The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office held a graduation ceremony for Class 58 of the Caddo Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy on May 20, Sheriff Henry Whitehorn Sr. announced.
Graduates from eight law enforcement agencies participated in the event. They took the oath of office, received their badges, and took part in a special ceremony where family and friends assisted them in pinning their badges for the first time. Class participants completed over 516 hours of peace officer training in various areas, including law, patrol activities, traffic services, report writing, investigations, firearms, first aid, and criminal justice.
Graduates are: Cassandra Allen, Tristyn Burrell, Lamarion Love, Brandon Normand, Shonta Office, Fleneshia Taylor (Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office); Nicholas Crouch, Michael Hooker, Brendon Lee, Cason Link, Kylee McVey, Taylon Sproles (Bossier City Police Department); Justin Pepmiller, Brittany Wilcott (Desoto Parish Sheriff’s Office); Virginia Belle (Office of Juvenile Justice); Tony Smith III (Ringgold Police Department); Eddie Jones Jr., (Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office); Robetshabeundia Shine (Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office). Refreshers are Michele Mair (Canadian Pacific Kansas City Police) and Kerry Sikes (Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office).
The academy honored cadets for their exceptional achievements in four specific categories. Officer Nicholas Crouch received the Firearms Award, Deputy Justin Pepmiller was honored with the Academic Award, Officer Kylee McVey earned the Physical Fitness Award, and Deputy Eddie Jones Jr. received the Leadership Award.
New Loyola College Prep principal Dr. Laurie Salvail
Loyola College Prep announced Wednesday the appointment of Dr. Laurie Salvail as its new principal. The decision was made by Bishop Francis Malone, Sister Carol Shively, and Board President Leland Horton and with the recommendation and support of the Loyola College Prep Board of Directors and the Principal Search Committee.
“We welcome Dr. Salvail to the Loyola College Prep family,” said Bishop Malone of the Diocese of Shreveport. “She is a devoted Catholic whose faith guides both her leadership and her educational philosophy. She understands the sacred responsibility of forming students not just academically, but spiritually and morally in accordance with our shared Catholic values.”
Dr. Salvail brings more than 15 years of experience in education, having served as a classroom teacher, curriculum director, and most recently as Executive Director of CYBER.ORG, a national organization focused on cybersecurity and STEM education. Her professional journey includes time as a STEM educator and curriculum designer, with teaching experience that spans kindergarten through fifth grade—including time at sister Catholic school, St. Joseph Catholic School.
“It is an honor to be named the next principal of Loyola College Prep,” Dr. Salvail said. “I will lead with humility, integrity, and a strong commitment to forming young people in both mind and heart. Inspired by my Catholic faith, I believe that education is a ministry and that every decision should reflect Christ’s call to love, to serve, and to pursue the truth.”
In addition to her classroom and leadership experience, Dr. Salvail has designed standards-aligned curricula, mentored educators at all career stages, and led professional development initiatives across the country. She holds a Ph.D. and an Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction, along with a Master’s in Educational Leadership. Her background demonstrates a commitment to excellence, innovation in education, and a heart for service.
Dr. Salvail’s educational journey and leadership philosophy are deeply rooted in her Catholic faith and shaped by the foundational values instilled in her by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart during her time at Vandebilt Catholic High School, as well as her formation at St. Francis Convent in Alton, Ill.
“Dr. Salvail brings a wealth of experience and a sincere dedication to Catholic education,” said Sister Carol Shively, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Shreveport. “I look forward to working with her as she begins this important role and continues the mission of forming young men and women of conscience, character, and compassion.”
After Principal John H. LeBlanc announced earlier this year that he would be stepping down, the Board of Directors and the Diocese of Shreveport began an extensive nationwide search for his successor.
“I want to thank everyone who supported the search process over the last few months for their time, discernment, and commitment to finding the right leader for Loyola’s next chapter,” said Board President Leland Horton. “Dr. Salvail joins a distinguished legacy of Loyola principals, and we are confident she will lead with wisdom, energy, and a deep dedication to preserving the 125-year tradition that defines our school.”
Dr. Salvail will officially assume her new role this summer as Loyola prepares for the 2025–2026 academic year.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this incredible community,” she said. “And I look forward to honoring Loyola’s rich 125-year tradition while helping shape its future. I’m excited to begin this journey.”
PILOT LIGHT: Josh Gibson has been the catalyst for the No. 1-ranked LSUS baseball team entering NAIA World Series play beginning Friday. (Photo courtesy LSUS Athletics)
By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports
LEWISTON, Idaho – The stats say LSUS third baseman/outfielder/second baseman/shortstop Josh Gibson is a different cat.
A .442 batting average, 79 runs scored in 54 games, 15 doubles, 5 triples, 8 home runs, 67 RBI – oh, don’t overlook the 52 steals and only four times has he been caught trying to swipe a base.
It’s no wonder he was the Player of the Year in the Red River Athletic Conference. It’s no wonder that he’s been a three-year all-conference pick while playing shortstop two seasons ago, left field last year and now, third base.
At 5-foot-8, 165 pounds, he’s not going to impress anyone in the other dugout – until he’s wearing a glove, has a bat in his hand, or is taking a lead.
But it’s the eye test, and the competitive heart, that really make Gibson the focal point of not only the NAIA’s No. 1-ranked baseball team, but one of the most remarkable squads in college baseball history.
What other team has ever, ever been 54-0? Other than a two-year school in Texas, Howard College, nobody, nowhere, at no time.
And it’s not that perfection that Gibson is obsessive about. It’s giving it everything he can, every day, every play. It’s a coach’s dream, except Gibson’s effort is so extreme that LSUS coach Brad Neffendorf worries about it.
“Sometimes I have to tell him to gear down because you watch and wonder how can he sustain that level of effort,” the Pilots’ coach said. “But he does it.”
What Gibson has done is help spark LSUS to the NAIA World Series for the first time since 2022. The Pilots open play Friday at 1:30 CDT against 10th-seeded Grand View (Iowa) in a 10-team, double-elimination bracket that will run through May 31 to determine a national champion.
For all the baseball skills Gibson flashes, it’s the intangibles that stand out to Neffendorf.
“When he gets going, he sticks out like a sore thumb. He can really run, and has close to 60 stolen bases, but it’s moreso his instincts for the game, his feel for being an athlete – things you can’t teach, those things just glare to you about him.
“The overall quality is he plays extremely hard. His hard is way different than everybody else, because he can. The way it flows for him, he has a burst of speed, going side to side laterally, coming in on balls, stuff not many people can do. He’s got a different variety of athleticism than most people.”
Gibson comes by it naturally, he says. Growing up 15 minutes east of St. Louis in O’Fallon, Ill., Gibson had a role model – his dad, who played Division I ball at Southern Illinois-Carbondale. And the Pilots’ senior dynamo is a chip off the old block.
“He was a utility player, and that’s where I get it from. He always taught me if you want to play, you have to find a spot on the field,” said the younger Gibson. “My first year here I played shortstop, then my second year I was in left field most of the time, and now I’m back in the infield at third base. Growing up with my dad doing the same thing instilled me to do the same thing. It’s fun being in a new spot. It keeps me in the game.”
What has stoked his fire since last summer is the sting of postseason shortfalls in 2023 and 2024, when LSUS hosted NAIA Opening Round brackets but was upset and denied a World Series berth.
“The past two years, how it ended for us wasn’t easy. We work extremely hard and to fall short (of the World Series) was tough. Coming back this year, I felt this was the time to do it, my last go-round.”
The Pilots, who are nearly all seniors and juniors, haven’t wavered from their singular objective – and it is not to win every game.
“We’re all on the same page, first of all. We have a lot of returners back, and as soon as we got here in the fall, we had one goal in mind – to win the last game of the year.”
Gibson’s more than done his part. He doesn’t dwell on his statistical contributions, and tries to bring added value along with his output. A self-scout:
“A player that’s reliable, who can get it done on the field in multiple ways. I’m not the biggest guy but I’ve got some pop behind my bat. I can lay down a bunt, steal bags, and I can play different positions.”
“My responsibility for the team is to keep doing what we’ve been doing, making sure everyone’s staying on the same page and keeping that energy going for the rest of the season. It’s funny to hear me described as a leader because I feel like everyone is a leader. We all play such a big role. It’s not just one person.”
It’s not. But along with being a “glue guy” for the team and a charming personality around it, Gibson does bring qualities that have triggered this season’s incredible run.
“He’s done so much for us, spearheaded us on the offensive and defensive sides, being the conference player of the year,” said Neffendorf. “We have a lot of guys who have done a lot of good things, but if we didn’t have Josh with all he can do, it’s tough to say where we’d be right now.”
By PATRICK MEEHAN, Centenary Sports Information Director
Bossier City senior Andrew Bennett represented Centenary on the NCAA Division III PING All-Region Team earlier this week, it was announced by the NCAA in coordination with the Golf Coaches Association of America.
Players across seven regions earned all-region honors in 2025. Bennett earned a spot on the Region VII Team and earned All-Region honors for the second season in a row.
Bennett, a former Airline star, put the finishing touches on his stellar career with a 20th-place finish in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Championships last month in Whitney, Texas.
Bennett, who earned honorable mention All-SCAC honors this season, continued to add to his legacy as the top golfer in the Division III era of the Gents’ program this season with a pair of individual wins, a tie for first, and a runner-up finish.
Bennett was named the SCAC Men’s Golfer of the Week three times this past season and finishes his superb career with four career outright wins, 11 top five finishes, and 14 top 10 finishes.
Bennett, the 2024 SCAC Individual Champion, was named the 2024 SCAC Men’s Golfer of the Year and earned First-Team All-SCAC honors. He became the first Centenary men’s golfer in the Division III era to win an individual conference title and was also the first Centenary men’s golfer to qualify for the NCAA Championships in the Division III era (2013-present).
He was also named a 2024 Division III PING All-American by the Golf Coaches Association of America after earning a spot on the PING All-Region Team, landing on the third team. Bennett was the first Centenary men’s golfer to be named an All-American since Hal Sutton in 1980.
STUNT: Three Ladies were cited on the All-America team by the College STUNT Coaches Association (CSCA), the organization announced on Wednesday.
Senior Avery Cauley, sophomore Ezmeriah Gonzalez, and sophomore J’Anna Sweat were spotlighted as Cauley was named to the first team, Sweat to the second team, and Gonzales earned honorable mention.
The number of athletes from each team receiving All-American honors is based on the end of the season ranking for each team. The Ladies’ eighth-place final ranking allotted them one honoree for each category. All-Americans are selected by the members of the College STUNT Coach Association.
“It’s great to see our athletes get post season recognition in our inaugural season, said Centenary head coach Kaylee King. “Our team one worked hard all season long to really lay the foundation for our program and these three athletes were intricate parts in doing so.”
The Ladies finished eighth in the country in the Division III rankings out of 13 teams this season as the first and only NCAA Varsity STUNT team in the state of Louisiana and the only DIII team in the South.
SUMMER CAMPS: Despite there being no home athletic events for the next few months, the Centenary campus will be busy.
From May 27-July 17, there will be camps for the following sports: baseball, basketball, cheer, football, lacrosse, soccer and volleyball.
Check Centenary Athletics’ social media channels for more information.
It started for me long ago. My daddy always had a copy or two of the Big Three in outdoor magazines – Field and Stream, Sports Afield or Outdoor Life lying around and one of my early childhood pleasures was picking one up, flipping through the pages and reading articles written by guys that became my heroes.
My favorite was Grits Gresham. I thought of him as a local guy since his hometown, Natchitoches, was only 40 miles or so from where I grew up. Grits would transport me in fantasy to far distant lands as he wrote about hunting wild game animals all the way from Colorado to the Congo.
Other favorite writers were those who majored in humor writing. Ed Zern, Charlie Dickey and Pat McManus et al would find me flipping to the back pages to chuckle at the brilliant way they handled humor.
Today, you’ll be hard-pressed to find actual print copies of these favorite magazines of mine. Take Outdoor Life, for instance. I checked on-line to see how this magazine is offered to readers today. Here’s what I read…”Outdoor Life is a digital-only magazine covering hunting, fishing camping, survival and outdoor gear.”
Sports Afield? “Please click the link below to access your copy of the digital version.”
Field and Stream? They are giving it a shot at bringing back the print version of this popular magazine. “That’s right – print! We’re bringing back the magazine!” Good luck with that.
My interest has been drawn to a couple of on-line magazines that have emerged from the pack in recent years. Both Catfish NOW! and Crappie NOW! are edited by outdoor writer friends of mine. Keith “Catfish” Sutton heads the one on catfish while Richard Simms is editor of the one targeting crappie anglers.
About Catfish NOW!, in checking the web site, I read the following. “…is a user-friendly web-based magazine and social media platform. Our goal is to entertain and educate catfish anglers at all skill levels and outdoors enthusiasts from all walks of life. Catfish NOW! is FREE. A new issue is released around the 15th of each month. Readers can subscribe by using our subscribe button on the home page.”
Here’s what I learned about Crappie NOW! “An unequaled online-only crappie fishing magazine aimed at passionate crappie anglers from all skill levels. It is presented on a platform where readers can search for information on new crappie fishing tips, techniques destinations, equipment, tackle, tournament and the latest news from industry-leading professionals.” This publication is also free and can be accessed by using the subscribe button on the home page.
You can subscribe to Outdoor Life and Sports Afield online but you pay for the privilege. On the other hand, both the catfish and crappie magazines are entirely free and are financed by magazine sponsors.
I enjoy reading both these free ones and I can take them with me wherever I go; all I have to do is click a button and find out all I need to know about how to catch catfish and crappie. However, I have to admit that I miss sitting down and flipping through the pages of a magazine you can hold in your hands.
The times, folks, they are a-changing, aren’t they?
Shreveport Police officers were dispatched to a report of a shooting on May 15 in the 500 block of Lomax Street. Upon arrival, officers located a male victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
The victim was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. Shreveport Police Department Violent Crimes detectives responded to the scene and launched an investigation.
Following the investigation, detectives identified Vernita Rambo as the suspected shooter. Rambo has been charged with Attempted Second Degree Homicide in connection with the incident.
The victim remains hospitalized but is still alive at this time.
Shreveport Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit has arrested Malcolm Hall (DOB: 12/20/1999) in connection with a shooting that occurred on April 23 just after 9:30 p.m. in the 2900 block of Looney Street.
Responding officers arrived on the scene and located a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the lower back. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment and is expected to survive.
Following a thorough investigation, detectives identified Hall as the suspect and took him into custody. He has been charged with one count of aggravated second-degree battery. At the time of his arrest, Hall was already facing pending narcotics charges.
The Shreveport Police Department remains committed to holding violent offenders accountable and ensuring the safety of our communities.
The Bossier Parish Police Jury remains committed to improving infrastructure and protecting our environment through the continued development of the Consolidated Waterworks/Sewerage District No. 1. This initiative has already brought significant benefits—boosting property values, enhancing neighborhood aesthetics, and paving the way for future development across the parish.
In District 5, we are taking decisive action to address sewer system issues in the St. Charles Court and Cypress Bend neighborhoods. Our teams are on the ground, actively diagnosing and resolving the problems to ensure your system functions reliably and efficiently.
We’ve already made major upgrades to eliminate the need for treatment plants in the subdivisions. We are also making efforts to modernize and reinforce the lift stations by adding a SCADA System that provides advanced notice of when the water in the system exceeds normal operation levels. These improvements are part of a long-term strategy to deliver dependable service and peace of mind to every resident.
How You Can Help
To keep the sewer system operating at full capacity, we’re asking all residents to take a few simple but important steps: • Do not flush baby wipes, “flushable” wipes, plastic bags, diapers, rags, or clothing. • Do not pour grease, cooking oils, or motor oil down the drain.
These items do not break down properly and can clog pipes, damage and clog pumps and other equipment, and cause system shutdowns that require costly repairs and service interruptions.
We understand the inconvenience this may cause and sincerely appreciate your patience as we work swiftly to restore full service. Your quality of life is our top priority, and we are here to ensure that your neighborhood remains a great place to live.
If you have questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here for you—and we’re getting it done.
Six recent Bossier Parish high school graduates and a Benton Middle School teacher were awarded thousands of dollars to support their work and studies in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), thanks to the AFCEA ArkLaTex Chapter.
Each of the following students received a $2,000 scholarship from AFCEA to pursue STEM education at the collegiate level: Declan Miller and Molly Ann Milles of Benton High; Ethan Bamburg of Bossier High; Hannah Schroeter of Haughton High; and Mya Bardon and Josiah Dang of Parkway High.
In addition to student scholarships, Benton Middle School STEM educator Ida Smith was selected to receive a $1,000 Lockheed Martin Silver Partner STEM Teaching Tool Grant. The grant will help Smith expand her reach and enhance STEM opportunities for middle school students.
AFCEA (Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association) has spent the last two decades investing in the next generation of STEM professionals by awarding scholarships and grants to both students and educators.
Bossier Schools expressed gratitude to AFCEA for its continued investment in education and congratulated the award recipients for their achievements and dedication to advancing STEM fields.
On May 22, 1967, something quietly revolutionary happened on American television. A soft-spoken man in a cardigan sweater walked through a set door, changed his shoes, and welcomed millions of viewers—mostly preschoolers—into a neighborhood where kindness, imagination, and honesty reigned supreme.
That man was Fred Rogers. The show was Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. And with its official premiere in color on this date, a gentle movement began that would ripple through American culture for decades.
Unlike the loud, fast-paced children’s programming of the era, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood offered something radically different: stillness, sincerity, and emotional depth. There were no flashy animations or laugh tracks. Instead, viewers got hand puppets with complex personalities, visits to the crayon factory, and quiet conversations about feelings, fears, and friendship.
What made the show truly revolutionary was Fred Rogers himself. With his calm voice, thoughtful mannerisms, and unwavering respect for children’s intelligence, Rogers created a space where kids felt seen and safe.
He didn’t shy away from tough topics either. Episodes thoughtfully addressed death, divorce, war, and even the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy—all from the perspective of a child trying to understand a confusing world.
Fred Rogers’ choice of attire—those famous zip-up cardigans—was more than a fashion statement. They were symbols of comfort and routine, knitted by his mother and worn in nearly every episode.
He entered each show singing “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” and exited with words of affirmation and encouragement, often reminding children that they were special “just the way they are.”
That simple message struck a chord with viewers across generations. In a world often shaped by competition, achievement, and image, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood celebrated self-worth, empathy, and love.
Premiering in the midst of civil unrest, political upheaval, and the Vietnam War, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood became a cultural anchor. In one notable episode, Rogers invited Officer Clemmons—a Black police officer played by actor François Clemmons—to share a wading pool with him on a hot day, gently defying racial segregation.
This moment, like so many others on the show, was quiet yet powerful. It taught without preaching. It modeled without moralizing. And it showed young audiences how to navigate a world that was often anything but kind.
More than 900 episodes aired between 1967 and 2001. Fred Rogers became not just a television host, but a trusted guide and national treasure. His influence extended beyond TV. In 1969, he famously testified before Congress to help save public broadcasting funding—his heartfelt speech is still studied today as a masterclass in persuasion through sincerity.
Even after his passing in 2003, Rogers’ legacy continues. Documentaries like Won’t You Be My Neighbor? and the 2019 film A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood introduced new generations to his message. His simple wisdom—be kind, be curious, be yourself—feels more relevant than ever.
On May 22, 1967, television became more than entertainment. It became a place for nurturing hearts and minds.
Today, as kids navigate a digital world filled with noise, comparison, and endless stimulation, the slow, steady kindness of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood remains a beacon of hope. It reminds us that sometimes, the most radical thing you can do is look into the camera—and into a child’s heart—and say: “I like you just the way you are.”
Robert Wayne Gardner No Service Information Listed
Robert Lee Gray Service: Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 11 am in the sanctuary of Shady Grove #2 Baptist Church in Shreveport
Martha Green Service: Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 11 am at Galilee Baptist Church, 1500 Pierre Avenue in Shreveport
Karen McLemore Service: Friday, May 23, 2025 at 10 am at the Koran Cemetery in Koran
Bobby G. Moore Service: Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 11 am in the chapel of Heavenly Gates Funeral Home, Shreveport
Thelma Adams Ousley Service: Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the gardens of Lincoln Memorial Cemetery
Brenda Patterson Service: Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 1 pm in the Chapel of Good Samaritan Funeral Home
Frederick James Ramsey Service: Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 11 AM at Osborn Funeral Home
Henry Smith Service: Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 12 pm at Mayflower Baptist Church, 2599 Mayflower Road in Haughton
Jeffery Alan Speed Service: Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 11 am in the gardens of Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, Shreveport
Josephine B. Allen Service: Friday, May 23 at 1 pm at Forest Park East Cemetery in Shreveport
Thomas Harris Arrangements TBA
Josiah Samuel Houston Service: Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Osborn Funeral Home in Shreveport
Vanessa Rae Jacobs Arrangements TBA
Shermell Pipkins Arrangements TBA
Jerrie L. Price Service: Friday, May 23, at 11am at Rose Neath Southside, Shreveport
Babbette “Babs” Sunderlin Gerard July 16, 1953 – May 11, 2025 Service: Monday, June 2, 2025, 2pm at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City
Wendy Marie Nielson July 26, 1967 – May 5, 2025 Service: Saturday, May 31, 2025, 2pm at Aulds Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Jerry Kircus August 19, 1941 – April 4, 2025 Service: Saturday, May 24, 2025, 12pm at Aulds Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Clarence Henry Ostrander June 3, 1945 – March 29, 2025 Service: Saturday, May 24, 2025, 2pm at JD Camp Event Center, Keithville.
Dustin Dean Cook May 25, 1970 – February 20, 2025 Service: Sunday, May 25, 2025, 2pm at Osborn Funeral Home, 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)
The Bossier City Police Department recently announced Sergeant Poudrier as its new Public Information Officer (PIO).
A 20-year veteran of the Bossier City Police Department, Sgt. Poudrier brings a wealth of experience, dedication, and professionalism to his new role. He is also a member of the Crime Stoppers board for the past six years, further demonstrating his commitment to community safety and engagement.
Beyond the badge, Sgt. Poudrier is a devoted family man whose integrity and leadership have earned him the respect of his peers and the public alike.
The department looks forward to seeing him thrive in this new position and wishes him nothing but continued success. Congratulations, Sgt. Poudrier!
He was a little guy in faded maroon overalls and a clean white T-shirt and black lace-up boots, and his hair was wavy blond and his skin creamy and his eyes blue.
He was hot at the weekend afternoon sale.
Nearby, a baby slept on his mother’s shoulder and a few older children eagerly shadowed their parents, but mostly there were grownups, and they looked for grown-up stuff among the vendors’ displays in the crowded convention hall.
But the guy in overalls looked tired. He was maybe 3. There was nothing for him to do. He was fading on his feet, sort of tilting, withering.
Maybe it was his mom who grabbed him under his armpit. She put her mouth an inch from the blond curl that folded behind his ear.
“Straighten your ass up right now.”
That’s all she said to him. Then she unclasped her hand in a hard way and raised herself. She fiddled with something in her purse. She stared at nothing.
He was still standing down there.
When she’d grabbed him, he’d tried to make his face come to attention. It’s hard to do when you’re that age and it’s hot and you’re at a grown-up place and you’re as interested in what’s going on as your parents would be if you forced them to go to a Hot Wheels sale.
When she let him go, he relaxed a little. He put his hands in the side openings of his overalls and moseyed ahead.
In a little-boy tone, he even spoke to me: “How doin’?”
Moments later it was her voice again, toward him, threatening. “I’m fed up,” she said.
I was by my car when I heard her again, telling him to “come on.” He was trailing the woman and a man. Neither of them ever looked at him as he followed them across the steamy parking lot. It’s easy to forget that one mile for a grown person equals two or three for little legs.
He was trying to hurry …
With his free hand, the man, never looking down, picked the boy up by his little arm and put him in the back seat of the nice two-door car. Didn’t place him back there, just deposited him, like old, scarred luggage. If the boy got in a car seat or put on a safety belt, he did it himself.
The man threw his half-filled cup of beer on the asphalt, and the cup twirled, and the beer sprayed in a circle.
They drove away; I looked for his little head in the back seat. I couldn’t see it, but I really wanted to. I don’t know why. It’s just that he’d asked me how I was doing, and right then, I wasn’t doing so well at all.
I have seen that little guy in my mind often since that day. Each time it reminds me how worthy children are, how innocent, how deserving of dignity and respect.
Those people love that little boy; I guess it’s hard to show it sometimes. It’s easier to grab a guy and put him somewhere than to show him the way.
And it’s easy to forget that their tiny hands don’t rest in the sides of Buster Brown overalls for long. Tomorrow, those same hands will be waving goodbye.
TL Rodes Elementary and Bossier Parish Schools are celebrating the retirement of four dedicated educators who together have contributed more than a century of service. Ms. Houghton, Mrs. Stubbs, Mrs. Phelps, and Mrs. LaDonna are bidding farewell to the classrooms where they made lasting impacts on generations of students.
Throughout their careers, these educators demonstrated unwavering commitment, care, and passion for teaching, becoming beloved members of the school community. Their influence will continue to be felt in the lives of the countless children they inspired.
The TL Rodes family extends heartfelt thanks and warm wishes to these outstanding women as they embark on their well-deserved retirement journeys.
The Caddo Parish Council on Aging is now accepting applications for its Wheelchair Ramp Program, aimed at improving home accessibility for seniors and individuals with mobility challenges.
The program provides free wheelchair ramps to eligible residents, helping ensure safe and secure entry to their homes. With limited supplies available, the Council is encouraging those in need—or their caregivers—to apply as soon as possible.
For more information or to apply, call the Caddo Parish Council on Aging at 318-676-7900.
The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office recently welcomed five new additions to its team. Trey Baker, Jeremy Gray, and Taylor O’Rear were recently sworn in as deputies, taking the oath to serve and protect the residents of Bossier Parish.
In addition to the new deputies, Faith Tidwell has joined the communications division as a dispatcher, and Gentry Canales will serve as a nurse in the corrections division, bringing valuable medical expertise to the department.
The Sheriff’s Office extends a warm welcome to all five individuals and looks forward to the contributions they will make in their respective roles.
The Bossier City Police Department proudly congratulates six of its newest officers on their graduation from the Caddo Parish Regional Training Academy’s 58th class. Officers Nicholas Crouch, Michael Hooker, Brendon Lee, Cason Link, Taylon Sproles, and Kylee McVey have successfully completed the rigorous training required to begin their careers in law enforcement.
The department extends special recognition to Officer Nicholas Crouch, who received the Firearms Award, and Officer Kylee McVey, who earned the Physical Fitness Award. Both officers exemplified the excellence and determination that define the Bossier City Police Department.
Deputy Chiefs Joel Frentress and Jeremy Kennedy attended the graduation ceremony to present the officers with their POST certificates and personally welcome them into the department. All six graduates will now move into the Patrol Division to begin the next phase of their training. The Bossier City Police Department also extends its gratitude to the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office and Academy staff for their dedication in preparing these officers for service.
The 75th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival will take place on June 7, 2025, but the peach celebrations will be going all week long in Ruston, LA! If you’re planning to spend a full weekend soaking in the sweet peachy charm of Ruston, let this guide help you make the most out of your adventure.
Friday, June 6
Eat:
From June 2-7, enjoy Peach Culinary Crawl, a weeklong tasting tour featuring over 20 local restaurants. Each participating location will offer special peach-inspired items. From peach BBQ and burgers to peach toast, cocktails, and desserts. There’s something to satisfy every craving. The full Culinary Crawl menu is available in late May on the Peach Fest website.
See:
In celebration of the festival’s 75th anniversary, The Louisiana Peach Festival is collaborating with the Lincoln Parish Museum to present Peach Fest Through the Decades. This special exhibit will showcase memorabilia from the very first Peach Festival all the way through present day.
Peach fest hack: After visiting the exhibit, explore downtown Ruston to scope out the festival grounds and snap a picture at one of the colorful murals!
Experience: There’s plenty to experience Friday before the festival.
Take a stroll through Downtown Ruston and browse the Peach Sidewalk Sale. Participating downtown shops will be offering peachy deals and special promotions from June 2-6.
Peach Fest Hack: Grab a Peach Fest fit at the sidewalk sale to wear at the festival!
The Peach Parade is a long loved and cherished tradition by festival attendees. The parade will take place in Downtown Ruston on Friday, June 6, at 6PM.
After the parade, you can head over to the 36th Annual Peach Festival Rodeo for family entertainment, trick riders, and more. The rodeo starts at 8PM.
Saturday, June 7 – Festival Day
Festival activities start at 9:00AM and there’s plenty to eat, see, and experience—all located on the festival grounds.
Eat: This year, enjoy bites from a variety of food vendors, offering everything from burgers, sandwiches, and pizza, to classic festival treats, refreshing drinks, and tasty snacks. You’ll also want to pay a visit to the Historic Fire Station for a scoop of frosty peach ice cream from the ladies of Beta Sigma Phi.
Peach Fest Hack: Ask vendors what their special peach item is! All food vendors create and offer a peachy item just for the Peach Festival.
The festival is also conveniently located in the heart of Downtown Ruston, so there’s plenty of local restaurants you can walk to.
See:
Festival Art Displays: Discover art boards and interactive displays by local artists that will be showcased throughout festival grounds.
Ruston Antique Classic Car Show: Head over to Cadence Bank from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM for the Car Show. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just love vintage charm, this show is sure to impress with its lineup of beautifully restored classic vehicles.
Drone Show: Stick around till the headliner performance for the Peach Festival’s first ever drone show at 8:45 PM! This transforming sky display will take place before the headlining act to kick off the grand finale to the festival.
Experience:
Live Music: Enjoy more than 12 hours of live performances at the Railroad Park stage. With an exciting lineup of artists, the festival’s musical energy will keep you dancing all day long. Don’t miss the headliner, The Band of Heathens, taking the stage after the drone show.
Kids Alley: A family-friendly zone packed with interactive activities and entertainment to keep the little ones smiling.
Curated market:The festival will have over 70 vendors, all selling their handmade arts, jewelry, clothing, mugs, decorations, candles, and lots more. Additionally, you can stop by the Peach Fest Sticker Wall in the market—perfect for a fun and unique photo op.
Peach Fest Hack: arrive early to the Curated Market before your favorite vendor sells out.Visit www.lapeachfest.com/vendors to get a sneak peek at what vendors are offering.
Sunday, June 8
After a Saturday full of adventures, take it slow on Sunday. Sleep in, relax, and savor your last day in town before heading home.
Eat:
Start your day with a delicious Sunday brunch at Trio’s. Whether you choose a cozy table indoors or enjoy the sunshine on their patio, you’re in for a wonderful dining experience. Looking for a spot closer to downtown? Try Board & Bottle’s Sunday brunch and specialty brunch cocktails.
See:
While you’re at the festival Saturday, you will likely spot a few of Ruston’s unique bulldog statues scattered throughout downtown. In total, there are 22 bulldogs placed around the city—each with its own charm. Stretch your visit a little longer and turn your Sunday into a scavenger hunt to track down the ones you missed.
Experience:
Wind down with a peaceful visit to Lincoln Parish Park. This park offers mountain biking and walking trails, kayaking, fishing, and a playground for the kids. It’s the perfect way to soak in the natural beauty of Ruston and cap off your Peach Festival weekend.
From peachy treats to live tunes and everything in between, the Louisiana Peach Festival is the perfect way to kick off your summer. Soak up the fun, explore Ruston, and celebrate 75 years of sweet traditions and unforgettable memories!
To learn the insider tips and tricks all seasoned festival goers know, read up on our How to Peach Fest blog.
GEARING UP: The LSUS baseball team opens the NAIA World Series Friday in Lewiston, Idaho. (Photo courtesy LSUS Athletics)
By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports
The undefeated LSUS Pilots are settling into Lewiston, Idaho, as their first-round NAIA World Series game approaches Friday afternoon, after a 2,100 mile journey Monday – most of it flying northwest.
The Pilots (54-0) went 3-0 in last week’s Shreveport Opening Round and for their first World Series game since 2022 have drawn the most unlikely team to reach Lewiston – Grand View (Iowa), who was the fourth seed in its regional and lost its first Opening Round game 13-3.
The 10-team field includes first-round opponents Southeastern (Fla.), from Lakeland, and Webber International (Babson Park, Fla.), just 36 miles apart. They play in the same conference (Sun) and will meet for the sixth time this season in Lewiston, 3,800 miles from home.
Closest to Lewiston is British Columbia, out of Vancouver, BC, 449 miles away. But most familiar with the World Series site is defending national champion Hope International, which won the Lewiston Opening Round a week ago.
Here are capsules on the other nine teams hoping to upset LSUS in the World Series:
British Columbia Thunderbolts (39-17, 9th seed). Location: Vancouver, BC. It’s the first World Series since 2006 for the ‘Bolts, who won the Hattiesburg (Miss.) regional with an 11-inning victory over Indiana Southeast. UBC was the No. 1 seed and won all three of its games.
Cumberlands Patriots (48-10, 7th seed). Location: Williamsburg, KY. The Patriots were 8th in the final regular-season NAIA Top 25, but were the No. 2 seed on their homefield in the Opening Round. Charlie Muniz broke the NAIA career hits record with his 374th in the championship win. Cumberlands is in its third consecutive World Series.
Georgia Gwinnett Grizzlies (53-5, 2nd seed). Location: Lawrenceville, GA. The Grizzlies are making their seventh straight trip to Lewiston after fighting through the losers’ bracket with three straight wins on their homefield in the Opening Round. They were ranked No. 2, just behind LSUS, in the final NAIA Top 25 poll.
Grand View Vikings (38-12, 10th seed). Location: Des Moines, IA. Grand View is in the World Series for the first time in 34 seasons, after winning the Upland (Indiana) regional as the No. 4 seed, posting four straight victories after an opening run-rule loss to the top seed.
Hope International Royals (46-8, 4th seed). Location: Fullerton, CA. The defending NAIA champions, No. 4 in the last NAIA Top 25 poll, are back in Lewiston after winning the Opening Round there last Wednesday, sweeping through three games to stretch their season streak to seven straight. It’s their third World Series. They won five straight elimination games last year to capture the national championship.
Loyola Wolf Pack (40-16, 8th seed). Location: New Orleans. It’s the first World Series for Loyola, 13th in the last NAIA Top 25 poll this season. The Wolf Pack went 3-1 at the Waleska (Ga.) regional as sixth-year coach Jeremy Kennedy steered his third different school to the NAIA World Series.
Southeastern Fire (44-13, 6th seed). Location: Lakeland, FL. Playing at home in the Opening Round, the Fire reached their seventh straight World Series. Southeastern hasn’t lost an Opening Round game, winning 21 in a row, in that seven-year span. The Fire were the 2018 and 2022 national champions and are 17-9 in Lewiston in their last six trips.
Tennessee Wesleyan Bulldogs (46-12, 3rd seed). Location: Athens, TN. The Bulldogs were top seeded in the Kingsport (TN) Opening Round but needed two straight wins over third-seeded Columbia to earn their eighth trip to the World Series, the second straight and third in four years. TWU won it all twice, in 2012 and 2019.
Webber International Warriors (44-13, 5th seed). Location: Babson Park, FL. Webber had to travel to Lincoln, Neb., for its Opening Round and swept through unbeaten to earn another long trip out west for its second World Series appearance, coupled with the first in 2022. The Warriors are on a seven-game win streak and are 2-3 against Southeastern, their first-round Series opponent, winning the last meeting 7-3 May 3 on the way to the Sun Conference Tournament crown.
First-round schedule
Friday (times CDT and p.m. unless indicated)
Hope international vs. Cumberlands, 10:30 a.m.
LSUS vs. Grand View, 1:30
Tennessee Wesleyan vs. Loyola, 5:0
Georgia Gwinnett vs. British Columbia, 9:00
Saturday
Webber International vs. Southeastern, 1:00
Note – the double elimination tournament wraps up May 31.
I heard a song the other day that said, “Sometimes you’re the bug and sometimes you’re the windshield.” So far this fishing season I’ve been the bug.
My tournament success looks like I have no idea what I’m doing! I’ve been about as competitive as a high school kid fishing against a full-time professional angler. But for me, my confidence remains “hopeful” that I’ll turn this season around.
In 2024 in the ABA Texas Pro League, I was runner-up for the Angler of the Year. Oh, what a difference a year makes, as I’m not even close to being competitive, much less winning an event in 2025. My highest finish is a 12th place at Sam Rayburn. So why has this year been such a grind? Why am I not catching the quality bass I caught last season? I go to church, say my prayers, and do things the right way!
I’ve never cheated in a bass tournament and always want to represent myself and sponsors I’m affiliated with in the proper manner. I don’t ask other anglers for their waypoints or for any other help! One thing I came to the realization of a long time ago as a tournament angler is that it’s hard to go and catch another angler’s fish. Even if you have his waypoints, it’s still hard to catch them.
Is this a God thing? Is He trying to prove a point to me? Or is this just a phase all anglers go through? Whichever way, something must change quickly with only a few tournaments left on the schedule.
Tournament fishing is one of those sports that can bring even a great angler to his knees. It might be the most humbling sport there is. But one thing I like about the sport is the fact that there is no one else to blame for my failures or success than myself.
It’s truly you against the fish and Mother Nature! Excuses are a dime a dozen when things aren’t going an angler’s way. They range from maybe it’s a weather change to the lake is low or too high. It could be that maybe the water temperature is too hot or cold or maybe the spawn is taking place and fish just aren’t biting. Oh, wait a minute, it could be the phase of the moon we’re in, or the fact that there are too many anglers on the water! Ha!
One thing I will never do — quit! I still find bass fishing to be such a mental challenge and look forward to every day I get to spend on the water. But there are days that I wonder why I’m out there trying to catch bass that don’t want to cooperate.
So, I guess the best thing I can do for now is to put my favorite rod in my hand, shut up and keep fishing hard! If you see me on the lake or at a local boat ramp, make sure to stop me and say hello.
‘Til next time, good luck in all your fishing adventures.
Shreveport Police have arrested 51-year-old Henry Bond following a road rage incident that occurred just after 7:30 p.m. on May 19 in the 6100 block of Line Avenue.
According to investigators, Bond reportedly became involved in a traffic dispute with another driver. Witnesses stated that Bond cut off the victim’s vehicle, forcing it to stop. During the confrontation, Bond allegedly produced a firearm and pointed it at the victim.
The incident escalated as Bond pulled into the parking lot of Superior Bar and Grill, where he was followed by the victim. The victim quickly flagged down a Shreveport Police officer who was working an extra-duty assignment at the location. The officer immediately confronted Bond and took control of the situation.
Bond was taken into custody without further incident and has been charged with one count of aggravated assault with a firearm.
The Shreveport Police Department would like to remind the public that road rage is an unnecessary and dangerous form of violence. We urge all drivers to remain calm, courteous, and respectful while sharing the roadway. Under no circumstances should a firearm be introduced into a traffic dispute.
A Shreveport man faces years in prison following his guilty pleading for operating a clandestine drug lab on May 19 in Caddo District Court.
Thomas Lee Adam Davis, 50, allocuted before District Judge Erin Leigh Waddell Garrett.
On February 1, 2023, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s deputies were sent to a secure self-storage facility on Mansfield Road after receiving reports of suspicious activity. On arrival, narcotics agents noted numerous items used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine located inside a storage unit. The items found were used to manufacture of more than 110 grams of methamphetamine. Davis, the lessee of the storage unit, left his debit cards and the laboratory equipment in the unit days before agents arrived.
Davis has previous convictions for operation of a clandestine lab in 2005 and 2009.
When Davis returns to Judge Waddell Garrett’s court June 24, 2025 for sentencing, he faces a prison term of at least five and up to 15 years as well as a fine of up to $25,000.
Davis was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Jasmine Cooper and Erica Jefferson. He was defended by Charles Parr and Madison Crusan.
Starting June 2, fans will be distributed to eligible Caddo Parish seniors, Monday–Thursday, 9 AM to noon. Individuals, companies, and community groups may assist by donating and dropping off new fans to the Caddo Council on Aging. For more information, call the ADRC Manager at 318-676-7900. The fan distribution ends August 29, 2025. Stay cool and safe!
