SPD seeking suspects who robbed western wear store

The Shreveport Police Department is seeking the public’s help to identify two men involved in the robbery of a western wear store.

On February 7, 2025, the thieves (one in a red shirt, one in a black shirt) entered a western wear shop on Youree Drive and made off with $1,400 worth of cowboy gear—probably thinking they were riding off into the sunset. The image above was taken from the store’s surveillance camera. 

If anyone recognizes either one of these wanna-be Wild West bandits, contact the SPD at 673-7300 or contact Caddo Crime Stoppers at 673-7373.


K-9 Karo helps capture credit card thief

Robert Stinson

A shopper at Walmart in Shreveport accidentally dropped their credit card at self-checkout on Dec. 29. Unfortunately, someone else decided to “adopt” it—using it eight times at five different stores, racking up $721.97 in fraudulent charges.

Detectives identified Robert Stinson as the suspect and got a warrant for his arrest. When SPD Warrants Officers and K-9 Karo caught up with him, Stinson thought he could outsmart them by hiding in the mud. Spoiler alert: Karo likes mud.

Karo found him. Muddy, busted, and headed to jail.

Stinson was treated for minor injuries before being booked into the Shreveport City Jail. Next time, he might want to invest in a better escape plan… or better yet, just don’t take things that do not belong to you.


Jerry Jackson to serve life plus 40 years

Jerry Jackson
A Shreveport man whose retrial for murder and manslaughter last month resulted in unanimous guilty verdicts necessitated by a 2020 US Supreme Court ruling, was sentenced Monday, Feb. 24, in Caddo District Court.
 
District Judge Erin Leigh Waddell Garrett sentenced Jerry Jackson, 57, to serve a mandatory life term in prison at hard labor for his second-degree murder conviction, and to 40 years for the manslaughter conviction, the terms to be served consecutively.
 
Jackson first was convicted in 2019 of the 2016 slayings of his stepson and a neighbor. However, he was retried and convicted again this year.
 
On July 20, 2016, Jackson shot and killed his stepson, Kendrick Brown, and a neighbor, Michael Dillard, in front of the Bond Drive residence of his wife, Rhonda Brown. After the shooting, Jackson tried to hide the .22 caliber rifle he used in the slayings by giving it to a friend.  The friend notified the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s office, which in turn notified the Shreveport Police Department. The rifle was collected and matched to the .22 caliber casings at the crime scene. In addition, Jackson’s then-wife, Rhonda Brown, and a neighbor also testified that Jackson had shot the two victims.
 
Jackson’s retrial was necessitated by the 2020 U.S. Supreme Court decision Ramos v. Louisiana, 590 U.S. 83, in which the Court ruled that the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution requires that guilty verdicts be unanimous in criminal trials.
 
Jackson was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Bill Edwards and Kodie Smith. He was defended by Sean Landry. The case was docket No. 406516.

SUSLA’s Black History Convocation celebrates excellence, leadership

SUSLA’s Black History Convocation was a powerful celebration of excellence and leadership. With the theme “Legacies of Leadership: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” students, faculty, and community members gathered to reflect, honor, and be inspired.

The impactful keynote speaker was media professional and entrepreneur Willie “ScooterMan Pro” Burton III. During his speech, ScooterMan issued a compelling call to action for SUSLA students, urging them to embrace leadership and actively shape their communities. He also took a moment to honor the legacy of his father, SUSLA history Professor Willie Burton Jr, by echoing his words “You can’t know where you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve been.”

Professor Burton served as head of the social sciences department at Southern University at Shreveport, during his 44 year tenure. Serving as Caddo School Board Representative for District 3 from January 1991 until 2011, was another highlight of Professor Burton’s service to the community.


National Retro Day – a mostalgic trip through time

Today, February 27, is National Retro Day, a time to celebrate the best of the past—from vintage fashion and classic cars to iconic movies and beloved toys. It’s a day dedicated to nostalgia, encouraging people to embrace their favorite throwback trends.

Why We Love Retro Culture

There’s something comforting about looking back at the past. Whether it’s the music of the ‘70s, the neon styles of the ‘80s, or the sitcoms of the ‘90s, retro culture offers a glimpse into the moments that shaped generations.

Ways to Celebrate

  • Dress the part: Pull out your vintage band T-shirts, high-waisted jeans, or bell-bottoms.
  • Watch classic movies or TV shows: Revisit Back to the FutureThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, or old-school cartoons.
  • Listen to retro tunes: Make a playlist featuring hits from Elvis, The Beatles, or early hip-hop legends.

The Everlasting Appeal of Nostalgia

As trends from past decades continue to resurface, National Retro Day reminds us why we love revisiting the good old days. Whether you’re flipping through old Polaroids or dusting off your vinyl collection, today is all about celebrating the timeless charm of the past.


Notice of Death – February 26, 2025

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.

Lawrence Holland
April 19, 1930 – February 18, 2025
Service: Saturday, March 1, 2025, 11am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Shreveport. 

Chester “Chuck” Milczarski
September 13, 1938 – February 18, 2025
Service: Thursday, February 27, 2025, 3pm at Aulds Funeral Home, 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.

Sherry Lynn Netherland
June 19, 1971 – February 13, 2025
Service: Thursday, February 27, 2025, 11am at Aulds Funeral Home, 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.  

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)


Gov. Landry visits NSU for Campti Mill closure impact meeting

Journal Photo

Gov. Jeff Landry visited Northwestern State University on Feb. 25 to meet with community officials, legislators and leaders in business, industry, education and economic development to address the pending closure of the International Paper mill in Campti and its projected negative impact for Natchitoches Parish. 

“There is no one who understands the economic impact of the loss of these jobs more than me,” Landry said, referencing the closure of multiple Fruit of the Loom facilities in south Louisiana in the 1990s and early 2000s. “It’s not only the jobs that are leaving the Campti facility, but the downstream effect of what it does to the small businesses that are attached. While I don’t have all the answers today, I can tell you that we will continue to work towards building economic opportunities throughout central and north Louisiana.”

“I think that the greatest opportunity that we have for economic development is actually central and northern Louisiana,” he said, referencing the selection of Richland Parish as the site of Meta’s $10 billion artificial intelligence data center.

The governor said a proposed constitutional amendment on the March 29 ballot to reform the state’s tax code could open new opportunities to bring jobs to north and central Louisiana. He has also tasked higher education administrators with shaping Louisiana’s universities and community college systems to support jobs and industry.

“I think it’s evident from the governor’s remarks that his intention is clearly to bring the full force of the government to do whatever we can do to mitigate the reality of this decision by IP,” said Susan Bourgeois, secretary of the Department of Louisiana Economic Development. “One of the things I started out talking about in my role was that we really had to take the whole of government approach to economic development. It’s not just a government solution to the challenges or the opportunities that we face. It really does have to be the private sector, the education sector, the public sector, all of us pulling on the same rope.”

Bourgeois said her office is currently working with five active wood-related projects in north Louisiana.

“We’ve announced 21 wood-related projects in the last seven years that our team is now going to focus on seeing about placement of employees, placement of product and how we can redeploy some of the Louisiana resources that were used at the Campti facility in those projects,” Bourgeois said.

Susie Schowen, secretary of the Louisiana Workforce Commission, said she has engaged a rapid response team, the team that responds to layoffs, who can offer services specifically for IP workers.

“The IP workers are getting services in career counseling, envisioning where their career could go and how to connect with training. We can help offset the cost of that training with the focus of getting people jobs right here in this area.”

“We want to do as much as we can to backfill, to give back, what the closure is going to cause,” Landry said. “We will work as hard as we can and the good news is you’ve got other areas of the state that are performing, and a high tide has a tendency to lift all boats. We are focused on this area, not only Natchitoches but the central and north Louisiana area. We are hyper focused on opportunity because I think that there are opportunities out there.”

Landry said there are companies around the country and around the world are looking for investments in the U.S., which aligns with President Donald Trump’s agenda to boost American manufacturing.

“Right now, that is being driven primarily by the president’s agenda and we want to be able to capture as much of that as we can. You see this great team and we have worked hard and I don’t know anyone who isn’t trying to soften the impact,” he said.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission has resources available at laworks.net/. Information on the Louisiana office of Economic Development is available at opportunitylouisiana.gov/.


Chamber Made: Thank you for taking care of business

We all have lots of lists.

My favorite is top secret: it’s The List of People I’m Gonna Have to Kill One of These Days. The bad news is that it’s not a very nice list. The good news is that you’re not on it. Yet.

But the one I think of most is The List of Love Letters I Want to Write One of These Days.

Some would be to people. But like your list, my list would have places on it, and places within places.

Thought of this the other night at the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce’s 105th Annual Awards Banquet. I’d missed the previous 104 so figured, you know, why not?

Didn’t know what I was missing.

I know, I know. Chamber of Commerce Banquets are boring. Long speeches about taxes and civic improvements and per diem and e pluribus unum, and tacky jokes about the die-hard crew in accounts receivable.

While this can at times be as unavoidable as cottage cheese on pear halves at the church picnic, we think it wise to remember that — as Broadway’s Gershwin brothers insisted — it ain’t necessarily so.

Yours truly has been fortunate to visit, at least once, the Chamber banquets in many places where my love letters are due. These include Caddo and Bossier, Webster and Claiborne, Bienville and Jackson and DeSoto.

Some were held in high school gyms, some in church rec halls, some in civic centers. I remember, specifically, pieces of each. And every one, in ways sentimental and homespun and sincere, was meaningful.

Even if one or two went longer than it maybe should have, each counted. Each meant the world to somebody, to some civic soldier running below the radar, bringing home the goods, day after day after day.

Being a bit of a different animal, Lincoln Parish and the Chamber folk there basically threw a wild party that was over by 8. Who knew “wild” and “done by 8” could co-exist?

Doors opened at 5, dinner was a buffet at 6, the program started at 7 and was over by 7:50. That means that although it was a long day, hundreds of friends and families who do business with each other got to hang around and eat and talk, enjoy a short program highlighted by a few professionally done videos, honor and applaud wildly for the most recent of a bevy of over-achievers among us, count their blessings, and skedaddle home.

I’m told the wildest of the bunch hung around until 8:20 or so. And on a Thursday night!

Support your local Chamber? We sure hope so. What I know about business is nothing more than trying to mind my own. Chambering? No clue. Commerce? Please. BUT …

I see loyal friends and families taking chances, investing in their communities, investing in each other, embracing the challenges of the day and, in doing so, pouring their hearts into the hope of tomorrow.

They’re making our local world go around.

How can you help but write love letters for that?

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu


Louisiana enters sharing agreements with neighboring states for voter list maintenance data

Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry announced new voter list maintenance data sharing agreements with Texas, Mississippi, and Arkansas. These agreements will help ensure the further accuracy of Louisiana’s voter rolls by detecting duplicate registrations within neighboring states.

“I am thankful to Secretary Nelson of Texas, Secretary Watson of Mississippi, former Secretary Thurston and current Secretary Jester of Arkansas for working with our office to help keep our voter list accurate and up-to-date,” Secretary Landry said. “Election integrity is my highest priority as Louisiana’s Secretary of State. These agreements underscore how focused my office is on maintaining safe and secure elections, while also safeguarding voters’ sensitive data.”

Secretary Landry previously announced a similar agreement with Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen in July 2024.


NSU’s 2025 Spring Career Fair – taking the next step to a brighter future

CHRISTUS Health at NSU Career Fair

NATCHITOCHES – There was plenty of opportunity to be found for NSU students nearing graduation at the Northwestern State University career fair held at the Friedman student union Tuesday, Feb. 25. The fair featured 38 employers, ranging from a mix of governmental agencies to private industry. Over 150 students took advantage of this opportunity to meet with recruiters and jump-start their careers after they earn their degrees. CENLA area employers were well in evidence with Roy O. Martin, CLECO, Christus Health, the Alexandria Police Department, and Fort Johnson among the 38 firms and agencies present.

NSU will also be sponsoring a career fair in March for teaching positions.

One particularly noteworthy aspect of the career fair is the positive impression NSU alumni have
made on their employers. Many of the recruiters were alumni who have done well and have been
sent back to help recruit for their firms.

Paige (’24) and Sydney (’23) Hendrick represented Roy O. Martin and were quite possibly the first team of sisters to recruit at the fair. Amy Ashworth (’18) represented CLECO. The Alexandria Police Department was represented by 2023 NSU alumni Officer Jaydan Perkins. Cenla area Bank BOM featured three alumni: Abby Williams who will graduate in May, Mary Scruggs ’23 and Jorian Dodd ’24. They were joined by St. Mary’s and LSU alumna Ragan Hale.

Northwestern State University graduates who are doing well and making a good impression are the best advertisement for the quality of NSU graduates and create opportunities for the next generation of alumni.


Shreveport Opera presents ‘Carmen’

The Shreveport Opera will present “Carmen” on Saturday, March 29, at 7:30am. 
 
Come and experience the spectacular, marvelous music of any opera ever written. Set in the heat of Seville, George Bizet’s Carmen is an enduring story of passion, lust, jealousy, obsession, and revenge. Carmen remains one of the most popular operas in the world. 
 
As always, the Opera will be joined by The Shreveport Opera Chorus and the Shreveport Symphony, which will make for an unforgettable evening.
 
Get your tickets now: www.shreveportopera.org | 318.227.9503

The Arc Caddo-Bossier goes for the gold for their 5k

Excitement is building as The Arc Caddo-Bossier prepares to host its annual “Go for the Gold” 5K and ½ Mile Fun Run. This community tradition, benefiting the Goldman School and Child Development Center, is set to take place on Saturday, March 8, at A.C. Steere Park, located at 4009 Youree Dr. The event promises a morning of fitness, fun, and community, starting with the Fun Run at 8am and the 5K at 8:15am.

Runners will enjoy a scenic route through the Broadmoor neighborhood, beginning and ending at A.C. Steere Park. Overflow parking will be available at Broadmoor Baptist Church, located across the street. Registration is open to all, with a fee of $25 for the 5K and $15 for the Fun Run. Runners will receive a Go for the Gold t-shirt for participating.

Leading up to the big day, runners can collect their race packets at Sportspectrum. Packet pick-up times are scheduled for Thursday, March 7, from 12pm to 6pm, and Friday, March 8, from 10am to 5:30pm. For those who prefer, packets will also be available on race day, starting at 7am at the race site.

The Arc Caddo-Bossier is thrilled to recognize the accomplishments of its participants. Awards will be presented to the overall Male and Female winners of the 5K, as well as the 1st and 2nd place finishers in each age group: 19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+.

For those not planning on getting their steps in, there will be plenty of family activities available while waiting for runners to return. A special interactive experience will be provided by the City Marshall. Ark-La-Tex Tents & Events will be on hand with inflatable games. The Arc Caddo-Bossier’s Goldman School and Child Development Centers will be bringing their field day activities to keep the little ones moving, and interactive mural, sidewalk chalk and facepainting experiences will bring some color into the event! All of the family events are free to the public.

The event is proudly partners with Sportspectrum, Team RWB, and Ainsley’s Angels, whose collaboration makes this celebration of inclusion and fitness possible as well as several others.

Since its founding in 1954, The Arc Caddo-Bossier has been committed to building unlimited opportunities for people with disabilities. Through a diverse range of programs and services, The Arc continues to empower infants, children, and adults with disabilities and their families across Shreveport, Bossier City, and Northwest Louisiana. For more information, visit thearccaddobossier.org.

One of The Arc’s cornerstone programs, the Goldman School and Child Development Centers, offers an inclusive, year-round educational environment for children aged 8 weeks (about 2 months) to 5 years. As a Type III, Licensed, Three-Star Quality Rated facility, the Goldman School welcomes children with and without disabilities, fostering growth, learning, and celebration of diversity.

Do not miss this opportunity to support a meaningful cause while enjoying a lively and welcoming community event. Mark calendars, register today, and join The Arc at the starting line on March 8.

Register to run at https://runsignup.com/Race/LA/Shreveport/TheArcGofortheGold.


Haughton man arrested for molestation of juveniles

Clarence Byrd
A Haughton man, Clarence Byrd, has been arrested in connection with an investigation involving inappropriate activity with juveniles. During the investigation, authorities discovered that multiple victims were involved. Some incidents occurring within the past year and others stretching back as far as 20 years ago.
 
Sheriff Whittington made it clear that time will not shield those who commit such heinous acts. He commented, “Our community stands strong in the fight against abuse and we will continue to protect the most vulnerable among us. It doesn’t matter how long ago this happened. We will pursue and prosecute guilty parties to the full extent of the law.”
 
If anyone knows anyone who has been impacted, reach out to the appropriate authorities, as detectives believe there may be additional victims.
 
This case is still under investigation.
 
Byrd has been arrested on the following charges:
  • 4 counts of first-degree rape under the age of thirteen.
  • 3 counts of molestation of a juvenile under the age of thirteen.
  • 1 count of Indecent Behavior with a juvenile under the age of thirteen.
Bond has been set at $1,350,000.

Man killed in south Shreveport as he headed to work identified by coroner

The man who was shot and killed in Shreveport early Monday morning has been identified as 30-year-old Demitri Williams, according to authorities. This marks Shreveport’s 7th homicide of 2025.
 
Williams was found in his car just before 6am, according to the Shreveport Police Department. He had been shot multiple times as he was leaving home for work. The shooting happened in the 2600 block of Wren Court.
 
Police believe multiple people were involved in the deadly shooting.
 
“Typically, when we see something like this — an individual struck by gunfire outside of their home — individuals are looking for that individual, as well as the excessive amount of gunfire that was found at the scene and shell casings,” said Cpl. Chris Bordelon. He added that at least one assault rifle was used in the attack.
 
Anyone with information about Williams’ death is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 318-673-7373.

Shreveport woman accused of sending explicit media

Jamiya Lee

A Shreveport woman is accused of sending explicit images and videos of a man to both her own electronic devices and other people without the man’s consent. 

The victim, who remains unnamed, reported to the Shreveport Police that he did not consent to the distribution of the images or videos, police said. He has filed a sexual assault complaint against the woman. 

The woman has been identified as Jamiya Lee, 22. She has been charged with nonconsensual disclosure of a private image. If Lee is convicted, she could face up to two years in prison.


Locals shining in several Centenary sports

By PATRICK MEEHAN, Centenary Sports Information Director

Basketball season is over at Centenary but as temperatures finally rise, there’s lots of sports action to enjoy – including home baseball this evening at Shehee Stadium — and several local high school products are playing prominent roles.

GYMNASTICS: The Ladies posted a season-high team score of 189.00 at home on Saturday in a Midwest Independent Conference dual meet against the Texas Woman’s University Pioneers and recorded season highs on both bars (47.800) and beam (46.650).

Junior Claire Flores is this week’s recipient of the Coaches’ Choice Award, the MIC announced on Wednesday. Flores earned one of the four individual honors that the conference chooses on a weekly basis and received it for the first time in her career. She is the fourth Centenary gymnast to win the award this season.  Flores scored a season and career-high 9.775 on bars on Saturday at home against TWU to earn a tie for second place.

Centenary is back on the road this weekend to face host Illinois State, Central Michigan, and Bowling Green in a quad meet in Normal, Ill.

LACROSSE: Centenary won its second in a row on Sunday dumping the Huntingdon Hawks 17-9 in Montgomery, Ala.

The Gents (2-1) completed a perfect weekend after recording a 13-10 win on Friday against LaGrange (Ga.) College.

Freshman Gamble Harvill, an Airline product, scored a game-high five goals to lead the Centenary offense, senior Jordan Cook scored three, and sophomore Ethan Hewett, a Parkway graduate, sophomore Gibson Harvill (Captain Shreve) and senior G’Colby Spivey each scored two. Senior Dylan Miller (Captain Shreve) went the distance in goal for the Gents and made 13 saves.

Centenary will return to action on March 5 at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa.

BASEBALL: The Diamond Gents split a SCAC doubleheader on Monday evening with the Austin College ‘Roos, winning 12-1 and falling 9-3 in the nightcap at Baker Field in Sherman, Texas. Centenary (4-5, 2-4 SCAC) won the series over the ‘Roos (1-8, 1-5 SCAC) after an 18-6 romp in the series opener on Saturday. 

The Diamond Gents take a break from league play to host Vermont State Castleton today at home at 6 p.m. and then return to conference action this weekend at home versus St. Thomas with a single game on Friday at 6 p.m. and a pair Saturday at 1 and 4 p.m.

SOFTBALL: The Ladies were swept by the visiting St. Thomas Celts in a conference doubleheader on Saturday afternoon.

The Ladies (2-4, 0-2 SCAC) fell 6-1, 10-2 to the Celts (6-3, 5-0 SCAC). The series finale was rained out on Sunday and a makeup date is TBD.

Centenary will be on the road this weekend in SCAC play to face the University of the Ozarks Eagles. The series begins on Friday with a doubleheader at 4 and 6 p.m. and concludes on Saturday with a single game at noon.

STUNT: The team was tested over the weekend in the Southern Nazarene Tournament as the Ladies played several tough matches inside the Sawyer Center.

In four matches, the Ladies fought hard to improve their performances and accomplish several goals which Centenary head coach Kaylee King considered “non-scoreboard wins” for the first-year program.

Centenary’s challenging schedule includes a mix of junior colleges, NAIA, and teams from all three NCAA divisions. The Ladies’ season is set to conclude on March 16.

MEN’S GOLF: Centenary finished 10th at the Space City Classic on Tuesday as the Gents opened their spring season in the event held at Gus Wortham Park Golf Course in Houston. Senior Andrew Bennett, an Airline product, led the way for the Gents as he shot a 9-over par 222 to finish 17th.

Centenary will return to action in the FST Pinecrest Invitational March 10-11 in Longview.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: The Ladies capped their season last weekend on the road with Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference losses at Austin College and the University of Dallas. Centenary finished 2-22 overall and 1-15 in SCAC play but one of the bright spots of the season was the play of freshman Shyanne Phillips.

Phillips closed her sensational rookie season with a pair of double-doubles last weekend and with her 14 rebounds in each game, she became the all-time program single-season leader in rebounding average (12.0, 14th this season in NCAA Division III). In 29 seasons of the program’s existence, Phillips stands alone above all other players whether Division I or Division III in the category. 

Phillips reached double figures 14 times this season, had 13 double-doubles (20th nationally), and recorded 14 double-digit rebounding performances. She is the second-leading rebounder in the conference and ranks in the top 10 in scoring (14.1 PPG) and was the Ladies’ season leader in both categories.

She scored 20+ points three times, shot 43.6 percent from the floor, 73.3 percent from the free-throw line, and was in the top 15 in the conference in blocked shots, shooting aim from the field and free throw line.

Phillips’ 277 rebounds are the second-most in by a Centenary player in the Division III era (2012-present) and she scored 324 points to rank 10th in the program’s D3 era.

MEN’S BASKETBALL: The Gents’ season ended with an 88-68 loss to the Dallas Crusaders on Saturday evening in league play in Irving, Texas. The Gents finished 6-19 overall and 4-12 in SCAC play.

The Gents, the defending conference tournament champions, were picked fourth in the SCAC preseason poll but uncharacteristically struggled and finished the season on an 11-game losing streak and will miss the SCAC Tournament for the first time in the D3 era. Centenary suffered its first losing season under eighth-year head coach Chris Dorsey.

Contact Patrick at pmeehan@centenary.edu


BPCC baseball opens Region 14 with split against Navarro

JOURNAL SPORTS

In an exciting doubleheader on opening weekend in Region 14 play, Bossier Parish Community College split at Navarro College, showcasing both offensive power and pitching prowess.

In the first game last Saturday, Bossier Parish notched a 9-6 win. Andy Roman led the offensive charge with three hits, including a powerful home run. Hayden Stringfellow also contributed a homer, adding to the Cavaliers’ impressive display at the plate. Daniel Pinkerton chipped in with two hits.

On the mound, Ben McKinnon started strong, going three innings and allowing just two runs while striking out four. The bullpen, featuring Jaden Bahl, Zander Bretza, and Brandon Levy, played a crucial role in securing the win, shutting down Navarro’s offense in the later innings.

However, the second game proved to be a tougher challenge for Bossier Parish in a 6-0 loss.  Tyrus Hall had a standout performance at the plate for BPCC, collecting three hits. Andy Roman, Gianluca Montanaro, Parker Gwyn, and Dylan Biddick each contributed a hit, but the Cavaliers’ offense struggled to generate runs. 

Garett Blanchard started on the mound, pitching three innings and allowing four runs. Jake Skelly provided solid relief to keep the game within reach. Bryson Menard and Cameron Williams each pitched an inning of relief, but Navarro’s pitching staff managed to keep Bossier Parish scoreless.

Tuesday on the road at UA Rich Mountain in Mena, Ark.,, the Cavaliers fell 9-5 with the home team scoring five in the bottom of the seventh and adding an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth.

Bossier Parish (9-4) is back in action today continuing conference play with a 1 p.m. doubleheader at Panola College.


Why do anglers feel the need to cheat?

Times sure have changed here on Walton’s Mountain as bass tournaments have become a magnet for anglers looking to cash a check and make some money — illegally. In a few cases, it’s just about fulfilling their ego by being the so-called “best” angler on their designated lake. These are anglers who want you to think that they are the best fisherman on the planet! Let’s look at why cheating has become the preferred technique when it comes to tournament bass fishing. 

If I had to speculate on why this has become a problem nationwide, I would first look at the money involved. Bass tournaments today are offering some big money and prize packages. For example, the Bob Sealy Big Bass Splash Series offers a prize package valued at over $100,000 for the biggest bass caught in their event. THAT’S $100,000 FOR JUST ONE FISH!

Numerous trails with both team and individual formats are offering anywhere from $10,000 up to $75,000 for first place. But the cheaters aren’t just showing up at these major tournaments, they’re also backing their boats in the water at your local Thursday night three-hour shootouts, which is really sad! 

If it’s not for money, then what other reason would someone have to cheat? For guys that like to race, it’s the need for speed that’s the addiction, but for bass anglers fishing for a couple of hundred dollars on a three-hour event in the middle of the week, I’m still trying to wrap my brain around the reason for cheating.  

Once you’ve been labeled a cheater in the bass tournament world, your reputation is gone, and everyone knows the kind of person you really are. It’s just not worth losing your pride and dignity. 

Are the anglers who cheat just a sign of the times and the world we are living in? A lot of people today are looking for a shortcut and don’t want to earn their keep. Not many people want to work for what they have! They either want it given to them or they will cheat to get what they think they deserve. 

I’ve even witnessed, first-hand, guys who thought it was OK to cheat in a golf tournament by turning in a score that wasn’t a true reflection of their actual score. This was all for a $200 gift card to the local pro shop! This seems to be especially prevalent with the younger generation, which is very disturbing to me. 

Where have we gone wrong with raising kids that think it’s OK to cheat or stretch the truth, or is it a “social media” thing?  Now we just might be onto something here, as both young and old people love to post their accomplishments on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok. I guess they think it gives them instant fame and credibility on their ability to achieve success. 

All I know is this — IT HAS TO STOP! People who fall into the “cheaters” category need to be taken out behind the woodshed and taught a lesson. I’m wondering when the day will come where tournament anglers take a page from the NASCAR guys and hold kangaroo courts in the parking lot. 

The next thing that must happen is when these guys get caught cheating and committing fraud: judges need to come down harder on them with automatic jail time and a lifetime ban from fishing tournaments. All fishing tackle including rods and reels, their bass boat and any other equipment needs to be forfeited. 

I’m personally tired of going to tournaments and asking the question, “did they cheat or was their catch legitimate?” The problem is that no event is immune from someone cheating. Even the Fishers of Men Tournament Trail, a Christian anglers tournament trail, has delt with this issue lately. How sad is it that someone thinks it’s OK to cheat in a Fishers of Men event!

Besides the issues with forward facing sonar, cheating is just another reason honest anglers are walking away from bass tournaments and refusing to pony up entry fees. They’re tired of worrying about that two percent of anglers out there that don’t want to play by the rules. Both issues are having a negative effect on tournament organizations trying to provide a reputable bass fishing trail.

Here’s my concern. One day something bad is going to happen to one of these low-life cheaters when they show up at an event and anglers decide to take matters into their own hands. I just hope they have good medical insurance! 

‘Til next time, keep your boots dry and your hooks wet. And remember, if you must cheat to win, you’re really a loser!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com


Ponderings: how and why questions

By Doug De Graffenried

Right now, I have a laptop where it belongs. I am composing this wonderful tome for you sitting in my recliner. To the right of my keyboard is a numeric keypad. I rarely use the calculator function. It seems I only use the numbers for my passwords. Next to my laptop on the arm of the chair is my cell phone. Of course, on the table next to the cell phone is the remote for the TV. I have a laptop, cell phone, and an iPad all within reach. I think for Lent I need to give up being connected or maybe go on a digital diet.

Do you remember when phones were attached to the wall, had chords, and rotary dials? If you had to make the rare long-distance phone call, it took quite a while with that rotary dial phone. Yes, I do remember party lines. A party line was a vast treasure trove of information for the community, not that anyone ever listened to a party line call.

Cell phones are everywhere now. You can’t escape them. It seems they are always going off in church, at weddings, and even at funerals. Yes, we are all secretly laughing at that dumb ring tone you have set as your default for your phone. There are some things that can’t be unheard over the hushed crowd at the funeral.

So, I am looking at the numbers on my phone. One, two and three are across the top line of the phone. On the computer keypads one, two, and three are across the bottom. I have noticed this same phenomenon at ATM’s and gas pump numeric pads. I’m wondering why. Why can’t all the numeric keypads have the same arrangement?

Whoever oversees numbers, could you get together so there will be only one pattern on these number pads? It is very confusing to those of us who use both.

As a minister people often ask me “why?” I will tell you that ministers mostly can’t answer why questions. Those are management questions. We minister types are pretty good at answering “how” questions. So, if you are dealing with some “why” event in your life, I invite you to church we can talk about “how” you can live through your “why.”


Caddo Parish student named finalist for Louisiana Student of the Year

Mary Mack Thornton
Caddo Parish Public Schools are beyond proud to celebrate Mary Mack Thornton for being named a finalist in the elementary division of Louisiana Student of the Year.
 
This incredible honor means Mary Mack has already won at the school, district, zone, and regional levels — and now, she’s competing for the state title.
 
Selected from top students across Louisiana, Mary Mack has impressed at every level with her academic excellence, leadership, character, and service to her school and community. Her achievements, writing, and interview skills have set her apart, and CPPS knows she will shine in the final stage of competition.

February 26: On This Day – the birth of Johnny Cash

On this day in history, February 26, 1932, one of America’s most iconic musicians was born—Johnny Cash. Known as “The Man in Black,” Cash’s music transcended genres, blending country, rock, blues, and gospel into a sound that resonated with generations of fans.

A Life in Music

Born in Kingsland, Arkansas, Cash grew up during the Great Depression, an experience that deeply influenced his storytelling style. His breakthrough came in the 1950s with hits like I Walk the Line and Folsom Prison Blues, which showcased his deep voice and signature boom-chicka-boom rhythm.

Over his decades-long career, Cash recorded over 1,500 songs, won 13 Grammy Awards, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame—a rare and prestigious honor.

His Legacy Lives On

Even after his passing in 2003, Cash’s influence remains strong. His music continues to inspire artists across multiple genres, and his story is immortalized in the 2005 film Walk the Line. On this special anniversary of his birth, fans around the world are revisiting his greatest hits and reflecting on the legacy of one of music’s greatest storytellers.


Notice of Death – February 25, 2025

Dr. Darrell Lynn Fitts
March 7, 1945 – February 21, 2025
Service: Saturday, March 1, 2025, 1pm at Rose-Neath Funeral Home Southside, Shreveport. 

Wanda “Susie” Jelks
August 11, 1957 – February 21, 2025
Service: Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 12pm 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.

Lawrence Holland
April 19, 1930 – February 18, 2025
Service: Saturday, March 1, 2025, 11am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Shreveport. 

Chester “Chuck” Milczarski
September 13, 1938 – February 18, 2025
Service: Thursday, February 27, 2025, 3pm at Aulds Funeral Home, 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.

Sherry Lynn Netherland
June 19, 1971 – February 13, 2025
Service: Thursday, February 27, 2025, 11am at Aulds Funeral Home, 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.  

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)