Caddo and Bossier Parish schools will remain closed on Wednesday, January 28, as hazardous road conditions continue to affect the area following recent winter weather.

Officials said that while temperatures rose above freezing Tuesday, many roadways remain unsafe, and overnight refreezing is expected. Out of an abundance of caution, all schools and district sites in both parishes will remain closed.

District leaders will continue to monitor weather and road conditions and provide updates through official communication channels. Families and staff are urged to stay safe and exercise caution while traveling in the coming days.

Bossier Parish Emergency Medical Service personnel continued providing round-the-clock emergency response services as winter weather impacted the parish, navigating icy roads and freezing temperatures to ensure public safety.

Despite hazardous conditions, EMS crews remained on duty throughout the weather event, responding to calls without interruption and maintaining emergency medical coverage across Bossier Parish. Officials highlighted the challenges faced by first responders during the winter weather, noting that crews worked extended hours in difficult driving conditions to reach patients safely.

Bossier Parish EMS leadership said the effort reflects the dedication and professionalism of its crew members, who remained focused on community safety while much of the parish sheltered at home.

Photos documenting the conditions and response efforts were shared following a request from Homeland Security for images from the field, offering a look at the environment EMS crews encountered while carrying out their duties.

Officials expressed pride in the EMS teams’ continued commitment to service, emphasizing that their actions during the winter weather demonstrate the high level of dedication and excellence expected of emergency responders in Bossier Parish.

Enforcement agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) continued providing critical assistance to communities across the state as a winter storm impacted much of Louisiana, particularly northern parishes.

Since the onset of the storm, LDWF agents have completed 32 public assistance responses. Those efforts included helping motorists stranded in ditches and roadways, clearing debris from travel routes, assisting local law enforcement agencies, and responding to incidents involving five individuals stranded on the water.

Agents also played a key role in supporting essential services by providing transportation for essential workers. A total of 83 essential workers were transported to and from their shifts at the Northeast Louisiana Veterans Home in Monroe and the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Home in Bossier City, ensuring continued care for residents during hazardous conditions.

LDWF Enforcement Division leadership praised agents for maintaining professionalism and effectiveness while operating under challenging weather conditions, noting their continued commitment to public safety despite significant obstacles.

LDWF officials said enforcement agents will remain available to assist as weather conditions evolve, emphasizing their ongoing role in emergency response and public safety operations statewide.

By RON HIGGINS, Journal Sports

BATON ROUGE – After the game’s first 3½ minutes Monday night, LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey had seen enough.

Florida trailed by a point. Gators’ guard Liv McGill, the SEC’s third leading scorer, had scored all of her team’s points on three layups.

Mulkey yanked starting sophomore point guard Jada Richard and subbed junior transfer MiLaysia Fulwiley.

“I took her out because her transition defense was not really good,” Mulkey said of Richard. “She didn’t pout, she didn’t sit over there and feel sorry for herself. She went right back in and figured it out. That’s what competitors do.”

Richard scored a team-high 20 points and teamed with Fulwiley to hold McGill to 14 points as the No. 6 Tigers subdued the pesky Gators 89-60 here Monday night.

A crowd of 9,783, including a full student section, braved the frigid weather to watch the Tigers (19-2, 5-2 overall) win their fifth straight game after opening league play with consecutive losses to Kentucky and Vanderbilt. Florida fell to 13-9, 1-6 SEC.

Richard’s rapid development from the start of league play until the present has been a key reason why LSU has regained its mojo after suffering the stunning defeats at the hands of the Wildcats and Commodores.

During LSU’s 14-0 non-conference run, Richard averaged 7 points, shot 40 percent from the field and had three games in which she didn’t hit a field goal.

In SEC play, she’s averaging 13 points, is shooting 45 percent from the field and has had her two best college scoring outings in her last three games.

“I always knew I could get to this stage,” said Richard, an Opelousas native and a LSWA Miss Basketball who played just 6.8 minutes per game last season as a Tiger freshman after leading Louisiana Christian Academy to four state championships. “Last year, I wanted to play more to be on the floor more, but I kind of just used practice as my games. It was just a matter of me being humble, putting my head down and going to work.”

Additionally, the emergence of Richard as a third defensive stopper for the Tigers (joining Fulwiley and Flau’jae Johnson) and a third primary ballhandler (alongside Fulwiley and Mikaylah Williams) has added extreme versatility to a deep and talented team.

Richard, as well as Fulwiley, has taken much of the scoring pressure off returning starters Johnson and Williams. The veterans are scoring less but expanding other parts of their games, especially rebounding.

“I’ve enjoyed watching, especially Flau’jae and Mikaylah, make their teammates better,” Mulkey said. “They could shoot it 20 or 25 times every game, but that doesn’t make us better. They enjoy it now because they see the production.”

Former Bossier City Parkway star Williams is developing into one of college basketball’s best overall players. During the Tigers’ current SEC winning streak, she’s averaging 10.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists.

She can change the course of the game without scoring, like late in the second quarter against Florida.

The Tigers were slogging through a cold shooting first half, trailing 27-26, when Williams ignited a 10-2 run in the final 3:43 of the second quarter for a 36-29 lead at the break.

She had a pair of assists, including a precision bounce pass inside between two defenders to Amiya Joiner for a layup. And she finished the half by dribbling out of a double team and driving for a pull-up bank shot jumper.

“Our best chance for success is if the shots (attempted) are sort of spread out a little bit between several players,” Mulkey said. “That’s part of our identity. Who are you going to stop?”

It doesn’t mean, though, that the Tigers don’t have players capable of dominating in stretches.

For instance, Richard scored 12 of LSU’s 27 third-quarter points when the Tigers extended their seven-point halftime lead to 18 (63-45) by the end of the third quarter. She hit 3 of 4 field goals (including 2 of 2 3-pointers) and 4 of 4 free throws.

Fulwiley handled LSU’’s fourth-quarter offense, scoring 11 of the Tigers’ 26 points, grabbing 2 rebounds and blocking 2 shots, including chasing down McGill for a rejection of her fastbreak layup.

The win over Florida was the start of LSU’s SEC three-game homestand. The Tigers play Arkansas on Thursday at 7 p.m. and Alabama at 11 a.m. on Sunday.

Contact Ron at ronhigginsmedia@gmail.com

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By DAVID ERSOFF, Journal Sports

We have all been stuck in our houses for a few days now –at least, the lucky ones among us — and it’s not easy keeping from going stir crazy. This is even harder for high school soccer players who are used to competing in the cold and moving around non-stop, although I don’t think playing FIFA on EA Sports counts.

There are only six playing dates left in the boys’ soccer season, and with the volume of games cancelled since Friday, there is no way that they will all be made up. One thing is surely known — ALL the district games will be rescheduled, even if that means cancelling other games already scheduled. Those league games are required to be played.

With so few games played, none after last Thursday, there was very little movement in this week’s Shreveport-Bossier Journal boys soccer coaches’ poll. Caddo Magnet moved from fifth to a fourth-place tie with Benton, who gained one voter’s confidence and received one of the first-place votes, taking the unanimous top team status away from Loyola. The Flyers still have the other four first-place votes and are the clear top ranked team in the area.

There were only five games played last week by our six teams receiving votes, with two of those games between these teams. Loyola topped Magnet 6-3 and Byrd tied Captain Shreve. In the other games involving the top local teams, Bossier and Calvary tied 1-1, Benton beat Airline 4-0, and Magnet topped Northwood 3-1.

As for games left on schedules, only time will tell how many get played since games won’t resume until Wednesday night at the earliest. The regular season ends next Monday.

Here is a look at what is scheduled. District games are italicized to show they will be played,  one way or another.

Loyola is slated to host Neville tonight. Flyers’ coach Wes Kyle is actively working with the Neville coach to move the game, possibly to Monday. The Flyers are scheduled to play at home Thursday against Minden.

Bossier was to host Byrd tonight. Bossier coach Gerardo Martinez and Byrd coach Gary McCormick have agreed to reschedule the game for Saturday at 1 at Bossier. The Bearkats host Ruston Thursday and finish the season at home with Sterlington on Monday.

Along with the rescheduled Bossier game, Byrd faces Calvary at home on Thursday.

The Benton Tigers have three games remaining, starting Thursday at Haughton, then at Northwood Saturday and finishing the season at home against Calvary.

Caddo Magnet coach Nick Flowers is actively attempting to reschedule the Mustangs’ postponed Monday match with Southwood, as it’s a district game and is required to be played. This is complicated moreso because both the girls and boys teams were scheduled to play. The Mustangs are set to play Captain Shreve on Saturday.

Captain Shreve hosts Airline on Thursday, before its final game with Magnet on Saturday. Coach Greg Palmer is attempting to reschedule the Gators’ postponed contest against Pineville.

All of these anticipated games are subject to change or cancellation based on any developing weather issues or having to bump games in favor of district games, so it would be prudent to confirm plans before going out to the fields to cheer them on.

Next week’s final SBJ coaches poll and playoff brackets will run a day later than usual, to include the final day of the season on Monday.

The Week 11 SBJ boys’ soccer poll listing school (W-L-T record), points (first place votes):

1, Loyola (11-5-2), 24 (4)

2, Bossier (8-7-3), 15

3, Byrd (8-6-7), 14

T4, Benton (10-6-3), 9 (1)

T4, Caddo Magnet (12-5-2), 9

Also receiving votes – Captain Shreve (4) 

Contact David at dersoff@bellsouth.net

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Blowing off some steam on a frigid winter afternoon:

“Can you imagine,” a friend asked, “if there was a professional portal for the best educators? Absolutely illogical if one looks at this objectively and what’s the true mission of a university.”

We all know how crazy it is that college athletes now – not just major college coaches – make millions more than professors and instructors at the same schools. This is because of a 2021 Supreme Court ruling that allows NCAA athletes – mostly at the top-tier levels —  to profit from their name, image and likeness (NIL). They can get endorsement deals, sponsorships, and direct compensation, mostly in football and basketball and some high-profile individual sports.

It changed big-time college sports into a minor league sports conglomerate fueled by wealthy donors, massive TV deals, and brand partnerships. 

 And, yes, this is illogical if one considers the mission of a university.

LSU’s mission statement, for example: “To cultivate transformational leaders and generate impactful research that enhances individual, organizational, and societal well-being through excellence in teaching, scholarship, and community engagement.”

Maybe we should edit or translate that to: “To do whatever it takes financially to hire successful coaches and talented portal athletes who project to becoming All-Americans and social media stars, thereby generating more revenue and a broader fan base and interest in the university.”

For some perspective as to how we got here, recall the comment legendary Alabama football coach Bear Bryant said many years ago when asked by a school professor why Coach Bryant made so much more ($200,000/year) than he did.

“If you got 50,000 people to watch your math class,” Bryant reportedly said, “you’d get $200,000, too.” 

On other things …

“The only thing I can talk about is the cold,” wrote William Saroyan in his popular short story, “A Cold Day,” “because it is the only thing going on today.”

That’s the way I feel working on this column at a time when most of our state and the Southern region is enduring a severe winter attack, with some quipping it might’ve been launched this way by Greenland.

“If you can’t write a decent short story because of the cold,” wrote Saroyan, “write something else. Write anything. Write a long letter to somebody.”

My hands and feet are cold and my breath is cold, so maybe I can write about things that raise the temp.

Sunday’s AFC Championship game was a low-scoring, miserable game in the driving Denver snow. That was not a test of talent as much as it was a test of grit and survival. There were four missed field goals in the game, two by each team. Former Saints kicker Wil Lutz missed two for Denver, with one, from 45 yards, being blocked. Andy Borregales missed two for the New England Patriots from 46 and 63 yards.

Watching that snow-slog made an already cold day seem colder.

Louisiana Super connections …

LSU will have five former players in the Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 8 at Levi’s Stadium in presumably balmy Santa Clara, California.

Four will play for the New England Patriots: offensive tackle Will Campbell, wide receiver Kayshon Boutte and pass rushers K’Lavon Chaisson and Bradyn Swinson. One will play for the Seattle Seahawks: guard Anthony Bradford.

Bradford, 24, is a 6-4, 355-pound native of Muskegon, Michigan who played at LSU from 2019-22. He helped the Tigers rebound from a down season in 2021 with a 10-win season in ’22 and a berth in the Southeastern Conference championship game.

The 6-6, 319-pound Campbell, the fourth overall NFL Draft pick from Monroe/Neville High School in last year’s NFL Draft, has lived up to his billing in his rookie NFL season. He is an offensive line legacy, being the son of Brian “Bull” Campbell, who played on the offensive line for East Texas State, which now goes by East Texas A&M University, still located in Commerce.

Boutte, from New Iberia, didn’t get drafted until the sixth round of the 2023 draft. He’s had a solid season for the Patriots with 33 catches for 551 yards and 6 touchdowns. He may be best remembered at LSU for setting an SEC record for receiving yards in a game, with 308 yards on 14 catches, with three touchdowns, against Ole Miss in 2020.

Swinson, 21, is a 6-4, 255-pound native of Douglasville, Georgia, who was a 5^th-round pick in last year’s draft, and the 6-3, 255-pound Chaisson is a Houston native who was the 20^th overall first-round pick (Jacksonville) in the 2020 draft. He wore the prestigious No. 18 jersey at LSU, being recognized as a special team leader. Chaisson rose to legendary status as a senior at Houston’s North Grove High School, when he was named the defensive MVP of Texas’ Class 6A state championship game against Austin’s Westlake High School. He had 2 sacks, 4 tackles behind the line, a blocked kick, a forced fumble and a game-saving tackle on 4^th-and-goal in a 21-14 victory.

Former Louisiana Tech star Milton Williams is hoping to extend his Super Bowl LIX luck from last year, when the 6-3, 290-pound defensive tackle from Crowley, Texas played for the winning Philadelphia Eagles at the Superdome. Williams, who had two sacks and forced and recovered a fumble in the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory over the Chiefs, signed with New England as a free agent after last season.

‘As well’  …

Finally, since weather has been on the minds of so many of late, brace yourself — in any town in the state or country — for hearing many, many times on the TV weather report two words from the meteorologists or weather readers – “as well.”

It’s as if they are instructed to say “as well” – at a bare minimum — a half-dozen times in each broadcast. Or be fired.

Personally, I much prefer when they report “all is well” with the weather.

A Celebration of Life for Dana Warren Casey, 77, will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 1020 Thornapple Rd., Oil City, Louisiana.

Dana was born on February 2, 1948 in McComb, Mississippi to Robert “Bob” Casey and Ida May O’Brien Casey and passed away Thursday, January 1, 2026 in Shreveport, Louisiana.

He graduated from Pearl High School in Pearl, Mississippi. He received his Bachelor’s from Belhaven University and received his Master of Education, Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Reformed Theological Seminary. With his education and a passion for the Lord, he retired as a hospice chaplain for Willis Knighton and worked as a pastor for over 50 years. He was currently at Stamps Presbyterian Church in Stamps, Arkansas. He enjoyed fishing and reading. He had great humor, loved to joke and above all, loved God.

He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Steve Casey. Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Nancy Casey; his children, Lee Casey and wife, Ashley, Melanie Casey, Jennifer Kelly and husband, Jarrett and Erin Laseter and husband, Chris; grandchildren, Mylee, Darcy, Dakota, Dallas (from Lee and Ashley) and Ayden (from Erin); sisters, Lisa Casey and Faye Starks.

Nancy Lucille Bleckley Erwin, 92, was born on June 28, 1933, in Topeka, Kansas, and went peacefully to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

Nancy was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker who lovingly raised four children and faithfully supported her husband throughout his military career. As the wife of Major General Dean Erwin of the United States Air Force, she traveled the world, building a warm and steady home for her family wherever they were stationed. Her life was marked by deep faith, kindness, and service to others. A lifelong church member, Nancy served faithfully in many roles, led countless individuals to the Lord, and found great joy in singing in the church choir. She was an active member of Mangum Methodist Church over a span of 50 years, where her presence and dedication touched many lives.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Lucille Bleckley; her sister, Dorothy; and her beloved husband, Dean.

She is survived by her children: sons Mike (wife Amy), Jeff (wife Lisa), and Tom (wife Stacy), and daughter Carol (husband Carl); along with nine grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her tremendous pride and joy.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Osborn Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026, also at Osborn Funeral Home. Officiating will be Reverend Kathy Wafer of First Methodist Church, Shreveport. A private graveside service will be conducted on Monday, February 2, 2026, at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes (Formerly JDRF).

Phonetic: /vain·​glo·​ry/

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition

The Bossier Parish Police Jury has lifted the State of Emergency burn ban originally issued on Jan. 2. The decision comes after the winter storm brought significant ice accumulation and freezing temperatures across the parish, creating widespread moisture that has reduced fire risk.

The burn ban was implemented earlier this month due to dry conditions and an increased threat of outdoor fires. Officials determined that the emergency restrictions were no longer needed because the winter weather had caused significant ground saturation.

Parish officials continue to encourage residents to use caution when conducting any outdoor burning and to remain aware of changing weather conditions.

The Caddo Parish Clerk of Court Downtown office and Juvenile Clerk of Court office will be closed on Monday, Jan. 26 due to potential icy road conditions caused by winter weather.

Bossier City Court will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27 in accordance with an Order signed by Judge Santi Parks. Road conditions are expected to improve during the afternoon on Tuesday, and Bossier City Court will reopen on Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 8:30 am.

The Bossier Parish Courthouse will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

Caddo Parish Public Schools and Bossier Schools will remain closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27 as severe winter weather continues to impact the region, creating unsafe conditions for travel and school operations.

Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) customer service centers in Caddo and Bossier parishes will remain closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27 due to winter weather. State officials encourage residents to monitor official OMV communication channels for updates regarding reopening and service availability.

Bossier Parish Community College campuses will be closed Tuesday, Jan. 27, in anticipation of winter weather conditions expected to impact our region.

All Southern University at Shreveport campuses will be closed Tuesday, January 27, 2026, due to inclement weather and hazardous road conditions.

The LSUS campus will remain closed through Tuesday, Jan. 27 to ensure the safety of our students, faculty and staff.

Due to hazardous winter weather conditions, all Caddo Parish Solid Waste compactor sites will be temporarily closed beginning January 24 to ensure public and employee safety. The sites will reopen once weather and road conditions improve.

Due to anticipated freezing weather, park restrooms will be closed and water service will be unavailable at all Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation picnic shelters and pavilions. Portable outdoor toilets will be available at select park locations. Residents are urged to follow posted closure notices and use park facilities with caution until amenities are fully reopened.

Bossier City Hall and all non-essential city operations will remain closed Tuesday, January 27, at the direction of Mayor Tommy Chandler to ensure employee safety.

All Bossier Parish parks are temporarily closed due to severe weather conditions currently affecting the parish. The closure includes secured park facilities, locked restrooms, shut-off water service, and restricted public access to park grounds. Parks will remain closed until weather conditions improve.

Due to a Winter Weather Alert and forecasted heavy ice conditions, SporTran Transit will suspend all fixed-route bus service and OnDemand service effective Saturday, January 24, 2026. Spor Tran plans to resume limited OnDemand service on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 beginning with critical trips only, including dialysis appointments and essential medical transportation. Service timing will be evaluated case by case, with anticipated service beginning 1:00 p.m. or later, depending on roadway conditions and real-time safety assessments. Full Service Reinstatement Pending Roadway Conditions SporTran plans to reinstate both fixed-route bus and OnDemand transit services on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 pending confirmation that roadways are safe and passable. Service start times may be delayed as our teams continue to monitor ice melt, roadway clearing, and travel conditions throughout the morning.

Sunday, January 25, 2026 8:17 PM

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announces the most current list of roadway closures due to the winter weather. Motorists should note that as weather conditions change, roads can quickly become hazardous and may become impassable before barricades can be put in place.

Bossier Parish

• LA 154 in both directions from Houghton Rd. to Lakeview Circle (Lake Bistineau Bridge)
• LA 3 overpass over the KCS railroad tracks in both directions

Caddo Parish

• Greenwood Rest Area (located along I-20 east at mile marker 2)
• I-220 east ramp to I-49 north
• I-49 south ramp to I-220 east
• I-49 north from LA 526 to I-20
• I-49 south from I-20 to LA 3132
• LA 3132 west ramp to I-49 south

Catahoula Parish

• Duty ferry (LA 559) closed

Ouachita Parish

• Entrance ramp from St John St. to I-20 west
• I-20 east exit ramp to Garrett Rd. (Pecanland Mall fly ramp) (Exit 120)
• U.S. 165B/LA 15 bridge (Lee Joyner Memorial Expressway Bridge)
• LA 3280/Endom Bridge
• I-20 east entrance ramp from LA 34 (Stella/Mill St. fly ramp)
• LA 546 overpass over the KCS railroad tracks
• LA 546 overpass over I-20
• I-20 east and west entrance ramps from 5th St.

Rapides Parish

• LA 8 (Boyce Bridge over the Red River)

St. Martin Parish

• Butte La Rose Rest Area ( I-10 west at LA 3177)

DOTD’s emergency personnel will continue to monitor upcoming weather situations and will scout the area for safety on the roadways. In addition, DOTD crews will continue to apply brine/salt to bridges and overpasses as needed in addition to the pre-treatment that has already occurred.

DOTD reminds motorists that it is unsafe and unlawful to drive onto a closed road past a “road closed” barricade at any time for any reason. Drivers should avoid being on the roadways if travel is not absolutely necessary during inclement weather events.

Caddo Parish Public Schools and Bossier Schools have announced campus closures for Monday and Tuesday as severe winter weather continues to impact the region, creating unsafe conditions for travel and school operations.

Caddo Parish Public Schools officials cited widespread power outages, impassable roadways, and sustained below-freezing temperatures as factors leading to the decision to close all schools and district sites for both days. District leaders said conditions remain unsafe for normal operations and emphasized that student and staff safety remains the top priority. Officials will continue monitoring weather and infrastructure conditions and will share updates through official district communication channels.

Bossier Schools also announced no classes for Monday and Tuesday due to ongoing wintry conditions and an Extreme Cold Warning affecting the area. District officials reported that icy roadways have made travel unsafe, preventing normal school operations. Bossier Schools stated they are working closely with emergency management agencies to determine when conditions will allow for a safe return to campus.

An additional update from Bossier Schools is expected at 4 p.m. Tuesday as officials reassess weather conditions and road safety. Both districts encouraged families to remain cautious, limit travel when possible, and prioritize staying warm and safe during the extended period of extreme cold.

By DAVID ERSOFF, Journal Contributor

One does not expect to say, “Let’s go to a pool hall for some great Cajun food” (or any great food for that matter). But here, Looosiana Bistreaux is making that statement a reality.

Located inside the new Red River Billiards, 2000 Brookshire Arena Drive, Bossier City, the restaurant has a 21-and-over only bar and dining area with many tables outside the bar area for larger groups and some of those for groups including people under 21 years old.

They also feature a dessert display where you can see exactly what you are ordering. The desserts are freshly made, so when they are out, there is no backup.

Looosiana Bistreaux’s menu has a wide variety of items that can easily satisfy even the most diverse group of patrons. The menu features: appetizers, soup and salad, burgers, po’boys, and sandwiches. For full entrees they have pasta, fried dinners, tacos, grilled steaks, and pork chops.

The many appetizers including some that you’d only find in a Cajun style restaurant, such as charbroiled oyster, boiled shrimp and boudin eggrolls, and some traditional ones like wings and fried pickles. I have tried many of them, all of which have been very good. The one that stands out to me, and will always be my starter when there, is the crawfish queso. It has just the right amount of heat and begs to be eaten, making me want to be selfish and not share.

My personal favorite entrée is jambalaya, one of my weaknesses, when I see it on any menu. It has a bite to it making you ensure your drink is full when you dig in.

I have also tried the Bistreaux Burger, and yes, I upgraded to jambalaya as my side dish, a weakness I choose not to work on. The burger was juicy and quite flavorful.

The group I was with had nice variety of items that I was able to look at and take a taste of. Every bite I got was excellent. These included the blackened shrimp, the blackened chicken tacos and the Cajun alfredo pasta. That’s a pretty big range of food, all of which was good.

I haven’t tried the New Orleans-style bread pudding, but it is on my want list, if I can make myself not fill up on my meal. One of my friends did have their brownie sundae and was happy with it.

So next time your friends pick an odd place to get dinner, like a pool hall, maybe you’ll be pleasantly surprised how good it can be.

Each week we will explore different places around the Shreveport-Bossier area, in search of good food. If you have a favorite place, send me those suggestions and maybe it will end up a new find here, giving others a chance to share in your restaurant favorites. 

Contact David at dersoff@bellsouth.net

Almost everyone who knew him fairly well has a Dave Nitz story. Here is mine.

He rescued me once from having to do play-by-play of a basketball game.

Those of us with Louisiana ties — especially North Louisiana — know that Dave was one of the most accomplished sports radio broadcasters of our time. 

His affiliation with Louisiana Tech University athletics spanned almost 50 years, and he was the Shreveport baseball — most the Captains — play-by-play radio man for 20 years.

He was dedicated and knowledgeable, personable (always with some stories), fun … and talented. We all loved “Freeway Dave.” He did love to travel, mostly by car.

Give us Jim Hawthorne, Tim Brando and Nitz, and you’ve got “The Big Three” of northwest Louisiana broadcasting fame. (Brando, having turned 70 last year, is still a network star doing college football on Fox, and calling college hoops all over the East and Midwest.)

They were the modern-day successor to IZ, Irv Zeidman, the Shreveport Sports baseball/Centenary College basketball “voice” of the 1950s/early 1960s.

We all listened to Nitz for hundreds — maybe a couple of thousands — of games (football, basketball, baseball) over the years. You had to love it!

Dave passed away last June at age 82, and we were all sad to hear that. He was a character to remember.

It was a pleasure to occasionally sit in with Nitz in the broadcast booth or on the basketball media table. And one memorable weekend is my “Nitz story.”

***

The week before Christmas, 1979, Dave was broadcasting Louisiana Tech women’s basketball but also had agreed to do three Centenary College men’s basketball games in New York (City and state).

Jim Hawthorne had been Centenary’s play-by-play guy for much of the 1970s — before, during and after the Robert Parish era. But starting with the 1979-80 season, he had been hired to be LSU men’s basketball announcer.

Tracy Jackson — who operated the Manpower temporary employment agency in Shreveport — had play-by-play experience and did some Centenary games early that season. But he and wife Jo had a large family and he wanted that Christmas time with them, so he wasn’t available for the New York trip.

Centenary was scheduled to play Long Island University on Thursday night, then Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y. — near Albany, three hours from New York City — on Saturday night, and finally national power St. John’s University in Queens on Sunday night.

It just so happened that the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters were going to play in a big holiday tournament at Madison Square Garden that weekend.

So Nitz was going to be in NYC, and we needed a play-by-play announcer for the Centenary games. Ah, yes, Nitz would do it.

And as the Centenary sports information director for four years I was the “color” analyst for the road games, butting in to Hawthorne’s play-by-play for much of that time.

There was a catch to Nitz’s availability. The Lady Techsters, who the previous season had emerged as a national power (a status they would maintain for two decades), were playing in a tournament in Las Vegas early that week. They won that title and the team — and Nitz — flew to New York City on Thursday.

Fine, except the time frame was short. Centenary’s game with Long Island actually was in Brooklyn. So the question was, when and how would Nitz find the game’s location?

(It was a weird setting. The Schwartz Athletic Center was a gymnasium converted from an auditorium — it once had been a theater — and it was on the third floor of a building attached to LIU’s main building. Go figure — Long Island U. in Brooklyn?)

Game time, thankfully, was 8 p.m. (Eastern time). I had brought the radio equipment and set it up, and actually started the pregame broadcast.

Quick note: I had never done play-by-play on radio, in public. Had been the “sidekick” — analyst — for high school football games and Centenary basketball. But the only play-by-play I’d done, many times, was in the bedroom of our home in Sunset Acres. 

Never desired to do play-by-play on radio. Not my thing. (Would have been worse on television.)

But game time was close, Nitz wasn’t there. Oh, my .. where is he? I am not relishing this.

And then … two minutes to tipoff: Here’s Dave!

Freeway Dave to the rescue. Actually, Subway Dave … because — experienced and savvy traveler he was — he had found his way to Brooklyn by subway and then a cab to LIU.

Very few times in my life was I happier to see someone than Dave that night.

And it was a wild game to broadcast — a 114-101 game, Centenary on the short end. But what a pleasure to do the game with Dave.

***

Even better was the Saturday experience. First, Dave broadcast the Lady Techsters’ game with Rutgers at “The Garden,” which — again, thankfully — had a 1 p.m. start. High-profile matchup, which the Techsters won 89-83 in overtime. Got to sit with Dave at press row on the Garden floor.

Then, we were off to Centenary’s 8 p.m. game at Siena. Rode the train to Albany — a neat trip near the Hudson River, and a passenger’s view of the U.S. Military Academy. Caught a cab from the train station, and broadcast a good effort by Centenary but an 86-82 loss. Still fun.

The next day, Sunday, back to Madison Square Garden and the Techsters’ thrilling victory against powerful Old Dominion, 59-57. Tech’s record after that: 16-1.

That night, we made our way to Queens for Centenary’s test against a talented St. John’s team, one of the many powers for legendary coach Lou Carnesseca. I did a pregame interview with him, and he was very nice (to a radio novice). Centenary was no match for Lou’s team; the final was 92-72.

What a weekend with Nitz.

***

A follow-up: The Centenary team that had a 1-8 record (the victory had been in the season opener) after the New York trip improved slowly, then blossomed in March and wound up with a winning record and as the Trans America Athletic Conference postseason tournament champions.

The Lady Techsters made the national semifinals (it was the AIAW then) for a rematch with Old Dominion (which starred Nancy Lieberman, Anne Donovan and Rhonda Rampolo). ODU won that one easily, but Tech’s final 40-5 record was a sign of great things to come in the future.

One other Nitz connection with me: The first Louisiana Tech events he broadcast were the games in the 1974 NCAA baseball regional at old Arlington Stadium. I covered that for The Shreveport Times, an early career highlight. 

The University of Texas had one of the nation’s best college baseball programs, but Tech darned near earned a College World Series trip, beating the Longhorns to reach the winners’ bracket. Texas came back to top Tech twice. 

It was a heckuva start for Nitz’s career at Tech. He was a “new” guy for all of us then and became a legend over time. 

We remember him fondly, and we are thankful for the memories.  

Contact Nico at nvanthyn@aol.com

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JOURNAL SPORTS

It was a very good weekend for Sam Burns to launch his 2026 PGA Tour competitive schedule.

There was no golf played in north Louisiana or anywhere near. Burns teed it up 1,600 miles from home in LaQuinta, Cal., finishing in a tie for 27^th with a 17-under par 271 (65-67-68-71) in The American Express event.

His pal Scottie Scheffler picked up where he left off last season, winning going away with a 27-under par finish, four shots clear of the field. It was Scheffler’s 20^th Tour victory, all in the last four years, moving him alongside Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the only pro golfers to win 20 events before they were 30 years old.

Burns collected $57,918 to start his 2026 PGA Tour earnings. Last year the 29-year-old Shreveport native and Calvary Baptist product totaled $6.8 million and finished seventh in the FedEx Cup standings, upping his career official earnings to $35 million.

Last year, the former LSU All-American made 22 of 25 cuts, finishing top five three times, top 10 six times, and in the top 25 15 times. He held the lead on the final day of the Canadian Open and the U.S. Open and made his second USA Ryder Cup roster.

Burns, 29, is not entered in this week’s Tour event, the Farmers’ Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in San Diego. He will play again in two weeks in Phoenix at the WM Phoenix Open.

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JOURNAL SPORTS

It was almost as unusual as a winter storm hitting town.

The struggling Centenary women’s basketball team ended an eight-game skid and edged the Concordia Tornados 63-62 on Friday in a Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference contest inside the Gold Dome.

Game time was moved to a late afternoon start for the doubleheader, with a men’s game following, to aid Concordia’s travel home with the storm approaching.

The Gents almost completed a sweep but bowed 82-77 in the nightcap, nearly upsetting the league-leaders. A Saturday home doubleheader against Texas Lutheran was postponed and will be rescheduled.

The Ladies (3-13, 2-5 SCAC) won their first home game under new coach Rennie Bailey by defeating the Tornados (5-11, 2-5 SCAC).

Centenary senior guard Amiyah Barrow led all scorers with a season-high 20 points as she played 34 minutes and finished 8-10 from the floor, 2-2 from beyond the arc, and 2-2 at the FT line. She scored in double figures for the eighth time this season and for the fifth time in seven games.

Concordia led 60-56 with 3:06 remaining. Following a Centenary timeout, Barrow continued her hot shooting as she connected on a jumper at the 2:30 mark to make it 60-58 and tied the game at 60-60 on another basket just 21 seconds later. The visitors scored with 2:06 remaining for a 62-60 lead, but did not score again.

Centenary’s Julissa Cabrera hit a free throw with 1:15 left to make it 62-61, then stole the ball and made a layup with only 44 seconds remaining to give the Ladies a 63-62 lead.

The final seconds were frantic for both teams as Concordia got two offensive rebounds but could not hit any of their last three shots as the Ladies escaped with the thrilling victory.

Junior forward Natalya Senat had the best game of her Centenary career with an impressive double-double that featured career highs in both points (10) and rebounds (14). Cabrera added 10 points.

In the men’s game, Dontarius Coleman scored 25 and Quentin Beverly 22 for the Gents, who nearly overcame several 14-point second-half deficits, getting within three points with 24 seconds left.

Concordia survived and moved to 14-2 overall and 7-0 in the conference. Centenary dipped to 4-12 overall, 2-5 in the SCAC. 

LSUS IDLE, BPCC POSTPONED: The LSU Shreveport basketball teams, both leading the Red River Athletic Conference, had an open date Saturday. The Bossier Parish Community College men had their game at Coastal Bend Saturday postponed by travel concerns.

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Graveside services will be held for Arvie Brown, 92, on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 7970 Mike Clark Rd., Keithville, Louisiana. Officiating the service will be Pastor Jeff Lines.

Arvie was born on November 19, 1933 to Allen Brown and Mary Josephine Basco Brown Arvie in Otis, Louisiana and passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026 in Shreveport.

Arvie served in the United States Army. He spent his career as a skilled carpenter specializing in floor installation. In his younger years, he found joy in fishing and hunting, embracing the outdoors whenever he could. As he grew older, he took comfort in classic Westerns, especially enjoying programs on the Western Channel such as Gunsmoke, The Lone Ranger, and Death Valley Days.

Arvie is preceded in death by his parents; six sisters; and three brothers. Left to cherish his memory is his sister, Nela Kerry of Grand Cane, Louisiana; sister-in-law, Claudine Brown; brother-in-law, Billy Culver; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Arvie will be deeply missed, but we are at peace knowing that we will see him again someday.

Don Broussard, 81, went to meet his Lord and Savior on Friday, January 23, 2026 in Shreveport, Louisiana. Donald was born on January 5, 1945 in San Diego, California to Charles and Dorothy Broussard.

Don graduated from Fair Park High School in 1962 and went on to build a life centered on hard work, family, and quiet joys. He was married to the love of his life, Kay Broussard, for 52 devoted years. Don worked as an electrician for more than 30 years, a career that reflected his strong work ethic and reliability. In his free time, he enjoyed golfing and cheering on LSU and the New Orleans Saints. Above all else, Don was a soft-hearted grandfather who adored his grandchildren and never hesitated to give them anything they wanted.

Don is preceded in death by his parents. Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Kay Hicks Broussard; children, Donnie Broussard (Tammy), Craig Broussard (Holly), daughter, Cara Quinley (RIcki); grandchildren, Averi, Jett, Olivia, Kyndall, Gage, and Markie; brother, Charles Broussard, Jr. (Debbie); sister, Theresa Rinaudo (Mark); and a host of nieces and nephews.

Don will be terribly missed but the family will always love him and cherish his memory.