Suspects: Vashaney Tisby & Mitrocondria Tisby
Charges:

• 14:70.4 Access Device Fraud (Felony)
• 14:70.8 Illegal Transmission of Funds (Felony) – 2 counts

Detectives with the Shreveport Police Department’s Property Crimes Unit investigated a report from a victim whose debit card had been stolen. The victim told detectives that more than $1,000 had been taken without authorization and that unauthorized Cash App transactions had been sent to two accounts—one belonging to Vashaney Tisby and the other to Mitrocondria Tisby—in amounts considered felony-level.

Following the investigation, the Shreveport Police Warrants Division located both suspects and took them into custody without incident,

The Shreveport Police Department continues to work diligently to investigate financial crimes and encourages anyone who has been a victim of fraud to come forward.

Contact: Shreveport Police Department – 318-673-7300

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By Journal Staff – Monroe, Louisiana

MONROE, La. — A federal jury has awarded $42.75 million to the family of Erie Moore Sr., ruling that LaSalle Management Company, its privately operated Richwood Correctional Center, and three of its employees were liable for Moore’s death following an incident inside the Monroe-area jail nearly a decade ago.

The verdict, returned Oct. 21 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, found that LaSalle and its staff used excessive force and failed to ensure Moore’s safety while he was in custody. The award includes $19.5 million in compensatory damages and $23.25 million in punitive damages.

A Long Legal Journey

Moore’s family filed suit in 2016, alleging that the correctional staff’s actions and the facility’s policies violated his constitutional rights. The case endured nearly ten years of motions, appeals, and procedural delays before reaching a two-week jury trial.

Court documents show that Moore was arrested by Monroe police on Oct. 12, 2015, for disturbing the peace — a misdemeanor charge — and booked into Richwood Correctional Center that morning. Surveillance video presented at trial reportedly showed Moore placed in an isolation cell and later joined by another detainee, Vernon White, who had been involved in a separate fight elsewhere in the jail.

According to evidence and witness accounts introduced by the plaintiffs, correctional officers used chemical spray multiple times and employed impact weapons during their response to a confrontation between Moore and White. The video evidence allegedly showed Moore being sprayed, struck, and thrown head-first to the floor.

The Ouachita Parish coroner ruled Moore’s death a homicide caused by blunt-force trauma. He died from a hematoma on Nov. 14, 2015, about a month after the incident.

Conflicting Accounts

During closing arguments, attorneys for Moore’s family argued that LaSalle and Richwood staff acted with disregard for inmate safety and that supervisors failed to enforce use-of-force policies or monitor correctional practices. They asserted that a lack of oversight and accountability contributed directly to Moore’s fatal injuries.

Defense attorneys countered that Moore was combative and non-compliant with officers and that the cause and timing of his injury were unclear. They claimed the trauma could have occurred during his altercation with the other inmate. Attorneys for LaSalle also argued that the company, as a private operator, should not automatically be held liable under federal civil-rights standards typically applied to public agencies.

Jury’s Findings

After deliberating, jurors held LaSalle, Richwood, and three employees civilly responsible for Moore’s death. Plaintiffs’ attorney Cameron Nelson said the verdict “vindicated” Moore’s life and underscored the need for reform within Louisiana’s for-profit prison system.

Trial lawyer Max Schoening called the outcome “a light shined on ten years of darkness,” crediting Moore’s children for pursuing justice over the long course of litigation.

A member of Moore’s family said after the verdict that they hoped the decision would send a message to correctional officials statewide: “Everybody’s human. You shouldn’t use authority on people who can’t defend themselves.”

Broader Context

LaSalle Management, headquartered in Ruston, operates several correctional facilities across Louisiana and other southern states. The company has faced prior lawsuits and congressional scrutiny regarding inmate care and use-of-force policies. As of publication, no public statement from LaSalle or Richwood addressing the verdict has been located.

 

 

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Shreveport Public Assembly & Recreation (SPAR) has unveiled its newest art installation, and it’s all about kindness. The large “BE KIND” display invites residents and visitors to step into the message — literally — by posing as the “I” in the word “KIND.”

The interactive public art piece celebrates positivity and community spirit, encouraging everyone to take a moment to share kindness through creativity.

SPAR reminds the community: kindness looks good on everyone — and Shreveport is the perfect place to show it.Enter the first part of your article here…

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Over the past decade, digital payment platforms have emerged as serious alternatives to traditional banking, transforming how people manage money. Leading the movement are Venmo and Cash App, two mobile-first services that have redefined peer-to-peer transactions and blurred the line between technology companies and banks.

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Digital Payment Revolution

As smartphones became widespread and consumers sought faster, more intuitive financial tools, fintech firms seized the opportunity. Venmo, launched in 2009 and acquired by PayPal in 2013, introduced a social element to money transfers by blending payments with social media interaction. Cash App, developed by Square and launched in 2013, focused on simplicity and has since evolved into a broad financial platform.

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Understanding the Platforms

Venmo distinguishes itself by turning transactions into social experiences. Users can view and comment on payment activity in a feed similar to Facebook’s, complete with emojis and captions. Core features include peer-to-peer payments, debit and credit cards, business profiles, and bill-splitting tools.

Cash App has taken a different approach, positioning itself as a comprehensive financial ecosystem. In addition to standard transfers, the app offers customizable debit cards with “boost” rewards, direct deposit with early access to paychecks, stock investing with fractional shares, Bitcoin trading, and business payment options.

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Banking Without the Bank

Both platforms have introduced features that resemble traditional banking, often earning them the label “neo-banks.” Still, users generally must link a bank account or debit card to fund their balances or withdraw large amounts. This reliance shows that the apps complement rather than replace conventional banks.

Even so, their functionality has expanded dramatically. Users can receive direct deposits, store money, make purchases, and invest—all within a mobile interface. Physical cards extend that digital reach to in-store transactions, with Venmo offering cash back and Cash App providing instant retail discounts.

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Advantages Over Traditional Banking

Ease of use remains the primary advantage. While traditional banks often require in-person visits or complex online navigation, Venmo and Cash App allow users to start transferring funds within minutes. The platforms have also broadened access to financial tools for people who might not qualify for traditional accounts due to credit or balance requirements.

In many cases, services that incur fees at banks—such as basic transfers or low-balance maintenance—are free or cheaper through these apps. Rapid innovation has kept them ahead of consumer expectations and forced legacy institutions to adapt.

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Limitations and Risks

Regulatory protection is the biggest limitation. Both Venmo and Cash App provide FDIC insurance through partner banks, but their safeguards are not as comprehensive as those at regulated financial institutions. Customer support can be limited, and resolving complex disputes may be difficult.

Neither service offers the full range of banking products such as mortgages, business loans, or wealth management. Transaction limits and occasional fees apply, and mobile-only support can be frustrating when users need direct assistance.

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Market Impact and Future Outlook

The rise of these platforms has forced traditional banks to improve their digital tools and rethink customer expectations. Instant transfers and user-friendly design are now baseline requirements across the industry.

Venmo and Cash App have also brought millions of previously underbanked individuals into the financial system. As they expand further, analysts expect them to offer more lending and international capabilities. Increased regulatory oversight is likely to follow, balancing consumer protection with continued innovation.

Rather than replacing traditional banks, these fintechs are increasingly partnering with them, combining regulatory expertise with modern technology.

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The Bottom Line

Venmo and Cash App represent a fundamental shift in how consumers interact with financial services. They have addressed long-standing frustrations with accessibility, speed, and cost, but they also come with trade-offs in protection and scope.

For most consumers, the best approach is a hybrid one—using traditional banks for security and fintech apps for convenience. As digital platforms continue to evolve, they are pushing the entire financial industry toward a more customer-focused and technologically advanced future.

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By LEE BRECHEEN, Louisiana Football Magazine

Cory Brown plays both ways at tackle and gets in some snaps at noseguard for the North Caddo Titans, and he’s good at it.

He’s also a king.

As in the North Caddo High School Homecoming King.

It’s not every day you see a star football player crowned on game day as the Homecoming King.

Brown is a busy big fellow. At 6-1, 300 pounds, he never leaves the field.

At the Titans’ Homecoming game, he was still on the field at halftime.

‘Being selected as Homecoming King and being a football player at the same time can be pretty overwhelming, because you’re guaranteed to be busy all the time,” he said, “but the good side about it is that you get a lot of love and popularity from it.”

That honor makes him unique among at the very least, Class of 2026 college prospects in the local area. But what makes him a prospect?

This kid is self-made. With hard work and determination he has become perhaps the best lineman on his team.

Brown has the feet to be a starter in college either as an offensive guard or defensive tackle or noseguard. What’s most impressive — he really can move really well for someone 300 pounds.

He is the poster boy for sleeper recruits in the Shreveport-Bossier region.

Brown also excels in the classroom with a GPA of 3.3. His cousin Omarion Miller, a former star at North Caddo, is a current starter at wide receiver for Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes in Boulder.

Cory used to play basketball and was pretty good but decided to concentrate on football. He is very self-aware as he looks ahead in his playing career.

“As a football player I need to work on my speed and really getting in better shape and also improve my footwork for college football,” he said. “My offensive line coach Marc Brock is a great coach because he pushes us to our limits and never sugarcoats anything. My defensive line coach Louis Dennis III is a great coach too also because he pushes us to be real men and handle responsibilities in the real world,”

Brown is in the conversation with a few colleges about his future, but doesn’t yet have any firm offers. I believe he will find a few doors open. He also has his options open with a general idea of what his post-football future might be.

“I grew up liking LSU mainly just because of how they represent Louisiana and the state in football,” he said. “I would like to possibly major in either business management or physical education, which are two big options for me when I think about my future.”

Brown is a fairly typical teenager when it comes to his free time.

“When I am not playing football I like to play video games,” he said. “I like really just chilling and making great memories with my family and friends.”

His personal Game of the Year is coming up Friday night.

The high school I look forward to playing the most would be Green Oaks, just because they are chippy and big-time competitive to play against,” he said.

Green Oaks’ mascot is the Giants. They will have to face off against a giant in the middle of the Titans’ front lines this Friday night.

Contact Lee at lbrecheen@aol.com

(Lee Brecheen is the longtime publisher of Louisiana Football Magazine, covering all of the state’s high school teams each year since 1997.  He’s been tracking high school recruits since 1992. Free content can be found at the website lafootballmagazine.com. Lee hosts a podcast with guests from around the state — The Sports Scouting Report with Lee Brecheen, available on YouTube.)

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JOURNAL SPORTS

Three district contests tonight, two locally, kick off Week 8 of the high school football regular season for Shreveport-Bossier teams.

Northwood and Southwood tangle In a District 1-4A game at Independence Stadium. Jonesboro-Hodge visits Plain Dealing for a District 1-1A contest.

In Natchitoches, the Airline Vikings visit the Natchitoches Central Chiefs in a battle of teams with 2-3 District 1-5A records.

The Falcons have one of the top running backs in the area with Kyran Johnson approaching a 1,000-yard season, starting tonight with 874 yards and 13 touchdowns. First-year starting quarterback Nate Cervantes has been very efficient running the Northwood offense, throwing for 1,041 yards and 12 TDs while completing 61 percent of his passes with only three interceptions in 101 attempts.

Southwood has been resurgent under new coach Deaumante Johnson, ending a 46-game skid in the Cowboys’ opener and adding two more wins since. Northwood stands fifth in the LHSAA’s Non-Select Division I power rankings.

Airline’s explosive offense features dynamic senior Kenny Darby, an LSU commitment as a receiver (70 catches, 961 yards, 137 per game with 8 TDs) who also is a dynamic kick returner (2 TDs) owning a 9.5 average per carry in spot duty at tailback. D.J. Allen has 13 rushing touchdowns’ and an 8.8 average per carry, averaging 109 yards per game.

Vikings QB Chase Williams is on the verge of cracking the 2,000-yard mark for season passing yards. He has 1,915 while completing two-thirds of his throws (127-186) with only four interceptions and 18 TDs.

The game is important for playoff positioning. Airline is 22^nd and NCHS 28 in Non-Select Division I power rankings. The Vikings’ three district losses are by a total of 17 points to Evangel, Parkway and Captain Shreve.

The Week 8 schedule involving teams from Caddo and Bossier parishes:

 

TONIGHT’S GAMES

District 1-5A

Airline (4-3, 2-3) at Natchitoches Central (4-3, 2-3), Turpin Stadium

 

District 1-4A

Northwood (6-1, 3-1) at Southwood (3-3, 1-3), Independence Stadium

 

District 1-1A

Jonesboro-Hodge (4-3, 2-1) at Plain Dealing (0-6, 0-4)

 

FRIDAY’S GAMES

District 1-5A

Benton (2-5, 1-4) at Byrd (1-6, 0-5), Lee Hedges Stadium

Captain Shreve (4-3, 4-1) at Parkway (7-0, 5-0)

Haughton (1-6, 1-5) at Evangel (6-1, 6-0)

 

Non-district

Huntington (3-4) at Calvary (6-1)

 

District 1-4A

Loyola (7-0, 4-0) at Booker T. Washington (4-3, 1-3)

Bossier (3-4, 1-3) at Minden (3-4, 2-2)

North DeSoto (7-0, 4-0) at Woodlawn (2-5, 0-4), Independence Stadium

 

District 1-2A

North Caddo (1-6, 1-2) at Green Oaks (1-6, 0-3), Jerry Burton Stadium

Magnolia School of Excellence (0-6, 0-3) at Homer (2-5, 1-2)

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Indiana and Vanderbilt are two of the best teams in the country.

No, this isn’t 1980s basketball. This is today’s big-time college football.

It’s as unstable as Middle East politics.

The buzzword for the 2025 season is chaos. That makes for high-caliber entertainment, unless it’s your team getting surprised, or getting exposed.

The volatility of college sports is at unprecedented levels. The blend of the wide-open transfer portal, the allure of NIL, and the newest reality, NCAA-mandated revenue sharing with student-athletes, has produced a murky chain of command.

The fact that the players at the top end of the NCAA are getting (at least) reasonably compensated is good. The sad reality that those perceived as elite (some who are proving to be) are making quite literally millions, is not.

Can that genie be put back in the bottle? Don’t kid yourself.

Speaking of kidding, think Nick Saban will unretire? Why? It’s not money – he has plenty, he’s making more, he’s working less.

He’s no longer beholden to the whims of a mercenary agent repping the next 17-year-old future Pro Bowler. Or subject to the criticisms of a fan base or fan boys masquerading as media with half-baked podcasts or blogs.

Saban is not the solution for what ails LSU. Brian Kelly’s not the culprit, either. His numbers are not that much different than Saban’s were at this point on the timeline of his days in Baton Rouge. Yes, the signature wins and championships are lacking, but this is not your daddy’s SEC.

The deck has been reshuffled. The NFL has had parity for years. Major college football has just been introduced to the new normal.

Not every game comes down to the closing minutes, but a lot of them do, a lot more than before.

If it’s not your team whose status is hanging in the balance, it’s fun to watch.

It’s also costly to fund. The high cost of being a regular fan is one thing – it just costs more, from parking to tickets to concession stand visits, to team gear, to seat licenses, to renting tailgating slots.

Then there’s the NIL factor. Why are fans wanting coaches fired sooner than later? Because those supporters are really supporting, with their contributions to the collectives. They are not simply invested like the characters in the Dr Pepper commercials. They are pumping more money than ever into the machine and very few are willing to wait more than a little while for ROI.

LSU’s Kelly understands Tiger Nation being disgruntled despite a 5-2 record. Aside from the very real buy-in by donors and fans in the stands, there’s the sky-high hopes across the expansive fan base, heated up by the cool down from the most successful two decades in the history of the program – as good as almost any program at any point in college football history.

Kelly fanned the flames this summer when he unabashedly said LSU was ready to play with the best. Hasn’t panned out. We’ll know for certain after the Tigers try to pull off the Aggie-Crimson Tide two-step, where the degree of difficulty was already extreme before injuries to some of LSU’s best front seven on defense and one of their few solid offensive linemen.

But what was the man supposed to say 2-3 months ago? He was wrong about the O-line and that’s the crux of the problem. He couldn’t have anticipated the still mysterious but undeniably impactful torso injury that helped take QB Garrett Nussmeier from Heisman Trophy candidacy to mediocrity – along with constant pressure from defensive fronts.

“I’ve been 35 years in this business, 35, and it’s ever changing. The stakes are high, the passion is great,” Kelly said Monday. “It’s the nature of the business. It brings communities together, it brings states together. It brings so much hope.”

Barring stunning outcomes in the next 1-2 games, Tiger fans will be tormented for the rest of 2025. But LSU’s program isn’t descending into Dante’s Inferno.

Distressed by this stretch? It’s the turbulence you hope your flight never hits – disturbing, but it won’t last. Unless those in the cockpit panic.

LSU really is too big to fail. Its NFL pipeline is filled with recent, current and future Pro Bowlers, and that means everything to the kind of recruits and transfers needed to keep the Tigers on the top shelf. Tiger Stadium on Saturday is as good as it gets. There’s not a facility or a resource the program lacks.

But dump $53 million buying out Kelly’s contract, and more money to pay out assistants’ deals, and who’s the sure-fire hire to make every year a dream season? Jimbo Fisher? Tom Herman? James Franklin? Lincoln Riley? They all sounded great not long ago. Wasn’t Lane Kiffin run out of Oakland, L.A. and Knoxville?

As Morgan Freeman’s character in Shawshank Redemption, Red Redding, said: “Hope is a dangerous thing. Hope can drive a man insane.”

His pal, Andy Dufresne, provided the counterpoint, reaching that dreamy Pacific Ocean beach that he foresaw in a letter to Red.

“Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.”

Not even with a bad game, or a disappointing season, for your favorite team.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

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By JASON PUGH, Northwestern State Sports Information Director

Typically, Cam George is seen before he is heard.

One morning during Northwestern State’s preseason football camp, however, George’s message to his teammates spoke loudly.

George, a senior defensive end and team captain, stood on the Turpin Stadium turf and told his teammates his mother, Miranda Thomas, was in a battle with pancreatic cancer. For the often-stoic George, revealing the fact to his teammates and coaching staff was liberating.

“It was like a weight off my shoulders,” George said. “For a long time, I feel like I was keeping it in. I also feel like it was a testimony to others who are going through things and don’t usually speak up – showing them it’s OK to seek help or support from others and you can battle through anything and still succeed on and off the field no matter what’s going on in your life.”

The Demons (1-6, 0-3 Southland Conference) return home Saturday at 4 p.m. to face Lamar in Northwestern’s annual #ForkCancer game – one that will have even more meaning for George.

It will be his first such game since learning of his mother’s cancer battle, which began in March.

For George, a 6-foot-2, 245-pounder, Saturday’s game takes on a deeper significance.

“I feel like I’m playing for her,” George said. “Her seeing me out there gives her hope and gives her some joy in a tough time. This game will make her very happy. It definitely drives me. Anytime I’m out there and facing adversity or I feel like the team needs me to step it up, I remember she’s going through a fight that is much worse. I always lean into that and give it my all.”

Happiness often is tied to George and comes, in his estimation, from his mother.

“Honestly, we’re like twins,” George said. “We are very patient, loveable people who are always going to look out for others. I feel like I definitely get that from her.”

Second-year head coach Blaine McCorkle can back up George’s assertion of his similarities to his mother.

Thomas, who lives in Houston, was able to take in the Demons’ Oct. 11 game at HCU where she crossed paths with McCorkle.

“They have the same demeanor, put off the same presence,” McCorkle said. “You can tell he’s definitely his mother’s child for sure.”

George had a tackle for loss and a pass breakup in the Demons’ visit to HCU while playing in front of his mom. With George being in season and his mother an approximate four-hour drive away, George has learned to rely even deeper on family.

“It’s been challenging, but the great thing is I have a family and a great support system that can help me as well as help her, so we’re never alone,” George said. “That’s definitely a blessing.”

Whether it is in the locker room or in the coaches’ offices on the third floor of the Donald G. Kelly Athletic Complex’s fieldhouse, George knows he has a place to find that same feeling at Northwestern.

McCorkle’s decades of college football coaching experience have helped him craft a playbook for how to strike a balance for situations George has found himself in during his senior season.

“Cam came to see me in the spring and told me where she was and what she was going through,” McCorkle said. “When you go through that as a coach, you want to be there to support them. You don’t want to wear them out, you don’t want to hound them, but you let them know you love them, you pray for them and every so often, you ask, ‘Hey, how’s mom doing?’ That’s one of the most important things you can do is let him know, we’re busy. We’re game-planning, and we have his program we’re trying to run, but we haven’t forgotten. Hopefully, he appreciates that you him a little distance, but you love him through it at the same time.”

Equally important for George and for his mother is their faith.

With Thomas recently completing her final radiation and chemotherapy treatments, that shared belief has been reinforced, especially in their daily communication.

“It all comes back to having faith and belief that things will be OK,” George said. “We usually talk every day. If we can’t reach each other on the phone, we’ll send a text saying, ‘I love you.’ She’ll send me a prayer each and every day. If it’s a few minutes reaching out to each other, we try our best to stay in touch and keep that love intact.

“She’s a very strong woman, so I know she can handle anything and she’ll get through it. As a family, we’ve reassured her, we’re here for her and will fight for her and do whatever it takes to help her on this journey.”

Contact Jason at pughj@nsula.edu

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Now that deer season is here, I am once again enjoying the privilege of interviewing successful hunters of big bucks taken in the state. Here’s one from last week that had a couple of interesting twists.

Waylon Shackleford, a 19-year-old who lives in Alexandria and is a pre-engineering student at LSU-Alexandria, encountered a couple of strange and interesting things that occurred before he could lay claim to the big 10-point Rapides Parish buck he shot on October 2.

Shackleford hunts on private land where he has permission, land that lies adjacent to the Red River.

“My buddy, Hunter Vaughn who attends college at UL Lafayette, and I motored across the river, parked the boat and I headed to my stand about 50 yards from the river while Hunter headed for his stand a couple hundred yards away. Hunter had shot a nice buck the day before, one that measured in the 120s,” Shackleford began.

Getting into his climbing stand at 5:45, he locked it in at about 25 feet up a big willow, a spot that allowed him to see a draw that makes into sort of a bowl. He had corn scattered out front of the stand.

“Just after 7 o’clock, something came out to the corn, but it wasn’t a deer; it was two big hogs, a boar and sow. I knew it wasn’t good to have hogs feeding on the corn that could spook the buck I had been seeing on camera. I did what I thought I should do, and I shot the boar, which ran off into the woods. The sow was still there so I shot her and she died in the middle of my corn.

“I knew it wouldn’t be good to just leave a dead hog lying in the corn so I got down, dragged the sow to the edge of the river, and climbed back into my stand around 8,” he said.

Half an hour later, Shackleford was moving about to get situated in the stand when he heard something walking. It was a big buck that probably had heard him moving around but stopped at 25 yards and was looking in his direction.

“Then the buck started easing off down the ridge. I shoot left-handed and he was moving to the left so I had to reposition myself to be able to shoot at that angle. I saw a small opening and even though the buck was quartering toward me, I shot when he stepped into the opening at 18 yards. The buck took off,” Shackleford continued.

He texted his friend, Hunter, to come help him look for the deer. They found the arrow and some dark blood, indicating his shot had hit the liver so it would likely take the deer longer to expire.

Here’s where another wrinkle comes into play for Shackleford. He had to leave the woods, rush back to school to take a math test. Before heading back to the woods, he contacted Brandy Lewis, who has Gator, a good blood trailing dog.

“Brandy met us around 3:30 and Gator found the deer that had traveled some 250 yards before it died,” he said.

The buck sported an impressive rack of 10 points with an inside spread of 20 ½ inches. The deer was judged to be 4 ½ years old and weighed 225 pounds. The rack was scored at 151 5/8 inches.

Before finally laying his hands on his buck, Shackleford had two things that stood in the way, two hogs and a math test. Fortunately, he took care of the hogs. You have to wonder, with his mind on the big buck, how he did on his math test. Hopefully he was on target there, too.

Contact Glynn at glynnharris37@gmail.com

Continue your article here…

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The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff’s Safety Town will host their annual Trunk or Treat event on Monday, Oct. 27 from 5-7 p.m. at Sheriff’s Safety Town, located at 8910 Jewella Avenue in Shreveport.

The family-friendly event will feature candy, games, a haunted house, and other activities for children. Local first responders, including the Shreveport Police Department, Shreveport Fire Department, Shreveport City Marshal’s Office, Louisiana State Police, and representatives from Probation and Parole, will participate by handing out treats and engaging with attendees. Willis-Knighton Medical Center will also be on site.

Car seat checks and installation services will be available during the event to help promote child passenger safety.

Last year’s Trunk or Treat drew more than a thousand children, and organizers expect another strong turnout this year. The event is designed to provide a safe and fun environment for families to celebrate Halloween.

For more information, contact Sheriff’s Safety Town at 318-698-7233.

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On behalf of the Management and Staff of Heavenly Gates Funeral Home, in conjunction with the Bledsoe Family, we announce the celebration of life honoring Mrs. Phyllis Ann Ford Bledsoe.

Mrs. Bledsoe will lie in state on Friday, October 24, 2025, between the hours of 11:00 am. – 5:00 p.m., at New Bethel Baptist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana.

The celebration of life will commence on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 11:00 am, in the sanctuary of Greenwood Aces Full Gospel Church, Shreveport, Louisiana.

Mrs. Bledsoe will rest in the gardens of Lincoln Memorial Cemetery.

You may leave condolences for The Bledsoe Family to read on the tribute wall.

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On behalf of the Management and Staff of Heavenly Gates Funeral Home, in conjunction with the Atkins Family, we announce the celebration of life honoring Mr. Robert Wayne Atkins, Sr.

The evening of remembrance for Mr. Atkins will be on Friday, October 24, 2025, between the hours of 5:00 pm. – 7:00 p.m., at New Hill CME Church in Keithville, Louisiana.

The celebration of life will commence on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 11:00 am, in the sanctuary of Mount Mariah Baptist Church, Kingston, Louisiana.

Mr. Atkins will rest in the gardens of Mount Mariah Cemetery.

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Baton Rouge – Governor Jeff Landry is warning all SNAP welfare cardholders that they will receive no new benefits on their cards starting Nov. 1 due to the federal government shutdown in Washington, DC. Any remaining benefits from previous months can still be used. Updated information will be available to all Louisiana residents through a new site https://dcshutdown.la.gov.

Hundreds of thousands of people in Louisiana receive SNAP welfare benefits. An update from the USDA this summer stated more than 16% of the population in Louisiana receives SNAP benefits.

“The U.S. Senate is failing to open the federal government in Washington, DC. SNAP benefits are paid for by the federal government in Washington, and we simply administer the program here in Louisiana. Without the funds we cannot provide the benefits. The U.S. House under Speaker Mike Johnson has already acted to re-open the government. Our U.S. Senators representing Louisiana have voted over and over again to re-open the government. They are doing their part. Now it is time for those U.S. Senators, under Democrat Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, to vote yes and re-open the federal government. Louisianans concerned about the lack of funds for this program, or any impacted federal service, should call on Chuck Schumer to re-open the federal government now,” said Governor Jeff Landry.

The Louisiana Department of Health which oversees the SNAP program in Louisiana will begin notifying recipients this week, based on available information, that November benefits will not be added to their cards until the federal government reopens. In addition, LDH is providing notices (Notice 1, Notice 2) which retailers can post on doorways and in their stores notifying recipients new funds will be unavailable.

“All Louisiana SNAP recipients should be aware that there will be no new benefits added to their cards starting November 1st unless the federal government in Washington, DC reopens,” said Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health Bruce D. Greenstein. “We will do all we can to ensure SNAP recipients are aware of this and that retailers are prepared as well. Updated information will be provided on the state’s new dcshutdown.la.gov website as soon as it is available.”

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly benefits that help eligible low-income households buy the food they need for good health. It is a program funded by the federal government in Washington, DC under the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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The world’s worst eating disorder occurs between two people of the opposite sex.

Truth: Somewhere right now, a man and woman who really love each other are having a big fight over where they are going to eat.

“Where do you want to eat, honey?”

“I don’t care. Where do you want to eat?”

“Doesn’t matter to me. Whatever you want. I love you. Just in it for the company.”

Silence.

A tinge of friction, undefinable at the time. But something besides hunger is there that wasn’t there before.

You speak again. The car is almost out of the driveway.

“You in the mood for anything in particular?”

“Well, not really. I could eat just about anything.”

“Well, Mexican, Italian … Want a burger or something?”

“Anything’s fine. You decide.”

You are driving now, or being driven in a direction. Just a direction. Not to anything, not away from anything. Just driving, hungry and decisionless.

“Seafood?”

“Well, not seafood. But anything else.”

Discreetly, eyes roll.

“Enchiladas?”

“If you want. Really, it doesn’t matter to me.”

The car is going slower because you don’t want to drive too far in case you’re heading away from whatever restaurant you decide — sometime before the turn of the century — to eat at.

“You don’t care?”

“Not really.”

That’s it.

“Fine. Let’s go to the 7-Eleven and get a Big Gulp and hotdog and eat it on the curb by the pay phone.”

“Well, not that.”

“OK then. It does matter. You do care. Now, where do you want to eat?

“Where do you want to eat?”

At this point, ugly names are not spoke at the ends of sentences. But they’re understood.

“Well, where do you want to eat, (insert ugly name here)?”

“That’s what I’m asking you, (worst name goes here).”

And you continue trying to make the other person decide, secretly hoping they will save you from Culinary Hell.

We all eat several times a day. Every day. You’d think after all the practice, we’d get it right. But time and time again, men and women have food fights.

Why is this?

It doesn’t work this way when it’s just guys or just girls. The decision is made quickly, the compromise comes easier, or something. I do not know why. All I know is that if Chef Boy-ar-dee and the Jolly Green Giant decide to go eat together, they’re seated and already ordering 10 minutes later. But if Chef Boy-ar-dee and Betty Crocker decide to dine together, they’re still hungry an hour later. Hungry, and on a low boil.

Sadly, we seldom make the perfect call. We second-guess. We ty to read minds. We don’t trust. (“Does she really want pizza for the third straight night?, or is she just being nice …?”)

Sometimes, though, you actually make it to a restaurant without having to stop for either gas or stitches. And you look at each other, and apologize, and there’s only one thing left to say:

“Here, or to go?”

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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Councilwoman Debra Ross expressed her appreciation for the residents who attended her first Community Town Hall Meeting, held this week for constituents in District 2.

A group of concerned residents gathered to voice their thoughts, share concerns, and show support for their council representative. Ross said she organized the meeting to listen directly to community members and ensure their voices are heard.

She was joined by fellow Bossier City Council members, representatives from the Mayor’s Office, and other city departments who were present to address questions and provide information on city services.

Attendees thanked Councilwoman Ross for creating an opportunity for open discussion and engagement, noting the importance of maintaining strong communication between local government and the residents it serves.

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Domestic violence is a cancer that affects our community, and the Shreveport Police Department remains committed to addressing it with the seriousness it deserves.

Recently, the Shreveport Police Department’s Domestic Violence Unit was notified of an incident involving Caddo Parish School Board employee Nicholaus Smith, principal at Huntington High School. On Monday, Shreveport Police were contacted by Caddo Parish Schools after allegations of domestic violence were made against Smith.

Following an investigation, on Tuesday, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Smith for two counts of Domestic Abuse Battery with Child Endangerment. Smith subsequently turned himself in to the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of the Caddo Parish School Board.

Chief Wayne Smith commended Superintendent Keith Burton and his staff for taking allegations of domestic violence seriously and for their cooperation throughout the investigation.

It is important to note that this incident stemmed from matters that occurred during Smith’s personal time and did not take place on school property or during school hours.

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The Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of Shreveport Direct Care. The event marked the official launch of the new healthcare facility, which aims to provide accessible and personalized medical services to the community. Chamber members, local leaders, and guests attended the celebration to welcome the new business and show their support.

The Chamber congratulated Shreveport Direct Care on its opening and thanked all who joined in celebrating this addition to the local business community.

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The Bossier Chamber of Commerce welcomed Adam Knapp, CEO of Leaders for a Better Louisiana, as the featured speaker for its latest Public Policy Series event.

During the session, Knapp led a discussion focused on Louisiana’s economic growth, evolving policy landscape, and future opportunities for statewide development. Attendees engaged in an in-depth conversation about challenges and strategies shaping the state’s progress.

The Chamber’s Public Policy Series is presented by Willis-Knighton Health, with supporting sponsors Expand Energy, Barksdale Federal Credit Union, Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Homes, and Ochsner LSU Health.

The next installment of the series will be held on Oct. 27, featuring Secretary Schowen and Tedra Cheatham, CEcD, Executive Director of LED FastStart. Registration for the event is available online at https://tinyurl.com/39rks758.

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By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

When a veteran team is playing at the level everyone expected, with just one loss for the second straight season, there’s more than just good players and coaches making an impact.

The Northwood Falcons are sailing along, 6-1 overall, with one of the best power rankings in Non-Select Division I – even though they are the smallest school in that division, and are one of a handful of Class 4A teams that will line up with the 5A squads come playoff time.

Northwood is 3-1 in District 1-4A. The only blemish is a much-more-competitive-than-it-looks 52-26 loss Sept. 26 to unbeaten rival North DeSoto, in a contest that was in doubt well into the second half. The Griffins, ranked No. 1 in 4A, have a win at West Monroe, ranked fourth in 5A, to their credit.

Northwood hasn’t blinked since dropping its district opener, outscoring the next three foes by 138-22. In their six overall wins, the Falcons are averaging 52 points.

The last victory was a 48-14 cruise by a much-improved Bossier team on the road last Friday night, earning Northwood the Shreveport-Bossier Journal Team of the Week honor as it prepares to play another improved district foe, Southwood, Thursday night.

How have the Falcons handled their own lofty expectations?

“It starts with the senior leadership,” said sixth-year coach Austin Brown. “They were young players when some great role models were coming through, and they saw first-hand Northwood at its peak. Then they were sophomores and a lot of them were counted upon to be starters. They weren’t exactly ready for it; we went 5-6, still made the playoffs, but that ignited the hunger to be better.

“This has been my best team as far as being player-led. They have no problem telling me what this team needs: ‘Coach, I know today’s not supposed to be a padded practice, but we need a padded practice.’  Or ‘Coach, this kid needs to be starting.

“If they feel strongly about something, we as coaches take a long look and almost always we listen to them. Pretty much every time, it’s paid off and it’s created more buy-in as we go along,” said Brown, who has a 26-man senior class, with 10 starting on defense and 7-8 on offense.

But it’s not just those front-line players that have made Northwood so successful.

“We’ve bought into going two ways, and guys contributing off the bench in some way, even if it’s just 10 plays a game. We practiced it all summer and it’s gone well. These players accept the concept of it’s how can you help the team, no matter whether it’s your primary position or not,” he said.

For the Falcons, “the MVP of our team IS our team,” to use a catchphrase that legendary Northwestern State basketball coach Mike McConathy pioneered before Brown spent a couple of years watching his squads as a graduate assistant football coach with the Demons.

Northwood senior stars like cornerback/receiver Justin Thomas, running back Kyran Johnson, receiver Jayden White, defensive back Jerimiah Johnson, linebacker Gaige Lummus, and a stalwart offensive line are obvious cornerstones. But don’t overlook the infantry.

“The backups, the role players, and the younger guys are making a big difference every day,” said Brown. ”It’s a testament to these seniors as to how much we’ve grown as to our depth. We’ve overcome the normal injuries and not seen a dropoff in performance. The guys who aren’t starters have stepped up, and they have come along because these seniors, and the other starters, have prepared them to get better.”

The convincing victory margins Northwood has posted have allowed the reserves to get more game action, honing them for significant contributions this year and much bigger roles in the future.

There was one big question for the Falcons as the season began: quarterback. It’s now a strength.

“Nate Cervantes was a big-time baseball player, but he’s never had a lot of focus on football because he was not the guy. The last six months, he’s bought in,” said Brown. “We didn’t know what we were going to get when the lights turned on, but it’s been really, really good.”

After Southwood, the Falcons cap the regular season against Minden and Loyola, and begin their drive to make a deep Division I playoff run. Before then …

“I want to get a little more multiple on defense,” said Brown.

“We’re playing in one of the toughest playoff brackets in the nation, and we’re going to be the smallest school in Non-Select Division I. We’ve done this for a few years now, and we know what we’re going to face. We’ve had some success, won some playoff games, gotten to quarterfinals.

“We know what it takes, and the end of the regular season is about us trying to get prepared for that, along with taking care of business against our final three opponents, who can’t be taken for granted.”

Neither should anyone on the Northwood roster.             

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

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JOURNAL SPORTS

Getting geared up to play a football game is easier than ever.

Innovations in equipment designs have made dressing out for practice and games simpler and less cumbersome – and importantly, safer. 

Not every change is embraced – pants without knee pads are appreciated by some coaches, but disdained by others, for example. But there seems to be universal agreement that today’s helmets are much better – lighter to wear, yet safer.

Several coaches shared their perspectives on this week’s Shreveport-Bossier Journal Coaches Roundtable question about the evolution of equipment.

GARY COOPER, Booker T. Washington – “I definitely like the seven-piece girdles with the built in pads. That’s a few less items we would have to order, inventory, and keep up with. I’m a fan of all the new helmet designs and safety features, but I’m not a fan of the prices, lol.” 

JERRY BYRD, Plain Dealing – “Helmet technology has vastly improved and that’s a great thing for the short and long-term health of the players. I’m a fan of that. I’m not a fan of the disappearance of the knee pads, which — at this point — are becoming extinct. Coaches are caught in the middle between high school kids who watch college and pros, and want to look like that, and high school  officials, who want to follow the rules to the T.”

STEPHEN DENNIS, Benton – “I think the technology put into helmets is great!!! When paired with how most people are teaching tackling, where the ‘head’ is out of the tackle fit, I think it’s going a long way to making our sport much better and safer!!” 

DENNY DURON, Evangel – “I love the reversible jerseys. The two-in-one jersey has helped us tremendously both in practice and game apparel. On one side you have your home colors, on the other side, the away jersey. So very convenient.”

AUSTIN BROWN, Northwood – “Definitely glad I don’t have to holler about knee pads any more! We try to stay on the newest, safest equipment changes, i.e. new helmets, these collar things and all that’s coming out. I think the best innovation has been the padding put on the outside of the helmets.”

STACY BALLEW, Byrd – “All the equipment is lighter and safer and that makes it much better for the players.”

JUSTIN SCOGIN, Airline – “I think the helmets are the best change ever, though they are really expensive.  Everything has changed for the better equipment wise.” 

COY BROTHERTON, Parkway – “I miss the neck rolls and huge shoulder pads.  The helmets are all new with technology that tracks hits and impacts, but like cars, the new ones aren’t as durable as they used to be.  Seems like stuff is having to be fixed all the time.”

Anonymous south Louisiana coach – “I told one of our kids who wanted a pair of pants with no knee pads, because they look so cool; ‘OK, and when I go see you in the hospital with your busted knee, I’ll say, ‘man, that’s tough … but you DID look cool.’ “

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