February 25, 2024
Month: February 2025
Megan Delgado wins 40 Under 40 in Economic Development Award
Megan Delgado, Senior Project Manager at the North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP), has been announced as a recipient of the 2025 Economic Development 40 Under 40 Award, the biennial award recognizing rising stars under 40 years old in the economic development industry.
The awards program is hosted by Development Counsellors International (DCI), a New York-based integrated marketing firm that works with economic development and travel organizations around the globe, and Jorgenson Pace, Inc, a leading national executive search firm serving organizations in non-profit, economic and community development industries. An independent selection committee of six economic development leaders and site selection consultants evaluated nominations based on the demonstration of strong leadership, commitment and innovation every day in the workplace.
“Economic development is a purpose-driven field that shapes communities worldwide, and young professionals are at the heart of that impact,” said Julie Curtin, president of DCI’s economic development practice. “These 40 rising stars are driving change through their innovation, commitment, and leadership. Their contributions are already making a difference, and I’m excited to see how they continue to shape the industry in the years to come.”
“Megan is one of the most talented and detailed oriented project managers I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Her tenacity and work ethic are second to none,” says Justyn Dixon, President and CEO of North Louisiana Economic Partnership. “This combination makes her an invaluable asset to not only NLEP, but our entire region. Congratulations Megan, we are very proud of you!”
Megan Delgado is a Senior Project Manager for NLEP’s Business Development Program, where she oversees the timely completion and successful submission of responses to requests for proposals. She also plays a key role in strengthening NLEP’s project management support for potential prospects.
With a strong background in quality control, process improvement, and project development, Megan brings a detail-oriented and results-driven approach to every project. She holds certifications as a Six Sigma Green Belt and Lean Practitioner, using her expertise to enhance efficiency and streamline operations within NLEP.
Megan earned her MBA in Project Management from Louisiana State University Shreveport and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Midwestern State University. She is currently working toward earning her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and will begin the International Economic Development Council’s (IEDC) Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certification program in Fall 2025.
As the economic development industry continues to evolve, these emerging leaders are rising to meet new challenges with expertise and innovation,” said Todd Jorgenson, managing director and principal of Jorgenson Pace, Inc. “Congratulations to this year’s 40 honorees—your leadership is making a lasting impact on both your communities and the industry at large.”
Award winners were announced Sunday at a reception hosted by DCI and Jorgenson at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) 2025 Leadership Summit, the only conference held exclusively for Certified Economic Developers and senior managers in the profession.
For more information on the 40 Under 40 awards program and this year’s winners, visit https://aboutdci.com/insights/40-under-40/.
What’s Your Story? Billy Weatherall, Army Veteran, Owner-Christ Fit Gym
Each week, the Shreveport-Bossier Journal’s Tony Taglavore takes to lunch a local person – someone who is well-known, successful, and/or influential, and asks, “What’s Your Story?”
By TONY TAGLAVORE, Journal Services
He was 20 years old, more than 7,000 miles from home, and perched on a mountain top, shaking from the freezing cold.
“Everybody needed me because I could see everything at night. I never really got any sleep, because everybody was always, ‘Weatherall, Weatherall, Weatherall, Weatherall.’ Everybody’s needing me because I can see thermal images. I can see through huts. I can see in caves
He was smart, therefore chosen to learn and operate a fancy piece of equipment which allowed him to see what his naked eye could not.
“One night, one of the guys said, ‘Hey Billy, come over here and tell me what you got.’”
Billy had his sights on a hut, 300 meters to his north. He could see movement but couldn’t see who was moving. Billy notified his Lieutenant and first Sergeant.
“Ya’ll watch it until morning,” Billy was told. “If someone comes out, shoot them. But if not, wait until first light and then we will shoot it.”
The sun came up, and “We shot it up. I could see (people) drop, drop, drop.”
Billy’s fellow soldiers who had pulled their guns’ triggers went down the mountain to see who they had killed.
“They go in this hut, and then they come out. The black guy was white. (Another guy) had his weapon down. (Another guy) had his weapon down.”
No one was celebrating.
“They’re not answering on the radio. ‘Hey guys, give me a sit rep (Situation report). Give me sit rep.’ They’re not saying anything. They’re just walking up the mountain.”
The soldiers reached Billy and told him what they found.
“We just killed nothing but women and children. That was a safe haven for those kids.”
43-year-old Billy Weatherall, Army veteran and owner of Christ Fit Gym in Bossier City, told me that story, several other war stories, and his story, during lunch at a place he chose, Sushi Gen. Billy had Fried Dumplings, and Hibachi Style Steak & Shrimp, a Coke, and water. I had the Chicken Teriyaki plate, and water with lemon.
“Not really that bad,” Billy said when I asked how he took the news. “It was just war.”
Born in Bossier City, Billy was raised by his grandparents, who made sure Billy was in church Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, and Wednesday evenings. They adopted Billy – and eventually his two younger siblings – when he was just three years old, after Billy’s parents separated.
“I remember my mom was a hustler. She was always working. It was just really hard for her to maintain three kids.”
At Airline High School, Billy played football his first two years. But his grandparents weren’t big on sports. In fact, they weren’t big on education.
“They were just old school. They cared more about me working and less about school. I can’t remember a time they asked, “How’s your report card?”
But they did tell Billy if he wanted a car, he would have to buy one. So, Billy got a job. Not a part-time job. A full-time job. While in high school.
“When you start working 40 hours a week at Pizza Hut being 17 years old, I just got in with the wrong crew. I started hanging out with people, doing drugs, and went down a real bad path.”
But Billy had always wanted to be in the military. So, while still in school, he joined the Army through its Delayed Entry Program. Then, In June 2000, the day after Billy returned from a senior trip to Mexico, he was off to bootcamp. A few months later, on the heels of the 9-11 terror attacks, Billy was on a plane, off to destination unknown.
“Everybody is wondering where we are going. The commander got up and said, ‘We’re going to Uzbekistan, and we’re looking for a guy named Bin Laden.’ That’s all he could tell us.”
After a couple of months training, Billy and his fellow young guns – part of Operation Anaconda – climbed into a Chinook helicopter bound for Afghanistan’s Shah-i-Kot Valley. For them, the war was about to get real.
“My hands were shaking. I will never forget it. One of the guys sitting by me bumped me and said, ‘Bill, I think I just pissed in my pants.’ That’s how scared we were.”
Remember when you turned 21? So does Billy. But your memories and his are likely very different.
”I just remember crying. I could be at home, eating Taco Bell, and in a warm bed. Hanging out, sleeping around with women. Going to college. What have I done? It was a crucible moment. Anytime I look back, life can’t get any worse than that. There’s no possible way. It was the lowest you could ever be. You’re hungry. You’re tired. You’re surrounded by death. It was a lot. It was a lot.”
After six years of active duty, (“I was part of a lot of killing. A lot of killing.”) including tours in Africa and Iraq, Billy’s time in the Army was done, and not a moment too soon.
“I literally tore off the rear-view mirror of my car. That symbolized ‘I’m never looking back at this place.’”
But Billy, like many of those who have fought in war, had trouble adjusting.
“I was miserable. I tried to get a job in construction. The guy comes up one day – I’m cleaning up a house – and he just yells at me. Just tears me up from top to bottom. I’m just shaking, I’m so mad. I’m thinking, ‘Do you know who I am?’ In my head, I’m thinking, ‘Dude, I come from operating multi-million-dollar equipment. I’m a war hero.’ I’m thinking, ‘F-U.’”
Billy moved in with his sister, but that didn’t keep him from, well, being Billy.
“I get home and it’s just party central. I’m going out. I’m bringing strippers to the house. I hear my sister on the phone one night. ‘Mom, Billy is losing it. I’m very concerned about Billy. Please pray for him.’”
Billy convinced himself he was a burden to those who loved him. So, he made a plan. And Billy always went through with his plan.
“What a piece of crap I was. I was going to kill myself in the house. I had everything ready to go. I had a Jimenez 9 mm pistol. I was going to drink a 12-pack. Then, I was going to end it right there. I was sitting on the futon. I had the gun right there. I had a camouflage bible I used as a coaster. Here I am, a kid who used to go to church, and I am so pissed off at God. I’m just angry. If God is really real, I’ve got a lot of questions for him.”
But for the first time, Billy didn’t go through with his plan.
“I’m drinking one last beer from the 12-pack. I put the beer on the bible. I pick up the Jimenez 9mm pistol and put it to my head. I just look at the bible. I’m not joking with you – I’m maybe a half pound of pressure from squeezing the trigger, and I just broke down and started crying. I said, ‘Lord, if you’re real, I will give you my life. I will never do drugs again. I will never touch another drop of alcohol. If you’re real, save me. If you save me, I will devote my life to doing whatever you want me to do.”
Eventually, Billy felt the Lord wanted him to open a free, Christian gym. But Billy didn’t have the money. He didn’t have a business plan. All he had was faith.
“He just laughed in my face,” Billy said of the man who owned the building Billy agreed to rent for $2,500 a month. “He said, ‘Tell me how this is going to work?’ I said, ‘If God is for me, who can be against me?’”
Billy’s faith was tested early, when he was, oh, $2,500 short the first time rent was due. So, Billy did all he knew to do. Billy called into his office a co-worker who, despite being a non-believer, agreed to pray with Billy.
“God, I have done everything you’ve asked me to do. I have gotten rid of everything. I have sold everything. I have done exactly what you’ve told me to do. Now, you’ve freakin’ left me. It’s the last day of the month. I promised this guy I would give him $2,500 dollars. I’ve been faithful with my money. What the heck? I need $2,500 dollars, and I need it now! Amen.”
Before sundown, a man walked into Billy’s office.
“Billy, God put this on my heart. I just want to give it to you.”
It was an envelope – with a $2,500 check.
And that non-believer who prayed with Billy? He was convinced he had seen a miracle, and right then and there, gave his life to the Lord.
Christ Fit Gym, a non-profit which relies on donations, has led Billy to owning a thrift store, moving company, and recycling company. With all that responsibility, I thought it best I let Billy get back to work. So, I asked my final question. As always, what has he learned in life that might be helpful to others?
“Jesus is who he says he is . . . . Open up God’s word and search. It says if you search for the Lord with all your heart, you will find him. A lot of people feel like in giving up that life of drinking and drugs and sex and lust, they’re going to lose something. I didn’t lose anything. In order for you to gain your life, you must first lose it. I didn’t truly start living until I gave my heart to the Lord.”
Do you know someone with a story? Email SBJTonyT@gmail.com.
The Journal’s weekly “What’s Your Story?” series is sponsored by Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers.
SPD vows transparency in response to recent assault case
The Shreveport Police Department is addressing misinformation circulating in various media markets regarding a recent assault case.
SPD officers and SFD medics responded to an assault and battery call at 400 Commerce Street on Jan. 26, at approximately 5:38am. Upon arrival, officers found an unconscious white male victim with severe facial and head injuries. Trevor Moses (DB: 04/07/1999) was arrested for second-degree battery in connection with this incident. Contrary to false reports, he has not been arrested for murder or manslaughter and is NOT currently in jail.
On Feb. 15, at approximately 12:15am, the victim succumbed to his injuries, and the case was elevated to a homicide investigation. Preliminary findings indicate that Moses and the other male had just left the Sand Bar on Spring Street when an altercation began. There were multiple physical altercations at different locations, with the final assault occurring on Commerce Street.
This case is complex, and the Shreveport Police Department is working closely with the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office to ensure a fair and impartial legal process. It’s important to clarify that the other individual involved in this incident was not arrested because he is deceased.
SPD urges the public to rely on verified information from credible sources rather than misleading reports that create unnecessary division.
SPD remains committed to transparency and justice as this case moves forward.
BCPD releases crime statistics for 2024
The Bossier City Police Department released its comparative crime statistics for the year 2024. Mayor Chandler and Police Chief Daniel Haugen were pleased to report that in every category except one the numbers were down. Chief Haugen said that the decrease in crime is an indication of an increase in good policing and community involvement.
Mayor Chandler said that public safety is his top priority. He is pleased that there was a marked decrease in crime in Bossier City. Chief Haugen said that his department will continue to work every day to keep crime rates as low as possible while working towards his goal to make Bossier City the safest city in the state.
5 arrested during Centaur parade, 40+ cited for underage drinking
This year’s Krewe of Centaur parade saw an increase in security and police presence. As a result, the Shreveport Police Department arrested five people during the festivities while potentially helping to prevent worse incidents.
Police say one of the main issues they focused on this year was underage drinking. As a result, more than 40 individuals were cited for underage drinking during the parade.
But what was more concerning, police reported, was that several of these people were also armed – and alcohol and guns aren’t a good combo.
Some of the more serious arrests made include Caleb Mitchell, who was arrested for negligent carrying of a handgun after allegedly trying to brandish the gun before dropping it.
Kaden Lee was arrested following a fight. He allegedly resisted arrest, and a gun was found in his waistband. He was changed with simple battery, resisting an officer with force or violence, negligent carrying of a handgun, and interfering with a law enforcement investigation.
Corey Barlow was cited for underage drinking. He was reportedly found to be in possession of a stolen handgun and marijuana.
Blaine Nielsen was arrested for underage drinking and resisting an officer. He was also found to be in possession of marijuana. Consequently, Nielsen faces charges of possession of alcohol by a person under 21, resisting an officer, possession of marijuana and disturbing the peace by intoxication.
Ashley Lowery was arrested for simple battery and public intoxication after police had to break up a fight.
3 arrests made in connection with Oil City robbery following single-car accident
Three men have been arrested in connection with a robbery on the morning of Feb. 23 in Oil City.
CSPO reported that the robbery occurred at approximately 8:30am and occurred in the 100 block of Pines St.
The victim in this case reported that three men had broken into his home and repeatedly struck him in the head with a weapon until he lost consciousness. CPSO reports that the thieves took a gaming console, a handgun, and some cash.
Not long after the robbery, authorities were called out to a single-vehicle rollover accident in the 5700 block of Belcher/Oil City Rd. Upon arrival at the accident, officers discovered that the accident victims matched the descriptions of the robbery suspects.
Deputies found a black backpack containing a gaming console and a gun that matched the description of the victim’s handgun in the vehicle, authorities said.
Arrested were Sastavion Stefan Polk, 29, and Lorenzo Lamond Oliver, 43, both of Shreveport. Both men reportedly admitted to being in the area at the time of the armed robbery.
Polk faces charges with one count each of armed robbery, possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of a stolen firearm. Oliver is charged with one count of armed robbery. Both have been booked into Caddo Correctional Center.
Charles Ray Watson Jr., 31, of Dallas, also was taken to Caddo Correctional Center owing to three outstanding warrants from Garrison County, TX. These warrants relate to charges of escape while arrested, confined felony, and evading arrest. Authorities said further charges are pending against him as a consequence of the robbery.
NSU math majors compete at regional MAA meeting
NATCHITOCHES –Northwestern State University students Masen Starks of Many, Shannon Boone of Pitkin and Natalie Sutton of Bossier City, from left, competed in Integration Bee and the Student Team Competition at the Louisiana/Mississippi section of the Mathematical Association of America meeting last week. The math majors qualified in the first round of the Integration Bee with Starks coming in second of 59 students during qualifiers. All three competed in the student team competition against 20 teams from 13 colleges.
The Mathematics Association of America is the world’s largest community of mathematicians, students and enthusiasts. The organization furthers understanding of the world through mathematics. Information on NSU’s Division of Mathematics is available at https://www.nsula.edu/
No. 11 Lady Gators pull road upset, four local teams defend homecourts in Round 2 games
Local results Monday night in the bi-district round of the LHSAA girls basketball playoffs, followed by quarterfinal pairings:
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
QUARTERFINAL PAIRINGS
Denham Springs (No. 8 seed) at Parkway (1)
Barbe (5) at Haughton (4)
Lafayette (12) at Huntington (4)
Calvary Baptist (8) at Lafayette Christian (1)
Top-seeded Calvary leads 10 local boys teams into LHSAA basketball playoffs beginning Friday
The LHSAA announced the playoff brackets for the boys basketball state tournaments on Monday, and 10 local teams are in the field.
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.
First-round games are Friday, with Parkway, Huntington, Captain Shreve, Bossier, and Green Oaks playing at home.
NON-SELECT
Division I
No. 28 Airline (11-18) at No. 8 Sulphur (26-5)
No. 18 Fontainebleau (18-6) at No. 15 Parkway (18-11)
Division II
No. 27 St. Martinville (15-18) at No. 6 Bossier (17-10)
Division III
No. 17 Doyle (20-9) at No. 16 Green Oaks (15-10)
SELECT
Division I
No. 22 East Jefferson (18-15) at No. 11 Huntington (21-8)
No. 21 Carencro (9-11) at No. 12 Captain Shreve (19-11)
No. 23 Evangel (13-16) at No. 10 Rummel (18-9)
Division II
No. 20 Booker T. Washington (18-10) at No. 13 University Lab-Baton Rouge (17-9)
Division III
No. 1 Calvary (25-3), bye
No. 23 North Caddo (14-16) at No. 10 Thomas Jefferson (20-8)
Sometimes it’s tough to breathe easy
There are some inconvenient truths to things we discover along this adulting path.
My latest: VapoRub doesn’t clear up congestion. I looked it up. The Mayo Clinic flat out debunks the belief that coating your chest and throat with VapoRub will alleviate nasal congestion, and a range of other experts agree.
It “does not directly act as a decongestant, but provides a cooling sensation that makes you feel that you are breathing better,” says The Health Aisle.
But it was a go-to salve for Mother Ireland back when it was OK for your mom to paste that goo on your chest. And it did seem to help. But not the way I hoped when I bought a jar Sunday evening, besieged by the crud. Hadn’t tried it in decades but if ever there was reason to change starting quarterbacks/over the counter treatments, this was the time.
About 24 hours later, I’m still missing that “cooling sensation” that tricks me into thinking this gunk is going away and my coughing is about to run its course. Evidently VapoRub is more effective for the vast majority – wonder if RFK Junior approves? – but not in my case.
Sports can have the same soothing effect.
Who doesn’t feel better when your team wins? We’re enthralled watching, whether in the stands or on TV or on your phone or iPad. Not much else comes to mind for quite a while after the final score is posted – unless you’ve made some bad wagers – and it’s nice not to wonder if you might need a payment plan to buy eggs, or if we’re going to attack Greenland.
But just like the reality that VapoRub is just tricking us – not totally terrible – some truth about watching our teams is unsettling.
We are creatures of habit. I sat in my easy chair, dabbing VapoRub on my upper torso in vain, scanning sports channels Monday night. I pay a monthly subscription fee for the ESPN+ platform, which if I dive in gives me a bottomless buffet of games and programs.
The television sports galaxy is shifting. ESPN just called ballgame on its contract to carry Major League Baseball, backing out of the last three years, looking to negotiate a more favorable deal. Since 1990, ESPN had long been the backbone of MLB coverage but recently, the “World Wide Leader” has withdrawn to carrying 30 regular-season games, the Wild Card Series, the Home Run Derby and 10 spring training games.
Here are numbers to take your breath away: ESPN will pay an average of $1.4 billion when its new 11-year NBA contract begins next season. The Mouse (owned by Disney) forks over an average of $2.4 billion annual for its NFL rights running through 2032.
Who pays for that? Advertisers, and us. Only for the Super Bowl do networks sell spots for $8 million. Advertisers will still bear a big part of the load, but we need to brace for the approaching age of pay-per-view sports – all kinds of sports, but particularly major college and pro games.
Have you “cut the cord” yet from cable TV and gone to streaming all of what you watch? You will in a few years. Won’t have a choice if you’re going to watch the Saints, Cowboys, Texans (hardly anyone mentions the Texans, and they’re just as close to us as our longstanding favorites), the Mavs, Stars, Rockets, Pelicans, Astros, Rangers and the Tigers, Longhorns, Aggies, Razorbacks, Crimson Tide, and the other big names in college sports.
That revenue will be split between the carriers and the teams involved. LSU, Texas, Bama and the rest will have to generate the salary pool for their athletes, who will still be students but will make more money than nearly every one of their professors and some of their coaches.
Court rulings will soon decide if college athletes are truly employees and if so, will require benefits to be provided. Funding that inevitability? Your credit card, and mine, one way or another.
As that quantum shift takes place, major colleges are establishing scholarship scales that work their way down from full support of the major revenue-producing teams (football, perhaps basketball, and maybe a handful of others at the super powers) to a trickle of funding – if any at all – for too many of what are generally called “Olympic sports.”
President Trump may be able to band-aid the situation – but that’s not fair to the athletes who have only recently gotten compensated with anything legal more than cost of attendance and that foundational principal, a full scholarship.
All that can get your head spinning. But breathe easy, something will work out eventually – and if it doesn’t, there’s always VapoRub.
Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com
Choosing Mount Rushmore of Louisiana sports
In the wake of Presidents’ Day, which is often promoted with a picture of Mount Rushmore, I am proposing a Mt. Rushmore for Louisiana sports legends.
But here’s the problem. There are four presidents on Mt. Rushmore, and so I want to keep my selection to four people, rather than add a fifth. Or plead the fifth.
I want to limit the choices to people who are no longer active in their sport so their legacy has had time to settle, to ferment, to stand the test of time.
I’ve got three locked in, with their profiles ready to be sculpted, but I wavered on No. 4 before finally deciding.
My top three are: Eddie Robinson, Skip Bertman and Shaquille O’Neal.
Robinson coached football at Grambling from 1941-97, except for a two-year hiatus during World War II, and when he retired, he was the winningest coach in the history of college football with 408 wins. He died at age 88 in 2007. He still ranks third overall behind only John Gagliardi, who spent most of his coaching career a St. John’s in Minnesota, with 489 victories, and Penn State’s Joe Paterno (490).
What’s more, Robinson was one of the best ambassadors for not only Grambling but college football in general with his smile and wit and charm. He had a knack for making anyone he met feel like they were best friends. He may have been the most patriotic sports legend our state has ever had. He didn’t just teach football, he taught the values of hard work, courage and unselfishness he learned as a sharecropper’s son.
Bertman’s legacy as LSU’s baseball coach is unmatched, resurrecting a baseball program that was an afterthought (with a few exceptions) on campus until he got there. He guided the Tigers to five national championships, seven Southeastern Conference titles and 11 College World Series appearances in 18 years. Like Robinson in football, Bertman was an outstanding ambassador for college baseball. Skip was the key figure in making the SEC a baseball powerhouse conference, not to mention triggering the game’s surge of popularity in recent decades.
The charismatic O’Neal may be among the top 5-10 most recognizable people in the world after his brilliant basketball career that blossomed at LSU and climbed to an elite level in 19 years in the NBA. Standing 7-foot-1, 325 pounds, Shaq was a fierce competitor on the floor, playing for three NBA championship teams and 15 All-Star games, and with youngsters he is a gentle giant off the court. He is a member of both the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and he National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame and was voted among the NBA’s 75 Greatest Players.
Number 4? I thought about Archie Manning, Pete Maravich or Grambling/New York Knicks icon Willis Reed, or making an exception to my rule about no active participants and including Hammond hoops legend, former La. Tech women’s basketball star and current LSU coaching phenom and fashion queen Kim Mulkey.
My top three have what I called the “beloved” factor in addition to being superior achievers. That’s why I like Manning and Reed, for example. Young people, I’m sure, don’t appreciate what each of them meant to their team and their professional team’s city. Maravich, simply for his unbelievable, unprecedented and uncanny basketball skills in a life that tragically ended at age 40, must be considered.
But I’m siding with Archie Manning. He was nicknamed “Super-Manning” during his thrilling, heroic years at Ole Miss, and had he played for a top-notch NFL team, he’d have ranked among the all-time great QBs and made it to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton. As it was, he was the NFC Most Valuable Player in 1978, despite playing for a Saints team that finished 7-9.
After his playing career, he and his wife, Olivia, chose to make New Orleans his residence, and for 50 years they have been valuable citizens of the city. He owns a sports bar and grill, and just last week, the Children’s Hospital there was renamed the Manning Family Children’s Hospital, including sons Cooper, Peyton and Eli. Archie has also influenced and inspired many quarterbacks through relationships built over nearly three decades at the Manning Passing Academy each summer in Hammond.
Archie Manning is to New Orleans what the late Cardinals baseball great Stan Musial was to St. Louis. That’s why he gets my vote to be in this elite foursome. And my vote and a buck 25 will buy you a 5-ounce box of Whoppers.
Caddo Parks, Captain Shreve High School to host Caddo Parish Youth Baseball Skills and Drills Clinic
Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation in conjunction with the Captain Shreve High School Baseball Coach and baseball team will host the Caddo Parish Youth Baseball Skills and Drills Clinic on Wednesday, March 12, 6-8pm, at Captain Shreve High School Baseball Field.
This clinic will offer an opportunity for youth players ages 4-14 to participate in fundamental skills and drills covering selected areas of the game. Instruction will be provided by Todd Sharp, Captain Shreve High School Baseball Coaching Staff, and their players. Players are encouraged to bring their own gloves.
For more information contact Mary Murphy at 318-220-6284 / mmurphy@caddo.gov.
Remember This? Leslie’s Flag
by Brad Dison
During World War II, Leslie Townes was a civilian working with the United States military. Leslie was so skilled at his job that he led a group of sometimes as many as 30 other male and female civilians who also worked with the military. Leslie and his team went wherever they were needed, usually on short notice, and performed their jobs to perfection.
On April 30, 1945, when Soviet soldiers surrounded Hitler’s command bunker in Berlin and Hitler realized that Germany would lose the Battle of Berlin, he and several others in his bunker committed suicide. On May 2, the Berlin garrison surrendered to the Soviet army and the war in Europe was over. Leslie and his team had been working in Germany at the time the Soviets overran Berlin. Because of Leslie’s work, the Russians provided him with a pass and transportation to get into Berlin to see Hitler’s bunker. Remember, Russia was our ally during World War II. Leslie could not pass up the opportunity. Several Air Force men who had just returned from flying President Harry Truman to the Potsdam Conference accompanied Leslie to the bunker. Leslie said, “They drove me in a big car past all the rubble that used to be Berlin… There were all these Russian sentries guarding a big concrete dome sticking up out of the ground, covered by grass and mud, surrounded by huge bomb craters.” Leslie was shocked by what he saw inside. He said, “The place was a shambles, furniture scattered all around,” then added, “as if the last tenant had just gotten a divorce and his ex-wife had tried to take the rugs with her.”
Leslie and his Air Force escorts began collecting some of the smaller items from the bunker. The Russian guards made no attempt to stop them. The Russians had already rummaged through and collected what they considered valuable. Some of the items Leslie collected from Hitler’s bunker included stationary with Adolph Hitler’s initials and the handle from Hitler’s toilet. While the Air Force men collected other items, one of them noticed Leslie staring at a large swastika flag which covered one whole wall. As Leslie contemplated what that flag represented as he stood just feet from where the dictator met his demise by his own hand, one of the airmen said, “would you like to have that?” Leslie was a little doubtful. He did not want to leave the swastika flag flying as Hitler had left it, but he was unsure how they would get it out of the bunker. Finally, the airmen rolled it up from the floor to the ceiling and removed it from its fasteners. They folded it as well as they could. The guard, who had paid little attention to them until now, was watching their every move. The airmen gave the guard a couple packs of American cigarettes. In return, the guard gave them an iron cross that he had found in the bunker. Leslie referred to this as the first post-war Russian-American trade pact. As the guard lit a cigarette, Leslie and the airmen left Hitler’s bunker with Leslie’s large swastika flag. Leslie’s plan was to display the items in a museum.
Following the war, Leslie’s work with the U.S. military continued until his retirement in 1991. He had worked with the military for 50 years. In 1997, Congress passed a bill that made him an honorary veteran of the Armed Forces. Leslie was the first American to be so honored by Congress. During the presentation at the Capitol Rotunda, Senator Strom Thurmond presented a resolution which referred to Leslie as, “a great man, a great American, a great entertainer.” The man who took Hitler’s flag from his bunker, who led his troupe of performers around the world entertaining the soldiers for 50 years, was Leslie Townes “Bob” Hope.
Sources:
1. Bob Hope with Melville Shavelson, Don’t Shoot, It’s Only Me (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, New York, 1990), 48.
2. The Times and Democrat (Orangeburg, South Carolina), October 30, 1997, p.3.
2025 NWLA Job Fair to be held March 4-5
The Bossier Chamber of Commerce invites veterans, military spouses, and civilians looking to join the workforce or make a career change to the Northwest Louisiana Job Fair on March 4 and 5 at the Bossier Civic Center.
This two day event will begin with “Job Readiness: A Prelude to Career Success” on day one and a full job fair on day two. Preference will be given to military veterans and spouses.
For more information on the fair and/or to register as an attendee or exhibitor, visit this link.
National Clam Chowder Day – a look at America’s love for this classic comfort food
Today, February 25, food lovers across the country are celebrating National Clam Chowder Day, a tribute to one of America’s most beloved and enduring comfort foods. Whether you prefer the creamy New England-style chowder or the tomato-based Manhattan variety, there’s no denying that this dish has a rich history and a special place in American cuisine.
The History of Clam Chowder
Clam chowder has roots tracing back to the early 18th century when settlers along the Eastern Seaboard incorporated shellfish into hearty stews. The dish quickly gained popularity in coastal communities, with Boston becoming synonymous with the thick and creamy New England clam chowder. Meanwhile, in New York, a different version emerged—Manhattan clam chowder—distinguished by its tomato base and vegetable-heavy ingredients.
How Clam Chowder Became a National Favorite
By the 20th century, clam chowder had become a staple in American households and restaurants. In 1939, the state of Maine even tried to outlaw the use of tomatoes in chowder, demonstrating just how passionately people feel about their preferred versions.
Celebrating with a Bowl of Chowder
Restaurants and seafood shacks nationwide are offering special deals today in honor of National Clam Chowder Day. Whether you make your own at home or enjoy a bowl at a local seafood spot, it’s the perfect dish to warm up with during the colder months.
Notice of Death – February 24, 2025
Wanda “Susie” Jelks
August 11, 1957 – February 21, 2025
Service: Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 12pm at Rose-Neath Funeral Home Southside, Shreveport.
Elizabeth Bruister Leslie
February 5, 1934 – February 21, 2025
Service: Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 2pm at Rose-Neath Cemetery, Bossier City.
Mary Vivian Lee
April 19, 1927 – February 20, 2025
Service: Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 10am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 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.
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.
Pastor James Clark
May 8, 1948 – February 16, 2025
Service: Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 12pm at Greater New Zion Mission Baptist Church, Shreveport.
Clarence “Dick” Wentworth
January 6, 1936 – February 14, 2025
Service: Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 11am at Rose-Neath Cemetery, Bossier City.
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)
February 24, 2024
Notes from BPPJ’s recent meetings on future residential developments, road/subdivision regulation
The Bossier Parish Police Jury shared notes from two key meetings held in the last week. In response to the valuable input received from the public during Tuesday’s Future Residential Development Meeting and Wednesday’s Road/Subdivision Regulation Committee meeting, the jurors proactively decided to extend the 90-day moratorium for an additional 90 days starting March 3.
Parish Attorney Patrick Jackson stated that the extended time frame allows the jury and staff to continue working on the details, which will better inform the public and developers about the situation.
“If a parcel of land is included and is partially outside of the boundary lines, the moratorium will apply to the entirety of the property until we come back with more information that will best address all the concerns addressed by the public,” Jackson said.
The moratorium will continue to exclude minor and amended subdivisions and any that have received preliminary plat approval. The jury elected to allow any developer with an approved master plan by the Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) and the Bossier Parish Police Jury and an approved Phase One to continue developing their projects. It does not apply to commercial, industrial, and minor subdivision developments, being two lots or less.
The Police Jury issued the first moratorium on Dec. 4, 2024, and amended it on Dec. 18, 2024.
Jury President Glenn Benton presented a proclamation to the family of the late “Coach” Bob Brotherton, who served as District 1 Police Juror since 2012.
Part of the proclamation read, “The Bossier Parish Police Jury does hereby honor Coach Brotherton for his life of service to our community, the countless lives he mentored through coaching, and the profound impact he made in Bossier Parish.”
“You know how much he loved you all,” said Coach Brotherton’s wife, Mrs. Billie Jo, as she thanked everyone for their support while leaving the jury room.
The Jury appointed Mr. Donald “Cotton” O’Neal and Retired Col. Gene Barattini to the Bossier Parish Communications District No. 1 Board of Directors for a four-year to expire on March 1, 2029.
Parish Administrator Dr. Ken Ward presented the jury with the Partner of the Year 2024 plaque from the Bossier Chamber of Commerce. The plaque will be displayed in the Police Jury’s Conference Room.
SBJ Lunch Review: The Crabby Crawfish
Frequently, the Shreveport-Bossier Journal’s always-hungry reporter has lunch at a local restaurant and tells you about the experience.
By ANON E. MUSS, Journal Services
I don’t like the cold, and I don’t like to be cold. So, February really isn’t my month.
Add in the fact we’ve still got a couple of weeks until it doesn’t get dark at three o’clock (okay, a bit of an exaggeration), and I’ve been feeling a bit crabby lately.
So, what better time to check out a relatively new place called The Crabby Crawfish (8680 Youree Drive, Shreveport)?
On a recent Wednesday, I invited a friend to join me. He had eaten dinner there once and really enjoyed it. We have pretty much the same tastes, so my expectations were high.
When parking, the first things I noticed – you can’t help but notice – were two beautifully-painted murals. One was on the front wall, and one on the outside wall facing Youree. Because of the way it sits, the restaurant needed some attention-getting signage, and they succeeded. If you go, be sure and get an up close look at the talents of whoever did the work. Very impressive.
On the inside, The Crabby Crawfish was extremely clean and neat. You know how sometimes you go to a restaurant and everything looks scattered? I found this restaurant to be just the opposite. Everything had a place, and everything was in its place, from condiments, to the plastic utensil dispenser, to paper towel rolls on the tables. I felt like The Crabby Crawfish was a place where I would want to eat.
While we’re talking atmosphere, I noticed there were several (quite a few, actually), dollar bills tacked to the walls. Most of them had some type of handwriting. I thought they were there for the taking, but before helping myself, I asked our server. She said no, they were not there for the taking (darn it!). People are encouraged to leave a dollar and write a note. Well, my money is too hard to come by, so I wasn’t interested in coughing up a buck to put on a wall, but those who did contributed to something you don’t normally see.
The Crabby Crawfish is an order-at-the-counter-and-they-will-bring-your-food place. Its menu has Appetizers, Boiled Seafood, Platters, Special Dishes, Po-Boys, and Desserts. It also offers a daily lunch special, which is written in colorful chalk on a board as you walk in, as well as on a board at the counter.
With icicles hanging from my ears, there was no way I was having anything other than something warm (preferably hot) for lunch. This day’s special was a fried shrimp platter ($12.99). A young man named Jackson, who was working the counter, was very nice and helpful. When asked, he said the platter would come with seven shrimp, hush puppies, Cole slaw, and my choice of regular or Cajun fries (Jackson highly recommended the Cajun fries, which he said were seasoned with Tony Chachere’s.)
That all sounded good, but I was looking forward to warming up with a cup of gumbo. To my disappointment, I didn’t see gumbo on the menu. However, when I asked Jackson why gumbo wasn’t served, he said they did have seafood gumbo today. So, it always pays to ask! I added a cup ($7.99) to my order.
My friend chose the Shrimp & Catfish Platter ($15.98). It, too, was promised to come with hush puppies, fries (he chose Cajun also), and slaw. I also encouraged him to get a cup of gumbo, and he did not resist.
Soon after we sat at one of the restaurants eight tables, our server showed up with two small Styrofoam cups. She was offering us a sample of Cajun Corn Medley—corn mixed with bell pepper. That was a nice touch, and good business. Give an already-paying customer a little something extra, and take a chance they will like it and order it on their next visit.
Our gumbo was served first, and thankfully, it was hot. There wasn’t a lot to it – baby shrimp and rice in a dark roux. I did spice it up with some Tabasco Sauce. My friend thought it was “one of the best gumbos I’ve ever had. I didn’t think it needed any hot sauce.”
My shrimp platter came with everything promised. Unfortunately, it wasn’t as hot as the gumbo. The food was lukewarm at best. The shrimp were medium sized with good batter. The hush puppies were a little on the dry side. The Cajun fries didn’t taste much different than regular fries. The slaw was slaw.
My friend had a much different review of his meal. “The shrimp were seasoned really well . . . . The taste made me want more.” As for the fish, “It was a big, huge piece of catfish, without the fishy smell and taste. I could easily cut a piece off with the plastic fork. I didn’t need a knife.”
He was much more impressed with the hush puppies than me. “Hush puppies are often dry. They just crumble . . . . Those hush puppies were good hush puppies. To me, they were the perfect size, and with perfect crunch on the outside and softness on the inside.”
The cost of our meal before taxes and tip was $44.96. When ordering, my receipt was printed, and I wasn’t asked to leave a tip. That should be standard operating procedure at a place where you pay before you eat. If I want to leave a tip afterward based on the service I received, I will. There was a tip jar at the counter in case that’s what you chose to do.
I give The Crabby Crawfish Three Forks. Here’s the deal. My food was okay. Not great. Not terrible. Nothing stood out to me one way or the other (except the restaurant’s cleanliness, neatness, and the staff’s friendliness). On the other hand, my friend loved the place. I’ve known him a long time, and I’m not sure I have ever seen him be so excited about a meal.
“All in all, that was a fantastic lunch,” he said.
Hey, if you’re a restaurant owner, that’s what you want a customer to say.
You don’t want anyone leaving with a crabby feeling.
1 Fork: Would rather eat a box of dirt
2 Forks: Will return, but only if someone else is buying
3 Forks: Will return and look forward to it
4 Forks: Will return and go out of my way to do so
Is there a restaurant you would like the Journal to visit for lunch?
Email SBJRestaurantReview@gmail.com.
Fatality in house fire on McArthur Drive
Shreveport Fire crews received a report of a house fire in the 7500 block of McArthur Drive on Thursday, Feb. 20, 6:46pm. Engine 3 arrived scene within 3 minutes to find a single-story home fully engulfed in flames.
It took the efforts of eight fire units and 24 firefighters to bring the incident under control at 7:24pm. Unfortunately, during the efforts a fire victim was discovered in the back bedroom of the home. One occupant was able to escape prior to Shreveport Firefighters arriving on scene.
The origin and cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time by Shreveport Fire Investigators and the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office. Identification of the victim will be forthcoming by the Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office. This marks the second fire death in the City of Shreveport for the year.
Chief Clarence Reese Jr. stated, “With a heavy heart I must announce, we have suffered the second fire death within our city in just as many months of the new year. Our condolences are with the family and loved ones of the victim during this difficult time. Please know that the men and women of Shreveport Fire remain committed to the safety of our citizens, and we continue to work tirelessly to prevent such tragedies in the future. We ask the community to keep the family in your thoughts as they navigate this heartbreaking loss.”
Byrd girls bow in state final for second straight year
By DAVID ERSOFF, Journal Sports
HAMMOND — Being a finalist in the LHSAA Division I Soccer Tournament is quite a feat for any team; doing it two years in a row is even more impressive. It shows a strength of a program that lasts more than if the playoff run was the high point of a Cinderella season.
It also hurts twice as hard, being that close to a season-long goal and falling short for a second straight time.
The Byrd Lady Jackets (19-4-4) had to feel like the favorites going into this year’s final, back in the state championship game from a year ago as the second seed and facing the No. 4 ranked Lady Cubs of Mt. Carmel Academy (23-4-3). They were also excited about the return to competition of senior Myjoi Anderson, a Texas A&M-Corpus Christie signee, sidelined for the last two games with an ankle injury.
The Lady Cubs also had a reason to feel confident, having knocked the Lady Jackets out of the playoffs four times in the previous 10 years, including a last-minute goal to win the 2016 state title 2-1.
This season, the teams tied 1-1 on a neutral field game a month ago, on Jan. 17.
All those thoughts go away the moment the starting whistle is blown. Now it’s just playing the game, doing what the teams have practiced all year. The team who does that better will win, and that proved true when Mt. Carmel was able to win 2-0 on Saturday night at Strawberry Stadium on the campus of Southeastern Louisiana University.
This was the eighth and final championship game played, and the first where wind did not play a role in the outcome. Mt. Carmel came out strong looking to force the action right at the Byrd defense. As the backline had played all season, the Lady Jackets’ defense held up well for the first 20 minutes, keeping the Lady Cubs’ attacks away from goal.
In the 22nd minute the Lady Cubs broke through when a pass was sent through and Stella Junius tapped it around Byrd keeper Riley Monclaw, then passed the ball into the net for a 1-0 lead.
The Lady Jackets struggled getting their offense going, doing well passing the ball from the back and midfield, but every pass to their forwards, especially to Anderson, was met with double and sometimes triple teams.
Monclaw made an amazing save as time was running down in the first half to keep Byrd within striking distance. As the whistle was about to end the first half, the Lady Jackets had their best opportunity at goal, with two attacks that could have tied the game.
The confidence the Lady Jackets gained at the end of the half did not carry over to produce success in the second half. The Lady Cubs kept up the pressure and in the 56th minute doubled their lead with a header by Lilah Grandbouchel, hit directly from a corner kick.
As time ran down, things got understandably chippy, as the fouls got a little more physical and the delay game of the Lady Cubs frustrated the Lady Jackets. The final whistle blew and the 2024-25 prep soccer season was over.
After taking a day to reflect on the season and this large graduating class (10 seniors) Byrd’s veteran coach Lisa Levermann said the team dynamics were reflected in the achievement of reaching the state finals again, and in the reaction after the defeat.
“This senior class has been one of the most fun that I have ever had. These seniors became the leaders that we needed, for us as a team and for the freshman class that came in,” said Levermann.
“They worked so well as a group. We had no finger-pointing or blame game. With their leadership, we won as a team and in the end, we lost as a team. The younger players were more emotional after the loss, saying ‘we wanted to win it for our seniors’. That’s what leadership is all about.”
Contact David at dersoff@bellsouth.net
Three locals bring home state titles from LHSAA Indoor championships
By JERRY BYRD, Journal Sports
BATON ROUGE — Benton’s Miller Malley was busy jumping over crossbars at the LHSAA State Indoor Championships at LSU’s Carl Maddox Field House on Saturday. On the track, Airline’s Zion Smith was jumping over hurdles. Both north Bossier Parish seniors left Baton Rouge with state championship titles under their belt.
So did Calvary Baptist senior Jackson Burney, who will return to LSU in the fall to compete for the Tigers. Burney took the Division Ii boys 800 meter run in 1:56.56.
For Malley, who won the 2024 LHSAA State Outdoor Championships, it was his second-straight state championship in the pole vault as he won the DI boys’ event with a jump of 14-5.25.
Smith, who has earned All-American honors during national championship meets in summer age-group competition, picked up his first state championship in the D1 boys’ 60m hurdles. Smith’s time in the finals was 8.22.
Yet another north Bossier jumper –- Airline sophomore Shelby Ledet –- finished tied for second in the D1 girls high jump competition. Ledet cleared 5-3 and had the same number of misses as Covington senior Julia Jenkins. John Curtis junior Addilyn Dufrene won the event with a jump of 5-5.
Parkway head coach Kent Falting was excited about the performance of junior Ben Ruliffson in the D1 boys 1600m. In his first individual state race, Rulffson just missed the podium with a time of 4:28.
“He set himself up really, really, really well,” Falting said. “And he went for it on that last lap. I was proud of him.”
Yet another local standout who just missed the podium, Huntington’s Landon Gibbs finished fourth in the D1 boys high jump with a jump of 6-2.75.
Two weeks ago, C.E. Byrd’s 4x800m team of Mallory Swint, Anna Lake Watts, Pressley Lockey, and Emma Burney broke the school record in the event with a time of 10:13 at the LSU Last Chance Qualifier. The same four girls lowered their own school record by seven seconds.
“So proud of our girls as the relay improved 38 seconds from five weeks ago when they opened the season at the University of Arkansas,” C.E. Byrd head coach Juan Plaza said. “That is a testament to them and their dedication to our program and understanding that the goal is always to peak when it counts.”
Watts, a sophomore, came back and ran a personal record of 11:38 in the 3200m. She finished seventh in the event.
Now, athletes and coaches will turn their attention to the outdoor season with the first major local meet taking place at Benton High School on Thursday, March 6.
Contact Jerry at sports@journalservicesllc.com
Parkway, Haughton, Huntington, Calvary girls home tonight in LSHAA basketball playoffs
Tonight’s second-round LHSAA girls basketball playoff games involving local teams (all games start at 6 p.m. unless indicated):
NON-SELECT DIVISION I
(No. 17 seed) Thibodaux at (1) Parkway
(13) Destrehan at (4) Haughton
SELECT DIVISION I
(13) St. Thomas Moore at (4) Huntington
(11) Captain Shreve at (6) Archbishop Chapelle, 5 o’clock
SELECT DIVISION III
(9) Episcopal at (8) Calvary Baptist, 5:30
Thursday’s first-round scores involving local teams:
Captain Shreve 76, Ben Franklin 17
Thibodaux 62, Airline 54
Northshore 70, Benton 58
East Ascension 54, Northwood 40