NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Evangel alumnus Roy Morris won by a half-inch on a personal best on his last jump. Parkway product Will Achee ran the fastest 400 meters in school history, but got nipped by five one-thousands of a second for gold.

The locals’ performances at the Southland Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships were headline-worthy but overshadowed somewhat by their female counterparts.

The Lady Demons followed up a dominant 2025 Southland Conference Outdoor team title with another one in 2026, winning their third straight outdoor team title on Saturday. Adding past indoor championships, NSU has won five out of the last six overall.

On the men’s side, the Demons finished a strong second in the 12-team conference to meet host Stephen F. Austin, which defended its 2025 title.

Achee and Morris, both sophomores, were stalwarts for the NSU men.

While he did not win gold, Achee did break his two-week-old school record in the 400-meter dash with an impressive 45.188, but was upset by New Orleans’ Keldrick Turner, who also ran a 45.183, his best ever by more than a second. Achee’s prior top time of 45.61 two weeks ago broke a 50-year old NSU record.

Trailing a 25-3 ½ mark by Lamar’s Kenson Tate in the final round of attempts, Morris sailed a personal best 25-4 for the win. He showed a similar flair for the dramatic as a freshman on the way to earning NCAA All-America honors and will be aiming to repeat that in a few weeks.

Trailing Lamar by 3.5 going into Saturday’s final day, the NSU women used dominance on the track and in the discus (taking three of the top four spots) to capture the crown.

Northwestern finished with 147.5 points. UT-Rio Grande Valley came in second with 126 and Stephen F. Austin placed third with 122.

Northwestern’s Rushana Dwyer set a new women’s outdoor championship meet record in the 400m dash with a school-record time of 51.20. The previous record was set last year by her teammate Maygan Shaw (52.10).
Dwyer was also a member of the Lady Demons’ first place 4x400m relay team with Kahliyah Anderson, Margaret Conteh and Samari Finney that also set a new championship meet record and school record in the event (3:33.41). Another Lady Demon victory Sunday came in the 100 with a school record 11.31 from Juvonna Cornette.

NSU’s Mike Heimerman was named the Women’s Outdoor Track & Field Coach of the Year for the third straight year.

The SFA men scored 164 points, outpacing NSU’s 124 and 117 by Incarnate Word.

The Demons’ Eddy Vu, Keoante Gaines, Antione Evans and Kalen Beavers set a new men’s meet record in the 4x100m relay with a time of 39.22, third best in school history. Saturday, the Northwestern men also got an event victory from Tarajh Hudson in the discus (a personal best 184-2).

Along with Achee’s silver in the open 400, NSU’s Charlie Bartholomew (45.65) grabbed the bronze. Desmond Duncan (46.28) and Kason Jones (46.43) finished fourth and fifth, respectively.

Those four combined for a 3:05.70 to conclude the conference championships with gold in the final event, the 4×400 relay.

Also setting an NSU women’s school record was Dishaun Lamb, who claimed a silver in the 100-meter hurdles, running 13.80.

Friday, Northwestern’s Anisha Gibbons threw 166-9 in the javelin to win.

A large contingent of NSU competitors will head to the NCAA East Regionals in two weeks, hoping to qualify for the NCAA Outdoor Championships next month.

Dorothy Maranto Brocato passed away on May 12, 2026 at age 95. She was born in Bossier City, LA, attended Bossier Elementary School and Bossier High School. Dorothy received a Bachelor of Education Degree from Centenary College, Shreveport, LA, and a Masters Degree in Education from University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR.

Dorothy was a fourth-grade elementary school teacher at Allendale School. She retired to be a full-time mother to her two daughters, Mary and Teresa, born of her marriage in 1958 to Enrico Brocato, owner of Brocato’s Restaurant. Dorothy participated in her girls’ activities, serving as a Brownie Leader, library volunteer, PTA member, and member of numerous school committees. She was athletic, so there were family badminton games, bike rides, and softball games for fun.

There was always music playing in Dorothy’s home, and she loved to break out into song or a quick dance. Her friends and family remember her as a good listener, who gave sound advice to many younger folks who stopped by when they needed a friend. Her best advice to us all: “To thine own self be true.” Dorothy loved being “Nana” to her grandchildren Alex and Emily, for whom she provided after-school care when they were young. Her children and grandchildren appreciated her instilling in them the importance of education.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband Enrico Brocato; parents Joseph Sam Maranto and Mary Provenza Maranto; her brothers Anthony Joseph Maranto, and Joseph Sammie Maranto; her sisters Stella Maranto Webb, Tena Maranto Namie, Mary Maranto Jones, Josephine Maranto Miller, Rosina Maranto Williams, and Angeline Maranto D’Anna.

Dorothy is survived by her daughters Mary Brocato Serra (David) and Teresa Brocato, grandson Alexander Gras (Grace) of Dallas, TX, granddaughter Emily Gras, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff of Cypress House at Village Health Care at The Glen, and Lifepath Hospice for the loving care they provided Dorothy during her final months.

Dorothy’s family honored her with a private service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105, or the charity of your choice.

Patty Kay Cox passed away on May 10, 2026, at her home in Shreveport, Louisiana after a lengthy illness.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Osborn Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Patty will be buried at Springhill Memorial Cemetery next to her parents on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

Patty was born on February 1, 1954, in Springhill, Louisiana. She was a resident of Shreveport for over 50 years. Patty was a proud graduate of Louisiana State University. After graduation, she worked as a paralegal in Shreveport and then as a Regulatory Analyst for the natural gas pipeline company, Arkla Energy Resources. She remained employed by Arkla and its successors, NorAm, CenterPoint Energy and Enable Gas Transmission for over 25 years until her retirement in 2015.

Patty was a lover of animals and took in several rescue dogs over the years. She was a longtime member of The Krewe of Centaur, and her friends and family always enjoyed seeing her in the parades and receiving specialty beads from her. Patty was also a fiercely loyal fan of LSU football.

Patty was preceded in death by her parents, R.C. and Katherine. She is survived by her beloved dog Buggzy, her longtime companion, Pat Watson, numerous cousins, including Janet McDermott, and many friends who loved her and will miss her witty remarks and dry sense of humor.

The family also wishes to thank Dorothy Edwards for her compassionate care of Patty in her final days.
Memorials may be made to Ninna’s Road to Rescue or the charity of the donor’s choice.

Josephine M. Boogaerts
February 25, 1919 – May 14, 2026
Service: Monday, May 18, 2026, 1pm at The Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport. 

Sidney Charles Jackson
August 16, 1969 — May 11, 2026
Service: Friday, May 22, 2026, 1pm at Winnfield Funeral Home, Shreveport. 

Ruthie Lee Moore
September 28, 1949 – May 11, 2026
Service: Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 11am at Good Samaritan Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Paul Anthony Meshell
September 10, 1949 — May 9, 2026
Service: Monday, May 18, 2026, 1pm at Rose-Neath Cemetery, Bossier City. 

Mary Rives Risinger
December 18, 1952 — May 8, 2026
Service: Friday, May 22, 2026, 10am at All Saints Chapel at Holy Angels, Shreveport. 

Roger Ray Logan
July 4, 1964 — May 4, 2026
Service: Saturday, May 30, 2026, 2pm at Rose-Neath Funeral Home Southside, Shreveport.

Tammy Davis
August 31, 1960 – May 3, 2026
Service: Friday, May 22, 2026, 1pm at Aulds Funeral Home, Shreveport. 

Bertha June Thompson Orton
June 16, 1942 — April 23, 2026
Service: Saturday, May 23, 2026, 1pm at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Shreveport. 

Mary Nell Fratello Miller
January 9, 1942 – April 16, 2026
Service: Sunday, June 7, 2026, 3pm at Ellerbe Rd Methodist Church, Shreveport. 

Millie Grubbs Tucker
December 27, 1940 — April 10, 2026
Service: Saturday, May 23, 2026, 11am at Garcie Home, 11342 Providence Road, Shreveport.

Tribute was paid Thursday to more than 50 law enforcement officers from multiple agencies across northwest Louisiana who gave their lives in the line of duty.

“These are the people who run to the fear, not away from it,” said Shreveport Chief of Police Wayne Smith during remarks to a large gathering of officers, family and friends.

“They are the ones who stand between danger and the community. They paid the price. Their tour of duty may be over, but they will never be forgotten.”

Thursday’s event honoring the 52 fallen officers was held at the Law Enforcement/Firefighters Memorial on the Shreveport riverfront off Clyde Fant Parkway.

Agencies honoring fallen officers during the ceremony included Bossier City PD, Bossier Parish SO, Caddo Parish SO, DeSoto Parish SO, Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries, Louisiana State Police—Troop G, Natchitoches Parish SO, Vivian PD, Webster Parish SO and Shreveport PD.

Southwood High School has been named the 2025-2026 Caddo Parish High School WeCare School of the Year, according to a social media announcement from the Southwood Cowboys.

School officials said the recognition reflects the dedication of the school’s students, faculty, staff, parents and community partners, highlighting the culture of compassion, service and excellence promoted throughout the campus.

Officials added that the award recognizes the school’s emphasis on relationships, student support and community involvement both inside and outside the classroom.

Shreveport Common announced it has committed $1,000 toward the installation of a security camera in Asian Gardens as part of the Re-Invigorate Asian Gardens project.

Organization officials said they plan to work alongside the Downtown Development Authority and additional partners to help fund three more cameras in locations identified by nearby residents and business owners.

According to the organization, the initiative is aimed at helping deter crime and improve safety in the Shreveport Common and downtown areas while supporting ongoing public safety efforts by the Shreveport Police Department and the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office through the Anglin/Myers Public Safety Initiative.

Located at 800 Texas Avenue at the corner of Common and Milam streets, Asian Gardens was created in 2006 by the ASEANA Foundation to celebrate the cultures of its members’ 15 Asian homelands through themed garden beds, artwork and cultural festivals.

Officials said the gardens have experienced deterioration over the years due to severe weather, tree disease, aging infrastructure, irrigation and lighting issues, and vandalism. While the city and SPAR have continued regular cleanup and landscaping efforts, organizers say additional restoration work is needed to preserve and revitalize the space.

As part of the Re-Invigorate Asian Gardens project, Shreveport Common, SPAR and volunteers with the Shreveport Common Think Tank plan to repair irrigation and lighting systems, remove and replace dead trees, repair rotted wood, install additional cameras, replace banners and create signage for self-guided tours.

Project leaders also said they hope to introduce new programming, events and volunteer opportunities aimed at restoring the gardens as a cultural and educational destination for the community.

More information is available online: shreveportcommon.com/asian-gardens

Northwestern State University awarded 890 degrees to 860 graduates during Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies May 13-14.  Spring graduates listed by hometown (In Our Journal Services Coverage Areas) are as follows. 

Alexandria – Kellie Crain, Breanna Kirts, Abigail Lachney, Magen Pierite, Associate of Science in Nursing; Guymeka Bowers, Luke Compton, Maggie Creamer, Kailyn Price, Associate of General Studies; Mia Speed, Bachelor of Fine Arts; Seddricka Furlow-Hawthorne, Bachelor of General Studies; Joseph Cain, Maggie Creamer, Bianca Dixon, Leila Ford, Dexteria King, Joseph Jordan, Benjamin Joseph, Shelby Palmer, Kailyn Price, Sydney Smith, Reshida Tate, Bachelor of Science; Colton Johnson, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Christopher Doney, Mary Doney, Janice Williams Master of Arts; Cassandra Armstrong, Sarita Kathayat Ghimire, Ciji West Master of Science in Nursing 

Anacoco – Caslyn Farquhar. Amanda Shores, Associate of Science in Nursing; Madison Blackburn, Haylee Gilbert, Kyle Hillman, Sylvia Ross, Associate of General Studies; Karlea Welch, Bachelor of Science; Emily Montes, Bachelor of Science in Nursing 

Arcadia – Anayah Allen, Associate of General Studies 

Ball – Andrea Laudun, Master of Science in Nursing 

Barksdale, AFB – Brandon West, Bachelor of Science 

Benton – Diana Mccabe, Associate Degree; Kendall Nattin, Associate of General Studies; Juliana Miller, Bachelor of Arts; Katharyn Evans, Sierra Khaled, Amber Long, Diana Mccabe, Bachelor of Science; Stephanie Adair, Angela Cameron, Master of Science in Nursing 

Blanchard – Kimberly Clemmons, Bachelor of Science in Nursing 

Bossier City – Jada Dudley, Jordan Pennington, Olivia Spruell, Tashia Zeigler, Associate of Science in Nursing; Trinity Browder, Associate of General Studies; Kalyah Rushing, Associate of Science; Cody Davenport, John Gray, Kierra Nelson, Bachelor of Arts; Richard Salzer, Bachelor of Music; Solon Burris, Allie Denton, Devin Ennis, Layla Havis, John-Michael Head, Haley Henderson, Bryant Holmes, Cing Kim, Ariana Lee, John Lewis, Kalyssa Mall, Madysen Morgan, Reva Ott, Abigail Petermann,  Karla Sanchez Hernandez, Paige Smith, Toni Sullivan, Bowen Vardeman, Jessica Watters, Bachelor of Science; Baylin Berry, Melaney Berry, Hollie Gohl, Jennifer Marr, Imani Mosley, Patrise Polley, Melanie Robinson, Katerina Rooker, Ashley Woodfin, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Laura Jorgensen, Master of Arts; Jennifer Drygas, Master of Education; Lauren Ashcraft, Beau Bevan, Madison Brown, Master of Science

Willie Herrington, Madison Kach,Travis Kach, Sha’Darius Plummer, Master of Science in Nursing 

Boyce – Kortney Carlock, Scott Davis, Averie Rachal Associate of General Studies; Victoria Fatula, Lauren Holt, Olivia Melroy, Bachelor of Science 

Bunkie – Tiona Jenkins, Bachelor of Science; Megan Pickett, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Jill Tassin, Master of Education 

Campti – Julia Clark, Tralyn Lofton, Associate of General Studies; Syreetta Evans, Faith Matthews, Bachelor of Science 

Castor – Kaylyn Long, Bachelor of Science 

Center Point – Curtis Bertrand, Associate of General Studies 

Cheneyville – Tara Perkins, Master of Education 

Choudrant – Holly Ford, Master of Science in Nursing 

Cloutierville – Aleeya Jefferson, Bachelor of Social Work; Tonya Masson, Master of Science 

Colfax – Jaclyn Edwards, Galen Loyd, Bachelor of General Studies; Ananda Flanagan, Bachelor of Science; Dyana Edwards, Master of Education 

Converse – Justin Rushing, Bachelor of Arts; Emiley Pratt. Master of Science in Nursing 

Cottonport – Bryce Juneau, Bryce Juneau, Bachelor of Science 

Coushatta – Brett Danzy, Bachelor of Arts; Latoya Gray, Bachelor of General Studies; William Almond, Bachelor of Science 

Deville – Olivia Downs, Associate of General Studies; Peyton Fuller, Bachelor of Science; Aimee Butler, Master of Science in Nursing 

Dodson – Caroline Boyett, Bachelor of Science 

Doyline – Amaris Buitrago, Bachelor of Science 

Dry Prong – Patience Martinez, Associate of Science in Nursing; Cameron Remrey, Bachelor of Arts; Kallie Evers, Bachelor of Science; Hannah Peppers, Master of Arts 

Dubberly – Jayde Burks, Bachelor of Arts 

Elmer – Alex Alston, Bachelor of General Studies 

Eunice – Chelsea Guillory, Bachelor of Science in Nursing 

Florien – Shaelon Miller, Eric Rutherford Associate of Science in Nursing; Tia Holmes, Abigail Thomas, Bachelor of Arts; Cesaleigh Hall, Bachelor of Science 

Forest Hill – Baronica Gunter, Bachelor of General Studies 

Fort Polk – Tamara Brekke, Lauren Eubanks, Lindsey Moser, Michiya Shoels, Associate of Science in Nursing; Katherine Clay, Madelynn Flint, Aidyn Gagnos, Kiana Mas’sa, Charlie Owens, Elizabeth Wyatt, Associate of General Studies; Danika Dingus, Bachelor of General Studies; Kyle Reyes, Bryanna Stebane, Bachelor of Science; Amanda Sinders-Lewis, Bachelor of Science in Nursing 

Glenmora – Jaliyah George, Associate of General Studies; Katie Dupre, Bachelor of Social Work; Jolie Chevalier, Master of Science in Nursing 

Goldonna – Hillary Burke, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Michael Johnson, Master of Science in Nursing 

Grand Cane – Sandra Kimble, Master of Science in Nursing 

Greenwood – Jacob Sullivan, Bachelor of Science 

Hall Summit – Seth Wimberly, Master of Science 

Haughton – Kaylan Washington, Associate of Science in Nursing; Lawson Turner, Bachelor of Arts; Taylor Eggleton, Paige Pruett Bachelor of Science; Hannah Pourteau, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Anna Vaughn, Master of Arts; Gracie Simonton, Master of Education; Brandice Bowers, Jordan Logan, Danielle Potter, Master of Science in Nursing; Victoria Lodrini Post, Baccalaureate Certificate 

Haynesville – Brylee Foster, Camren Marsh, Associate of General Studies 

Hineston – Jamie Kile, Aiden Lewis, Kennadie Thacker, Zoey Wilson, Associate of General Studies; Maria Juarez-Rubio, Bachelor of Arts; Rebecca Dousay, Tinley Steedman, Natalie Taylor Bachelor of Science 

Hornbeck – Logan Lawrence, Bachelor of Science 

Ida – Britney Mitchell, Bachelor of Science in Nursing 

Jena – Taylor Brown, Jacobie Wilson, Associate of Science in Nursing; Brittany Crooks, Ella Jensen, Alyson Overstreet, Bachelor of Science; Rosalyn Hall, Educational Specialist; Chelsea Morris, Master of Science in Nursing 

Jonesboro – Georgia Robinson, Bachelor of General Studies; Amber Melton, Bachelor of Social Work 

Keithville – Dorissa Pennywell, Associate of Science in Nursing; Walker Holland, Gabriele Williams, Bachelor of Science; Kaci Green, Bachelor of Social Work 

Lecompte – Mason Doughty, Associate of General Studies; Shuntavica Busch, Associate of Science in Nursing; Amanda Hobart, Master of Education 

Leesville – Brittany Counts, Mustachia Everett, Morgan Owens, Associate of Science in Nursing; Avery Bealer, Luke Beaubouef, Ashton Chandler, Addison Coffman, Gryphon Cooley, Seth Dukes, Crystal Gomez, Kane Hagan, Anthony Isley, Jayvan Jackson, J’layah Jones, Jennifer Kudla, Micah Merchant, Dakota Miller, Audrey Robbins, Kyler Slaughter, Natalie Somers, Sydnee Sturm, Jayde Wilbanks, Keagan Williams, Conner Wilt, Kylie Wolff, Associate of General Studies; Jaya Chenevert- Jones, Abigail Williams, Bachelor of Arts; Tessa Blackwell, Chelsea Bornowski, Jeffrey Keys Bachelor of General Studies; Michael Bell, Matthew Rieger, Maria-Theresa Ross, Bachelor of Science; Ellen Daily, Bachelor of Social Work; Kendall Collins, Elizabeth Rios, Master of Arts; Charles Myers, Laila Salas Master of Science 

Lena – Lashae’ Lucas, Master of Science in Nursing 

Mansfield – Tina Richardson, Associate of Science in Nursing, Christopher Addison, Paulette Rambin, Kemariya Thomas, Bachelor of Science

Many – Patrick O’Neal, Brianna Wade, Associate of General Studies; Kaylee Herr, Bachelor of Arts; Kristen Hammontree, Emma Peace, Kelsey Sepulvado, Bachelor of Science

Marksville – Koby Brevelle, Bachelor of Arts; Mia Rodriguez, Makenzie Scroggs, Bachelor of Fine Arts

Marthaville – Aaron Manasco, Associate of Science; Aaron Manasco, Amelia Strahan, Bachelor of Science

Minden — Makenlee McCall, Associate of Science in Nursing; Lacoya Hawkins, Bachelor of Science; Jenna Nelson, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Adrianna Maddox, Bachelor of Social Work; Mary Simms, Doctor of Education; Michel’le Coleman, Sharde Evans, Lawanda Jefferson, Master of Science in Nursing

Montgomery – Elizabeth LaCroix, K’lashia Nash, Associate of General Studies; John Tucker-Howell, Bachelor of Arts; Ethan Jones, Zackary Racine, Bachelor of Science

Moreauville – Mylesha Jones, Associate of Science in Nursing

Natchez – Victoria Hatten, Associate of Science in Nursing; Spencer Yellott, Associate of Science; Josiah Conant, Anastasia Nelson, Spencer Yellott, Bachelor of Science

Natchitoches — Austin Jordan, Associate of Science in Nursing; Kenyetta Jackson, Bachelor of Arts; Natasha McHenry, Associate of General Studies; Morgan Myers, Kanda Ryals, Cameron Taitano, Associate of Science in Nursing; Cheyenne Bertrand, Luis Cervantes, John Jett, Matthew Mayeux, Associate of General Studies; Norman Martinez Reyes,  Dequallin Newton, Associate of Science; Albert Benner, Sophia Brossett, Brendan Campbell, Shanice Hutson, Maria Lopez Macias, Andrew Perrilloux, Christopher Richard, Mya Williams, Shakera Williaims, Bachelor of Arts; Caleb Burton, By Bui, Ashley Harkey, Ariyonna Sarpy, Tyler Sibley, Bachelor of Fine Arts; LaQuita Collins, Silet Gray, Miranda Harrison, Lolita Hukasian, Craig Sylvia, Teresa Tilley, Tavis Wilson, Bachelor of General Studies; Lennon Cooke, Ever Naun Galeas Antunez, Kevin Juarez Lopez, Norman Martinez Reyes, Fernanda Morales, Nohelia Ramos Vallencillo, Ronald Zaldaña Sánchez, Bachelor of Music; Eileen Ashley, Dominick Saldivar, Bachelor of Music Education; Karmyn Babineaux, Haleigh Bertrand, Abigail Bevill, James Burrell, Brendan Campbell, Benjamin Castro, Cameron Churchman, Jaylen Coleman, Aaliyah Creekmore, Angelisa Dobbins-Taylor, Aryel Durr, Phillip Evans, Sileena Farrell, Sofia Garcia, Brody Garlington, William Jordan, Mackenzie Kanehl, Kayden Larkins, Madison Martin, Norman Martinez Reyes, Kyleb Mcmahon, Cameron Possoit, Preston Rasco, Madison, Raymond, Heather Schrock, Taylor Shephert, Santiago Tobon Cardona, Mekenna Tryon, Emily Ware, Shakera Williams, Starla Williams, Madeline Williford, Ariel Wilson,  Bachelor of Science; Lacy Byles, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Lane Alford, Logan Boline, Logan Bordelon, Kyle Perkins, Brendan Ritter, Laura Rogers, Master of Arts; Micheal Cox, Master of Education; Parrel Appolis, Walker Libbe, Victor Mata Zepeda, Kathryn Wilkinson, Master of Music; Kolby Burrell, Bryce Fink, Christopher Gistarb, Jalivia Johnson, Kirsten Knobloch, Taylor Maust, Andrew Perrilloux, Macy Vascocu, Master of Science; Bailey Gaspard, Anna Jordan, Post Baccalaureate Certificate

New Llano – Bhavi Patel, Associate of General Studies; Lexi Arellano, Bachelor of Science

Olla – Jensyn Walters, Associate of Science in Nursing

Otis – Waylon Crooks, Alayna Dauzart, Allie Marhsall, Associate of General Studies; Andrew Vincik, Bachelor of Arts

Pineville – Kenzie Basco, Hallie Below, Associate of Science in Nursing; Jayla Armstead, Josie Cleary, Kaylee Cotton, Olivia Edwards, Reese Favors, Hunter Kelone, Parker Maddox, Jaxson McCurtain, Amber Michot, Gabriel Michot, Kamri Powell, James Shepherd, Amie Tran, Dua Waqas, Ryan Woodruff, Associate of General Studies; Isabella Deville, Karly Stansell, Bachelor of Arts; Breanna Melancon, Bachelor of Fine Arts; Wendi Bray, Tayvon Fennix, Kenyetta Jordan, Kylee Mott, Sterling Player, Ashlyn Saucier, Kirstyn Smith, Katarina Transier-VanGossen, Bachelor of Science; Isabella Sisneroz, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Mikaylah Littleton, Master of Arts; Rhett Thiels, Master of Arts in Teaching; Jeri Thiels, Master of Education; Wendi Bray, Tyjianna Sherman , Master of Science; Hannah Mackey, Avery Ryan, Post Baccalaureate Certificate

Pitkin – Rickie Cook, Charlene Graham, Associate of General Studies; Logan Cheever, Connor Goleman, Alexis Thetford, Caitlin Thetford, Bachelor of Science

Plain Dealing – Hayden Baldwin, Bachelor of Science

Plaucheville – Alise Clausen, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Pleasant Hill – Alexander Stewart, Associate of General Studies; Micah Armstrong, Skylie Harris, Bachelor of Science

Pollock – Kaitlyn Abrams, Associate of Science in Nursing; Abigail Marcul, Bachelor of Arts; Lien McGehee, Emily McGehee, Andrew Morrison, Bachelor of Science; Josie Fowler, Bachelor of Social Work, Jennifer Peckmore, Doctor of Education; Jaclyn Lambright, Master of Arts in Teaching; Brittany Atwell, Post Baccalaureate Certificate

Princeton – Constance Underwood, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Raynell Sheild, Master of Science in Nursing

Provencal – Kassidy Dowden, Associate of General Studies

Quitman – Kaitlyn Williams, Bachelor of Science

Ringgold – Autumn Smart, Bachelor of Science in Nursing 

Robeline – Jaykob Harrison, Associate of General Studies; Kristin Bull, Bachelor of Arts; Brycen Jones, Associate of Science; Christopher Paligo, Isabella Young, Bachelor of Arts; Andrew Austin, Kandis Kay, Tucker Vascocu, Bachelor of Science

Ruston – Mae Holyoak, Associate of Science in Nursing; Lorelei Freling, Bachelor of Science; Joseph Craighead, Master of Arts

Sarepta – Katie Ingle, Master of Science in Nursing

Shreveport – Brianna Bradford, Justin Burge, Elaine Ezell, Jakiya Hollins, Jacinta Jemeli, Kacee Poole, Candra Robinson, Associate of Science in Nursing; Sheena Rose, Associate of General Studies; Samuel McCray, Christiyon Moore Douglas, Rashunda Morrison, Bachelor of Arts; Demarcus Reid, Bachelor of Science; Stone Smith, Bachelor of Arts; Anna Kent, Bachelor of Fine Arts; Averi Garner, Troy Hayes, Christian Holmes, Sheena Rose, Eric Appleton, Sawyer Benson, Taja Bolds, Anyah Cowan, Quianna Daniel, Jaydon Evan, Olivia Horrell, Olivia Horrell, Donald Johnston, Ashlyn McClain, Alex Melvin, Mi’Chael Miles, Kristie Miller, Jabari Muhammad, Katherine Randolph, Zariah Ray, Virginia Santiago, Halie Stevenson, Haley Streeter, Lorien Thomas, Kaleb Tucker, William Wilson, Bavhelor of Science; Ali Gill, Khadijah Lockett, Spayne Moore, Baylee Parnell, Allie Pitre, Betty Reeves, Kenyaya Russell, Stephanie Williams, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Shayla Campbell, Shelbey DeLouche, Emily Frataccia, Kenberly Jones, Amanda Spraggins, Ava Ward, Bachelor of Social Work; Elisabeth Cason, Roishene Johnson, Doctor of Education; Steven Turner, Master of Education; Lillie Christaw, Naydu Daza Maya, Dana Wainwright, Master of Science;  Matthew Anderson, Charmon Bates, Tonconia Blow, Carla Drain, Kari Harris, Sheryl Jeter, Olivia Lanclos, Alexis Leslie, Camille Mayfield, Tiffany Mills, Justin Morehead, Tiffany Murray, Dione Ngwen, Susan Pesnell, Adam Rinaudo, Breah Seazer, Master of Science in Nursing; Jessica Plunkett, Post Baccalaureate Certificate; Amie Wilson, Post Master’s Certificate

Sikes – Kaylee Parker, Associate of Science in Nursing, Brandi Tolbert, Bachelor of General Studies

Stonewall – Alexandria Cole, Associate Degree; Lauren Becton, Alexandria Cole, Bachelor of Science; Sonya Edelen, Past Master’s Certificate

Trout – Callie McDowell, Bachelor of Science

Vivian – Bridget Duncan, Bachelor of General Studies; Brandon Garner, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Gavin Kendrick, Gavin Kendrick, Tonya Sedrick, Post Baccalaureate Certificate

Winnfield – MaKayla Shelton, Selena Villalobos, Associate of General Studies; Ella Price, Bachelor of Arts; Tolbert Triplett, Bachelor of General Studies; Ashlyn Beaubouef, John Spikes, Landon Thompson, Bachelor of Science

Woodworth – Caroline Blanchcard, Bachelor of Science; Valerie Devillier, Master of Science in Nursing  

Zwolle — Ahyuana Harris, Associate of General Studies; Cynthia Johnson, Kamaryn Rivers, Bachelor of General Studies; Nahliyah Boykins, Erin Escott, Gracie, Bachelor of Science, Malachya Lilly, Bachelor of Social Work 

Dear Fellow Citizens, 

I’m John Fleming, your State Treasurer and Republican candidate for U.S. Senate.

This Saturday’s election is extremely important. DC lobbyists and Baton Rouge elites have poured millions into supporting their preferred candidate — NOT ME. 

At stake is the carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) industry’s push to use YOUR tax dollars to seize YOUR private land through eminent domain.  Estimates suggest that up to 75% of the nation’s CO2 emissions could be pumped beneath our lands, lakes, and rivers – ‘captured’ for eternity. The whole thing is a “Green New Deal” scam, which will make the elites wealthier at the expense of the rest of us.  I am the only candidate who is 100% opposed to this fraud and abuse.  

Don’t be fooled! The establishment and powers that be are trying to buy our Louisiana Senate seat. I can’t be bought, bribed, or bullied! 

Our future, and the future of our children and grandchildren, hangs in the balance. Please don’t sit this one out — vote this Saturday, May 16th.   Polls open at 7:00 a.m. 

Thank you,

John Fleming
Louisiana State Treasurer
Republican Candidate for the US Senate 

Paid Content

BOM Receives USDA Rural Lender of the Year for the Fifth Time!

USDA updates lender list for rural guaranteed loan program

The Parish of Caddo announced it has received the Rural Enhancement Award from Visit Shreveport-Bossier during the organization’s annual Excellence in Hospitality Awards.

According to parish officials, the award was co-presented to the Shreveport Regional Arts Council in recognition of the collaborative Boom or Bust Byway Signage project located in North Caddo Parish.

Officials said the project highlights regional history and culture through signage installed along the byway route in North Caddo Parish.

In the long and glorious history of the Loyola track and field program … hold on, scratch that first sentence. 

Yes, there is a track and field program but its history is neither long nor particularly glorious. So let’s tone down the adjectives a little bit.

The Flyers have only fielded a track team for less than 20 years and while there have been pockets of success, it’s not as if other teams are shaking in their spikes when Loyola gets off the bus.

All of this is a roundabout way of putting into perspective what happened on a soggy track at Bernie Moore Stadium on the campus of LSU Saturday.

The Flyers have built a pretty impressive track program at the district and regional levels, but the LHSAA state championships are a different animal. There’s no shame in that; especially since there is no select/non select goofiness at the state meet. Which makes the competition deeper and stronger than just about any other sport.

Loyola’s state level success has been mostly with distance running and an occasional field event (Luke Jackson was a two-time javelin state champion in the late 2010s).

Until Saturday.

Meet Loyola sophomore Ty Walsworth.

Actually, you might have already heard of him from his impressive football season at wide receiver (23.0 yards per catch and 14 touchdowns) and  because he was on his way to a big basketball year before a severely sprained ankle cost him a majority of the season.

But when Walsworth lined up for the start of the Class 4A 100-meter finals, he had already made Loyola history. The Flyers had never had a single runner in any state sprint final. Ever.

It’s also highly doubtful that any of the other competitors were overly concerned about Walsworth since he was the No. 7 seed and was assigned to the wasteland known as Lane 1.

“The nerves were kicking in pretty good when I got on the starting line,” Walsworth said. “At first, I wasn’t too confident because I didn’t have too good of a run at regionals (11.07). We prepared hard during the week, but I still wasn’t too confident.”

Until the gun went off.

Walsworth timed it perfectly and clearly had the best start of the eight competitors. “He was leading after 40 meters,” said Loyola track coach Sherrod Lewis, “and that was all she wrote.”

Well, not quite. There was a little bit more writing to be done. At the finish line, Walsworth went into his lean and looked to his left to see Lutcher’s Ashton Stark also there. In fact, the race announcers called it for Stark and the straight-on camera footage was so caught off guard that Walsworth wasn’t even on the screen.

But he knew it was close. Very close. Very, very close.

Both had run a 10.6.

Both had run a 10.63.

But Walsworth had run a 10.636 to Stark’s 10.639.

That’s three-thousandths of a second difference. Google will tell you that three-thousandths of a second is “imperceptible to the human eye.” But since LSU uses college-level timing at its facility, the human eye wasn’t in play.

“There were some nerves having to wait those five seconds (for the results on the scoreboard),” Walsworth says. “When they did, I was all excited.”

“It was an amazing finish,” Lewis said. “I was ecstatic.”

Let’s go back over this: In a race where 0.1 seconds makes a huge difference, Walsworth carved off 0.4 seconds off his previous, non-wind-aided best to win the 100-meter state championship race from the outside lane in miserable conditions for a school that had never even had an entry in the event. Of course it’s a school record since the only other sub 11-second 100 in Flyer history was wind-aided.

You got all that?

(Perhaps as a by-product, the Loyola girls’ 4×100 sprint-relay team also won a school-first gold medal an hour later.)

“It feels great and it’s an honor to be the first state champion (in the 100),” Walsworth says. “To get out there and perform like that on the LSU track is amazing.”

You think?

Contact JJ at johnjamesmarshall@yahoo.com

By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

NEWTON SQUARE, Pa.  – Sam Burns opened the 108^th PGA Championship Thursday with an even-par round, despite making three birdies, and is within three shots of the Day 1 lead at golf’s second major championship of the year.

But there are lots of players between him and the seven who are bunched at the top of the leaderboard entering today’s second round at Aronimink Golf Club. Burns sits in a tie for 34^th and tees off today at noon CDT with his playing partners, Jason Day (-1) and Gary Woodland (+2).

Among the co-leaders are defending champion Scottie Scheffler and 2010 winner Martin Kaymer.

Burns had a mediocre day – especially for him, after leading the PGA Tour in putting last year – on the greens, ranking 61^st in the field, needing 31 putts. His 1.9 strokes in the approach-to-the-green stat ranked him 18^th among all players Thursday. He was 107^th in driving accuracy after hitting just half the fairways, and 100^th in average driving distance (305.7 yards) although he cranked the third-longest drive of the day, 370 yards.

The 29-year-old Choudrant resident built his even-par score by hitting 72 percent of the greens in regulation, 19^th-best in the field.

Burns birdied his seventh hole, the par-5 16^th, with an 8-foot putt but missed an 8-footer on the next green, the tough par-3 17^th, to drop back to even par.

After making the turn to holes 1-9, the Shreveport native birdied the par-4 first with a 5-footer, then drained a 28-footer on the par-4 fourth hole to get to 2-under in mid-morning. But bogies on his 16^th and 17^th holes, Nos. 7-8, brought him back to even for the day. His 20-foot par-putt on 7 lipped out, and he missed the green on the par-3 8^th hole and couldn’t save par.

Television coverage of Burns today will be on ESPN, which is on air beginning at 11 CDT. Weekend coverage is on ESPN in the mornings for the final two rounds. CBS has the contenders playing in its broadcast window from noon-6 Saturday and Sunday.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

JOURNAL SPORTS

Look at most college basketball rosters these days and more often than not, there’s not a lot of local flavor.

Centenary coach J.A. Anglin is bucking that trend.

He has signed five north Louisiana prep standouts, including Captain Shreve’s Niran Ogunyemi and Antonio “A.J.” Dixon Jr. from Huntington.

Also in the Gents’ recruiting class: Natchitoches Central star Ja’Dell Demery, Malique Smith of Red River, and Madison’s Dawson Brown.

“We have put a premium on evaluating talent in our backyard. Recruiting Shreveport-Bossier and north Louisiana is and will continue to be priority for our coaching staff at Centenary,” said Anglin, who took over the NCAA Division III program last summer.

“A.J., Niran, Ja’Dell, Malique, and Dawson have been a part of winning programs over the last few years. They have all made deep runs in the LHSAA playoffs in their respective divisions,” he said. “We are excited about the addition of our local talent and the rest of our 2026 recruiting class.”

Dixon led Huntington to a 21-9 record and a state quarterfinals berth. He was first-team All-District 1-5A, made the Shreveport Times All-City team, and was a Louisiana High School Basketball Coaches Association All-Star.

Ogunyemi was also All-District 1-5A, making the second team, as he helped Captain Shreve go 20-12 and also reach the state quarterfinals. He was All-City honorable mention.

Brown and Demery were all-state selections.

NCHS’s star led the Chiefs to the 1-5A championship, a 28-5 record and was the district Most Valuable Player. Demery made second-team All-State in Class 5A with averages of 18.3 points and 12.8 rebounds. He was picked as an LHSBCA All-Star, and made the Times All-Area team after the Chiefs reached the state quarterfinals.

Brown was a star for a 29-5 Madison team that was a LHSAA Non-Select Division III state finalist. A second-team Class 2A All-State pick, Brown averaged 18.5 points and 10.5 rebounds. He was first-team All-District 2-2A.

Smith was All-District 3-2A first team. He sparked Red River to a 22-11 record and a regional round playoff berth after a state tournament appearance in his junior season. He was honorable mention Times All-Area.

Anglin is building his first full recruiting class at Centenary after getting hired by the Gents last July following a successful five years as head coach at Bossier Parish Community College. The Shreveport native was a member of Northwestern State’s 2006 NCAA Tournament team that beat Iowa, and later played at LSU Shreveport. He has been a longtime Division I assistant coach, notably under Tim Floyd at UTEP.

The 29th annual Natchitoches Jazz and R&B Festival will take place May 15-16 on the downtown riverbank in Natchitoches, featuring live music across multiple stages and a lineup of national and regional performers.

Festival events begin Friday night at 7 p.m. with a “Tribute to Legends Night” featuring The Led Zeppelin Project and Waterloo.

Saturday’s lineup will be headlined by country artist Joe Nichols and will also include Louisiana native and former American Idol runner-up John Foster, Houston-area R&B performer Tiffany Rachal, and more than 20 bands performing on four stages throughout the weekend.

Local favorites Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs are scheduled to perform on the main stage Saturday at 5:25 p.m., while The Amazing! Rhythm Disciples will perform on the Roque Stage at 1 p.m.

Festival organizers said VIP tickets are nearly sold out ahead of the weekend event.

Additional festival information and tickets are available through Natchitoches Jazz and R&B Festival.

On May 9th, 2026, in the early morning hours, my mother went to be with her Lord and Savior.
While the last few days have been a complete blur of grief, I am left with an abundance of memories and a lifetime of lessons learned through love.

Lois Phelps Ford left behind something so very rare and cherished: love, compassion, stories, laughter, and a lifelong ability to make every person she encountered feel important. This has become even more evident through the connections and conversations I’ve shared with others over the last few days. If you knew her, you know exactly what I mean.

She could walk into a hospital, a grocery store, a family gathering, or a random conversation with a stranger and somehow leave with a new friend, a shared story, or a lasting connection. It didn’t matter where she was people remembered her. They were drawn to her warmth and her spirit made an impact everywhere she went.

To me, she was more than a mother. She was safety. She was understanding without words. She was the voice that could still make a grown man feel like her baby boy which, even at 51 years old, is exactly what she still called me to everyone she met.

The lessons, the compassion, the strength, the laughter, and every imperfect but meaningful memory we shared together will continue forward through my devotion to making her proud.

Because that was my mom. Always there for anyone who needed her. Always available for a phone call. Always present. She lived a life where connection was the priority.

A soul that loved deeply and left fingerprints on countless hearts.

May we all strive to move through this world with even a fraction of the kindness, connection, and compassion she carried so naturally.

Rest peacefully, Mom. Aunt Lois. LoLo. Lois. You were deeply loved. And you will be deeply missed.

Memorial Service details will be posted at a later date.

Tammy Davis was born on August 31, 1960, weighing only 2 pounds, 6 ounces. From the very beginning, she entered the world fighting and carried that same strength and determination throughout her life. Family members described her as caring, selfless, and deeply devoted to those she loved.

Known for never missing a birthday, holiday, or special occasion, Tammy made it a priority to ensure friends and family felt remembered and appreciated. Loved ones said she consistently offered support, encouragement, and compassion to those around her.

Tammy enjoyed conversations and was known as someone others could turn to during both joyful and difficult moments. Her kindness, generosity, laughter, and warm spirit left a lasting impact on many people throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Steve Davis; her maternal grandparents, Fred and Golda Wyatt; her paternal grandparents, Ralph and Vienna Judd; her sister, Katina Dorsey; and several aunts and uncles.

She is survived by her parents, Jerry and Becky Hawkins; her sisters, Jerri Logue and Robin Hawkins; her nieces and nephews, Angel McDaniel and son, Brittney Hughes and family, Alicia Fletcher and girls, Deanna Darbro and family, Tony Dorsey and family, and Chad Dorsey and family; her brother-in-law, Bill Dorsey; and her aunt and uncle, Mike and Jan.

Funeral services will be held May 22 at 1 p.m. at Aulds Funeral Home.

Phonetic: /mench/

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition

• a decent, upright, mature, and responsible person.

Josephine M. Boogaerts
February 25, 1919 – May 14, 2026
Service: Monday, May 18, 2026, 1pm at The Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport. 

Sidney Charles Jackson
August 16, 1969 — May 11, 2026
Service: Friday, May 22, 2026, 1pm at Winnfield Funeral Home, Shreveport. 

Randall Patrick Knowles
September 4, 1961 — May 11, 2026
Service: Saturday, May 16, 2026, 11:30am at Shreveport Community Church, Shreveport. 

Ruthie Lee Moore
September 28, 1949 – May 11, 2026
Service: Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 11am at Good Samaritan Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Earnest Lee Patterson Jr.
August 14, 1945 – May 11, 2026
Service: Saturday, May 16, 2026, 1pm at Benevolent Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Mary Sue “Susie” Loftus Atkisson
February 2, 1935 – May 10, 2026
Service: Friday, May 15, 2026, 1pm at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, Shreveport. 

Dr. Kathryne Louise Weferling Rettelle
July 16, 1947 — May 10, 2026
Service: Saturday, May 16, 2026, 11am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home Southside, Shreveport. 

Dewey Clifton Thomas
November 24, 1942 — May 10, 2026
Service: Saturday, May 16, 2026, 7pm at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City.

Vita Belle Gregorio
June 14, 1934 — May 9, 2026
Service: Friday, May 15, 2026, 11:30am at St. Jude Catholic Church, Benton.

Michael Harris
May 19, 1961 – May 9, 2026
Service: Saturday, May 16, 2026, 11am at Heavenly Gates Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Paul Anthony Meshell
September 10, 1949 — May 9, 2026
Service: Monday, May 18, 2026, 1pm at Rose-Neath Cemetery, Bossier City. 

Jean N. Walden
December 28, 1939 — May 9, 2026
Service: Friday, May 15, 2026, 1pm at Rose-Neath Funeral Home Southside, Shreveport.

Willie Brown
May 30, 1940 – May 8, 2026
Service: Saturday, May 16, 2026, 12pm at Baptist Temple Baptist Church, Shreveport.

Jimmy Lee Collins
May 30, 1940 – May 8, 2026
Service: Saturday, May 16, 2026, 12pm at Upper Zion Baptist Church Cemetery, Blanchard.

Garland David Lewis
September 23, 1940 — May 8, 2026
Service: Friday, May 15, 2026, 12pm at Forest Park West Cemetery, Shreveport. 

Mary Rives Risinger
December 18, 1952 — May 8, 2026
Service: Friday, May 22, 2026, 10am at All Saints Chapel at Holy Angels, Shreveport. 

Gay Lynn Bond
June 16, 1949 — May 7, 2026
Service: Saturday, May 16, 2026, 11am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City.

William “Bill” Reed
October 16, 1955 – May 7, 2026
Service: Saturday, May 16, 2026, 1pm at Gospel Lighthouse Church, Bossier City. 

Willie Lee Dawson
September 2, 1957 – May 6, 2026
Service: Friday, May 15, 2026, 11am at Carver Cemetery, Shreveport.

Earl Wayne Demming
March 8, 1961 – May 6, 2026
Service: Saturday, May 16, 2026, 11am at Good Samaritan Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Ulonda Evette Jefferson
March 10, 1972 – May 4, 2026
Service: Saturday, May 16, 2026, 11am at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, Shreveport.

Roger Ray Logan
July 4, 1964 — May 4, 2026
Service: Saturday, May 30, 2026, 2pm at Rose-Neath Funeral Home Southside, Shreveport.

Tammy Davis
August 31, 1960 – May 3, 2026
Service: Friday, May 22, 2026, 1pm at Aulds Funeral Home, Shreveport. 

Brenda Jackson
August 8, 1950 – May 1, 2026
Service: Saturday, May 16, 2026, 1pm at Lincoln Memorial Park, Shreveport. 

Charles Williams
October 25, 1951 — April 30, 2026
Service: Saturday, May 16, 2026, 2pm at Rose Neath Funeral Home Southside, Shreveport. 

Kevin Wayne Mitchell
November 17, 1976 – April 29, 2026
Service: Saturday, May 16, 2026, 11am at Friendship Baptist Church, Shreveport.

Lavonte Dayshaun Dwayne Blair Jr.
April 27, 2026 – April 27, 2026
Service: Friday, May 15, 2026, 10am at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, Shreveport. 

Bertha June Thompson Orton
June 16, 1942 — April 23, 2026
Service: Saturday, May 23, 2026, 1pm at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Shreveport. 

Mary Nell Fratello Miller
January 9, 1942 – April 16, 2026
Service: Sunday, June 7, 2026, 3pm at Ellerbe Rd Methodist Church, Shreveport. 

Millie Grubbs Tucker
December 27, 1940 — April 10, 2026
Service: Saturday, May 23, 2026, 11am at Garcie Home, 11342 Providence Road, Shreveport.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a transition in the OneRD Guaranteed Lending Program, resulting in the removal of 10 lending institutions from future participation.

The USDA Rural Development (RD) agency stated that the move is part of an ongoing effort to maintain the integrity of its lending initiatives and ensure that federal resources are directed toward projects that strengthen rural infrastructure and economic security.

The department identified the following lenders as no longer participating in the program:

• Bank of Montgomery (BOM) Bank

• Byline Bank

• Celtic Bank

• Community Bank & Trust – West Georgia

• Genisys Credit Union

• Greater Nevada Credit Union

• North Avenue Capital

• Optus Bank

• U.S. Eagle Federal Credit Union

• ReadyCap Commercial

According to the USDA, the institutions removed from the program accounted for approximately 47% of the agency’s delinquent loans, representing a portfolio of roughly $620 million in overdue accounts.

Agency officials indicated that these administrative actions are intended to refine the department’s lending practices and provide more focused support to the more than 750 remaining lenders. These active partners continue to facilitate access to capital for rural business growth, healthcare, and education facilities.

USDA Rural Development remains committed to promoting rural prosperity through various loan and grant programs. Details on the current list of authorized participants in the OneRD Guaranteed Lending Program are available to the public via the agency’s online portal.