On May 21, 1881, Clara Barton established the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C., laying the foundation for one of the nation’s most vital humanitarian organizations. Inspired by her experiences during the Civil War and the International Red Cross movement, Barton aimed to provide emergency assistance and disaster relief.

The organization has since played a crucial role in responding to natural disasters, wars, and health crises, embodying Barton’s legacy of compassion and service.

Other significant events on this date include:

1927: Charles Lindbergh completed the first solo nonstop transatlantic flight, landing in Paris after departing New York.

1932: Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, landing in Northern Ireland.

1955: Chuck Berry recorded his debut single “Maybellene,” influencing the future of rock and roll.

1979: The “White Night Riots” erupted in San Francisco following the lenient sentencing of Dan White for the killings of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk.

1991: Former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a suicide bomber during an election campaign.

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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

September 2^nd, 2018.

Super Derby Day at Louisiana Downs.

The first five races were soaked in sun. Not a hint of rain, and none was expected. In fact, the sixth race – the $60,000 Elge Rasberry Stakes – would be run on the turf course. A track never runs a race on grass when there is a good chance of clouds crying.

“When I went outside, it wasn’t raining. (The weather) looked perfectly fine.”

As post time neared, the track’s photographer placed her remote camera on one side of the finish line. She then took her position on the other side, with her hand-held camera, ready to click and capture the winning horse’s nostril figuratively touching the finish line.

Just as the race was about to start, she glanced to her right and saw her son, who was in his spot to take a head-on picture of horses barreling down the stretch.

“He’s jumping all around. Waving. Doing all this stuff like you see in the cartoons. He’s pointing at the barns. I looked over at the barns, and you could see a wall of rain coming. This gray wall moving towards the track.”

Remember, rain wasn’t even in the forecast.

“I had nothing to protect me and the cameras. Absolutely nothing. No raincoat. Absolutely nothing. I quickly ran over and grabbed the remote camera and put it under some bushes. That’s all I had.”

But she did have her other camera.

“I was in shorts and a shirt. I think I tried to hide it under my shirt as long as I could. I took it out to take photos, then I put it back under my shirt.”

Yes Gorgeous beat nine competitors. Afterwards, Ann, in the dryness of her office, sat down to look at the winning shot – not expecting much.

“I was really happy with how it turned out . . . . It’s one of my top five photos.” (See the picture at the end of this story).

Ann Switalski, Louisiana Downs’ 53-year-old track photographer, told me that story, and her story, during lunch at a place she chose – Another Broken Egg Café’ in Shreveport. Ann enjoyed Bourbon Street pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, and decaffeinated coffee (caffeine gives her migraine headaches). I had a cup of seafood gumbo and a half order of the blackened shrimp salad. I have never had as much as a sip of coffee, so I drank water with lemon.

“It’s my job,” Ann said of getting soaked for the sake of the shot. “I have to do it, come hell or high water. And the high water came. It was just pouring.”

While photographing horses is Ann’s job, it is also – and perhaps more so – her passion. Growing up in Michigan an only child, Ann wanted a horse but never had one.

“(My best friend) and I were surrounded by horse farms. We would walk around these country roads and walk up to the fences and pet the horses. I had a neighbor who had four retired horses. We spent a lot of time at his farm reaching over the fence and petting horses.”

Eventually, Ann would get her horse, though she didn’t have it long.

“It was a match made in hell. I had just learned how to ride, and the horse was three years old and very green. It had very few miles on it.”

Ann quickly – as in one day – sold the horse.

“This will be a big test,” Ann remembers thinking. “When I see an empty stall, how do I feel? Do I feel relieved, or do I feel, ‘Ok, I want another horse.’”

The answer?

“I want another horse.”

Ann now has two horses which – along with three goats and six cats – live the good life on a Keithville farm they share with Ann and her husband of 30 years, Tony. (Good name). The Switalski’s also have a farm in Michigan.

“When you talk to people who have committed their life to having horses in their life, we’re different. There’s just something different about a horse person. There’s this animal that is going to take up (she spaces her hands far apart) this much of your time, this much of your money, and is going to cause you major heartbreak at some point. You can’t imagine life without them.”

Ann didn’t plan on being a horse photographer – or any kind of photographer, for that matter. But she was fascinated by horses which jump hurdles during competition. Ann had tried taking their pictures but couldn’t quite get the timing right. So, while working for a veterinarian at the track, Ann began taking photos of morning workouts, hoping to improve her skills.

That led to voluntarily helping out the man who was then the Downs’ track photographer. He told Ann that if she practiced, she could help him shoot the Super Derby. She did, then raced off to attend a wedding. It was there where she got confirmation of a job well done.

“(He) sent me a message that said, ‘I sent in your photo and your turn shot. It was released to the press, so you’re now a published photographer.’ That photo did go on to be the cover shot on Louisiana Horse Magazine. I have that one printed out and hung on the wall. My first magazine cover. It was exciting.”

Ann was hired to take pictures of the next quarter horse meet. She received two weeks of training. Two weeks too little.

“I cried a lot. The lighting is terrible with quarter horses. You have shadows to deal with. The horses are running on the track in the sun, and now they’re in the shadow.”

There’s another problem Ann had – and still has – to overcome when photographing quarter horse races, as opposed to thoroughbred races.

“Thuroughbreds have the time and distance to try to get close to the inside rail. Quarter horses, a lot of times, they run (in a straight line) from the gate. So, they can be really close to me . . . . In seven seconds, you have to decide who is going to win the race. Is it the horse closest to you, or is it the horse farthest away from you? Then, you have to adjust your camera appropriately. I will admit there are times I think for sure it’s going to be the one farthest away from me and I zoom in tight. Then, all of a sudden, Boom! It’s the horse in front of me. Luckily, that’s only happened a few times. It’s not a pretty photo.”

When you and I watch a race, whether it be in person or on television, we see the big picture. But, Ann, looking through a tiny viewfinder but with help from a powerful lens, sees so much more.

“When I’m watching the jockeys, I am watching how they’re riding. How they’re positioned in the stirrups. They only have their toe in the stirrups. And they’re riding on a saddle that’s so small, it’s like a placemat. It’s just so tiny. So, I appreciate their skill.”

“Having the extensive physic classes I’ve had with an engineering degree, when I see the different strides of a horse, the stride that just amazes me is when a horse is on one foot. Every single other foot is off the ground. Just that one foot is supporting the whole animal . . . . I look at that one leg, and my brain starts calculating all the force on that one leg. It just amazes me what a horse can do.”

Ann herself does a couple of things which are pretty amazing. While most track photographers sell their pictures of morning workouts, Ann gives hers away.

“We have a lot of exercise riders who are not local to the area . . . . They love to have pictures to send to their family. I can really empathize with them. This is their job. They are working so hard with these horses which are not easy to ride because they’re young. They can’t afford photos. So, I throw them on Facebook and say, ‘They’re here. Take them. Copy them. Send them. Do whatever you want with them.”

Also, one weekend a year, Ann takes the money she makes from taking race photos and donates it to a pet rescue. In fact, every Monday morning, you can find Ann at Shreveport-Bossier Animal Rescue, cleaning and feeding.

“It’s an important part of the community. I really want to try and help out, and encourage others to volunteer and be part of the solution.”

Resisting the urge to show Ann a selfie of me holding a $2.40 winning ticket and inquiring as to if it was a good picture, I asked my final question. As always, what is it about her life that she would like to impart upon others?

“If you’re really, really interested in doing something, try it. There’s a saying, ‘Don’t be afraid to suck at something new.’ You can’t expect to be perfect right off the bat. Get involved with something, and learn and grow. If you want to be better, get better. Don’t let someone talk you out of it.”

And always be prepared, no matter the weather forecast.

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.

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Preston Edwards loved basketball. LOVED basketball. It was far from the only thing in his life that he loved – more about that, soon enough – but “PeeDee” was the personification of a hoops junkie.

He didn’t just watch it. And he watched a lot of it, the vast majority in person, in gyms all around Shreveport-Bossier, all around the area, all around the state. Around the calendar, around the clock. Breakfast to midnight at summer camps and AAU tournaments.

Preston LIVED it. Basketball was a passion, and it was also for him, a mission, an opportunity to brighten lives through sharing stories about the games, the players, the coaches, and through enhancing lives by promoting those players and lifting them up – maybe just to help them feel good about themselves, and sometimes to open a pathway to using the game to get to college.

He wasn’t an agent, he wasn’t a salesman, he wasn’t a broker figuring NIL valuations. Preston was just a good man, sharing good words about good kids, doing what he could to help, as a lover of hoops, a self-made scribe of the game.

He was the high school basketball columnist and a contributor for the Shreveport-Bossier Journal since it launched three basketball seasons ago. By then he had covered prep hoops and summer ball for many years, on his social media platforms, at Prep Hoops Louisiana, and elsewhere. Anywhere he could, really. And get this, until he joined the SBJ crew, it was all on his own dime. Out of love for the game and its people.

It continued into May on his @peedee1906 account on X, almost until he passed and was laid to rest last Saturday afternoon as a couple hundred friends gathered at Lincoln Memorial Park for one final celebration of a beautiful 50 years of life. Preston played with four fouls the last year and change, going overtime in a back-and-forth battle with cancer. Several lead changes, some undeniably heroic comebacks. But the clock finally ran out on May 9.

He would like that description – that’s how much Preston Edwards loved basketball.

Considering that, here’s one stunning fact about the man, courtesy of his dear pal Paul Marshall, one of the greatest players in local hoops history, like Preston a proud graduate of Southwood High School.

Said Paul: “I don’t remember him dribbling a basketball. If he did, it was intramurals in college, or maybe in junior high. He never played high school ball, but he sure knew the game.”

When Southwood retired Marshall’s jersey last February, he could have chosen a coach or a teammate to introduce him at the ceremony. But he asked Preston, two years younger, to speak. The reaction?

“He thought I was pulling a prank on him. He thought I was joking. But I couldn’t think of anyone else who knew my story better. I said, ‘Man, it would be my honor.’ He said, ‘No, I would be my honor.’ That’s one of my fondest memories, how humble he was.”

He played any role he could to foster the game. He was part of scoretable crews for many seasons at all of the local colleges – Centenary, Bossier Parish CC, Southern-Shreveport, and LSUS. Colleague Lee Hiller noted Preston could run the game clock, operate the scoreboard, keep the scorebook – whatever was needed.

He even stepped into coaching, in summer ball, for a while. His team, Excaliber, won a couple tournaments, recalled his former wife and life partner, Maria Edwards – a fellow educator.

They met when he was a young social studies teacher at Southwood, and she was a student teacher. They were married for 18 years and lovingly shared two kids, her daughter Amber (32, expecting their first grandchild in August) and his son Andre (25).

“He never met a person he couldn’t strike up a conversation with,” Maria recalled, “but he was a little shy when he first met me. It was OK, though. We ended up together.”

The marriage eventually ended, but the relationship shifted not too much. “We remained friends,” she said, noting in the obituary, she and Amber settled on describing her as “lifelong friend and former spouse.”

“We just had a beautifully blended family, son and daughter. We didn’t like the designation of stepchildren. They were our children,” said Maria. “He loved his kids. They were his pride and joy. When Amber called, ‘Best Daughter Ever’ popped up on his phone.”

Andre (‘Dre) became a pretty avid junior tennis player. Of course Dad provided every opportunity, made every trip, did all he could to support, and ‘Dre got a partial scholarship to Dallas Baptist.

Maria embraced Preston’s passion for hoops and came up with a great Christmas surprise one year. He loved watching the Syracuse Orangemen and their epic home games at the Carrier Dome, the game’s largest on-campus arena, where crowds over 20,000 were routine and as many as 35,000 showed up in the throes of winter.

She sent her husband up there; bought two tickets so he could take a friend. What a wife! Preston was delighted.

As to those friends, it’s always been an endless list, and “he had several best friends,” said Maria, chuckling. “In our wedding, we had to have two best men. Kenyon Thomas and Anthony Kimble were his two best friends since they were young.”

He graduated from Northeast Louisiana University (“he didn’t go for ULM when the name changed,” said Maria) and after a few years teaching social studies at Southwood, pursued graduate studies at LSUS and Canisius to become a guidance counselor, a role he filled the rest of his life at Keithville Middle School.

“It was his pleasure and his passion to help young people,” she said. “He loved to see them succeed. He would go out of his way, even with students who weren’t his, to support them, even after they got out of school. That was one of the things I absolutely admired about him. It just didn’t stop with them in middle school, he went on to support them way after that.”

“He loved kids,” said Marshall. “He had a passion for students. You normally don’t find that at a young adult age, but he had it from the time he hit the school grounds when he finished college. And he had a love for mankind.”

The turnout for his funeral service last Friday night at Mt. Olive Baptist Church was predictably large for a man who walked such a broad path.

“Preston knows everybody,” explained Maria, “and everybody knows Preston.”

But for those who didn’t?

“I would say he is one of the most giving, selfless people you could ever want to meet,” she said. “His signature mark was his sarcasm. He loved to be sarcastic and a little witty. He would give you the shirt off his back and he never, ever met a stranger.”

Hiller recalls his friend “always smiling, always into whatever it was he was doing. He was always paying attention to the game and what was going on around it, watching and listening, not talking much. He was a fun guy to be around, a good guy to kid. He’d give it right back to you. He went everywhere and did everything. He knew a lot of people in basketball, all over.”

Marshall treasured Preston’s up-front approach that served him well as he steered young people through precarious days and some scary situations.

“He was direct. You didn’t have to wonder what he meant. He did it with such a sweet spirit, and a sense of humor, some might call it a sharp mouth, but he never said anything malicious. I think we need more direct people in our world.”

“He’s going to be missed in all areas,” said Marshall, “from friendship, the professionalism he showed, the sincerity and compassion he displayed, the support he gave so many in sports and in life, he’s going to be greatly missed. He had a genuine heart.

“He was so humble, yet he was so knowledgeable about the game. He took pride in north Louisiana sports, and tried to support everybody in whatever endeavor they were doing, but especially in the sports arena.”

Although he probably never realized it, Preston was an inspiration.

“He tried to support everyone,” said Marshall. “You would see him at girls games, just as much as you’d see him at boys games. If he had a friend whose child was playing, you’d see him at those games, supporting those kids. I don’t know where he got the energy or found the time to do it all.

“It makes me challenge myself – ask myself, ‘am I supporting enough?’ Being a pastor for 21 years, I’ve done some self-reflection the last few days.

“He was a man of faith. In dying, he encouraged so many to live. Many people got a better idea of living by watching him die. He fought. He wasn’t a complainer. He pushed through when he could, did what he could, and fought until the end.”

The last words painting a picture of Preston Edwards come from the man himself, on his Facebook page: “An educator. A freelance writer. A basketball scout. A professional school counselor, & a God-fearing man.”

It leaves Marshall mulling a permanent tribute.

“One day I sat and read comments online, seeing how many people he influenced, changed their lives for the better. I hope we can start a Preston Edwards basketball event, maybe have games all day one Saturday, like he would love.

“I’m going to get with some coaches and see if we can do something, because he was known all around Louisiana and was admired and appreciated.”

It would be a perfect legacy for a purely good man.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

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By DAVID ERSOFF, Journal Sports

You’ve probably heard the promos on local broadcast outlets mentioning the Red River Raiders soccer club, so let’s fill in some of the blanks because the season is about to kick off.

Red River FC, the Raiders sponsor club, has been around for a few years, mainly doing youth soccer camps, spreading the love of soccer around the Shreveport-Bossier area. This year, they stepped up to the big leagues, or should I say the third highest professional soccer league in the country — think AA minor league baseball. In pro soccer there is the MLS, then USL1 and next comes USL2.

The Raiders begin play on the road Wednesday night at 7 against the Louisiana Krewe in Lafayette. The Raiders make their home debut Saturday at 7 against the Little Rock Rangers. All home games are being played at Airline High School. Games can be live streamed on Sports Engine, or watched on the club’s social media platforms after 24 hours.

Red River FC has not forgotten its roots, as they have soccer camps planned at different locations around the twin cities, and even one in West Monroe, spread out over the summer. Staffing won’t an issue, as now they have 30-plus players to draw from to help spread their passion and knowledge of the game of soccer to our area.

RRFC President Ryan Wheeler hopes to bring all area soccer programs together to grow the sport, allow for opportunities for advancement in the sport and just for the love of the game. Something he said resonated with me:  “Rising waters elevate all boats.” It sounds like the future is bright for Red River FC, and by extension the soccer community as a whole.

The Raiders are filled with mainly collegiate players from around the country. The roster has a large international presence. There are players from Brazil, Puerto Rico, Germany, England and Japan, just to name a few countries. The final roster is still fluid, as there are a couple players attending MLS tryouts, and if signed they won’t be here. That shows the level of players picked to represent Shreveport-Bossier this year.

Blending all these talented players fall in the hands of head coach Bryan Turner, who has over 13 years of experience coaching at all levels of soccer, from youth to high school and up to the semipro level. 

This past Saturday the Raiders put on an intersquad match that was open to the public and media, as an introduction of the squad. Media and fans alike were able to interact with the players and the coaches before the exhibition began. There were a bunch of excited youth running around meeting the players, all of whom were very friendly and interactive with their new fans. There might even been a new Raiders fan jersey or two being worn by those kids.

The game itself was quite exciting for an intersquad scrimmage. The players played hard and took it as seriously as they would had it been the regular season. Perhaps they were working for a starting spot.

Even coach Turner was all in, as he loudly protested a call made by the center referee. Perhaps a yellow card would have been issued had it been a real game. With a late Red goal, it was a 1-1 draw, not that it mattered, but surely someone would want to know.

What you need to know is this is a good fit for our community and a boost for soccer here. If you enjoy the game, and especially if you have kids who do, check out the Raiders this summer. If you aren’t all into soccer, this is still worth a look.

Contact David at dersoff@bellsouth.net

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On May 20, 1873, a fashion revolution began when Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis received a U.S. patent for blue jeans reinforced with copper rivets. This innovation transformed durable workwear into an enduring global fashion staple.

Originally designed for miners and laborers, these sturdy trousers became synonymous with American culture, symbolizing rugged individualism and practicality. Over the decades, blue jeans evolved from utilitarian garments to fashion statements embraced worldwide.

This date also marks other notable events:

1498: Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama reached Calicut, India, establishing a sea route from Europe to Asia.

1609: William Shakespeare’s sonnets were first published in London, enriching English literature.

1862: President Abraham Lincoln signed the Homestead Act, promoting westward expansion by granting land to settlers.

1896: A chandelier fell in Paris’s Palais Garnier Opera House, inspiring Gaston Leroux’s novel “The Phantom of the Opera.”

2015: The U.S. Air Force launched the Boeing X-37B spaceplane on a classified mission, highlighting advancements in reusable spacecraft technology.

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Frequently, the Shreveport-Bossier Journal’s always-hungry reporter has lunch at a local restaurant and tells you about the experience.

(Editor’s Note: Anon E. Muss is off this week, so he asked his friend, Chuck Wagon, to write this week’s review.)

By CHUCK WAGON, Special to the Journal

People across the state ask the rhetorical question, “What do you consider to be gumbo weather?”

My answer is dependent upon a different kind of “whether:” whether gumbo is available. If it is, then I’m all in! I was strolling down Texas Street on a recent Monday midday and saw a window with decals that

said “Gumbo” and “Boudin.” I immediately reconfigured my lunch plan and strolled through the door of

Papion’s Creole Bistro (500 Texas Street) with an enthusiastic friend hot on my heels.

We entered a clean, bright space with subtle sounds of zydeco filling the air, and were greeted by a

friendly server who offered us a table. She promptly took our drink order and we both asked for ice

tea. It was delivered promptly, and we could tell the tea was freshly brewed. The menu offers almost

everything you would expect from a Creole Bistreaux, from jambalaya through etouffee, red beans and rice, and all the way to beignets and bread pudding. But the gumbo got my attention.

There was one gumbo on the menu ($14), “Shrimp and crab claws seasoned with the Cajun trinity in a delicious dark roux.” Sounds about right. Papion’s also offers daily specials. Monday’s special was Atchafalaya Burger and Fries ($12.99), described as an “Andouille infused burger on a butter toasted brioche bun with fried green tomatoes, bacon, cheese, lettuce and onion, served with seasoned French fries.” This caused my friend’s eyes to widen, and he asked, “When is the last time you actually had a meal that was completely original to you?” He got the special and we decided to split a side of jambalaya ($5.99) because we had to try it.

His Atchafalaya burger arrived ahead of my gumbo, and that was okay because it would take

him a while to tackle it. By that, I mean it was really generous. The menu says the patty is “infused”

with Andouille, but that’s a little misleading. The beef and the sausage are ground together. We were

told they had been tinkering with the balance since the restaurant opened in March, and this is the

combination they decided is best. There was no argument from us. My friend said, “This is a great combination which really gives the burger a unique creole twist. The fried green tomato adds to the flavor and provides a little crunch to the bite, which is excellent.” He said he “highly recommends it.” Now, this is a guy who eats out a lot, so consider this high praise. He said the fries were good, too; crisp and warm.

The gumbo was not quite what I expected, but it was good. They probably shouldn’t tout is as made

with “dark roux,” because this wasn’t even copper-penny roux, but it was good. It did its job as a gumbo

base without being a distraction. Otherwise, the gumbo was exactly as advertised. The shrimp and

crab claws were a little on the small side, but there were plenty of them, so I have no complaints. Well, I do have one complaint. If you’re in Louisiana and you’re using imported seafood, that’s like a gymnast falling off the balance beam. It’s an automatic deduction. I’m sure there are legitimate business reasons to make this choice, and I also hope Papion’s is quickly successful enough for them to make the transition to Louisiana shrimp and crawfish.

A slice of buttery garlic French bread accompanied the gumbo, and it was perfect. Now, on to the

jambalaya. “It was a little dry and spicy for my taste,” my friend said. “I’m glad I just got the side,

because a full serving would have had my eyes watering for sure.” Keep in mind we shared this side

item. I added hot sauce to my half. So, while I agree it was a tad dry, my eyes weren’t watering. The

jambalaya was presented in a nice way, artfully plated with green onion slices on top. It’s good enough

to be a side dish, but for different reasons, I also wouldn’t order it as a main course.

This eye watering issue brings up one frustration we had. There was only one server on duty and she

appeared to be overwhelmed. The restaurant was encouragingly busy, and she couldn’t keep up with

requests for drink refills, extra condiments, etc. Our tea glasses were empty for too long and we had to

wave her down to get more. It should be said that when she came around, she was exceedingly pleasant

(I even want to say “lovely,” but that might not be politically correct these days). But she was also tasked

with wiping down tables to turn them over for the next guests. It was simply too much on her.

We finished with a bang, though. Those Beignets, y’all; yes, they do them right. They come three to an

order and they were perfect. Hot, fresh, delicious. Not doughy, not burned at all, exactly the right

amount of powdered sugar. That’s the best $4.95 you’ll spend any day. I can only imagine the bread

pudding is pretty good, too; and you can rest assured will one day make it my business to find out.

We were in the restaurant for more than an hour, which is a little challenging for the working person,

but we have confidence the folks running the show will get the important operational details worked out over time.

Our bill before taxes and tip was $48.89. Once we paid the state and rewarded the waitress for her

efforts, the tally topped out at $61.87. That total is a little uncomfortable for lunch, but overall, we had a

positive first impression of Papion’s. We’re giving them grace for being new. Downtown needs this

restaurant to be successful, so we wish them well. I will be back for sure. I need to try some of the

other daily specials, like fried chicken with red beans & rice on Tuesday’s, or the fried pork chop sandwich on Thursday’s.

I give Papion’s Creole Bistro Three forks. If I’m downtown, I will go back without hesitation.

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.

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The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) reports that the new downtown Northwest Louisiana State Office Building has taken another meaningful step forward, following actions approved at the recent board meeting of the Office Facilities Corporation (OFC).

Glenn Frazier, Director of the Office of State Buildings, was granted permission to sign an Encroachment Agreement with the City of Shreveport, clearing the way for continued development activity on the site. In addition, the project’s financial backing was formally increased, reflecting both planned enhancements and market-driven adjustments.

The OFC approved the following updates to the project funding:

$75 million in Lease Revenue Bonds
$30.5 million in OFC Cash
Recent adjustments to the project scope and associated costs include:

$1.7 million to account for tariff-related cost impacts
$1.4 million for the build-out of the 8th floor
$900,000 to install a sprinkler system in the parking garage
$221,000 for commissioning services
These changes represent a net total increase of approximately $4.2 million to the project budget.

The State of Louisiana is currently finalizing negotiations on a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) with Construction Manager at Risk, Broadmoor LLC. Once that agreement is complete, Phase 2 construction is expected to begin, with a target start date around Labor Day.

The DDA has championed the relocation of state operations into downtown since at least 2001 and is encouraged to see the project moving forward. This significant state investment will bring hundreds of daily workers into the heart of downtown, generating long-term economic and civic benefits for the entire Shreveport community.

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The Shreveport Police Department proudly announced the promotion of two of its officers during a ceremony on May 13.

Sergeant Anthony Sutis has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, while Corporal Eric Boughton has been promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

The promotions were conducted by Deputy Chief Antwoine White, who praised both officers for their strong leadership, professionalism, and continued dedication to public service.

“We are proud of their accomplishments and grateful for their ongoing commitment to the safety and well-being of our community,” the department stated.

Both officers will assume their new roles immediately.

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The Shreveport Police Department has arrested 46-year-old Robert Gilleard in connection with a carjacking that occurred on May 16 just after 9 a.m. in the 1800 block of Fairfield Avenue.


Preliminary investigation reveled, Gilleard first attempted to enter one vehicle but was unsuccessful. Moments later, he approached a second vehicle, entered it, and was confronted by the driver, who quickly exited the vehicle. Responding officers arrived promptly and were able to take Gilleard into custody.


He sustained injuries during the incident and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Following the investigation, detectives charged Gilleard with two counts of carjacking and one count of theft.

Detectives are still working to piece together the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. Additional updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

Anyone with further information is urged to contact the Shreveport Police Department at 318-673-7300 or Caddo Crime Stoppers at 318-673-7373.

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JOURNAL SPORTS

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Sam Burns saved his best for last in Sunday’s final round of golf’s second major of 2025, the 107th PGA Championship at Quail Hollow.

Burns, a Shreveport native and two-time LSU All-American, soared 30^th places to a tie for 19^th – his third career top 20 finish in 17 starts in a major championship – with a closing 4-under par 67 that was the second-lowest score in the fourth round.

He collected $193,442 to bump his official career winnings on the PGA Tour to just $12,000 shy of $30 million — $29,988,948 since the 28-year-old Calvary Baptist graduate turned pro in 2019.

Burns shot 31 on the front nine, opening with consecutive birdies on the first two holes, then scoring an eagle 3 on the par-5 7^th and getting another birdie on the next hole to get to 5-under for the day. He stumbled to a bogey on No. 9, then shot even-par 36 on the challenging back side, getting a birdie 3 on the 14^th and a bogey 5 out of a fairway bunker at the 16^th.

“If you can get off to a good start, it definitely helps around here. You’ve got to take advantage of those holes,” said Burns. “Unfortunately I missed a birdie chance at 10, but I got some good looks late. Once you reach 16, 17, 18, it’s just tough.”

Burns came in ranked as the best putter on the Tour and was No. 1 in the championship in strokes gained putting (1.068). Sunday, he gained over 4 strokes on the field.

He made the Friday cut on the number, at 73-70 (1-over) and shot a 1-over 72 Saturday. Sunday’s finish was the sixth top 25 in 14 starts this season for Burns, now a Choudrant resident who plays out of Squire Creek Country Club.

As is frequently the case, Burns spent the week with his wife Caroline, also a Shreveport native, and their infant son Bear sharing a private home with Scottie Scheffler, his wife Meredith and their baby boy Bennett. The world No. 1 ran away from the field with a winning 11-under par score for his third major title.

The Tour’s next stop is in Fort Worth, where Burns won at storied Colonial Country Club over Scheffler in a 2022 playoff after carding a 5-under 65 in windy conditions to charge into a tie for the lead. It was among three tournament titles won in Burns’ breakout season on Tour. He has five titles.

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