The Louisiana Supreme Court’s 2025 Annual Report has been released. Published by the Judicial Council, the report provides a comprehensive overview of the state’s judiciary’s work, statistics and administrative progress.   

The Louisiana Supreme Court found that in 2025 in Caddo Parish, with a population of 224,893, its five criminal court judges, assisted by zero court “commissioners” or hearing officers used in the other larger parishes for pre-trial issues such as bail, conducted 64 criminal court jury trials. In comparison, Ouachita Parish, population 157,900, conducted nine criminal jury trials with its five criminal court judges. East Baton Rouge Parish, our state’s largest parish at population 457,180, conducted 22 jury trials with nine judges and four commissioners assigned to its criminal court. Jefferson Parish, population 430,445, with 16 criminal court judges and three criminal court commissioners assisting them, conducted 68 criminal jury trials. Orleans Parish, population 357,759, with 13 criminal court judges and four commissioners, conducted 137 criminal jury trials. Caddo’s nearest population parishes, Lafayette Parish with a population of 261,751 and 13 criminal court judges, conducted eight criminal jury trials; St. Tammany Parish, population 280,500, with 12 criminal court judges and two commissioners, conducted 36 criminal jury trials.    

In the Louisiana Supreme Court’s count of average days from case filing to final disposition of these same parishes, Caddo Parish took an average of 245 days; Lafayette Parish 456 days; East Baton Rouge Parish 413 days; Orleans Parish 369 days; Jefferson Parish 334 days; St. Tammany Parish 273 days; and Ouachita Parish, also 245 days.

Additionally, from the report, the Court found that the Caddo Parish Juvenile Court conducted 677 criminal or “delinquency” cases and a total of 137 “Child in Need of Care” cases where a total of 329 children were removed from the custody of their parents due to abuse or neglect. Comparatively, East Baton Rouge Parish Juvenile Court had 621 delinquency cases, 230 Child in Need of Care cases, and 395 children removed from parental custody. 

“These numbers show that our office and Caddo Parish court again lead the state in productivity, despite the many challenges facing our overloaded court system,” said Caddo Parish District Attorney James E. Stewart Sr. “I thank our prosecutors, staff, the Caddo Judges and court staff, law enforcement officers, the Public Defender’s office, and all witnesses and jurors who work together in the challenging environment of criminal justice  to provide and deliver justice in our Parish.”

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The Bossier Parish Library Board of Control is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Marissa Richardson as Director of the Bossier Parish Library System. She currently serves as Manager of the Bossier Central Library, where she has demonstrated strong leadership, innovation, and a deep commitment to community service.

Richardson will officially assume her new role on Monday, June 8, and will oversee the library system’s operations, strategic direction, and continued growth.

“Mrs. Richardson has been an integral part of our library system and has consistently demonstrated excellence in service, leadership, and innovation,” said Tom Salzer, President of the Bossier Parish Library Board of Control. “Her experience, vision, and commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our community make her the right person to lead our libraries into the future.”

As Central Library Manager, Richardson led numerous initiatives to improve patron services, expand programming, and strengthen community partnerships. Her leadership has helped increase engagement, improve access to resources, and support the continued modernization of library services across the system.

“I am honored and excited to serve as Director of the Bossier Parish Library,” Richardson said. “Our libraries are essential community hubs that provide access to knowledge, technology, and lifelong learning. I look forward to working with our talented staff, Board, and community partners to continue building a library system that serves every resident of Bossier Parish.”

Mrs. Richardson has 17 years of library experience and holds a master’s degree in museum studies. She is known for her collaborative leadership style, commitment to innovation, and passion for public service.

The Bossier Parish Library System operates multiple branches across the parish and offers a wide range of educational, cultural, and technology resources for residents.

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Three members of Bossier Parish EMS were recognized for their service and professionalism during the 2026 Louisiana State EMS Education Conference & Expo banquet.

According to Bossier Parish EMS, the awards highlight the dedication and commitment employees bring to serving residents throughout the parish.

John Mouser was named EMT-Basic of the Year, while Kevin Reese received the AEMT of the Year award. Steve Braidwood was honored with the Outstanding Performance Award.

Bossier Parish EMS officials said the recognitions reflect the hard work, compassion and excellence demonstrated by the recipients in their daily duties and their contributions to the emergency medical services profession.

The agency congratulated Mouser, Reese and Braidwood on their achievements and praised them for representing both Bossier Parish EMS and the EMS profession at the state level.

The awards were presented during the annual Louisiana State EMS Education Conference & Expo, which brings together emergency medical service professionals from across the state for training, education and recognition of excellence in the field.

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By DAVID ERSOFF, Journal Contributor

A common theme on YouTube and TikTok regarding the food in Louisiana is the quality of gas station food. People that have never been to Louisiana have trouble with that concept, but once they visit, they begin to understand what all those videos are talking about.

While Bossier City’s Bestie’s Treatz and Eatz, at 7305 East Texas Street, isn’t exactly a “gas station restaurant” it is in the same building as a filling station, so I am choosing to count it as one. The food is definitely good enough to qualify.

Bestie’s is the dream of Monica Stillwell and Amy Brown, who have been best friends since 1984. The name is a tribute to the bond that they have had for over 40 years. They had their opening on March 3; their official ribbon cutting is scheduled for June 22. I do think the word is already out.

I do love good “treatz.” However, today we are old going to be talking about the good “eatz,” and there are plenty of those to go around.

I was not able to eat in the dining room as I was bringing the food I ordered to my daughter’s house for a little family lunch.

I ordered the Club Sandwich. It has so many ingredients that it can be a good barometer as to the quality of the items used overall. The sandwich was huge, and when I say huge, I mean if you eat it all at lunch, there will be a nap coming soon. This sandwich can easily be shared by two grown men. The quality of the sandwich matched its size. That is clearly the best club I have had in years.

Beastie’s has specialties that I’d count as their signature items. There are four of them, and  you have the choice of having them over a baked potato, fries, nachos, or Mac N’ Cheese.

We ended up getting the Razorback, over a baked potato, and also one over Mac N’ Cheese. The Razorback comes with pulled pork, ham, Down Home Sausage from Stonewall, and bacon.

I did try both. They have distinct tastes with the different base items; both were very good. The pulled pork and Down Home Sausage stood out as the must haves. My daughter agreed on the pulled pork; she considered the ham as the next best meat. Others put the bacon on top. These dishes are as huge as the club sandwich was.

My next trip to Bestie’s I will be trying the Swamp Bottom, probably over the Mac N’ Cheese. The Swamp Bottom comes with shrimp, crawfish, and boudin, something I’ve been thinking about since I tried Bestie’s last week. The other two specialties come with your choice of four or six meats.

I did look over all the “Treatz” and I feel lucky that my kids aren’t young anymore. If they were, I’d be going there every time my kids deserved a special treat. All of the menu items looked so good. Somewhere on their website I read that the calories don’t count there. Yes, I went back and looked to find that claim was debunked — darn!!

Contact David at dersoff@bellsouth.net

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By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

DUBLIN, Ohio — Sam Burns knocked on the door again challenging for his sixth PGA Tour win, and first since 2023, but had to overcome knocking into the same tree twice to seriously contend Sunday at The Memorial.

Burns survived a bizarre third-round double bogey Sunday morning on the par-5 11^th hole, when both his second and third shots struck a tree. He recovered to surge into a tie for the lead Sunday afternoon on the final round’s back nine, but more trouble, leading to a bogey on the 17^th hole, and narrowly-missed putts on the final two holes relegated him to a tie for fourth.

The 29-year-old Shreveport native, a Calvary Baptist graduate, carded a 10-under 278 (68-69-71-69), with all four rounds under par on Jack Nicklaus’ demanding Muirfield Village course.

He collected his biggest paycheck of the 2026 season, $920,000, running his season’s total winnings to $3.4 million and his career earnings over $38 million since he turned pro in 2017.

J.T. Poston won the playoff on the second extra hole over Ryan Gerard to collect The Memorial’s $4 million top prize after both shot 12-under in 72 holes.

Burns notched his third top 10 finish of the season and sixth top 25 in 13 starts, heading into the Canadian Open starting Thursday at TPC Toronto. Last year, the Choudrant resident was the victim of a late rally by Ryan Fox and lost in a playoff in the event.

Storms Saturday stopped Burns and the rest of the field, when he had birdied two of the first five holes to move into third place. When play resumed early Sunday, he bogeyed the ninth hole, then a drive into trouble on the right side of the 11^th led to disaster. His second shot squared up a tree and bounded backwards near the same spot. The next shot glanced off the same tree and angled across the fairway into a creek. After a penalty drop, Burns hit the green in regulation and two-putted from 27 feet for the potentially fatal double bogey 7.

“I guess I need to go cut that tree down. It wasn’t very good to me,” said Burns, chuckling a bit, to media late Sunday afternoon.

He posted a pair of birdies to wrap up the third round. Three front-side birdies, two on the first three holes, completed his comeback and he was tied for the top spot for much of the back nine.

In a five-way jam atop the leaderboard teeing off the penultimate hole, Burns was only a few yards to the left of the fairway, but had a waist-high lie with an awkward stance. His 6-iron effort on his second shot led to a precarious lie on the third and his blind pitch to a green 12 feet above his ball wasn’t near the flag.

His long par putt brushed the side of the cup and he fell out of the first-place tie.

“Unfortunate there on 17,” he said. “Of course I should have hit a better tee shot, but I thought I’d made the putt. You can’t rely on making a 40-footer for par.”

A birdie try on the 18^th green also nearly dropped, which could’ve raised him into a three-way tie if Poston and Gerard had missed par saves. They played in the same threesome in the final round.

“Overall I played a pretty good round of golf, but just got beat,” said Burns. “This golf course is too good to get frustrated. It doesn’t do you any good. You try to brush it off, move on, focus on the next shot. It (the drive on 17) was unfortunate, but I’m the one who hit it.”

The former two-time LSU All-American, who plays out of Squire Creek Country Club in Choudrant, took solace in how he and caddy Travis Perkins overcame the third-round double bogey to challenge for the win.

“It’s such a fine line. If I hit the ball on the (17^th) fairway, give myself a chance on the green, hole a putt on 18 … it’s one little thing here or there,” he said. “I’m really proud of how we fought today. I felt I played a really good round of golf. You gotta take away the positives.”

Burns, playing for the first time in three weeks, said spending time with his wife Caroline and 2-year-old son Bear at home in Lincoln Parish allowed him some welcomed rest that gave him a lift and has him eager for Toronto and the U.S. Open in two weeks.

He led last year’s U.S. Open for most of the weekend but after heavy rains in the final round and a dubious USGA ruling forcing him to play out of what appeared to be standing water, struggled home for a seventh-place tie.

Sunday’s finish moved Burns up to 26^th in FedEx Cup points. He is 34^th in the Official World Golf Rankings.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

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JOURNAL SPORTS

WARSAW, Poland – Bossier City’s Mikaylah Williams has an amazing golden touch.

Twice Sunday, the Parkway High product and current LSU star sank game-winning baskets to lift the USA Basketball Women’s 3×3 National Team to the gold medal at the 2026 FIBA 3×3 World Cup.

The Americans edged Australia, 21-20, on a 2-pointer (from 3-point distance in a standard full-court, 5×5 game) by Williams for the gold.

The quartet of Williams, her Tiger teammate MiLaysia Fulwiley, Joyce Edwards, and Sahara Williams (no relation) advanced to the final in a 19-18 overtime thriller over Azerbaijan decided by a free-throw line jumper from the Bossier City star.

Williams captured her fourth FIBA 3×3 U18 World Cup gold medal and MVP honor, helping win titles consecutively from 2021 through 2023, in addition to being a member of a previous USA 3×3 World Cup Team (2025) and 3×3 Nations League Team (2024). 

She was an easy selection Sunday as the tournament Most Valuable Player.

“I’m blessed to be on this stage, to play with some amazing teammates, to play for some amazing coaches and to rep USA,” she said.

“Kudos to my teammates for believing in me to hit that shot,” said Williams, who had missed her previous four 2-pointers in the championship game. “I think, at that point of the game, I just wanted to get it over. I know we needed a good bucket. We weren’t going into overtime, so I did what I had to do.”

Williams joins Cameron Brink (2023) as the only other American woman to take home the MVP award.

Her semifinal dagger advanced Team USA to the final against Australia, who the Americans had defeated 21-18 in pool play earlier last week.

The USA held a 7-3 lead going into a media timeout. The game remained tight until the second media timeout with the Americans still on top, 12-9, with 3:48 left. Fulwiley hit a big 2-pointer to give the USA a 15-10 lead with just over three minutes remaining.

Australia tied the game at 17 points apiece with 1:49 left after back-to-back 2-pointers. Fulwiley answered with another deuce, putting the USA up 19-17. Australia rallied, running off three straight points to take the lead, 20-19, with under a minute remaining.

With time winding down, Williams came through from just right of the key to give the USA women their fourth gold medal in event history.

In the semifinal triumph, she was pivotal before the game-winner. With a minute left and Azerbaijan leading 15-13, Williams scored back-to-back buckets to even the game at 15 points apiece with 49 seconds left.

With 10 seconds remaining, Williams banked in a 2-point shot to give the Americans a 17-15 advantage. But Azerbaijan got it to OT with a 2-pointer.

Over 10 editions of the FIBA 3×3 World Cup, the American women have brought home a medal five times, including four titles. Including this year, the USA has four gold medals (2026, 2023, 2014, 2012) and a bronze (2016).

Entering her senior season with the Tigers this winter, Williams is building one of the most remarkable resumes in the history of her sport at LSU. Williams was Associated Press All-America honorable mention each of the past two seasons, along with being a first-team All-SEC selection, after being the 2023-24 SEC Freshman of the Year.

She has started all but one of the 106 games she has played for coach Kim Mulkey, averaging 15.4 points (with 1,630 career points), making 48 percent of her shots including 39 percent on 3-pointers. Her free throws are nearly automatic with a 83 percent make rate. She has averaged 4.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists.

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Patricia Lee Morris, 75, of Bossier City, Louisiana, passed away on May 31, 2026, in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Patricia was born on December 2, 1950, at the United States Naval Hospital in Beaufort, South Carolina, and was raised with deep roots in Cedartown, Georgia. She lived a life defined by determination, independence, faith, and a deep love for family, friends, animals, and nature.

A lifelong Christian, Patricia carried her faith with her throughout her life. Professionally, she was ahead of her time, building a successful career in property management, construction administration, and project coordination during an era when such roles were uncommon for women. She managed apartment communities, condominiums, and large construction projects, earning respect through her intelligence, professionalism, and work ethic. Among her many accomplishments was her work managing operations on Dataw Island, South Carolina.

Outside of her career, Patricia found joy in sewing, crafting, gardening, and caring for animals. She had a remarkable green thumb and could bring life to nearly anything she planted. Her compassion extended to animals as well, and she rarely met one she didn’t want to rescue and care for.

Those who knew Patricia knew she could be stubborn, and she would likely smile at that description herself. Yet behind that strong will was a nurturing heart. Once someone earned her trust, they found a woman who was fiercely loyal, deeply caring, and always willing to help those she loved.

Her family often laughs when remembering one of the many stories that perfectly captured her determination. While preparing dozens of Valentine’s Day balloons, Patricia realized she was likely experiencing a cardiac event. Rather than seeking immediate medical attention, she calmly told her daughter to finish work and come by when convenient so she could be taken to the hospital—”no rush.” It was classic Patricia: resilient, independent, stubborn, and far more concerned with inconveniencing others than herself.

Patricia is survived by her daughter, Alleethea Sunshine Cappara and her husband, Michael Cappara; and her son, William Ira-Bivens Featherly and his wife, Jessica Featherly. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Allisyn Cappara, Madison Featherly, and Magnolia Featherly. 

She is also survived by her stepdaughter, Christina Fonner and her husband, Timothy Fonner; and her stepdaughter, Julie Willett and her husband, Michael Willett. Her step-grandchildren include Christopher Fonner, Summer Forcini, and Corey Lee. 

She was also blessed with six great-grandchildren: Emma, Avery, Kynlee, Carson, Eli, and Eric. 

Patricia also leaves behind her dear friend and companion, Douglas Mohler, who shared life’s journey alongside her during her later years. His friendship, companionship, and steadfast presence brought comfort, laughter, and support, and he held a special place in her life. 

The family would also like to recognize Patricia’s daughter-in-law, Jessica Featherly. Though their relationship began with two strong-willed women learning to navigate one another, it grew into one of mutual respect, love, and family. During Patricia’s final months, Jessica became one of her strongest advocates, helping coordinate care, rehabilitation, housing, paperwork, meals, clothing, and countless other details. Her compassion, dedication, and tireless support helped ensure Patricia’s comfort and dignity, and for that the family will always be grateful.

Patricia was previously married to George E. Featherly and William F. Tingen, both important chapters in her life’s journey.

She is also survived by her beloved cousins, Latrelle Bradshaw, Clint Bradshaw, and Greg Davidson. If any relative or friend has been unintentionally omitted, the family sincerely apologizes and asks for understanding during this difficult time.

More than any title or accomplishment, Patricia’s greatest legacy was the love she shared, the family she cherished, and the countless lives she touched through her kindness, strength, and unwavering determination.

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of her family and friends.

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Billy Ray Herring, 62, of Oil City, LA passed away on May 26, 2026. He was born on March 11, 1964 in Vivian, LA. He was the son of Marshall and Marie Herring.

He is survived by his mother Marie Herring; sister Mary Herring; brother James Herring, an Aunt, nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Preceding him in death are his father Marshall Herring; two brothers Jimmy Herring and James (Bebo) Herring.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 11am.

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Phonetic: /ve·​nal/

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition

capable of being bought or obtained for money or other valuable consideration

especially : open to corrupt influence and especially bribery : mercenary
a venal legislator

originating in, characterized by, or associated with corrupt bribery
a venal arrangement with the police

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Attorney General Liz Murrill announced today that the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (LBI) uncovered a Medicaid and SNAP fraud scheme involving more than $156,000 in fraudulently obtained government benefits, resulting in the arrest of one suspect and the arrest of a former Louisiana Department of Health employee who had previously been considered a fugitive.

LBI received a criminal referral from the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) regarding allegations that 39-year-old Tanesha Bowman (pictured at left), of Francais Street in Shreveport, had defrauded both the Medicaid and SNAP programs. LDH also reported that former employee, 33-year-old Juleah Seazer (pictured at right), of Francis Street in Shreveport, had participated in defrauding the Medicaid program. 

During this investigation, LBI agents discovered that Juleah Seazer, a former LDH Customer Service Representative had assisted a personal friend, Tanesha Bowman, in a scheme to unlawfully obtain reinstatement of her (Bowman) Medicaid benefits. LDH had previously terminated Bowman’s benefits after the agency discovered she had failed to report her true marital status and household income.

In October of 2025, Seazer and Bowman orchestrated an unofficial phone call utilizing the LDH Medicaid phone application system. As an employee of LDH, Seazer filed and deposited false public records in a public office with knowledge of the falsity of material facts. Bowman’s benefits were then restored when, in fact, she and her dependents remained ineligible. 

Through this investigation, agents learned that Bowman was also a recipient of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Those applications were reviewed and revealed that Bowman intentionally misrepresented her true household income and had defrauded that program as well. Bowman continuously omitted her marriage to a full-time City of Shreveport employee who was domiciled in the home. 

As a result of her actions, Bowman defrauded the Medicaid program of approximately $121,182 in benefits she and her family were not entitled to. Bowman also defrauded the SNAP program of approximately $35,305 in food assistance benefits that she was not entitled to.

LBI agents subsequently obtained arrest warrants through the 19th Judicial District Court in East Baton Rouge Parish for both parties. 

As to Tanesha Bowman, she was arrested pursuant to a warrant for knowingly defrauding government benefit programs by submitting false information and concealing material facts affecting her eligibility to receive those benefits. She was charged with:

• 8 counts: Government Benefits Fraud, LA.R.S. 14:70.9 
• 7 counts: Unauthorized use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, LA.R.S. 14:68.2

On June 3rd, 2026, Tanesha Bowman surrendered herself to LBI agents and was booked into the East Baton Rouge Prison for those previously noted offenses. Her bond has not been set yet.

Juleah Seazer was arrested today for intentionally defrauding a government benefit program, committing unauthorized trespasses of a state computer to access protected information, filing and maintaining false public records with knowledge of their falsity, and intentionally performing her duties as a public employee in an unlawful manner. She is charged with:

• 1 count: Government Benefits Fraud, LA.R.S. 14:70.9
• 2 counts: Trespass Against State Computers, LA.R.S. 14:73.12
• 1 count: Filing or Maintaining False Public Records, LA.R.S. 14:133(A)
• 1 count: Malfeasance in Office, LA.R.S. 14:134(A)(2)

Seazer, who was initially considered, is currently being booked at the Caddo Parish Jail.

The investigation is ongoing.

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It is with great sadness the Bossier Parish School Board shares news that District 8 Representative Kenneth Wiggins, its longest serving board member, has passed away at the age of 87.  

Mr. Wiggins was first appointed to the board in 1995, then went on to serve the District 8 constituency for more than three decades as an elected board member. 

 Bossier Schools Superintendent Jason Rowland called Wiggins “a one-of-a-kind gentleman.” 

“He was a staunch advocate for our employees and we will miss his genuine humor of rhymes that he so eloquently would provide,” Rowland said. “He was a dear friend to our school system and he will be missed.”   

District 6 board member Glen Bullard shared a special friendship with Wiggins, whom he served alongside for the past 16 years. 

“His passion for the faculty and staff of Bossier Schools was unparalleled,” Bullard reflected. “Mr. Wiggins’ thoughts were always with the employees. He was an advocate for anything and everything that would enhance them both professionally and financially.”

Dr. Shelly Barrett will remember Wiggins most for working tirelessly to meet the needs at Meadowview Elementary, the school where she served as principal for 10 years. 

“He was so committed and gracious to us (at Meadowview), and good to the kids. I can’t remember one student assembly that Mr. Wiggins did not attend,” Barrett said. “He was dedicated to our community and instrumental in getting the first Louisiana Safe Routes to Schools federal grant for $250,000 in 2006 for Meadowview. It went toward repairing sidewalks, fencing along ditches en route to the school, and the construction of a walking track on campus. Three-fourths of students at the time walked to school. I just adored him.” 

A U.S. Air Force veteran, Wiggins is most notably remembered as “The Moondog” on KTUX (98.9 FM). He was one of the original on-air radio personalities on the evening/overnight shift when the Shreveport station first went on the air in the mid-1980s. Wiggins built his local legacy for rhyming over song intros, a talent he carried over to Bossier Parish School Board meetings that often brought levity to the arduous business at hand.  

Funeral services for Wiggins will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 13 at Stonewall Baptist Church, 807 Eatman Street in Bossier City.

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For a certain period of time every year, college baseball is about as good as it gets. It can also be as bad as it gets in some instances (bat flips, screaming pitchers) but let’s set that aside for the moment.

It may not hold the year-round attention of the sports nation like the NFL or the seasonal attention of Major League Baseball, but college baseball has found its niche. What’s more, it has found a way to do the best thing possible – stay out of its own way.

Too many sports are constantly trying to re-invent themselves – international games, changing rules to appeal to a “new generation of fans” (who have the attention span of a hamster) – but college baseball has done a great job of staying in its lane.

Oh sure, NIL is a factor that has stolen some charm, and players will transfer in a heartbeat, but that’s all over the college sports landscape.

Of course, there are those who are grinding out a chilly, late February double-header against some Northern school that no one has ever heard of, but for the rest of the non-betting sports fans (if there are any left), we are now in the midst of the college baseball’s sweet spot.

The Regional round is behind us; the Super Regionals are this weekend and then comes the College World Series.

Each of the three have a certain magic.

Although the Regionals can be a monster to keep up with, it’s a six- or seven-game grind that can either be a cakewalk for a 3-0 winner or an absolute death march for a team that has to battle its way through the loser’s bracket. Where else would you have a pitcher who threw 122 pitchers the day before, then hop back on the mound in the 10^th inning and take the ball with the game on the line? First three pitches: 97, 96, 96. Take that, pitch counters!

That’s what West Virginia’s Dawson Montesa did Monday night in beating Kentucky, which set off an amazing celebration that only happens in college baseball. After winning on a walk-off single to advance to the Supers, the entire Mountaineer team locked arm-in-arm in front of the sellout crowd and sang “Take Me Home Country Roads” (aka “Almost Home, West Virginia”).

Though you kinda had to see it to appreciate it, rest assured this had a little more bite to it than a college football team singing the alma mater after beating Directional State by 40.

Now we are on to the Super Regionals where it’s just the basic best-of-three. Simple as it can be, which is how it should be. Before 1999, there were these goofy six-team regionals with brackets that no one could quite figure out. Throw in some bad weather and sometimes you thought they’d never end.

Thankfully, the College World Series moved off the eight-team cluster that was even more confusing. Then came those couple of years in which there was a one-game playoff (because CBS mandated it) and a team with one loss could (and did) beat a team with no losses in the CWS and still win the title.

Now, it’s two bracket winners playing in a best-of-three for the right to dogpile by the pitcher’s mount. Simple, neat, easy to figure out.

You might take it for granted, but there’s one more thing that college baseball has done that has allowed it to keep its charm – holding the CWS in Omaha.

That might seem obvious, but with all the $$ being thrown around, it would have been easy for the powers that be to take the coin and run off to Dodger Stadium or Wrigley Field. Instead, they just built a new stadium and rightfully kept it in the same area code.

These three weeks provide the perfect setup. Let’s hope college baseball can remember to not try to fix something that’s not broken. 

Contact JJ at johnjamesmarshall@yahoo.com

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JOURNAL SPORTS

Dominant seasons result in overwhelming rewards.

After winning a sixth consecutive state softball championship, Calvary Baptist had seven players make the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s Class 2A All-State Team announced Thursday – plus coach Tiffany Wood.

Four Lady Cavaliers received first-team acclaim, headlined by the undeniable – senior pitcher Kynzee Anderson.

She made All-State for the fourth straight year. For the second season in a row, she was chosen the 2A Most Outstanding Player.

It wasn’t the only top honor she’s picked up this week. MaxPreps.com named her its Louisiana Player of the Year. She’s likely to repeat next weekend as the LSWA’s  Miss Louisiana Softball.

The LSWA awarded first-team All-State status to junior infielders Baylor Bockhaus and Loren Sivils, and freshman outfielder Brynn Robinson. Getting honorable mention All-State status were three more juniors, catcher Mallory Carver, infielder Carlie Guile, and outfielder Reese Walker.

Those players and Wood led Calvary to a 37-1 record, a current (and likely final) No. 1 ranking in the MaxPreps national Top 25 poll, and wins over seven other teams that won state championships – five of the other nine in Louisiana.

Capping the championship season, Wood’s 400th career victory came in the state finals, a 5-2 win over Parkview Baptist. Calvary’s dominant run came with a relatively young roster – the Lady Cavs return all but two seniors, Anderson and all-district outfielder Abby Sims.

Anderson, a Georgia signee, posted a 30-1 record with a 0.61 ERA and a staggering 318 strikeouts in 171 innings pitched. She set a state record with 129 career wins.

Bockhaus clubbed 21 home runs and collected an astounding 69 RBI, while leading Calvary with a .486 batting average.

Sivils hit .462 with 60 RBI, cracking 15 homers. Robinson batted .470 with 30 RBI and stole 13 of 14 bases.

Guile was disruptive on the bases, with 28 steals in 30 attempts to go with a .431 batting average and 34 RBI. Walker hit .425 and also drove in 34 runs. Carver brought home 44 runners and hit .347.

Also earning honorable mention All-State was North Caddo’s Kaleigh Blackburn.

On the Class 2A baseball All-State squad, three Calvary players — Levi DeMoss, Brody Gray, and Cooper Holmes – received honorable mention status.

The Class A softball team announced earlier this week included a milestone achievement for Plain Dealing.

Lady Lions senior Sanaa Lyles was the school’s first softball all-state pick – first team, or honorable mention —  this century. She batted .630, scored 29 runs, drove in 28 and had seven triples. Teammate Sofie Green was an honorable mention selection.

2026 LSWA Class 2A Softball Team

Position – Player, School, Class, Top Stat

P – Kynzee Anderson, Calvary Baptist, Sr., 30-1 W-L

P – Kinley Cox, Oak Grove, So., 13-5

P – Malloy Miles, French Settlement, Jr., 20-2

P – Ainslie Willis, Oakdale, Sr., 16-8

C- Kaylie Callender, Winnfield, So., .537 batting avg.

INF – Joley Bennett, D’Arbonne Woods, So., .544

INF – Baylor Bockhaus, Calvary Baptist, So., .486

INF – Loren Sivils, Calvary Baptist, Jr., .462

INF – Maddison Sumbler, Oakdale, Jr., .630

OF – Lylah Madere, St. Thomas Aquinas, So., .578

OF – Brynn Robinson, Calvary Baptist, Fr., .470

OF – Sawyer Shelton, Menard, Sr., .480

UT – Caroline Bradley, Oak Grove, Jr., .419

UT – Karley Caskey, Winnfield, Jr., .404

UT – Kennedy Reppond, Ouachita Christian, Sr., .462

UT – Analeigh Roberts, Rosepine, Sr., .565

UT – Kenley Sonnier, Notre Dame, So., .577

MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYER: Kynzee Anderson, Calvary Baptist

COACH OF THE YEAR: Tiffany Wood, Calvary Baptist

Honorable mention: Aubrie Bertrand, East Beauregard; Kaleigh Blackburn, North Caddo; Hannah Brister, Slaughter Charter; Kelsey Bruce, Ouachita Christian; Mallory Carver, Calvary Baptist; Karley Caskey, Winnfield; Caroline Cedars, Many; Emily Cooley, DeQuincy; Lily Cunningham, Houma Christian; Emily Doiron, Houma Christian; Caylee Downs, Many; Emma Davis, Menard; Annabelle Drago, Menard; Mia Ennis, Country Day; Conlee Flotte, Slaughter Charter; Audi Flowers, DeQuincy; Sydney Fraher, Northlake Christian; Niki Gardner, Episcopal; Carlie Guile, Calvary Baptist; Avery Hankins, Oak Grove; Kylee Hardison, Oakdale; Abbigail Hardie, Mangham; Santana Harris, Winnfield; Alivia Hayes, Houma Christian; Alaura Hough, Pickering; Lylah Jones, D’Arbonne Woods; Maddie Jones, Rosepine; Marli Jones, Rosepine; Mia Klein, Lake Arthur; Jesse Lambert, Newman; Kaylee Methvin, Menard; Kenna Miles, French Settlement; Fallyn Moore, Oak Grove; Addie Morris, Ouachita Christian; Allie Payne, Many; Gracie Price, Ouachita Christian; Kaylynn Rainey, North Caddo; Ellie Kate Ray, Oak Grove; Peyton Reeves, East Beauregard; Kam Rodriguez, Pope John Paul; Hadley Spellman, French Settlement; Savanna Triche, Albany; Kaylee Vercher, Winnfield; Maddie Vinatieri, DeQuincy; Reese Walker, Calvary Baptist; Piper Weatherly, Vidalia; Abigail Willie, Northlake Christian; Aubrey Zachary, D’Arbonne Woods.

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By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

Jack Nicklaus built Muirfield Village Golf Course outside his hometown of Columbus, Ohio, over 50 years ago, and every year since, he’s tweaked the design, mostly to make it tougher and tougher but not unfair.

That makes the layout one of the most taxing on the PGA Tour, which means more bogeys than usual for the elite field attracted each year to the tournament Nicklaus created and still hosts – The Memorial.

So among all the solid stats that Sam Burns posted in Thursday’s first round, one stands above the others:  fewest bogeys. Burns had one, tying for second in the 72-player field in the signature event attracting nearly all of the Tour’s top stars.

That ability to avoid trouble helped the Shreveport native card a 3-under 69 Thursday, tied for sixth heading into today’s second round of The Memorial. Four players, including former U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark and last year’s U.S. Open winner, J.J. Spaun, share the lead at 5-under 67.

Burns had two-putt birdies on a pair of par-5s, and hit short range putts of 5 ½ feet and 8 feet to birdie the par-4 ninth and 13^th holes. His bogey came on the sixth hole, just after his first birdie at the fifth.

In the first round, Burns ranked ninth in the field in shots gained on approaches to the green, 16^th on shots gained off the tee, and 21^st in shots gained putting. He had the second-longest drive of the day, 355 yards.

Burns, 29, tees off at 11:55 CDT today with Akshay Bhatia, who was 1-over Thursday, tied with among others, two-time defending champion Scottie Scheffler.

Burns, a Calvary Baptist graduate and two-time All-American at LSU, plays out of Squire Creek Country Club in Choudrant, where he and wife Caroline reside. She is expecting their second child next month.

He is aiming to at least extend his string of three consecutive top 20 finishes at The Memorial (16^th in 2023, 15^th in 2024 and 12^th last year). He has five PGA Tour wins, the last the World Match Play Championship in 2023.

The Memorial will have streaming coverage today from 7:45 a.m.-6 p.m. on ESPN+, with Golf Channel providing TV coverage from 1-5 this afternoon.

Weekend plans are for streaming on ESPN+ from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and TV coverage on Golf Channel from 11:30-1:30, then shifting to CBS until 5 p.m. or completion of play.

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(EDITOR’S NOTE:  As Super Regionals begin this weekend, a classic voice of college baseball will be watching. Lyn Rollins has worked some Baton Rouge Regional assignments in years past, but nowadays his broadcast schedule wraps up with the end of LSU’s regular season. He’s weighing retirement, but will probably be back in August calling Tiger soccer and volleyball on ESPN+.) 

By ADDISON EVANS, Journal Contributor 

BATON ROUGE — Lyn Rollins arrives at Alex-Box Stadium early, as he always has, carrying his first Diet Coke of the evening, clutching the same worn brown briefcase that for decades has contained his neatly stacked game notes. He steps into the press box, his bright blue eyes scanning the monitors lined across the desk, his headset resting in place, waiting to begin the pre-game broadcast.

Around him, coworkers settle into their rhythm of preparing cameras, checking audio levels and lowering the deep blue SEC Network curtain for a backdrop in the announcers’ booth. His Diet Coke sits in front of him, but he still makes his way to the fridge for two more, a small routine that has outlasted nearly everything else in his career.

When he returns, he looks out to the empty rows of purple seats below him. Batting practice draws only a handful of fans. The sharp crack of baseballs to metal bats fills the air, echoing farther than it will once the crowd arrives. Soon his voice will fill it for many more watching at home.

Rollins’ real legacy is not anything he has said on air, but what his voice has come to mean to the people listening to it.

For decades, Rollins has been one of the defining voices of LSU sports, known for his “Lynisms,” a repertoire of colorful one-liners that have come to define him as a national treasure – cited by fans and media alike. 

Here’s a sample:

• “If Columbus would have had this wind behind him, he would have arrived in 1491.”

• “You’re going to need a bloodhound, federal Marshall and a subpoena to find that ball.”

• His most famous: “You can pucker up and kiss that baby goodbye! “

His career was not built in packed stadiums or bathed by television lights. It started during his undergraduate years at Northwestern State in a small radio station, KNOC AM in Natchitoches, where opportunity looked far less glamorous. 

“They literally said, if you empty the trash cans… sweep the lobby… make sure the door is locked, the job’s yours,” Rollins said. “I thought I was in heaven to do it.”

It was not the job itself that mattered; it was the opportunity to be there at all. His mentorship, one he says deserves a capital “M,” under legendary broadcaster Norm Fletcher allowed him to learn by doing, even when that meant Fletcher stepping away mid-broadcast and leaving Rollins alone on the mic. Those moments, he says, were where confidence was built not by perfection but by being trusted to figure it out.

Rollins traces much of his foundation back to Northwestern. He credits former speech department head Dr. Edna West, known for her nationally recognized work in phonetics, for shaping the way he speaks, even if she never realized the impact of her influence. He also tips his cap to college chum and former Demon infielder Jim Hawthorne, an Anacoco native who helped him find his love for broadcasting baseball.

“Northwestern gave me a chance to develop on my own terms,” Rollins said. “It wasn’t like today where there are opportunities with the SEC Network, ESPN and streaming.”

Hawthorne found statewide acclaim on a faster track, taking over at LSU’s sports play by play man in 1983 and going through the golden era of Tiger sports until retiring in 2016. Rollins started calling LSU baseball games on TV a decade after his former classmate got to Baton Rouge, but now has lasted a decade after Hawthorne hung up his headset.

Rollins was briefly a sportscaster at KALB TV in Alexandria, his hometown, in the mid-1970s, but for the first two decades after college, he broadcast sports on radio stations – notably serving as the voice of two minor league baseball clubs, the Lafayette Drillers and the Alexandria Aces, along with a 10-year stint as the play by play man for Northwestern Sports. Living in Pineville, Rollins drew TV assignments in the mid-90s for LSU baseball on the Jumbo Sports Network, then baseball, football and more on Cox Sports Television, and TigerVision before the advent of ESPN+ and the SEC Network.

For much of his career, broadcasting was not a full-time job, requiring him to balance other work along the way. Through it all was his wife, Debbie, a librarian who supported him during those early years and remained a constant as his reputation and schedule grew.

Outside of broadcasting, Rollins’ life follows the same kind of balance. His mornings begin with black coffee, followed by some form of exercise — something he has done nearly every day since 1985, missing only three. What once meant long runs has shifted to walking or biking, but his discipline has never left.

Much of his time away from the game is spent outdoors, working in his yard in Auburn, Ala., where he and Debbie relocated to be near their son and his family. The move has improved his lawn care, and lifestyle: he’s paying attention to details he says he might have overlooked years ago. The pace is much calmer, which is a large contrast to the noise of game day in Baton Rouge.

Over time, Rollins developed not just a skill, but his philosophy.

“Honor the audience… whether it’s one person or a million… you owe everything you’ve got,” he said.

To Rollins, broadcasting is not just describing a game: it is creating an experience.

That belief shaped his style, one built on language, imagery and connection, and over time, it built something else: trust.

That trust extends far beyond broadcasting.

Over the years, Rollins has received letters from people he has never met, many of them from women with husbands and children describing how his voice became part of their lives during some of their hardest moments. Some wrote about husbands battling illness, explaining how, for a few seconds during a home run call, the game allowed them to forget everything else. Others wrote about their children who were inspired by his craft. Rollins keeps those letters in his briefcase as a reminder that it is so much more than just a game.

“For 30 seconds… they forgot about their illness… they were wrapped up in the game,” Rollins said. “The joy of being able to relieve somebody… just the realization that what we do means a lot to people. We don’t see that.”

To him, those moments define the meaning of his work far more than any award or recognition.

Back in the press box, the quiet doesn’t last long. The seats begin to fill, the noise builds and the anticipation of Tuesday night Tiger baseball takes over.

Rollins adjusts his headset, glances at his notes and leans forward slightly as the first pitch approaches.

For those in the stadium, it is another game. For those listening, it is something more. Rollins already knows how he’ll sign off when the day, still a long seventh-inning stretch away, comes.

What he’ll say: “You can pucker up and kiss this baby goodbye!”

He won’t spread those words tonight. As he has for decades, Lyn Rollins is the voice carrying his audience not only to LSU Sports, but to the picture he paints of the game.

Contact Addison at sports@journalservicesllc.com

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BOM Bank was proud to sponsor the Dream Hunt Golf Tournament in support of an incredible mission! The Dream Hunt Foundation provides children and teens with disabilities, terminal illnesses, or disadvantaged circumstances the opportunity of a lifetime — participating in guided hunting and fishing trips they may never otherwise experience. Through partnerships with hospitals and organizations across the South, Dream Hunt Foundation helps make unforgettable memories for deserving youth ages 8–18. We are honored to support organizations that bring hope, joy, and life-changing experiences to young people and their families. Pictured left to right: Jeff Warren and BOM’s Sam Marvin.

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Wanda Coy Goodman was born on April 10, 1960, in Sterlington, Louisiana, and passed peacefully from this life on June 2, 2026, at the age of 66.

Wanda was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend whose kindness, generosity, and love for others touched many lives. She attended Louisiana Tech University and spent much of her professional life as a successful self-employed business owner, CEO, and CFO. Through hard work, determination, and dedication, she built a career she was proud of before enjoying a well-earned retirement in 2025.

Wanda shared a loving marriage with her husband, Ronny Goodman, for 20 years. Together they built a life centered on family, friendship, and cherished memories.

She found great joy in traveling, reading, and spending time with her family and friends. Her greatest treasures were her three beloved grandchildren, who brought endless happiness to her life. Wanda also had a special place in her heart for animals and devoted many hours volunteering with Nina’s Road to Rescue, helping care for stray dogs until they could find loving forever homes.

Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, Ronny Goodman, and her daughter, Krissy Goodman.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Gregg Gregory and wife Emily Gregory, and Michael Ciaravino and wife Emily Ciaravino; her daughters, Candice Robicheaux and Kelly Wootton; her beloved grandchildren, Owen Gregory, Alexis Gregory and Luca Ciaravino. Along with many extended family members and dear friends who will miss her greatly

A time of visitation will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport, Louisiana 71101.

Wanda’s loving spirit, compassionate heart, and unwavering devotion to those she loved will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

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With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Benny Ray Woodall on June 1, 2026, at the age of 74.

Benny spent most of his working life as a butcher. Beginning in high school, he worked his way from themeat department to management at Wardlaw’s Meat Market before continuing his career with Walmart,where he worked until retirement. He took pride in his work and in the relationships he built withcustomers and coworkers throughout the years.

Benny loved the outdoors and found happiness casting a line with friends, hunting, sharing stories on thedock, and dancing and singing with strangers. Since retirement, he was fortunate to be part of a close-knitcommunity of neighbors who became family. Whether lending a hand, checking in on one another, orsimply spending time together, those friendships meant a great deal to him.

The love Benny had for his daughters and grandchildren cannot be expressed in words. Some of thefamily’s favorite memories were made at the lake—days spent fishing, dressing Barbies, crawfishing, ridingmotorcycles, gathering around bonfires, and building memories they each cherish and hold dear.

Whether gathered by the water, relaxing in the yard, or spending time gardening, Benny found happinesssurrounded by the people he loved. Some of the simplest moments—sharing stories, laughing together,and watching the day pass—became the moments that mattered most.

Benny is survived by his daughters, Amy Medlin and Michelle Rodgers; his sons-in-law, Shawn Medlin andBarry Rodgers; his four beloved grandchildren, Riley, Jacob, Kaylee, and Jackson; and the many friends andneighbors who became an extended family over the years.

He will be remembered for his warm heart, his love of the outdoors, and his gift for bringing peopletogether. He surrounded himself with a community of dear friends and family who loved and cared for him.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many friends and neighbors who cared forhim, supported him, and enriched his life through their friendship and generosity.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

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Phonetic: /in-JEN-der/

Part of Speech: Verb

Definition

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