Normally when a man or even a woman or child pulls a knife on me in a drugstore, I call “time out” and hustle to another drugstore. When it comes to getting my business, a person – especially an employee — pulling a knife is generally a deal-breaker.

Not so this time, a fondly remembered holiday weekend when some helpful retail employees turned Black Friday into Bright Friday.

To help explain why, we give you one of our greatest Americans, Paul Harvey, a man those of a certain age will remember as closing every optimistic broadcast with his trademark and upbeat, “Goodday!”

God bless and rest his vocal cords.

The late newsman used to remind us that when we give directions, we’re more likely than not tell a person to “go to the red light and …”

“But,” Paul Harvey would say in a lyrical voice that rose until reaching a perfect crescendo at sentence’s end, “that light is GREEN as often as it is RED!…”

(Heard him say it once in the Monroe Civic Center during a Sunday afternoon “concert.” Will never forget it. We exploded like Swifties on speed. Paul was the man, which is another story. America could use him these days…)

Paul Harvey reminded us often on his daily radio show that we humans are flawed and strange creatures, and that we are mostly, by nature, pessimists, with no real reasons to be. (I fooled myself for a long time into thinking I was an optimist, but really I’m no more than pessimist with a decent attitude. It’s a start!)

Paul Harvey was — and remains — right. We’d do well to start seeing the bright side of things or at least give life – and people — the benefit of the doubt.

Consider this recent overheard observation from a consumer who complained with amusement that the employees in one drugstore were nice but that the employees in the same chain drugstore five miles away made the Wicked Witch look like Glinda.

It’s never the store or the organization. Those things are made up of us. Of humans. We are the light that shines or the darkness that fails.

My granddaddy always told me that it’s not the world that’s messed up: it’s the people in it.

But … now and then, when you least expect it, Providence will drop you a reminder that good and decent people are everywhere. They’re trying to do the right thing, and with no big hidden agenda. Most people are just like you and me, trying to get by, not meaning any harm, trying to do the next right thing in spite of being part of a warped species.

Some people don’t just see the green light. They are light. At least on certain days. We all have our moments.

So when I walked into the out-of-town drugstore at dusk on a post-Thanksgiving Friday, all I needed was a phone charger to replace the one that had just died an untimely death. Without a phone charger, I can’t listen to the college football games on the way home. Or anything. This was a big deal to a tired and troubled me, in a foreign town, five lonely hours from home.

The lady at the register was Alisha. Showed me just what I needed. Told me to keep my receipt and try it out in my car.

This one little piece of plastic was keeping it from fitting. They didn’t have any others for me to try. That’s when Jonathan showed up flashing his knife. It appeared in his hand like a handkerchief from a magician’s sleeve. I wondered what this guy was doing working back in the photo lab when he could have a career on stage. Or with the CIA.

“Bet I can fix yours like I fixed mine,” he said, and less than a half-minute later, little plastic shavings were on the glass counter, his knife had disappeared, and a happy customer headed back to Louisiana, all charged up.

They might have wanted to do anything other than work the late shift at the evening drugstore that day. But they seemed genuinely happy to help a guy they didn’t know, a man who’d spent less than $15 in their store. I’ll probably never see them again. All I could do when I got home, fully charged, was write their manager to say thanks.

From now on, whenever I read of Black Friday fistfights, I’ll think of Alisha and Jonathan, and how they made a stranger’s day, gave him a little light at the start of a long, dark drive. I hope they caught every green light on their way home.

I vote for more Bright Fridays.

Goodday!

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

By Pat Culverhouse

An attempted traffic stop on Interstate 20 near the Minden exit Tuesday morning turned into a high speed chase that ended in Caddo Parish when spike strips were successfully deployed to end the pursuit, and the 21-year-old driver is in police custody.

Chief of Police Jared McIver said Drake Edward McKinney, a resident of the 300 block of Warriner Ave. in Blanchard, was booked on an arrest warrant for flight from an officer and is being held on a $20,000 bond.

He is also looking at additional charges of illegal carrying of weapons, violation of open container ordinance and no insurance after officers enforced a search warrant for his vehicle.

McIver said Officer Cody James was on Safety Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) patrol shortly before 9 a.m. when he reportedly clocked a speeding vehicle (90 in a 70 m.p.h. zone) in the westbound lane of the Interstate.

When James activated his lights, the driver reportedly accelerated and began to pull away from the officer. Officer James reportedly observed the Dodge Challenger traveling at speeds up to 130 miles per hour and passing traffic on the shoulder of the roadway multiple times.

James reportedly maintained radio contact during the pursuit, but lost visual contact at the intersection of Interstate 20/Interstate 220 in Bossier Parish. After the officer self-terminated the pursuit at that point, information was shortly received that Louisiana State Police troopers had successfully deployed spike strips on I-220 at the Benton Rd. exit.

Despite the successful deployment, the vehicle continued westbound on I-220 until it  became disabled on the Interstate in Caddo Parish. Although the driver had managed to leave the scene, he was located on Ed’s Blvd. and taken into custody.

McKinney and his vehicle were returned to Minden where officers obtained a search warrant. Inside the vehicle, officers reportedly found a Taurus 9MM handgun and magazine, plus an open bottle of Tequila.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Continue your article here…

Assistant Chief David Miller began his career with the Bossier Sheriff’s Office in 1999, initially serving as the Assistant Supervisor of the Tax Division. Over the years, Miller’s expertise and commitment led him through a series of promotions. In 2002, he was promoted to Sergeant and assumed the role of Supervisor of the Civil Division. His continued success and leadership brought further promotions, from Lieutenant to Captain of Tax and Civil Division. In 2012, he was promoted to Major of the Support Division, and in January 2016, he reached the rank of Assistant Chief. With 26 years of service, Miller’s dedication to the Sheriff’s Office has left an indelible mark on the department and the community.

Sergeant Tab Cahn also celebrated 26 years of service, beginning his career as a reserve Deputy before becoming a Post-Certified Deputy. Cahn has served in a wide range of divisions, including the Patrol Division, Criminal Investigations, Special Investigations, and Internal Affairs. Notably, he was assigned as a special deputy to the U.S. Marshal’s Service, where his efforts contributed to numerous high-profile cases. Throughout his tenure, Sergeant Cahn’s work ethic, professionalism, and versatility have been an asset to the Bossier Sheriff’s Office.

In a statement celebrating their careers, Sheriff Julian Whittington expressed his deep appreciation for their unwavering commitment:

“David Miller and Tab Cahn have set the bar for what it means to serve with integrity, dedication, and excellence. Their years of service have not only helped shape the success of the Bossier Sheriff’s Office, but they have also earned the respect and admiration of their colleagues and the community they’ve protected.”

As these two exceptional deputies retire, the Bossier Sheriff’s Office extends its warmest congratulations to both David Miller and Tab Cahn for their remarkable careers. Their contributions will be remembered for years to come.

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office expanded its ranks on November 24 as Sheriff Henry Whitehorn Sr. administered the oath of office to six newly appointed deputies.

Three deputies were sworn into Corrections: Jamaal Brown, Matthew Markosky and Terryon Woodard. Lakeisha Washington joined the Real-Time Crime Center in a clerical role. Two hires were added to Human Resources Management: Wendy Kidd and Lacy Lopez, who will serve as an HR Clerk.

The Sheriff’s Office reported that recruitment efforts are ongoing. Applicants 21 and older may apply for positions including corrections deputies, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, building and groundskeepers, part-time courthouse security personnel and part-time work release drivers.

Details on qualifications, benefits and applications are available on the agency’s website at caddosheriff.org.

The Joint Transportation, Highways, & Public Works Committee will conduct a legislative public hearing on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 8:30 a.m. The purpose of the hearing – commonly referred to as the annual DOTD Road Show – is to review the highway construction priorities for the fiscal year 2026-2027.

Location:

Government Plaza
Shreveport City Council Chambers
505 Travis Street
Shreveport, LA 71101

District 04 (Bossier, Bienville, Caddo, Claiborne, DeSoto, Red River, & Webster Parishes)

Each DOTD District will be hosting its own Road Show to allow legislators, other elected officials, DOTD representatives and the general public to discuss and obtain information about construction projects in the preliminary FY 2026-2027 Highway Priority Program and how those projects will affect each area of the state.

All those interested are invited to attend the Road Show and will be afforded an opportunity to express their views.

Oral testimony may be supplemented by presenting important facts and documentation in writing. Written statements and comments should be handed to the committee conducting the hearing, or mailed to the following address, postmarked within 45 calendar days following the hearing:

Joint Transportation, Highways, & Public Works Committee
C/O LA DOTD (Section 45)
P.O. Box 94245
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9245

To read more information about planned construction projects for District 04 in the preliminary FY 26-27 Highway Priority Program, go online to bit.ly/4riSbGw.

By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

Three of the four local teams still going in the LHSAA football quarterfinals will meet south Louisiana foes that rarely encounter teams from the 318 area code. Two of those are reigning state champions and the other is unbeaten.

Parkway and Loyola get to host games Friday night. The Panthers take on Monroe’s Ouachita Parish Lions while the Flyers square off against Archbishop Shaw out of the fabled Catholic League in New Orleans.

Evangel and Calvary travel to play undefeated, top-ranked foes.

The Eagles have the most formidable task, visiting nationally-ranked Edna Karr in New Orleans. The Cavaliers head to the Hammond area to encounter upstart Jewel Sumner, which unlike Calvary, has little playoff experience.

PARKWAY’S OPPONENT:  The Ouachita Parish Lions (8-4) entered with a No. 14 seed but just pulled the upset of the Non-Select Division I bracket, winning 21-19 last Friday at No. 3 Destrehan. That’s a Destry team that plastered Captain Shreve 68-28 in midseason. The Lions opened the season beating Shreve 37-19 in Monroe.

Ouachita plays in District 2-5A that includes Ruston, Alexandria, Neville and West Monroe. All but West Monroe are in the quarterfinal round this Friday.

OPHS lost 38-37 to Neville, and by one score to Ruston and ASH. West Monroe beat the Lions 39-25.

Quality non-district wins for the Lions: 33-22 over Sterlington and 42-14 at Franklin Parish.

Senior running back Macario Dade is averaging 135.5 yards on the ground (1,490 for the season).

LOYOLA’S OPPONENT:  Archbishop Shaw (7-4) is the defending Select Division II state champion, and owns a No. 7 seeding. The Eagles have three shutout losses.

They’re the only team to beat Class 2A power Lafayette Christian, intercepting six passes in a 31-13 win on Sept. 26.

Shaw opened with a 35-0 loss to the undisputed best team in the state, Edna Karr. The Eagles were routed 29-0 by their rival, Archbishop Rummel, in Week 3.

After a first-round bye, they blasted Haynes Academy 49-6 last week, scoring 42 points on 11 first-half plays. Their coach, Hank Tierney, is among the state’s top 15 all-time winningest coaches.

EVANGEL’S OPPONENT:  The Edna Karr Cougars are four-time reigning Catholic League champions and are defending last year’s Select Division I state title, won in a 50-0 romp over Alexandria.

Quarterback John Johnson, a Washington State commitment, threw three touchdown passes and ran for three more scores in a 39-13 victory over 17^th-seeded Jesuit last Friday. The game was scoreless at halftime, but the Cougars roared to life and built a 26-0 lead.

Top-seeded Karr (11-0) has outscored opponents 480-119. The Cougars’ closest games against in-state foes were a 42-21 win over St. Augustine and a 48-26 victory over John Curtis – both still going in the state quarters.

Karr dodged a loss against Florida-based American Heritage in a 24-17 overtime victory on Sept. 12 in New Orleans. The Cougars’ highly-regarded senior running back, Tre Garrison, is nicknamed “Truck Stick” and plans to join Johnson in Pullman, Wash., next season.

The Cougars, who have 33 seniors, are riding a 24-game winning streak and are No. 7 nationally in the SI.com prep rankings. MaxPreps has them at ninth and in The Sporting News composite rankings of eight different polls, Karr is No. 11.

CALVARY’S OPPONENT: Where is undefeated Jewel Sumner located? It’s near Kentwood, outside of Hammond, best known for being the hometown of pop singer Britney Spears and Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end Jackie Smith.

But it’s in a one-light town – Tangipahoa, population under 500.

The Cowboys (11-0), the third seed in Select Division III, are having their best season ever. Last year they won their first-ever district title in 20 seasons and finished 10-2. They’ve been atop the LSWA’s Class 3A Top 10 poll most of the year, ahead of University Lab.

Jewel Sumner, using a productive Wing T offense, has outscored its opponents 406-100 with three shutouts. Last week the Cowboys opened postseason beating St. Charles Catholic – the team Calvary defeated to win its 2023 state title – by 42-20.

Eleventh-year coach Ross Currier led the program to its first playoff appearance in 2018, its first postseason win in 2020, and its first quarterfinal round berth last year. Currier’s father and uncle combined to coach five state championship teams at other small schools in the area.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

By DAVID ERSOFF, Journal Sports

Loyola’s 13th annual Flyer Invitational brought in some powerful girls soccer teams from around the state including University Lab, Baton Rouge Magnet, Lakeshore, Archbishop Hannan, West Monroe, and upstart Zachary.

The south Louisiana teams braved the ride up Interstate 49 that seems to only flow southward when it comes to prep sporting events.

After lots of intersectional competition, there was no change in the pecking order of the Shreveport-Bossier Journal coaches’ poll, although the gap between first and third widened from the tight bunch in the preseason.

Benton played four games in the Flyer Invitational, beginning Thursday with an 8-0 win over Sterlington. On Friday, the Lady Tigers fell 4-1 to a powerful Hannan team that is primed to take the D-III state title this year.

Benton finished its tournament with a close 2-1 win over D-III 2025 finalist University Lab, and a lopsided 6-0 win over Baton Rouge.

Byrd, who dipped from two first place votes to one this week, had an up and down tournament. The Lady Jackets also played four games, starting with a 6-0 win over West Ouachita on Thursday. Friday, the Lady Jackets found out how good this year’s Zachary team is, escaping with a 1-1 tie. On Saturday the Lady Jackets fell to Hannan, before a hard fought 2-2 tie with University Lab.

The Loyola Lady Flyers kept with the trend of playing four tourney games this year as Byrd and Benton did. Loyola lost a heartbreaker to West Monroe, despite having dominated all game. A penalty kick was given to the Lady Rebels and converted, providing the 1-0 final score. On Friday University Lab took control early, never letting Loyola get in a rhythm, winning 4-1.

Saturday was a better day for the Lady Flyers, as they beat Sterlington 5-0 before fighting Lakeshore to the end, securing a 1-1 tie.

Captain Shreve had the weekend after playing three early week games. The Lady Gators beat Northwood 8-0, Sterlington 5-0 and Ouachita Parish 9-1.

Calvary played the more traditional three tournament games, starting with a 1-0 victory over Lakeshore, secured with many quality saves by keeper Anna Sarkozi. After taking Friday off to watch their football team advance in the playoffs, the Lady Cavaliers faced Hannan, falling 3-1. Calvary finished the weekend on a high note, beating Ouachita Parish 2-0.

Caddo Magnet’s Lady Mustangs struggled over the weekend after beating Ouachita Parish 6-2 on Thursday night. Magnet fell 4-2 to Baton Rouge Magnet Friday night before losing to West Monroe 4-0 on Saturday.

The few games scheduled for this week, all on Monday night, were washed out by the storms. With no action to assess, the SBJ coaches’ poll will resume in two weeks.

The Week 1 SBJ girls’ soccer poll listing school (W-L-T record) points (first place votes):

1, Benton (4-1-0), 24 (4)

2, Byrd (2-1-2), 20 (1)

3, Loyola (2-2-1), 14

4, Shreve (3-0-0), 10

5, Calvary (3-1-0), 6

Others receiving votes: Magnet (1).

Contact David at dersoff@bellsouth.net

JOURNAL SPORTS

After a dominant win Tuesday afternoon to wrap up the two-day, Fourth Annual Decari Markray Classic, new Bossier Parish Community College basketball coach Jeff Moore likes the progress his young Cavaliers have made heading into Region XIV play.

BPCC (6-2) got 21 points from freshman Drew Cooper among four double-figure scorers in a 77-59 victory over Dallas-based Tribulation Prep, a day after a five-point win over Southwest Mississippi CC.

“We started off slow but caught rhythm in the second half,” said Moore.

Cooper, a Frankin Parish HS product, drained five 3-pointers, going 5-11 from distance, and grabbed 8 rebounds.

The Cavaliers added 18 points and a game-best 9 rebounds from freshman Zequan Lewis, last year’s Class C Most Outstanding Player at Plainview High in rural Rapides Parish.

Freshman Tony Montgomery scored 12 and freshman Dustin Welch, an Anacoco product, had 11 for BPCC. Thirteen of the 16 Cavaliers are freshmen, with 10 of them coming directly from high school this season.

“I am very pleased with where we are as we switch gears into conference play,” said Moore. “Our conference is like the SEC of JUCO basketball. We have to keep elevating our game to have success in Region 14.”

The Cavs start league competition next week, with a Wednesday visit to Paris JC and a home game on Saturday, Dec. 6 when Navarro comes to Billy Montgomery Gym.

By PATRICK MEEHAN, Centenary Sports Information Director

Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference basketball begins nearby for both Centenary teams next Tuesday against LeTourneau across the state line in Longview.

The men’s game tips at 5:30 with the women following at 7:30. That’s as close as the teams will play to home for a while. The Gents play at the Gold Dome on Dec. 19 against Mary Hardin-Baylor. The Ladies aren’t home until Jan. 2.

Both Centenary teams dropped non-conference road games Tuesday.

The Ladies lost 67-59 to the Wiley Wildcats inside Alumni Gymnasium in Marshall.

Centenary (1-5) is now 1-2 on the road this season while the Wildcats (5-2) are 3-2 at home. The teams were meeting for the first time since Nov. 11, 2023 when Wiley recorded a 69-35 win at home.

Freshman guard Nakaylyn Wells and senior guard Amiyah Barrow combined to score 24 of the Ladies’ 59 points as Wells had 13 and Barrow finished with 11.

A bad second half cost the Gents in an 83-62 loss to Mary Hardin-Baylor inside the Cru’s Mayborn Campus Center in Belton, Texas. 

The Gents (0-5) and Cru (2-2) were tied at 36-36 at halftime, but UMHB outscored Centenary 47-26 in the second half. 

Sophomore guard Trenton Thomas led the Gents with a season-high 13 points and senior guard Quentin Beverly scored 12.

MEN’S SWIMMING: Sophomore Hunter Hedges was named the SCAC Men’s Swimmer of the Week after he recorded a pair of individual wins over the weekend in the “Mid-Season Invitational” hosted by Hendrix College in Conway, Ark. He claimed victories in the 400 IM (4:34.12) and 100 breast (1:02.64) and now has eight wins this season.

WOMEN’S SWIMMING: Junior Reece Esser continued her impressive season with three individual wins in the “Mid-Season Invitational” as she won the 50 free (25.11), 100 free (55.47), and 100 fly (59.98) and also finished as runner- up in the 200 back (2:23.18). Esser now has 11 wins this season.

The Ladies and Gents return to action in the Austin College Invitational on Jan. 10 in Sherman, Texas.

FOOTBALL:  Headlined by senior running back Obadiah Butler, 12 Gents were included on the 2025 All-SCAC Team, the league office announced on Tuesday. 

Butler, one of the more productive running backs in Division III, earned first-team honors.

The other 11 Centenary players were honorable mention. That included four Gents from Shreveport:  senior defensive lineman Rhema Getter (Captain Shreve), junior defensive lineman D’Qavion Lemons (Southwood), junior linebacker Devon Strickland (Byrd) and sophomore receiver Christopher Jackson (Calvary Baptist).

Other Gents getting recognized as HM picks were freshman receiver Theo Dunn, junior offensive lineman Alexander Hamilton, sophomore defensive back Dwayne Mills Jr., freshman defensive back TJ Ranson, junior offensive lineman Jaylon Simmons, junior defensive back Bryan Washington and sophomore linebacker Collin Watkins.

SOCCER: The 2025-26 Academic All-District® Men’s and Women’s Soccer teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, were announced on Tuesday and four Centenary scholar-athletes were recognized for their excellence in the classroom.

Representing the Gents was junior defender Hayden McConnell. Ladies voted to the team were senior defender/midfielder Kylie Zeller, senior defender Madi Cooley, and midfielder/forward Lowrey Lain.

Contact Patrick at pmeehan@centenary.edu

Sports has been a huge part of my life, especially when it comes to baseball and football. I’ve always taken pride in the fact that I never used any form of performance-enhancing drugs to play at a high level. In my mind, this would be a form of cheating, and I made a conscious choice to never be a part of that culture of athletes.

I saw first-hand how some athletes abused and became victims of decisions and choices they made. It was a huge eye-opening experience my first spring training with the Montreal Expos organization as I saw how many players were using enhancers to perform at a high level.

I saw the organization basically turn a blind eye to what players were doing to become better. Oh, it was no secret, and most players did not try and hide what they were using as it was on full display in their lockers. It was just another form of cheating!

Cheating has now become rampant in the tournament bass fishing world. It seems that in every tournament, someone breaks a rule, fails a polygraph test and gets disqualified.

In the past three years, it has gotten worse — from professional anglers getting caught to amateur anglers trying to win specialty events like big bass tournaments. What happened to the days of anglers going out and fishing with honesty and following the rules?

Why has there been such a surge in anglers’ cheating? The first answer is probably the amount of money tournaments are putting up. Even the lower levels of MLF (Major League Fishing) and the B.A.S.S. organizations have anglers fishing for hundreds of thousands of dollars and opportunities to advance up the ladder of professional bass fishing.

Even big bass events have anglers fishing for over $100,000 for catching one fish! Like anything else, when there’s a lot of money on the line, it seems to bring out the worst in people. Just like in any form of criminal activity, just follow the money.

Some anglers will say that there are just too many rules. We all know that the more rules you have in any sport, the more that must be enforced. This makes a bass tournament director’s job even more difficult.

So how do we hit the reset button and get anglers to find their moral compass and follow the rules? I’m not sure we can put the genie back into the bottle, as our society in general has so many people with no morals who will do whatever they can in order to win or get ahead in life.

I think the first course of action must be making the punishment fit the crime. Organizations must come down harder on these individuals who think it’s OK to cheat! Guidelines need to be established for the severity of the rule or rules that have been violated.

We aren’t looking for anyone to go before the firing squad, but suspending anglers for the entire season would be a great start. The harder you come down on these anglers, the more they will think twice about cheating.

Maybe we need to go the legal route, as cheating in a bass tournament is considered fraud. By making a few examples with prosecution, it will probably make others think twice about bending the rules.

These are sad times we live in and it’s a shame we have so many anglers that think it’s OK to cheat. This is one of many reasons why tournament participation is down nationwide. But with more severe punishment, maybe we can reset the course of tournament bass fishing.

My friend bought her daughter a car. Not a fancy one—no heated seats, no moonroof, no button that launches it into orbit. Just a good ol’ reliable vehicle to get her from dorm room to dining room and back again for those sacred college holidays like Thanksgiving, when students return home to eat, sleep, and pretend they still remember how to do laundry.

One day, the daughter had a flat tire. No big deal—she had AAA on speed dial, right next to “Mom” and “Pizza.” She called the flat tire hotline and waited for the cavalry. The AAA guy showed up, popped the trunk, checked under the mat, looked in the glove box, maybe even peeked under the seats. No spare tire. No jack. No tools. Just a lot of empty space and one very confused roadside technician.

Cue the anguished phone call to Mom: “Mom! There’s no spare tire! I’m stranded! The car is broken! The dealership sold us a lemon! I’m going to die here next to the Chick-fil-A!”

Now, I know this mom. She’s articulate. She’s passionate. She’s fluent in “colorful metaphors.” I’ve heard her use her big girl words before, and let’s just say she doesn’t need a thesaurus when she’s fired up.

She called the dealership and unleashed a verbal tsunami. Somewhere in the background, I imagine the receptionist ducking under the desk and whispering, “It’s her. The metaphor lady.”

Just as Mom was winding up for Round Two, the dealership guy calmly asked, “Ma’am, is your daughter’s car a 2023 model?”
 “Yes,” she snapped.
 “Well,” he said, “that car comes with run-flat tires. You can drive up to 50 miles on a flat. There’s no spare because you don’t need one.”

Silence.
 Then a dial tone.
 I don’t think Mom apologized. I think she just hung up and prayed the Holy Spirit would interpret her sighs.

Now, I’m grateful this wasn’t my story. But let’s be honest—I drive cars with spare tires. I think. I mean, I assume they’re in there somewhere. Probably under the mysterious carpet flap in the trunk next to the ancient granola bar and the rogue umbrella. Maybe I should check.

But this story made me laugh. It reminded me that sometimes we panic before we understand. We yell before we read the manual. We assume the worst before we remember that God might’ve already built in a solution.

And that brings me to Thanksgiving. It’s almost here. Can you believe how fast this year flew by? I blinked and it was Advent again. I’m thankful for so much—especially for you, dear reader. You’ve prayed for us, encouraged us, and shared stories that have become sermons, devotionals, and the occasional punchline.

I’m thankful for my church family, my neighbors, and the beautiful traffic chaos of life in Ruston, Louisiana. I’m thankful for the characters in my life—especially the ones who call me with flat tire emergencies and teach me new vocabulary.

So, this Thanksgiving, take a moment. Look at life through grateful eyes. Even the flat tires. Even the missing spares. Even the run-flat moments when you realize God’s grace lets you keep going, even when you feel deflated.

Thank you for being part of the ride. And if you’re wondering whether your car has a spare… maybe check before you call Mom.

Doug de Graffenried is the Senior Pastor of Trinity Methodist Church in Ruston, Louisiana. You can reach Doug at his email:  DougDeGraffenried

British archaeologist Howard Carter knelt before a newly uncovered doorway deep in the Valley of the Kings on November 26, 1922. With trembling hands, he peered through a small hole, held up a candle, and saw what he would later describe as “wonderful things.”

Moments earlier, Carter and his team had broken the seal to the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun — a 3,000-year-old resting place untouched by grave robbers. Inside were chariots, gilded shrines, jewelry, and the solid gold coffin of the boy king.

Carter’s discovery, funded by British nobleman Lord Carnarvon, became an international sensation. Newspapers worldwide splashed photographs of glittering treasures and mysterious hieroglyphs, sparking “Egyptomania” across the West.

Beyond the headlines, the find transformed archaeology. Tutankhamun’s tomb offered an unprecedented glimpse into Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, revealing burial rituals, art, and craftsmanship of extraordinary sophistication.

The work of cataloging and preserving the artifacts took a decade. Even today, much of Carter’s meticulous documentation guides modern Egyptologists.

November 26, 1922, remains a defining date in archaeological history — the day the modern world reconnected with one of antiquity’s most famous rulers, and when “wonderful things” reignited humanity’s fascination with ancient Egypt.

Sandra “Sande” Carol Avery, 82, was born on March 17, 1943, to Robert W. Gunn and Penny Blackledge Gunn in Pensacola, Florida, and passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, in Bossier City, Louisiana.

Sande dedicated her life to public service, working as a 911 Dispatcher and later as a Desk Sergeant for police departments in San Diego, California, and Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

In 1958, she married Mel Turnage, and together they raised three children: Michael, Patricia, and David. Years later, she married Garry Avery, who had two daughters, Donna and Terry. Sande and Gary shared 47 years of marriage until his passing in 2022.

Beyond her career and family, Sande found joy in birdwatching, especially hummingbirds, following true crime stories, and spending cherished time with her grandchildren. Her love for nature, curiosity, and devotion to family will be remembered by all who knew her.

Sande was preceded in death by her parents, Robert W. and Penny Gunn, and her beloved husband, Garry Avery. She is survived by her children, Patricia and Jesse Santillan, Michael Avery and Julian Avery, David Avery, Donna and Hank Abram, and Terry and Gary Haynes; grandchildren, Alina Beaux Santillan, Erica and Todd Holmes, Cassie and Josh Glavan, Colt Abram Landon, Tyler Luft, and Racheal and Austin Graham; and her great-grandchildren, Mackenly, Tucker, Ansley, and Brynley Holmes, Lacie, Desirea, and Kylie Tapper, Emmalynn Rose, Temperance Ray, Kyler Layton Luft, Layla Soto, Fynlee Graham, and Isabell Graham.

Danny Carl Hale of Shreveport, Louisiana, passed away at the age of 93 on the morning of November 19, 2025.

Dan was born on July 2, 1932. He grew up in Wichita Falls, Texas, and graduated from the University of Oklahoma.

On August 23, 1952, Dan met Donna Jane Bryan in Colorado Springs, where they were both spending the summer. They were married in Raton, New Mexico. They lived in Tyler, Texas, and Evergreen, Colorado, where they raised their four children. After their children were grown, they lived in Los Gatos, California, then spent three years in Shreveport, and eventually settled in Georgetown, Texas, where they lived for 23 years. They made many dear friends in Georgetown and were active in their church and community, volunteering in various ministries. They were especially devoted to a program serving children of incarcerated parents.

Dan was a life coach before anyone used the term – always mentoring and supporting young people, welcoming some into his home, encouraging them toward wise choices and a relationship with God. He shared his faith openly but always lovingly and respectfully, hoping others would find their way to Jesus. At the end of every phone call, he and Donna would tell their family, “We pray for you every night, and we love you.” Even as dementia stole many of his memories, he continued to say, “I pray for you.”

In 2021, Dan and Donna moved back to Shreveport to live at The Savannah at The Oaks. Dan, known to his family as Papa, treasured time with his family and would tear up each time they pulled out of the driveway after a visit. As long as they were able, Dan and Donna stayed active and enjoyed golf, tennis, and traveling. Their love for Colorado never faded; they spent a month each year in Pagosa Springs, where they enjoyed fly-fishing and the beauty of the mountains.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Donna; his son, Steven Bryan Hale; his daughter-in-law, Michelle Schnakenberg Hale; his brother, Roger Hale; and his sister-in-law, Mega Bankston Hale. The family takes comfort in imagining his joyful reunion in heaven with his beloved Donna and their son Steve, who passed at age 28. To envision Dan opening his eyes in heaven with restored memory and seeing his Savior face-to-face brings deep peace.

Dan is survived by his son Kevin Hale of Phoenix, Arizona; his son Michael Hale and wife Leah of Houston, Texas; and his daughter Kathy Lamb and husband Richard of Shreveport. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Calhan Hale of New York; New York and Mason Hale, of New York, New York; Rich Lamb and wife Ginny of Shreveport; Spencer Lamb and wife Allison of Shreveport; Christian Lamb and wife Michelle of Shreveport; and Kappy Lamb of Shreveport, his great-grandchildren Virginia, Chip, Nancy, George, Martha, Jamie, Henry, and Jack Lamb.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at The Cottages at the Glen; the staff at The Savannah at the Oaks; to Dr. Alexander, Dr. Panjam and the nurses, sitters, social worker, and care teams at Christus Shumpert; and to the staff at The Carpenter’s House at St. Joseph’s Hospice in Shreveport. Each of these individuals contributed to Papa’s comfort and care in meaningful ways which will always be remembered by his family.

Memorials may be made to The Carpenter House of St. Joseph’s Hospice, 8950 East Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71115 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

A private family inurnment will take place at a later date at the colombarium of First Methodist Church of Shreveport.

Phonetic: /ˌimpərˈtərbəb(ə)l/
Part of Speech: adjective

Definition

unable to be upset or excited; calm.
“an imperturbable tranquility”

Similar: self-possessed, composed, collected, calm, cool

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

Some 1,700 men and women walked across the stage at LSU Shreveport’s graduation ceremony last May.

Most were not middle-aged. Most were not blind.

“When I got home that night, I took off my make up and cried. My husband came in the room and said, ‘What is wrong now?’ I said, ‘These are tears of joy because I did it.’”

Earlier that day, LaShawn Benita Harley-Hill received her master’s degree in counseling. In the process, LaShawn proved there’s nothing you can’t accomplish.

“Just because you go through certain circumstances in life, it doesn’t mean you give up on what you want to do . . . . Just believe in yourself. Don’t ever give up. It may take a year, two years, or ten years. Don’t ever give up on what you want to do.”

The soon-to-be 55 year-old South Carolina native who has lived in Shreveport-Bossier since 2003, told me her story during lunch at a place she chose, Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux in Bossier. Harley-Hill had the Double-Bacon Cheeseburger with Swiss cheese, and waffle fries. I enjoyed the Chicken Berry Pecan salad, with dressing on the side.

“Just imagine going back to school with a bunch of 20-year-olds – young girls and young guys – and you’re 50-something. It’s hard. I ain’t going to lie.”

For 14 years, LaShawn worked at what was then LSU Health. It was there that she noticed a change in her eyesight.

“I had a little bit of blurred vision. I went to the doctor. My (eye) pressure was too high, so I had to have emergency surgery. If your pressure is too high, it can cause a stroke, and you can die.”

LaShawn’s diabetes was angry.

“The right vision went first. Then pressure started going up in the left eye. I slowly started losing that vision.”

By mid-January of 2017, LaShawn was totally blind in her right eye. Today, in her left eye, “I can’t see anything. I have a little light in the corner of my eye – just a little.”

LaShawn’s world became dark – literally and figuratively.

“I was depressed. I cried every day for a month.”

The people in LaShawn’s support circle offered encouragement.

“My church family, my friends, my sisters, my husband – everybody said, ‘You’ve got to snap out of this. It’s not the end of the world.’ I was like, ‘I can’t see people! I can’t do anything!”

After a few years, someone from Louisiana Association for the Blind asked LaShawn a question.

“Have you thought about going back to school?”

 “School?”, LaShawn responded. “At my age?”

But the more LaShawn thought about the idea, the more it made sense.

“Well, shoot. I might as well go on and do something with my life. I just came to the realization that if I can make a difference in somebody’s life, maybe I can be an inspiration and say, ‘Hey, you can do this.’”

Three nights a week, using city transportation, her husband, and sister, LaShawn attended classes. She learned where the elevator, classroom, and bathroom were located.

“My computer has software that talks to me. It reads my books for me. It reads articles . . . . In lectures, I would use my voice recorder. I would go home and type up the notes. That’s how I studied.”

From August 2022, until May 2025, LaShawn put in the work – work she couldn’t see. At home, hours after graduation’s pomp and circumstance, reality hit her.

“When I first started, I had doubts. I cried. There were some days I got frustrated. It was a hard journey. But once I got home and realized I did this, I said, ‘Ain’t nothing can stop me now.’ I felt good. It’s a feeling I can’t describe. I felt accomplished. I felt like nothing else can stop me. I felt good.”

By now, you should not be surprised LaShawn does just about anything anyone with good eyesight does, including travel. Since going blind, LaShawn has been to the Dominican Republic, Las Cabos, Montego Bay, and a Dallas Cowboys game. For me, the obvious question was, “Why travel, when you can’t see? What good does it do to be at the beach, if you can’t see the beach?”

“(My husband and I) were in Jamaica. One day, he’s sitting out on the balcony, and says, ‘Wife, come outside and sit with me.’ So, I got up and sat outside with him. He said, ‘Close your eyes.’ I said, ‘Okay.’ He said, ‘Picture the sunset. It’s like a dark burnt orange. It’s slowly going down.’ I said, ‘Oooh, that sounds so beautiful!’ Then I just started crying. He said, ‘What’s wrong?’ I said, ‘For you to take the time to tell me and describe how the sun is going down, I can picture it.’  I go for the memories. I go for the little things.”

Inspired by LaShawn’s lack of self-pity, I asked my final question. As always, what is it about her story that might help others?

“You have to believe in a higher being. God don’t put too much on us that we can’t bear. We may be going through some stuff, but things will get better before they get worse. I’m a firm believer in that.”

Yes, it’s true. You don’t have to see to believe.

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.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces the start of a project to replace the LA 528 bridge over Clarke Bayou in eastern Bossier Parish.

The $2.6 million project is scheduled to begin on Monday, Dec. 1 with the closure and removal of the existing structure, which was built in 1976.

Other work includes clearing and grubbing to remove vegetation in the work area, grading, drainage structures, milling asphalt concrete, pavement repairs, roadway base repairs, and related work.

This bridge is located approximately 2.2 miles east of LA 157.

This closure is anticipated to last approximately 10 months, with progress dependent on weather conditions and other factors that may impact construction timelines.

Restrictions/Permits: Total road closure at the specified location. All vehicles will be required to utilize an alternate route.

Alternate route: Detour signage will be posted.

Safety reminder:

DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment. Remember to leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Area residents should exercise caution when driving, walking, or biking near an active construction zone.

Additional information:

Call 511, visit http://www.511la.org, or download the Louisiana 511 mobile app for additional travel information. Out-of-state travelers may call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website at http://www.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MyDOTD, or by visiting the DOTD Facebook and X (Twitter) pages.

By RON HIGGINS, Journal Sports

BATON ROUGE – LSU interim coach Frank Wilson knows all the motivation in Saturday’s regular-season finale at No. 8 Oklahoma belongs to the home team.

A win by the 9-2 Sooners clinches a College Football Playoff spot.

And 7-4 LSU?

It’s hard to conjure mojo when your fan base is more interested in seeing on Saturday if Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin announces he’s accepting an offer to become the Tigers’ next head coach.

Wilson said at his Monday press conference that his message to his team is simple.

“How do you finish?” Wilson said. “How do you want to be remembered? How do you want your legacy to go out?

“We can go out here and go play the way we’re capable of playing to the best of our ability and see where the chips may fall. We can go out here and raise a white flag and say, ‘you know, no one expected us to win; we’re not going to the playoffs.’

“How do you want this team to be remembered? Eight and four is a lot better than seven and five. It’s about self-reflection. It’s about going on a road, playing a top 10 team who will be favored to beat you, right?

“Here’s our underdog story. Let’s talk about that, and then let’s prepare, and let’s see. Let’s just see how we perform when our backs are against the wall. We’ve been here before.”

It’s an appropriate rah-rah angle, but it still doesn’t address the fact that the Tigers’ offensive line decimated by injuries, is facing an Oklahoma defense ranked first nationally in sacks.

Starting center Braelin Moore and left offensive tackle Ory Williams both have lower leg injuries and are doubtful. Former starting left offensive tackle Tyree Adams (tightrope ankle surgery) will more than likely be ready for LSU’s yet-to-be-determined bowl game.

For an offensive line that wasn’t good, even when healthy, the latest injuries endanger the health of whoever will start at quarterback for LSU.

Wilson left the door slightly ajar for former starter senior Garrett Nussmeier to return vs. OU. Nussmeier has missed the last two games after reaggravating a torso injury in practice before the Arkansas game two weeks ago.

“We’re going to try to see what he looks like (Tuesday) in practice,” Wilson said. “He was good in treatment this weekend. We’ll give him a go at it and see how he feels, and probably mid-week will be able to give you a better answer to that.”

If Nussmeier is again sidelined, sophomore Michael Van Buren Jr. will get his third straight start.

The Mississippi State transfer has completed 64 of 100 passes for 647 yards, four TDs, and one interception. He’s also rushed for 72 yards and one TD on 32 carries.

He’s coming off a shaky performance in LSU’s 13-10 victory over Western Kentucky last Saturday, when he completed less than 60 percent of his passes (25 of 42) for 202 yards, one TD, and one interception.

“Experience is the best teacher, right?” Wilson said of Van Buren. “You’ve got to do it against live bullets. And he’s imperfect. He didn’t play a perfect game, but he’s a talented player who will get better with time and with game reps.

“I said to him, `Pick your head up. Work’s not done yet.’”

KNOW YOUR ENEMY

LSU (7-4 overall, 3-4 SEC) vs. No. 8 Oklahoma (9-2, 5-2), Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, Saturday, 2:30 p.m., ESPN

Last game for Sooners: Oklahoma managed just 276 total yards, and quarterback John Mateer threw for two TDs in 17-6 home win over No. 23 Missouri last Saturday. Missouri had 301 yards total offense but didn’t score in the second half.

Series record and last meeting: LSU leads 3-1. Last season in Baton Rouge, quarterback Garrett Nussmeier overcame a second-quarter ankle injury to throw for 277 yards and three TDs in the Tigers’ 37-17 win over the Sooners.

Oklahoma head coach: Brent Venables (31-19 in fourth season overall and at Oklahoma)

THIS AND THAT

Early betting line: Oklahoma by 10.  

Number of Louisiana natives on Oklahoma roster: 3

Number of Oklahoma natives on LSU roster: 1

Number of transfers on Oklahoma roster from 4-year schools: 27 players from 23 schools, including 11 players from 9 Power 4 Conference schools

OKLAHOMA PLAYERS TO WATCH

QB John Mateer (198 of 318 for 2,260 passing yards, 10 TDs, 7 interceptions, 389 rushing yards and 7 TDs on 122 carries, WR Isaiah Sategna (56 catches for 827 receiving yards, 6 TDs), RB Xavier Robinson (408 rushing yards and 4 TDs on 74 carries), LB Kip Lewis (66 tackles, 8½ TFL), DE Taylor Wein (35 tackles, 14 TFL, 6 sacks, 6 QB hurries), DE Mason Thomas (23 tackles, 9½ TFL, 6½ sacks), PK Tate Sandell (22 of 23 FG, 30 of 30 PAT), P Grayson Miller (47 for 46.6 ypk, 5 touchbacks, 22 inside the 20, 21 50-plus yards).

Contact Ron at ronhigginsmedia@gmail.com

By DAVID ERSOFF, Journal Sports

In the second year of a boys bracket, the Flyer Invitational’s influx of quality teams was impressive last weekend, including Division III state champion University Lab joined by a strong field of visiting teams including Dutchtown, Prairieville, and West Monroe.

On Friday night Loyola took on University, a rematch of last year’s D-III state final. The teams played a back and forth first half that saw no goals by either team. The second half had more of the same, with one exception, a penalty kick by University Lab. The Cubs were able to convert the penalty and escaped with a narrow 1-0 victory.

Saturday morning it was Bossier’s turn to exact some revenge for their semifinal loss to the Cubs in February. U-High came out fast, scoring in the first two minutes followed by another quick goal giving the Cubs an early lead. The Bearkats were able to get past these early mistakes to play the Cubs evenly the rest of the way, with the exception of a penalty called late in the first half. The Cubs converted and ended the scoring there, with the 3-0 victory.

The Flyers began their tournament with a gritty 4-2 win over Captain Shreve on Thursday night. Loyola finished the weekend by facing D-I power Dutchtown. The game ended in a 2-2 tie, only solidifying the Flyers at the top of the Shreveport-Bossier Journal Week 2 coaches’ poll, securing four of the five first-place votes and 23 total points.

The Bearkats only played two games in the Flyer Invitational, as they did in last year’s inaugural boys division. They faced an upstart Prairieville team on Friday night. The game started close, but Bossier put in two goals late in the first half to set the stage for an eventual 5-1 runaway victory. This win solidified the Bearkats’ standing in second place in this week’s poll.

The Flyers and ‘Kats threaten to turn this year’s poll into a two-horse race. However, the Benton Tigers may have something to say about that, having tied Loyola on the first day of the regular season. Benton will get a good test against Bossier on Dec. 2, in what will surely be a heavily attended game.

Benton used that tie and its 2-1 record in the Flyer invitational to jump into the coaches’ poll, ranking third. The Tigers fell 5-3 to West Monroe, mercy-ruled Lafayette Renaissance Charter 11-0, and edging Prairieville in a hard fought 3-2 game Saturday.

Byrd dropped from third to fourth in the coaches’ poll this week. The Jackets did not have the results they were hoping for in the Flyer Invitational. After an opening 1-1 tie with Caddo Magnet, the Yellow Jackets lost two heartbreakers, falling 2-1 to Prairieview and 3-2 to Dutchtown.

Holding their fifth-place spot in the coaches’ poll, the Mustangs used that tie with Byrd to a 2-1-1 record in the tournament. Magnet beat Haughton 4-1, then followed that with an 8-0 mercy rule win over Lafayette Renaissance. The Mustangs ended their weekend with an evenly-fought match with West Monroe, ultimately falling 2-1.

In action Monday night, Calvary fell 2-1 to Ruston and Haughton was doubled up 6-3 in a wild game versus Sterlington.

The only other game looming is the yearly Thanksgiving week game between Bossier and Northwood, scheduled for noon today at Northwood.

There will be no coaches’ poll next week, as there are so few games to evaluate during the holiday week.

The Week 2 SBJ boys soccer coaches’ poll, listing school (W-L-T record) points (first place votes):

1, Loyola (1-1-2), 23 (4)

2, Bossier (1-1-1), 20 (1)

3, Benton (2-1-1), 14

4, Byrd (0-2-1), 10

5, Magnet (2-1-1), 6

Others receiving votes: Shreve (1), Calvary (1).                                                   

Contact David at dersoff@bellsouth.net