February 28, 2024
Month: February 2025
First-generation MHA student lands coveted administrative residency, aims to be healthcare CEO in future
Sarah Beery wasn’t sure if college was for her.
The daughter of a mother who didn’t finish high school and a father who was a farmer throughout his childhood, Beery had to chart her own educational path as a first-generation college student.
The cardiac sonographer has done just that, carving out a clinical healthcare career by using ultrasound technology to create images of the heart.
But Beery aspires to be a CEO of a healthcare organization one day, and she enrolled in LSUS’s Master of Health Administration program to gain the necessary business and management knowledge to pair with her clinical experience.
The Minnesota resident landed a summer administrative residency with Allina Health, where she’ll put that knowledge to the test with one of the premier health organizations in that state.
“The program is designed for first-year MHA students to get hands-on administrative experience and exposure to current healthcare challenges,” Beery said. “I will be in the corporate office working with the leadership team.
“In my current (sonography) role, I have the opportunity to precept sonography students in the clinical phase of their program. I’ve gained insight into how cardiac imaging departments differ or mimic each other in the way they are managed and operated, and I’ve learned how poor leaders and great leaders have made me feel.”
Multiple colleagues recommended the LSUS MHA program to Beery, who started taking online classes this past fall.
“I was confident that LSUS was a great school to attend, and my experience has been nothing short of exceptional,” Beery said. “The staff are kind, responsive, and informative.
“The professors do a great job of pushing you to be the best version of yourself. Though they have high expectations, you can tell that they want everyone to grow into well-educated professionals.”
Beery said her current strategic management class has particularly sparked her interest.
“It’s helped me see administration from a different perspective,” Beery said. “I have been learning how to understand competition and survive in an overpopulated market of competition.
“This has sparked a new realm of curiosity and passion for instilling change and new ideas as a future administrator.”
As a busy healthcare professional, Beery said LSUS’s asynchronous online platform which gives her flexibility to plan when she’ll complete her coursework was a key factor in her school choice.
“It’s a huge factor because it allows me to control my schedule,” Beery said. “Fellow students and academic advisors are helpful in letting you know which courses may be harder or require more time, which is great if you know that you have a busy term outside of the course and need to plan accordingly.
“I also appreciate the flexibility that online courses provide because you can work at own pace and can still work or attend events that may not otherwise be possible with in-person classes.”
Online graduate education is a big leap for someone who had to teach themselves how to navigate college life and resources when she started.
“I did not have much guidance on how to apply for college or how to obtain government assistance when I first started, so I ended up working two part-time jobs while I attended school and paid off my education while I was taking classes,” Beery said. “It wasn’t until my bachelor’s degree that I became familiar with FAFSA or who I needed to ask for guidance.
“I am very proud to be a first-generation student pursuing a master’s degree. My best advice for other first-generation students is to first believe in yourself, and second, remember that you are capable of doing anything you set your mind to.”
Beery said she was encouraged to pursue her master’s degree by a specific professor in her undergraduate program at Oregon Institute of Technology, and she aims to build up others as a healthcare leader.
“Having that positive experience, I want to lead people and encourage others to believe in themselves,” Beery said. “Organizations are business-minded, but I strive to find a way to ensure consumers and employees feel as though they are truly valued, cared for, and seen as an asset to the organization. From the updates I receive and read from current hospital CEOs and listening to how people talk about their dissatisfaction with them, I crave to fill the gap and change the minds of employees who are on the front lines.”
Hearsay, or truth? It’s vital to consider more than personal agendas
Editorial comment
In the United States, the principle of “innocent until proven guilty” remains a cornerstone of the justice system. Whether a person receives a court summons or is placed in handcuffs, the legal process follows the same fundamental requirement — evidence must be presented before any conviction can occur.
No one can be indicted based on hearsay alone. The law demands verifiable proof before formal charges can be filed. Testimony, documentation, or tangible evidence must substantiate any claims before they hold weight in a court of law. Without such proof, allegations remain unproven assertions.
There is no such burden of proof in social media. Anyone can make any claim or provide their own personal interpretation of an event, and it is the consumer’s responsibility to digest it, consider the perspective and motivation of the messenger, and determine how credible it may be.
When assessing any statement, on social media or elsewhere including interpersonal or third-party access to conversations, it is essential to consider context. For anyone not directly involved in a conversation, many variables can tend to result in misunderstanding the intended message.
A valuable reference point is made by Clare Hocking of startlocalthinkglobal.com:
“Truth, in its purest sense, is often seen as objective—independent of individual opinion or bias. However, perspective can influence the way truth is understood or communicated. A courtroom is a prime example of this dynamic. Witnesses may describe the same event differently because their perspectives—shaped by where they stood, what they value, or their emotional state—affect their understanding of the truth.”
The Natchitoches Parish Journal was among news outlets that last week received an assertion from a third party regarding what was described as a brief conversation between NSU President Jimmy Genovese and Natchitoches Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr. at the Feb. 17 swearing-in ceremony in Baton Rouge for new 6th District Congressman Cleo Fields. The assertion of the third party, stated in her social media post, was that Genovese made a comment to Mayor Williams at the event that was unsettling to the poster. Neither the president or mayor, those directly involved in this conversation, had any apparent unpleasant reaction noted by the third party. Neither of them subsequently responded last week to media inquiries for comment, which eroded the credibility of the allegation. The lack of on-the-record statements reinforced the principle that due process requires more than speculation – a concept that certainly applies to social media posts and this particular more broad situation.
Evidence still matters in the American justice system, and the same philosophy should apply to our daily lives. Unless the person directly involved in an alleged exchange publicly confirms the details, the accusation remains unverifiable. The burden of proof lies not with the accused, but with the party making the claim.
The NSU president finally addressed the exchange in question in a student media interview published Thursday evening, describing the context and the innocuous nature of what he said to the mayor in Baton Rouge, and affirming their collaborative young friendship benefitting the community and university. He also offered an apology to the third party for any offense she felt from her takeaway of the brief conversation.
At a time when public opinion more than ever is influenced by unverified reports, this situation serves as a reminder that due process is not just a legal technicality—it is a fundamental right. It reinforces the need for all of us to consider many factors when assessing situations that did not directly involve us, especially those events and opinions expressed in the far-reaching social media landscape.
When the Natchitoches Parish Journal was asked to report on this situation as a news story, we reached the same conclusion that other news outlets did. There was nothing to confirm the third party’s social media account. Accuracy and integrity in journalism still requires verifiable sources and concrete evidence before reporting any news, and especially unsupported claims that could impact reputations and community trust.
It is truly unfortunate that the NSU Faculty Senate leadership did not apply the same ethical standards to its decision Tuesday to deliver a critical letter to President Genovese and make a state media outlet aware of that dubious document as if it were a statement of fact, or an indictment. By acting in such a manner, the Faculty Senate leaders have intentionally attracted much greater attention and discredit to our university than any social media post could. Their own agenda is sadly apparent and damaging to the university and our community.
Homecourt rules as Parkway, Haughton, Huntington earn trips to Marsh Madness
JOURNAL SPORTS
The Parkway, Huntington and Haughton girls basketball teams made the most out of what they earned – homecourt advantage though the state quarterfinals – and posted convincing state quarterfinal victories Thursday night in the LHSAA playoffs.
Parkway, the No. 1 seed in Non-Selection Division I and two-time defending state champion, will travel to Hammond next week for a semifinal matchup with its nearby District 1-5A rival Haughton. The Lady Panthers know the road to Marsh Madness, but it will be the first-ever state semifinal appearance for Haughton.
Huntington is also quite familiar with the route to the University Center in Hammond and will make the trip for the fifth time in six seasons after blowing out Lafayette in a Select Division I quarterfinal.
The other two local teams reaching the state quarters couldn’t pull surprises over higher-seeded home teams. Seasons ended for Captain Shreve and Calvary Baptist Thursday evening.
With three teams in Hammond, and two more (Shreve and Natchitoches Central) with competitive losses in the quarterfinals, District 1-5A enhanced its reputation as the state’s strongest district.
Local girls playoff scores
Parkway 36, Denham Springs 22
Haughton 66, Barbe 41
Huntington 67, Lafayette 36
Woodlawn-Baton Rouge 58, Captain Shreve 50
Lafayette Christian 73, Calvary Baptist 27
Marsh Madness matchups (dates, times TBA by LHSAA)
Non-Select Division I semifinal – No. 1 Parkway vs. No. 4 Haughton
Select Division I semifinal — No. 4 Huntington vs. No. 1 John Curtis
Nine local boys teams start LHSAA basketball playoffs tonight
JOURNAL SPORTS
Parkway, Huntington, Captain Shreve, Bossier and Green Oaks have home games tonight as the LHSAA boys basketball postseason gets rolling with first-round games around the state, involving nine local teams.
The highest seeded Shreveport-Bossier squad is Calvary Baptist (25-3), first in Select Division III. The Cavaliers earned a first-round bye and will begin their postseason next week.
Evangel’s season ended Thursday night in New Orleans with a first-round loss at Rummel.
Tonight’s playoff games (and Thursday’s Evangel score) involving local boys teams:
NON-SELECT
Division I
No. 28 Airline (11-18) at No. 8 Sulphur (26-5), 6 p.m.
No. 18 Fontainebleau (18-6) at No. 15 Parkway (18-11), 6 p.m.
No. 24 Haughton at No. 9 Ouachita Parish, 6:30
Division II
No. 27 St. Martinville (15-18) at No. 6 Bossier (17-10), 6:30
Division III
No. 17 Doyle (20-9) at No. 16 Green Oaks (15-10), 6:30
SELECT
Division I
No. 22 East Jefferson (18-15) at No. 11 Huntington (21-8), 6:30
No. 21 Carencro (9-11) at No. 12 Captain Shreve (19-11), 6 p.m.
(Thursday’s score) Rummel 52, Evangel 41 (in New Orleans)
Division II
No. 20 Booker T. Washington (18-10) at No. 13 University Lab-Baton Rouge (17-9), 6:30
Division III
No. 23 North Caddo (14-16) at No. 10 Thomas Jefferson (20-8), 6 p.m.
What does Kim Mulkey have in common with Eddie Robinson?
Way back when, so much so that I was actually a young sports writer, I remember being apprehensive about what to ask Grambling’s legendary coach Eddie Robinson when I was about to interview him.
I mean, c’mon now; everybody knew Eddie was sports royalty. Eddie was the man. Eddie certainly wouldn’t have time to answer any questions I might have, right?
I figured I needed to write down a notebook full of questions to hide my obvious nervousness. Certainly it was just a matter of how many questions it would be before Eddie said to some Grambling official “Who let this rube in here?”
But before I left for this soon-to-be-embarrassing moment, I received this piece of advice from a grizzled, ink-stained wretch (translated: veteran sports writer): “All you need to do is ask Eddie one question and you won’t even need to ask another. He will fill up your notebook for you.”
And that’s what he did. Not just to me. Eddie was like that to everybody.
Coach Robinson is long gone, but there’s another Lincoln Parish legend that fits that description these days.
Reporters hardly ever fill up notebooks with quotes anymore, but they are well advised to have a charging device on hand whenever LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey sits down in front of a microphone after a game.
If there’s an over/under on the number of questions that will be asked, take the under.
In covering the Lady Techsters in the early 1980s, I don’t remember her exactly being a quote machine. She’d share an opinion but it didn’t go much beyond what you’d expect from a college athlete.
But as she has grown from player to assistant coach to head coach to multiple national championship coach, she isn’t afraid to tell you what she thinks.
Even if you don’t ask.
Mulkey got Win No. 750 of her career earlier this week when LSU beat Kentucky. Lots of coaches would have said something along the lines of being “thankful for all the players and assistant coaches and the support along the way.”
Kim said that. And more. A whole lot more.
“Actually, when we went to the locker room, I got drenched,” she said. “I thought, why are y’all doing this? Because we beat Kentucky? But I didn’t say anything. Just celebrated with them a little bit. I thought maybe they’re just really proud of themselves and as they should be.
“And we’re getting ready to say the Lord’s Prayer, and I look at two of my kids and they have shirts on, and then it hit me. Oh my lord, that’s why y’all drenched me. 750 victories. They have a shirt that the coaches had given them. I didn’t know, so I interrupted the Lord’s Prayer to say, ‘Whoa, wait a minute here.’ And that’s how I found out it was 750.”
Mulkey then reminded everyone that 750 victories are 750 more than she had planned on getting when her playing days were over at Tech.
“I was never going to be a coach,” she said. “My degree is in business administration. I was working on my MBA, and got talked into doing this by the President of Louisiana Tech (F. Jay Taylor). And I guess that man knew more what I needed to do than I did, and here I am going almost 40 years in this business now it’s a blessing. You don’t you don’t win games and championships without great players.
“What coaches do is they manage things. They manage a team. They manage assistant coaches, they communicate with administration, then they try their best to make players believe in what they’re selling.
“And you might tweak something in the middle of the game, but at the end of the day, you do not win anything without great players, and that’s what I would think from my career, is oversight. How many did I get to coach? How many great players did I get to coach? And I don’t mean great that they were all national player of the year. We won a national championship in 2005 with not one high school all-American.
“But those were kids that believed in what you were doing, and they bought in, and that’s what I think when I think of 750 victories.”
Any further questions?
Contact JJ at johnjamesmarshall@yahoo.com
Mistakes and dubious officiating doom Tigers at ‘Bama
By RON HIGGINS, Journal Sports
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – For almost 44½ minutes, No. 7 LSU fought with every ounce of sweat, blood and tears it could muster in an SEC overtime battle royale.
It just wasn’t enough to beat Alabama in an 88-85 road loss.
The Tigers self-imploded at times but couldn’t overcome an overmatched officiating crew that spent most of the night hunched over a replay monitor and a home team desperate to get an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament.
Yet finally, with 31.2 seconds left in overtime with the Tigers trailing Alabama 86-84, the odds seemed to be in LSU’s favor.
After a replay review determined Alabama’s Sarah Ashlee Barker on a drive to the basket elbowed LSU’s Flau’Jae Johnson in the mouth – Barker and a bloodied Johnson both fouled out on the play – LSU was awarded two free throws and ball possession because of Barker’s flagrant foul.
Tigers’ sophomore guard Mikaylah Williams, who forced overtime with a 12-foot pullup jumper for a 79-79 tie with 23.3 seconds left in regulation, stepped to the free throw line.
Williams, the SEC’s third leading free throw shooter, banged her first attempt off the back of the rim, and swished the second.
Taking possession, LSU head coach Kim Mulkey put the ball in Williams’ hands out front as she waited to make her move as the clock ticked toward zero.
Williams managed to turn the right corner but ran into a wall of Alabama defenders at the basket. She had her shot blocked by the Crimson Tide’s Essence Cody and Alabama called time out with four seconds left.
“She (Cody) did exactly what she was supposed to do in that moment and made a big play,” Barker said.
A teary-eyed Wiliiams quickly fouled Alabama’s Zaay Green, who hit two free throws with three seconds left. Mulkey called timeout, advancing LSU’s possession inbounds pass to the frontcourt.
Williams had a difficult look at a game-tying top of the key 3-pointer she missed as time ran out.
“You got two free throws to tie it and the ball in your hands to win it,” said Mulkey, whose team fell to 27-3 overall and 12-3 in the SEC headed into Sunday’s regular season closer vs. Ole Miss in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. “I’ll still say, had we won, we would not have deserved to win. We needed to match their intensity and their grit. We did it when we were behind.
“Sometimes you just have to give credit to the opponent. I think I want to do that tonight.”
Williams led LSU with 22 points, Aneesah Morrow had 16 points and 9 rebounds and Sa’Myah Smith added 15 points and 6 rebounds.
Johnson had one of her worst games of the season. Though she had 7 rebounds, she scored just 6 points on 2-of-12 field goal shooting.
Alabama’s Aalyiah Nue led all scorers with 28 points, despite fouling out. Barker had 21, Cody contributed 17 points and 6 rebounds and Green had 15.
For the Crimson Tide (23-6, 10-5), it was their first win over a top-10-ranked team since 2020.
Alabama’s 46-35 halftime lead wasn’t a fluke.
The Crimson Tide built a 23-16 advantage at the end of the first quarter. LSU made just 7 of 18 field goals and would have been in an even deeper hole had Williams not scored 7 points.
But when Williams exited with 6:22 in the second quarter, the Tigers trailed 34-21 30 seconds later after committing six turnovers in first 4:04 of the quarter.
LSU cut the lead twice to six points in the last two minutes. The sheer will of Morrow burrowing inside layers of defense and inspired off from point guard from Shayeann Day-Wilson kept LSU from quickly disappearing.
Johnson scored just a point in the first half, LSU had just one offensive rebound in the first 20 minutes and the Tigers allowed too many Alabama penetrations and layups.
Williams scored LSU’s first basket of the second half and then returned to the bench after collecting her third foul with 8:29 left in the third quarter.
The Tigers were desperately searching for answers but momentum kept being interrupted by repeated replay reviews by the befuddled officiating crew of Brian Hall, Fatou Cissoko-Stephens and Saif Esho.
“That was a poorly officiating game,” Mulkey said “And if you ask her (Alabama head coach, Kristy Curry), she’ll tell you the same thing. It wouldn’t matter if we would have won or lost.
“There was too much stoppage. I was asking (the officials) things like `What is the call? What were you saying? Why are you going to the monitor?’
“One time they went to the monitor to look at somebody getting hit in the throat. That happened two plays before. It was just too much going on, too much, too busy.”
In the end, Mulkey correctly zeroed in areas where her team failed to get it done. The Tigers were outrebounded 43-37 and missed nine free throws.
No matter what happens vs. the Rebels on Sunday, LSU has clinched the No. 3 seed in next week’s SEC tourney. The Tigers have a double bye and won’t play until next Friday.
Contact Ron at ronhigginsmedia@gmail.com
LSUS hoops teams tip off at RRAC tourney in Alexandria today
JOURNAL SPORTS
ALEXANDRIA – Conference. tournaments like the Red River Athletic Conference event at the Rapides Patrish Coliseum this weekend squeeze a lot of action into a tight schedule, and this morning that challenges the LSUS men’s basketball team.
With eight games slated on the opening day, an 8 a.m. tipoff greets the No. 5-seeded Pilots (18-10, 15-9 RRAC) in a battle against No. 4-seeded Texas A&M -Texarkana (19-9, 16-8 RRAC) in the first round of the three-day event at Rapides Parish Coliseum.
Semifinals are Saturday at 1 and 3 for the men, and 5:30/7:30 for the women. Sunday championship games are Sunday at 2 (men) and 4:30 (women).
Steered by RRAC women’s Coach of the Year Tim Hays, the regular-season champion LSUS women begin their postseason campaign as they take on No. 8-seeded Paul Quinn at 3 p.m. today.
Selma Markisic headlined the champions’ honors with a selection to the All-RRAC first team announced Thursday. Erynn Williams was chosen RRAC Defensive Player of the Year. Helena Galunic and Paula Gonzales Herrero made the second team.
On the men’s all-conference list, the Pilots were well recognized.
Taj Anderson, who earned a spot on the All-RRAC first team, was chosen conference Newcomer of the Year, while teammates Trey Boston, Davion Coleman, and Tyler Washington were named to the second team.
Anthony Hollis sentenced to 90 years in prison
A Mooringsport man found guilty in Caddo District Court last November of sexual battery of a teenaged boy must serve 90 years in prison, a judge has ruled.
District Judge Chris Victory sentenced Anthony Hollis, 52, for the sexual assaults that occurred numerous times from November 2020 to November 2022.
Hollis’s hard labor term must be served without benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence. If he ever is released from prison he must register as a sex offender for life.
Hollis was arrested in September 2023, shortly after the victim, then 13, told a family friend that he had been sexually assaulted by Hollis between the ages of 11 and 12. The victim reported Hollis ordered him to perform oral sex on him and had groped him in the shower, and told the victim not to report the attacks to anyone.
Hollis was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Victoria Washington and Courtney Ray. He was defended by Michael Enright and Katie Miller. The case was docket No. 397853.
SPD seek man wanted for beating girlfriend, punching 7-month-old
Shreveport Police Department’s Domestic Violence detectives are searching for a man who allegedly left a woman and baby injured.
Officers responded to a local hospital on Feb. 20, following a call related to a woman was being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. She told them that her live-in boyfriend, Rodriques Strickland, had come home drunk and assaulted her multiple times with his fists and various household items including a weighted dumbbell.
The woman was holding her 7-month-old son during the attack. Strickland punched the baby in his left eye. While the woman was being treated, a family member took the baby to get checked out. His injury was determined to be non-life-threatening.
SPD is now searching for Strickland. He is wanted on charges of domestic abuse battery committed with a dangerous weapon, domestic abuse battery (child endangerment law), and cruelty to juveniles.
If anyone has any information on Strickland’s whereabouts, call SPD at 318-673-7300 or Caddo Crime Stoppers at 318-673-7373.
David Waters convicted of molestation of juveniles
A Caddo Parish jury convicted a Keithville man Tuesday, Feb. 25, of two counts of molestation of a juvenile under the age of 13.
It took less than an hour for the eight-woman, four-man jury in District Judge Donald E. Hathaway Jr.’s court to convict David Wilson Waters, 64. He will return to court March 14 for sentencing. He faces at least 25 and up to 99 years in prison, to be served without benefit of probation or suspension of sentence. Additionally, he must register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
Prosecutors called six witnesses to establish that Waters molested 7- and 8-year-old girls related to a close female acquaintance in 2016 and 2017. The first victim reported the abuse to a relative, who did not inform law enforcement. As a result, the failure of the victim’s family member to alert authorities led the victim to believe that nothing would happen to her abuser and that no one would believe her during her forensic interview at the Gingerbread House. The second victim reported the abuse to a counselor in late 2018; that counselor testified at trial. Waters was not arrested at that time and prosecution was not initiated until May 2020. In a case based almost entirely on the testimony of the two juvenile victims, the D.A.’s office worked diligently to prove the accounts of the victims were credible and corroborated each other.
The defense called three witnesses, including defendant Waters. Defense witnesses testified the defendant was never alone with the victims, despite the fact that they lived in the same residence together for over a year. The victims’ female relation friend of Waters testified the victims were lying for a financial reason and that neither of the victims ever reported the abuse to her. Under cross-examination Waters could not explain inconsistencies between his testimony and a statement he gave to police in 2017.
In rebuttal, prosecutors called the mother of the victims, who testified that Waters’ female acquaintance who she said did in fact inform her of the victims’ accusation in 2017 but that the relative attempted to minimize the conduct.
Waters also was indicted for aggravated rape, but the victim refused to cooperate and appear at trial. As a result, that count was severed and the jury was not allowed to hear evidence of that crime.
Assistant District Attorneys Jason Waltman and Christopher Bowman prosecuted the case. Joey Hendrix defended Waters. The case was docket No. 375533.
Caddo Parish, CPSO, District Attorney’s Office partner for event at Huntington HS
Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation had the great honor and privilege to partner with the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office to speak with the local students at Huntington High School on Thursday. The goal was to raise situational awareness and provide real-life experiences and insights to help these students make better life choices.
Caddo Sheriff’s Captain Latienda Pierre spoke about the impact of cell phones, devices, and recording incidents at school, emphasizing how these actions can have criminal consequences.
Deputy Malaysia Simon discussed the consequences of poor choices, showing how those decisions can affect not just you, but everyone involved.
The Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office ADA Kodie Smith shared the hard facts about his job and the importance of making proactive decisions to avoid future encounters leading to less favorable circumstances.
The students were engaged throughout the entire discussion, learning about the valuable resources available in the community year-round. This visit also provided a great opportunity to show how involved our organizations are in the community and how much we value the lives and education of our youth.
Caddo Parks converting tennis courts to pickleball courts
To meet the growing demand for pickleball, Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation is converting existing outdoor tennis courts into 10 new pickleball courts across the parish.
Pickleball Resurfacing Project locations are as follows.
- Earl G. Williamson Park – 6 dedicated courts | 11425 LA Hwy. 1, Oil City
- Keithville Community Park – 2 shared pickleball/tennis courts | 12201 Mansfield Rd., Keithville
- Town of Blanchard – 1 dedicated court | 402 Birch Ave., Blanchard
- Town of Greenwood – 1 dedicated court | 9360 Greenwood Rd., Greenwood
“Over the past three years, pickleball has become the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. We’ve heard the strong demand from our community, both young and old, for more dedicated courts, and we’re delivering,” said Patrick Wesley, Director of Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation.
These courts will be open for use somewhere during the spring of this year (weather permitting).
Visit CaddoParks.org for more on park improvements and recreation opportunities.
National Public Sleeping Day – The Science Behind a Good Nap
It may sound unusual, but February 28 is National Public Sleeping Day, a day that gives everyone permission to catch some Z’s—whether at a park, library, or even on public transportation.
The Power of Napping
Research has shown that a quick nap can enhance memory, boost productivity, and even lower stress levels. A study from NASA found that a 26-minute nap can improve performance by 34% and alertness by 54%.
Best Places for a Public Nap
While sleeping in public isn’t always ideal, there are some good spots to sneak in a quick rest:
- Libraries: Quiet and comfortable, they’re perfect for a short nap.
- Parks: A bench or a soft patch of grass makes for a relaxing spot.
- Cafés: Some coffee shops encourage power naps, even offering “nap pods” in big cities.
A Day for Rest and Relaxation
Whether you’re a sleep-deprived student, a busy professional, or just someone who enjoys a good nap, today is a reminder of the importance of rest. So if you see someone dozing off in public today, don’t judge—they might just be celebrating National Public Sleeping Day the right way!
Notice of Death – February 27, 2025
Pamela Atwood Ward
December 13, 1950 – February 25, 2025
Service: Friday, February 28, 2025, 2pm in the Rose-Neath Southside Chapel, Shreveport.
Jerry Neal Guin
January 31, 1938 – February 24, 2025
Service: Saturday, March 1, 2025, 11am at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Dr. Darrell Lynn Fitts
March 7, 1945 – February 21, 2025
Service: Saturday, March 1, 2025, 1pm at Rose-Neath Funeral Home Southside, Shreveport.
Elaine Longino Cloud
June 28, 1941 – February 20, 2025
Service: Friday, February 28, 2025, 1pm at Rose-Neath Cemetery, Bossier City.
Fernando Bermudez
September 26, 1937 – February 19, 2025
Service: Saturday, March 15, 2025, 10am at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City.
Deacon Lonnie Bruce Conner
October 21, 1939 – February 19, 2025
Service: Friday, February 28, 2025, 11am at Trinity Baptist Church, Shreveport.
Keller Stephens
February 22, 1943 – February 19, 2025
Service: Friday, February 28, 2025, 11am at Cedar Grove Seventh Day Adventist Church, Shreveport.
Elizabeth Baxter
February 27, 1955 – February 18, 2025
Service: Saturday, March 1, 2025, 3pm at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City.
Otis B. Brown
November 10, 1955 – February 18, 2025
Service: Saturday, March 1, 2025, 11am at Mount Canaan Baptist Church, Shreveport.
Lucy Mae Evans-Harper
November 15, 1954 – February 18, 2025
Service: Saturday, March 1, 2025, 1pm in the chapel of Heavenly Gates Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Lawrence Holland
April 19, 1930 – February 18, 2025
Service: Saturday, March 1, 2025, 11am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Shreveport.
Joseph “Joe” Howell Young, Sr.
March 30, 1950 – February 17, 2025
Service: Sunday, March 9, 2025, 2pm at The Elk’s Lodge, 310 East Preston Avenue, Shreveport.
Lee Arthur Snow
June 18, 1955 – February 16, 2025
Service: Saturday, March 1, 2025, 1pm at Stoner Hill Baptist Church, Shreveport.
Randle “Dino” Brammer
July 13, 1968 – February 10, 2025
Service: Saturday, March 1, 2025, 12pm at Western Hills Baptist Church, Shreveport.
James E. Sanders Sr.
May 21, 1935 – February 8, 2025
Service: Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 10:30am at Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, Keithville.
Linda Christine Thames
April 13, 1953 – January 31, 2025
Service: Saturday, March 1, 2025, 11am in the Parlor at Broadmoor Baptist Church, Shreveport.
Ann Sharon Underwood
March 1, 1950 – January 29, 2025
Service: Saturday, March 1, 2025, 11am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City.
Kathleen Kelly Pugh
1956 – January 27, 2025
Service: Thursday, March 6, 2025, 11am at Brookwood Baptist Church, Shreveport.
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February 27, 2024
Haughton man killed in single-vehicle Bossier Parish crash
Louisiana State Police Troop G troopers responded to a single-vehicle crash on Feb. 26 around 2:25 pm on U.S. Highway 80 near Bellevue Road. The crash claimed the life of 43-year-old Ronnie Garcia of Haughton.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 1997 Toyota SUV, driven by Garcia, was traveling east on U.S. Highway 80. For reasons still under investigation, Garcia’s vehicle exited the roadway and overturned.
Garcia, who was unrestrained at the time of the crash, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced deceased at the scene. Impairment is not suspected; however, routine toxicology samples were collected and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
While not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that properly wearing your seat belt will dramatically reduce your chance of being severely injured or killed in a crash. Louisiana law requires that every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain buckled up. Properly wearing your seat belt is one of the most effective ways to save your life and reduce injuries during crashes.
Shreveport counselor, LSUS graduate honored nationally as young innovator in mental health
Alyssa Garza has had quite the start to her professional career as a provisionally licensed professional counselor.
After graduating from LSUS with a master’s degree in counseling this past summer, Garza has landed two jobs and been honored as a 2024 Young Innovators in Behavioral Health.
The award comes from Hopelab, a social innovation lab and impact investor working to support of mental well-being of adolescent ages 10-25.
Hopelab produced its 30 Under 30 list of honorees, choosing five young professionals from around the nation in each of their six categories.
Garza was recognized in the clinical services category for her work with local homeless U.S. veterans who are transitioning into civilian life and for her participation in national campaigns, both of which occurred while she was an LSUS student.
“I was very excited to be chosen, and it means a lot that Hopelab highlighted my continued work in the mental health field in Shreveport with various populations, including veterans and young adults,” said Garza, who traveled to Phoenix to be honored at the 2024 Behavioral Health Tech Conference in November. “I had a great opportunity to network with many professionals, investors, and companies in the behavioral health field and with other passionate young adults making a difference around access to mental healthcare and education.”
Garza started as an intern with Volunteers of America, where she eventually became a full-time case manager for the Veterans Transitional Living Program.
As the daughter of an Air Force father and Marine grandfather, working with this population carried additional meaning to her.
“I learned so much from our veterans about honor, camaraderie, courage, bravery, perseverance, and resiliency – it truly was a privilege to work with them and learn from their experiences,” said Garza, who provided group and individual therapy to veterans as they transition to independent living. “Both my father and grandfather have had a tremendous influence on my career path and continue to offer so much support throughout my journey.
“I was able to learn more about the intensity of military service and sacrifice and how those two factors can completely alter the course of a veteran’s life, affecting their overall well-being. The rapport we developed provided me with tremendous confidence and motivation as a mental health professional overall.”
Garza continues her career in Shreveport as she’s recently accepted a position in the Intensive Specialty Hospital’s outpatient program as a provisionally licensed professional counselor.
As she works toward full licensure as a professional counselor expected in Fall 2026, Garza strived to work with different populations in different settings.
“I wanted to reach many populations to learn and gain competencies around various cultures and demographics, which I believe is important for my long-term career goal,” Garza said. “My long-term goal is to be in the private practice realm of mental health counseling.
“In this new position working with people going through long-term acute care, a patient’s mental and emotional well-being is just as important as their physical well-being to their overall recovery. When inpatient and outpatient consumers are emotionally supported and mentally engaged, they’re more likely to participate actively in rehabilitation, follow treatment plans, and have a more positive outlook on their recovery.”
It’s her father’s military service that introduced her to Shreveport-Bossier, where she attended one year of high school in Bossier Parish before graduating from a Virginia high school.
While she’s lived in North Dakota, Texas, Italy, Japan and Virginia, her father’s decision to come back to Barksdale Air Force Base and retire led her to choose LSUS, where she completed a bachelor’s in sociology before her master’s in counseling.
“The proximity to my family is why I chose LSUS, and it’s presented me with many opportunities during my undergraduate and graduate journey,” Garza said. “I chose to stay in Shreveport to finish collecting my hours for my full licensure because Shreveport has many niche populations with needs for mental health education, advocacy, and treatment.
“I wanted to continue to learn from those who live here and develop my mental health counseling skills.”
Those opportunities at LSUS included co-founding a chapter of Active Minds, a college student-led organization that promotes awareness of mental issues, including suicide, in young adults.
Garza helped shape the national mental health initiative A.S.K., which assists young adults in having conversations with peers who might be struggling with mental and emotional health. She served on the A.S.K. Youth Leadership Council and partnered with the MTV Social Impact Team to promote the national campaign.
But it’s here in Shreveport-Bossier where Garza is making her daily impact.
The area has a growing Hispanic population, and as Garza is a self-described “proud Mexican-American military brat,” it’s a demographic in which she loves to serve.
“It is part of my mission to provide culturally competent mental health services to Hispanic and Latino populations,” Garza said. “My identity personally fuels my mission because I can understand how it feels to be in a position where you’re asked to be extremely vulnerable but you might not feel safe to do so, are unable to connect with others, or fear you may not be understood.
“There is a heavy stigmatization of mental health within the (Hispanic) community, and I believe it is important to utilize my heritage to build rapport, provide education and start conversations about mental health.”
Garza added very few mental health professionals are Hispanic/Latino, which strengthens her desire to serve this specific population.
She eventually wants to pursue a doctoral degree that emphasizes providing mental health counseling to Spanish-speaking individuals.
Shreveport Fire fights blaze in Allendale neighborhood
The Shreveport Fire Department was dispatched to reports of a house fire in the 1900 block of Looney St. on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at approximately 4:29am. The 911 call was made by a neighbor to the Caddo 911 Dispatch Center that a house was on fire with heavy smoke and flames visible.
Upon arrival at approximately 4:34am, the first fire crew from Station #8 encountered a two-story, wood frame structure which was fully involved with smoke and flames visible. Firefighters immediately initiated a coordinated offensive attack inside the structure to suppress the flames but quickly transitioned to a defensive attack as the conditions of the two-story structure worsen.
Additional crews were requested on scene by the Incident Commander and the fire was placed under control within approximately 35 minutes of the first crew’s arrival, with 14 fire units – comprising of 33 firefighters and support personnel – responding to the scene.
Fortunately, there was no injury to any Shreveport Firefighters or citizens of Shreveport.
The cause and origin of the fire are currently under investigation by the Shreveport Fire Investigation Office
Shreveport FD responds to vacant house fire in Cooper Road neighborhood
The Shreveport Fire Department was dispatched to reports of a house fire in the 2100 block of Pearl St. on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at approximately 9:27pm. The 911 call was made by a neighbor to the Caddo 911 Dispatch Center that a house was on fire with heavy smoke and flames visible.
Upon arrival at approximately 9:32pm, the first fire crew from Station #6 encountered a vacant one story, wood frame structure which was fully involved with smoke and flames visible. Firefighters immediately initiated a coordinated offensive attack to suppress the flames but transitioned to a defensive attack as the conditions of the structure worsen.
The fire was placed under control within approximately 15 minutes of the first crew’s arrival, with 10 fire units – comprising of 22 firefighters and support personnel – responding to the scene.
Unfortunately, one Shreveport firefighter was taken to a nearby hospital for minor burns sustained from the fire. No citizens of Shreveport were injured.
The cause and origin of the fire are currently under investigation by the Shreveport Fire Investigation Office.
Five local girls teams shoot for Marsh Madness in quarterfinal games tonight
The Parkway, Huntington and Haughton girls basketball teams are playing at home tonight for a chance to reach the Marsh Madness state tournament next week, while Captain Shreve and Calvary Baptist are on the road for their LHSAA girls basketball playoff quarterfinal games.
Parkway is the two-time defending state champion in Non-Select Division I.
Tonight’s playoff quarterfinals matchups involving Shreveport-Bossier teams:
Non-Select Division I — Denham Springs (No. 8 seed) at Parkway (1) – 6 p.m.
Non-Select Division I — Barbe (5) at Haughton (4) – 6 p.m.
Select Division I — Lafayette (12) at Huntington (4) – 5:30
Select Division I — Captain Shreve (11) at Woodlawn-BR (3) – 6 p.m.
Select Division III — Calvary Baptist (8) at Lafayette Christian (1) – 5:30
Winners advance to Marsh Madness, the LHSAA’s girls basketball final four tournaments in Hammond next week. The schedule for next week’s games may be announced as early as Friday but likely over the weekend. Ten state championship games will be staged next Friday and Saturday after semifinal games beginning Monday and finishing Thursday.
Boys state playoffs begin Friday night, with nine local teams in first-round games. Calvary Baptist (25-3) is seeded first in Select Division III and drew a first-round bye. The Cavaliers will begin their postseason next week.
Boys teams from Parkway, Huntington, Captain Shreve, Bossier, and Green Oaks are playing at home Friday night.
Scores of local girls teams’ Monday night second-round games:
NON-SELECT
Division I
Parkway 57, Thibodaux 17
Haughton 58, Destrehan 54
SELECT
Division I
Huntington 53, St. Thomas More 23
Captain Shreve 47, Archbishop Chapelle 33
Division III
Calvary Baptist 73, Episcopal 50
Area college hoops: enhancing conference tournament seedings on everybody’s to-do list
By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports
March beckons. Before the Madness are conference tournaments, vital for one-bid leagues like Conference USA, the Southland and the SWAC.
Teams are bidding for their best-possible seeding in those tournaments. There’s not a local team that looms as a strong contender for postseason magic, but the Louisiana Tech men and both Northwestern State teams appear to have the best chances to make runs in their league tourneys – if they finish the regular season strongly.
Checking on area Division I teams:
MEN
Louisiana Tech (18-10, 7-8 CUSA)
Status in CUSA race: The Bulldogs, having dropped two of the last three, are seventh in the 10-team league but within two wins of fourth place. Sam Houston is in ninth. Next week Tech is home against fourth-place New Mexico State (8-6) and sixth-place UTEP (7-7). All 10 CUSA teams go to the March 11-15 CUSA Tournament and a first-round bye is within the Bulldogs’ reach.
Next: Saturday, 4:30, at Sam Houston State (11-17, 4-11), next Thursday home vs. New Mexico State
Last game: lost 64-63 Saturday at Western Kentucky
Notes: Tech needed overtime to beat the Bearkats in Ruston 66-61 on Feb. 1 … the Bulldogs are 12-3 at Thomas Assembly Center, 5-2 in CUSA games, but just 2-6 in league road games … point guard Sean Newman now ranks third nationally with his 8.1 assists average. Center Daniel Batcho is second in the NCAA in shooting aim (68.2 percent) and 20th in blocked shots average (2.11) … Sam Houston’s Lamar Wilkerson is seventh nationally with 3.4 3-pointers made per game.
Northwestern (13-15, 10-8 Southland)
Status in SLC race: With two home games left in the regular season against teams the Demons edged on the road, hopes of a first-round bye in eight-team Southland Tournament are high but will require sweeping the next two and getting some help with other results. Four of the 12 league teams don’t advance to Lake Charles for the tourney; NSU clinched its spot last week.
Next: home Saturday at 3:30 vs. Houston Christian (12-17, 9-9); home Monday night at 6:30 vs. UIW
Last game: won 72-69 Monday night at Southeastern
Notes: The Demons swept their road games at UNO, playing without injured leading scorer Addison Patterson, who returned to help NSU top second-place SLU in Hammond Monday night … junior guard Micah Thomas stepped forward with games of 23 and 24 points, hitting 10 of 17 on 3-pointers, leading victories at UNO and SLU.
Grambling (9-18, 6-8 SWAC)
Status in SWAC race: The Tigers have four SWAC games remaining before the March 12-15 conference tournament in Atlanta and three are against teams ahead of Grambling, including both road games this week in the Tigers’ Florida swing. Grambling will make the 10-team field, as UAPB and Mississippi Valley have a combined three wins and are toast. But the Tigers need a strong finish to avoid one of the lower seeds.
Next: home Saturday at 4:30 against Texas Southern (10-14, 7-4), at home Monday 4:30 vs. Prairie View (4-20, 3-8)
Last game: lost 71-64 at home last Saturday to Southern
Notes: Grambling had won three of its last four, including a 22-point romp over Prairie View, before bowing to the Jaguars for the second time this season … the Tigers are just 5-6 at home this season, including a 65-59 loss to Bethune Cookman followed by a 79-72 win over FAMU last month.
WOMEN
Louisiana Tech (13-13, 6-9 CUSA)
Status in CUSA race: Having dropped four straight, the last two at home, the sixth-place Lady Techsters have three CUSA games left, the last two at fourth-place Nex Mexico State (8-6 in the league) and last-place UTEP (3-11). All 10 teams go to the CUSA Tournament March 11-15, and the Techsters are in the mix for a first-round bye with a good finish.
Next: Home tonight, 6:30, vs. Sam Houston State (12-13, 5-10); next Thursday at New Mexico State
Last game: lost 78-73 to Western Kentucky last Saturday
Notes: Paris Bradley picked up her sixth CUSA Freshman of the Week honor after her fourth 20-point game of the season, most by a Techsters rookie in 11 seasons… the Techsters were upset at Sam Houston last month as the Bearkats won their second CUSA game. They’re 3-3 since, but have dropped their last two.
Northwestern (13-13, 10-7 Southland)
Status in SLC race: The Demons have three home games in the last six days of the regular season and two are against teams that won’t qualify for the eight-team SLC Tournament, Houston Christian and East Texas A&M. Winning tonight’s game against UIW could help fifth-place NSU nab one of the top four spots and a first-round bye in the March 10-13 SLC Tournament in Lake Charles.
Next: home tonight, 6:30, vs. UIW (15-12, 10-8); home Saturday, 1 p.m., vs. Houston Christian; home Wednesday, 6:30, vs. East Texas A&M
Last game: won 76-74 Saturday at UNO
Notes: The Demons finally won a conference game decided in the last seconds with the victory at UNO, after dropping nailbiters to Stephen F. Austin (twice), Lamar, and UIW way back on Dec. 6. They held off a Texas A&M-Corpus Christi rally in the last half-minute for a 46-42 road win last month … point guard Mya Blake has four 30-point games in her last 10 outings, including 31 at UNO.
Grambling (11-14, 8-6 SWAC)
Status in SWAC race: The Tigers are in fifth place with four regular-season games left, the last two at home, one against third-place Alabama A&M (12-3 in the SWAC). The other three are against teams with losing records in conference play. Grambling is three wins behind fourth place, so looks solid to be a dangerous No. 5 seed in the SWAC Tournament March 11- 15 in Atlanta.
Next: tonight, 6 p.m. CST, at Bethune-Cookman (9-18, 6-9)
Last game: lost 70-47 at home last Saturday to Southern
Notes: The Tigers upset league-leader Texas Southern with a resounding 71-46 thumping at the Fred Hobdy Center on Valentine’s Day, but were cracked by 23 last Saturday at home by arch-rival Southern, which is now a half-game behind TSU thanks to Grambling’s upset.
Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com
Q&A with Super Bowl official Max Causey
Courtesy LINCOLN PARISH JOURNAL
The Lincoln Parish Journal recently caught up with Ruston’s own Max Causey, a former Shreveport resident, and got his thoughts on the experience of officiating his very first Super Bowl after just his third year in the league. NFL officials are not allowed to conduct media interviews in season and this is the first interview post-Super Bowl that Max has given.
LPJ: How did the Super Bowl differ for you from any normal NFL game?
Max: “There were a lot more activities and build-up prior to the game than a normal NFL game. We got into town three days before the game, where normally we come in the day before. We had different functions: dinners, a coin toss walk-through where we practiced the entire coin toss. The Super Bowl is kind of its own animal, which is really cool and fun and a ton of planning and hopefully good execution goes into it.
“From an experience standpoint, it was amazing. We got to meet a lot of cool people. New Orleans was awesome. The law enforcement presence there was so comforting. We just had a lot of fun in the city. It felt like the perfect city to host the Super Bowl because everything is walkable, the food was great, and the people were so friendly. It was a ton of fun.”
LPJ: How about the game itself? It can’t just be another game, right? How did you approach it?
Max: “I sought out advice from people who had worked (a Super Bowl) before. Most of them told me, ‘Hey, there is going to be a buildup. You will feel nerves. But once the game starts, it will feel like a regular football game.’ And I think it did. Once the game kicked off, it felt like a normal game because I’m going through my initial responsibilities and my keys. I’m counting players. I’m just doing all the things that I do during a game. So, I really didn’t get caught up in the hoopla of everything.
“Before the game, our timeline was very different. NFL games are very structured, and that starts three hours before the game. We know exactly what we are doing all along the way. I love that. I am a very structured person. So, to get into that routine and stay in that routine, I thrive in that. The timeline was extremely different in terms of when we met with the coaches. When we came off the field. How much time we sat in our locker room. So that made it different. But I do feel like once the game kicked off, it was a regular game.”
LPJ: As one of the first NFL referees to call a Super Bowl with just three years of experience, did you feel extra pressure?
Max: “I would like to say no, but if I am being honest, I would say yes. I like to read news about teams and be informed about what they are doing. So, I pay attention to what is being written out there. I couldn’t help but see a couple of things written (about my lack of experience compared to most Super Bowl referees). That added to the pressure. Just the responsibility that I felt in the sense of wanting to represent our staff well in the game, and wanting the game to be about the players and not us … There was that added element to it.”
LPJ: There was an article written in which a couple of prominent media members that previously worked in the NFL office questioned the league changing the rule where a Super Bowl referee must be at least a five-year veteran. This allowed both you and Mike Morton to be on this year’s crew. When you read that, what did you do or think?
Max: “I internalized it. Haters have always fueled me. I was using it as fuel to prove a point or prove that I belonged. Not to overdramatize it. My wife always reminds me that I’m not a player. I am just an official and I am just there to manage the game. I definitely have that mindset. But I have always used haters throughout my sports career as fuel. So, there was an element of that and there was an element of added pressure. But once the game kicked off, I wasn’t thinking about that.
“It was maybe used in that moment once I read it in the few hours leading up to the game but once the game kicked off it was just a normal game.”
LPJ: You got a chance to interact and take a photo with another former Louisiana Tech alum in Terry Bradshaw who was part of the broadcast crew. I assume you already know Terry, but what was that like?
Max: “I got to touch base with Terry on Friday at the coin toss walk-through. They were there doing their preparation and practice for their broadcast down on the field. So, I was able to connect with them and he asked if we could take a photo on Sunday. The timing just worked as I saw him as I was heading off the field. I waved to him, and we were able to take a photo. It was one of the highlights of the week for sure.
“I had to introduce myself. He didn’t recognize me. But once I introduced myself and told him the (Louisiana Tech) connection, he certainly knew who I was.”
LPJ: Now that you have called one Super Bowl, how motivated are you to do another one? You were able to accomplish a lifelong goal, but as a competitor, how much do you want to do another one?
Max: “I agree with that. I am hyperaware that I could go for the rest of my career and not get another Super Bowl assignment, and there would be zero bitterness if that was the case. I understand it’s a competitive business that we are in and there are a lot of great officials out there in the NFL. That being said, yes, having that experience was a lot of fun and to get to do it on the biggest stage at the pinnacle of our sport … I think I would be a fool to say that I don’t want to do it again.”
LPJ: Does your 12-year-old son Barnes think you are a big deal now? What do your kids think?
Max: “My son (Barnes) was way more excited about getting to be in close proximity to some superstars and some famous people than being around me. He got to enjoy that experience. I think he appreciates maybe the access that I am able to give him, but at the end of the day, I’m still just dad.”
LPJ: Is it challenging to call a game of this magnitude with a bunch of men who you haven’t worked with all year?
Max: “I think it has the potential to be challenging, but we had a referee in Ron Torbert who is an incredible leader. He made sure we were all on the same page. We all had the same mindset and philosophy going into that game and we talked about a lot of things during the weeks leading up to the game. I was communicating with my line judge all during those weeks on how we would manage certain things and the positions we needed to be in. So, when we came to New Orleans, and we had already discussed some of those things and then we discussed it together in person as a group … I think it was pretty seamless.”
LPJ: When you got the assignment, did your peers reach out to you?
Max: “Yes, and I was very humbled by it. It’s a tight community that we have. I was getting calls and texts from NFL officials, college officials, guys I worked in high school with. I was able to get tickets for my high school referee and umpire from my very first high school crew, John Curtis Jr. and Frank Griffin. They came down and we were able to have lunch before the game. That was neat. A lot of people reached out before the news hit. I had about an hour after I was initially informed before it came out publicly. So, I was ablet to internally process it and share it with my family and friends before the news came out. It was a crazy few hours that day after getting that call.”
LPJ: Anything else you want to say about your experience?
Max: “I kind of relate getting this assignment to the gospel of Christ … I was chosen by God to be a part of His Kingdom forever, not because of good works that I have done but solely because of His grace. In the football officiating sense, yes, I had a great season but as I’ve said I was not the only one at my position deserving of this honor and I was chosen by someone in authority for reasons I may never know. To get this selection was truly an honor and very humbling to understand there were others who were equally as deserving. The phrase I keep using to describe my experience is incredibly grateful.”
These are a few of my favorite things
I was drawn to a verse in the Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Sound of Music that ends, “These are a few of my favorite things.”
No, I’m not putting in a plug for the vocals of Julie Andrews. The country boy in me prefers Loretta Lynn’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”
This line got me to thinking about some of my favorite things and I thought on a cold winter day I might share a few of those things that are special to me.
Any time I’m on a road trip, my first stop for refreshments is always, never deviating, a bottle, not a can but a bottle of real Coke, and a pack of salted peanuts. Taking a few sips from the bottle so it won’t run over, I pour in the peanuts. Nothing better; the sweetness and acidy bite of the Coke blended with the saltiness and crunch of peanuts makes any road trip – unless it’s to the see the dentist for a root canal – extra special.
I love coffee and I have discovered a blend that suits my fancy just right. I stop by the Black Rifle shop for a pound of “Beyond Black” coffee. Just enough cream to lighten the color just a bit and my day gets off to a fine start.
When the weather warms, I like to take my cup to the back porch where I sit and sip and watch the birds while thanking the Good Lord for His blessings.
Back before age and infirmity kept me out of the woods, I loved to be sitting, covered in camouflage, with my back against a tree and playing mind games with a savvy old wild turkey gobbler. Hearing a thundering gobble as he responds to my calls mimicking a sweetheart of a hen turkey and then finally seeing that white head floating atop a puffed-out body, tail fan spread out,
as the old boy comes in, spitting and drumming to investigate what he believes is a little hen anxious for his affection, was indeed, one of my favorite things ever.
When the first Saturday in October came around every year, wild horses couldn’t have kept me out of the woods on opening day of squirrel season. Sitting at daylight on a moss-covered fallen log resting next to a grove of hickories, oaks or beech trees, was the ticket. If these trees were bearing hickory nuts, acorns or beech mast, there was no doubt that as the sky began lightning up, squirrels would be leaving dens for breakfast.
If I was fortunate enough to down a young “frier” squirrel, my next stop was the camp where the squirrels were cleaned and a young one was cut into quarters, seasoned with salt and pepper and dusted in flour. Once the skillet of oil was hot enough, I loved to listen to the sizzle as the quarters turned brown and crispy. A plate of rice, a couple of hot biscuits and gravy made from the drippings made a breakfast fit for a king. I declare, the hind leg of a tender young fried squirrel would put Col. Sanders to shame. A favorite thing? You betcha.
When I was growing up, there was a spot known locally as the Sand Flats where every fall and winter morning, a flight of wood ducks would leave roosts and wing their way up the creek to feed. On mornings before school, my dad would take my brother and me to the Sand Flat for the chance at downing a “squealer,” as wood ducks were called. The flight only lasted half an hour but if my shot was successful, I had something to brag about to the kids at school.
When my mama slow baked a wood duck in her cast iron pot, it made the darkest and richest gravy ever. Spooning it over one of her hot biscuits alongside a slice or two of duck breast was a feast, a favorite thing, I will never forget.
Okay, enough nostalgia. I just heard Loretta Lynn crank up.
Contact Glynn at glynnharris37@gmail.com