.40 on vault, freshman Peyton Burford recorded a season and career-high 9.525 on vault, and sophomore Brooke Murdock had a season-high on beam. Sophomore Cecilia Paredes made her debut on floor and earned a 9.475.
The Ladies made their home debut last Monday and finished third in a tri-meet with Southeast Missouri State and West Chester, posting a team score of 185.325.
Schmitz competed in the all-around and finished second with a 38.025 as her best score of the meet was a 9.55 on bars, which earned her a fifth-place finish and she tied for ninth place on beam with a 9.60. Schmitz and Burford tied for seventh place on vault (9.50) and Williams was the Ladies’ top finisher on floor with an impressive 9.625 to tie for eighth.
Centenary’s next home meet is this Friday night against Greeneville at 6 p.m. at on “Youth Night” in the Gold Dome.
LOOKING AHEAD: Next weekend (Feb. 7-9), there will be 10 home events on the Centenary campus as men’s and women’s basketball, lacrosse, baseball, and softball will all be in action.
When it comes to bass tournament anglers and sponsors, the winds are changing, and the opportunities are diminishing. Today we’ll take a look at what many young anglers are facing with regards to landing sponsors while trying to compete on one of the professional bass tournament trails. If you’re looking to fish for a living, pay close attention to what I’m about to tell you.
First, let’s address why sponsors are necessary; without them the decision to fish professionally can be next to impossible unless you have parents or grandparents willing to foot the bill. To fish at the highest level requires lots of money up front even before you ever wet a hook. Without great sponsors, it’s almost impossible to make the dream of becoming a professional bass fisherman a reality.
In today’s professional bass fishing world, there are only so many sponsors available as anglers are constantly competing for what few there are. Not all sponsors are created equal, as some are willing to pay the angler a salary, while others just give product such as a bass boat, fishing tackle, or possibly a truck in exchange for the angler’s promotion of these items.
But before an angler needs to worry about sponsors, he or she needs to learn how to find fish. The one mistake I see with many young anglers on the rise is that they are too worried about how to obtain sponsors rather than learning how to find and catch fish.
Kids today are star struck by the fancy sublimation shirts that really do turn heads. But it goes without saying that unless you can catch fish, you won’t have to worry about landing sponsors. Tournament success is still important!
Another thing young anglers don’t understand in today’s professional bass fishing world: it’s not just about catching bass, it’s also about an angler’s ability to promote a product. Most sponsors could care less if you can catch bass. They’re more concerned with your ability to communicate and sell product for them.
They want an angler who will represent their brand in a professional manner by attending boat shows, fishing seminars and doing a great job with social media promotions. My first advice to any angler looking to fish professionally is to take speech and learn how to sell yourself and communicate with people.
Here’s the truth — once you sign with sponsors, you’re now obligated to them and must respond to their beck and call. They’re not paying you to fish, but rather to represent their brand and promote product.
Here’s where the love hate relationship comes into play. Every angler will tell you that when it comes to sponsors, it is a double-edged sword. With success comes more responsibility and commitment to the sponsors you’re connected with.
This means more time off the water and less time practicing, which can interfere with your ability to compete at the highest level due to the fact that your sponsors are pulling you away from what you really want to do the most — go bass fishing!
But sponsors are a necessity for a fulltime professional angler, and they hold all the cards in an angler’s ability to make a living. Every angler will tell you there’s no way an angler can make a living just off tournament winnings. Anglers must draw a salary and get help with expensive tournament entry fees in order to make a living for their families.
So, the next time you see a professional bass fisherman wearing one of those great looking sublimation shirts with all the different company logos, understand that each logo comes with a high level of commitment and dedication, not just to the companies he represents, but his family as well.
‘Til next time, good luck, good fishing and always believe that the fish are going to bite tomorrow. The power of positive thinking is the most important ingredient an angler can have in order to achieve success.
DA Stewart swore in Scott Chafin, Jr. as Assistant District Attorney, First Judicial District, Caddo Parish on Monday, Jan. 28.
Scott returns to the Caddo DA office to prosecute after 18 years in exclusive private practice. Scott is native of Lake Charles and is a graduate of McNeese State University and Loyola New Orleans School of Law. He began his career as a prosecutor in Caddo 2005.
A Shreveport man who groped two juveniles and sought sex from them pleaded guilty to two separate sex crimes Thursday, Jan. 23, in Caddo District Court.
Dustin Metcalf, 26, pleaded guilty to sexual battery of a victim under age 13 and to indecent behavior with a juvenile under 13, before District Judge Donald E. Hathaway Jr. Metcalf had been scheduled to go to jury trial Monday.
In 2021, Metcalf committed indecent behavior with a juvenile when he grabbed the 12-year-old victim’s breast and buttocks and propositioned her for sex. For that, he received a 10-year hard-labor sentence.
Between 2021 and 2024 the defendant touched the genitals of a second victim who was under the age of 12 and also propositioned her for sex. He received a 30-year hard labor sentence for this crime. The sentences are to run consecutively so Metcalf will be incarcerated for 40 years. The family of both victims approved the pleas and sentences.
The City of Shreveport’s Water and Sewerage Department is addressing temporary changes in the taste and smell of the city’s drinking water. These changes, caused by naturally occurring algae blooms in Cross Lake, have led to the presence of Geosmin, a harmless compound responsible for an earthy taste and odor.
The department reassures residents that despite the noticeable changes, the water remains completely safe to drink and use for household purposes.
“Geosmin is not harmful to health, but we understand it can be unpleasant,” said William Daniel, Director of Water and Sewerage. “We are actively working to resolve this issue and appreciate the community’s patience.”
The city typically treats Cross Lake with copper sulfate from March to November to manage algae growth. The most recent treatment, conducted in late November, exhausted the 2024 inventory. However, the unseasonably warmer water in Cross Lake led to additional algae growth in December and January. Although an order for additional copper sulfate has been placed, delivery has been delayed due to last week’s snow in South Louisiana. Suppliers are working to expedite the shipment, which is expected to arrive soon.
The water treatment plant is continuing oxidation with ozone to address the odor. While ozone is highly effective against Geosmin, intermittent outages occurred during recent cold spells. These outages, lasting only a few hours at a time, contributed to the odor being more noticeable for some residents.
The issues with the ozone generator have been resolved and the generator is back in service. Other treatment processes used at the plant, including chlorine dioxide, coagulation, and chloramination, are not effective against Geosmin.
“We are committed to providing our residents with safe, high-quality water and are taking every measure to address the current situation,” added Daniel.
Residents can expect noticeable improvements in taste and smell over the next two weeks as copper sulfate treatments resume and ozone operations continue.
For updates and additional information, visit the Water and Sewerage Department’s website www.shreveportlawater.gov/.
Officials from the Bossier Parish Consolidated Waterworks/Sewerage District No. 1 (CWSD #1) issued a partial boil advisory for customers living off Bodcau Station Road who receive water service from the Village Water System.
Yesterday, a crane, while replacing a pole for SWEPCO, broke a 1 1/2-inch water line. Officials say the weight of the crane caused the accident. CWSD #1 crews repaired the line and restored water service to the 165 affected Oak Hill Trailer Park residents living on Reba and Haley Lanes, Hazel and Holly Streets.
However, due to the shutdown, officials issued a boil advisory for the area and are collecting water samples for testing.
The boil advisory will remain in effect until the Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Public Health in Shreveport completes the water testing.
Barbara Manno March 16, 1936 – January 27, 2025 Service: Saturday, February 1, 2025, 3pm at Osborn Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Rev. Thomas Richard Wilkes February 19, 1953 – January 24, 2025 Service: Saturday, February 1, 2025, 10am at Rose-Neath Southside Funeral Chapel, Shreveport.
Henry Elvin Braud August 25, 1944 – January 23, 2025 Services: Wednesday, January 29, 2025, 1pm at Rose-Neath Southside, Shreveport.
Priscilla St. Thomas Bogart May 22, 1942 – January 22, 2025 Service: Saturday, February 8, 2025, 11am at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Bossier City.
Derrick Coleman September 6, 1956 – January 21, 2025 Service: Thursday, January 30, 2025, 11am at Bryant’s Temple COGIC, Shreveport.
Betty Joiner Eddleman November 6, 1940 – January 21, 2025 Service: Friday, January 31, 2025, 2pm at Aulds Funeral Home Chapel, Shreveport.
Dorothy Lee Williams October 27, 1936 – January 19, 2025 Service: Saturday, February 1, 2025, 2:30pm at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, Plain Dealing.
William “Billy” Thomas Wynn August 12, 1947 – January 19, 2025 Service: Wednesday, January 29, 2025, 11am at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City.
Hershel Mickey Bickham May 26, 1948 – January 16, 2025 Service: Thursday, January 30, 2025, 11am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Patrick Jerome Mooney April 8, 1935 – January 15, 2025 Service: Wednesday, January 29, 2025, 11:30am at St. Jude Catholic Church, Benton.
The Shreveport-Bossier Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. 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)
GOD’S PLAN > HIS PLAN: Dr. Steven Bell thought he would be practicing medicine — not preaching the gospel. (Submitted photo)
Each week, the Shreveport-Bossier Journal’s Tony Taglavore takes to lunch a local person – someone who is well-known, successful, and/or influential, and asks, “What’s Your Story?”
By TONY TAGLAVORE, Journal Services
Easter 2018.
Life was good.
Real good.
The Texas church of which he was pastor had just completed an extraordinarily successful capital campaign.
The college campus ministry of which his wife led was “exploding.”
“We were at the mountaintop.”
And ripe for what he calls “spiritual warfare.”
“When you’re going through good things, that’s when you’re going to get hit really hard . . . . That’s when you get tested. That’s when you get punched in the gut – sucker punched.”
But the pastor certainly didn’t expect to get knocked down at Easter brunch. The festive occasion turned into a two-month “nightmare.”
“Everybody at our table who ate raw oysters got salmonella.”
Including the pastor and one of his two daughters. He eventually got well. She struggled. For weeks, the 14-year-old had excruciating abdominal pain. Doctors could not find the cause. Except for one physician, an interventional radiologist.
“He’s the guy that saved our daughter’s life.”
But not before the young girl endured four surgeries, spent a month in the hospital, and another month receiving daily antibiotic injections. Wasn’t that enough to make her parents – even though they were both ordained ministers – doubt their maker?
“I wouldn’t say it caused me to question my faith. I think I can speak the same for my wife. Now, if my daughter had died, I might have a whole different answer to that question.”
Thankfully, she didn’t die. But physically, she’s not the same. Once a swimmer, the now-college sophomore has reduced air capacity.
Her father isn’t the same, either.
“You don’t walk away from that not being changed. I would never want to go through that again. I would never wish that on anybody.”
Dr. Steven Bell, Senior Pastor of First Methodist Church in Shreveport, told me that story, and his story, during lunch at one of his favorite places, Monjunis Italian Café & Grocery. The 49-year-old had the lunch special of lasagna and a side Caesar salad. I had the lunch special of spaghetti, one meatball, and a side house salad. To drink, we both had water with lemon.
“I really didn’t know how (his daughter’s illness) was going to end. I trusted God was walking with us through the whole process.”
Steven’s 26-year ministry career – he is serving his ninth church – almost didn’t happen. Oh, he would still be a doctor. But instead of preaching the gospel, he would be ordering bloodwork.
“My dream was to go to college, go to medical school, and go into private practice with my dad.”
Steven’s father was a “celebrity” in Coushatta, where Steven grew up.
“People would come to our house after hours. They would show up and know Dr. Bell was going to see them. He was the kind of doctor that, even after it was out of fashion, he was still making house calls. He had his bag.”
But corporate America didn’t care about Steven’s dream. He was halfway through college when a large hospital system made Dr. Bell “an offer he couldn’t refuse.” Dr. Bell sold.
“My dream was gone.”
But ever since he was 17, Steven – who was always a believer – had been serious about his faith.
“I was in worship at First Baptist Church in Coushatta. We were singing. I realized this isn’t just something we’re doing. This is real. We’re singing to a God who hears us and has a plan for our life.”
Steven didn’t know that plan. After graduating Centenar College of Louisiana, he was torn between pursuing medicine and pursuing ministry. Steven solicited people’s thoughts. He heard reasonings for both professions. Then came a conversation with one of Steven’s professors, for whom Steven had great respect.
“He said, ‘Steven, I’m going to say this to you. You will make a fine doctor one day. I have no doubt about that. But given the gifts you have, I think the Lord needs you more so in pastoral ministry, and I just have to say that.’”
Thinking back, Steven says that was the straw that broke the camel’s back.
So, Steven “pulled my little U-Haul trailer full of what few belongings I had” to seminary school at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. That’s where he met his now wife of 24 years (they dated 10 months), Meredith. Steven graduated in 2001, and five years later, became an ordained pastor in the United Methodist Church.
But serving God in a traditional role wasn’t – and still isn’t – enough. Steven had long known the military – particularly the Army – needed chaplains. The first time he considered becoming one, his wife wasn’t on board.
“Her understanding was that I was going to sign on the dotted line, raise my right hand, be deployed, not come home, and leave her as a widow with a young child.”
But years later, after the scare of losing a child, Steven’s wife felt differently.
“With all we’ve gone through with Ann . . . . I’m not afraid of anything anymore. If you still feel called to this, you need to do this.”
He did.
Four years ago, Steven was commissioned as an Army Captain. Now with his second unit, Steven spends six days a quarter at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans.
“What do you do to give back? As I looked at my peers in the ministry, there just aren’t a lot of people that have the physical ability, the resilience, the desire, then ultimately the calling to serve military personnel. I did, and I still do.”
And not to be discounted is Steven’s patriotic gratitude.
“I love the country we are so privileged and fortunate to live in.”
Considering Steven leads a church with approximately 4,000 members (plus a television audience), oversees a staff of 100, and ministers to men and women in uniform, I knew his time was better spent somewhere other than at a restaurant with me. So, I asked my final question. As always, what is it about his life story he would pass along to others? Steven suggested the acronym F.I.G.H.T.:
F: Follow the Golden Rule. “There’s a bigger story in the bible, but it’s pretty condensed in that golden rule.”
I: Instill trust. “You can’t do much without trust.”
G: Give your best. “We’ve got one life to live, and really, life is short, so make the most of it.”
H: Hold yourself and others accountable. “When I mess up, maybe I will be perfect tomorrow.”
T: Take initiative. “What needs to be done, and what can I do about that?”
