The Shreveport Police Department announced a series of firearm-related arrests made between June 5 and June 7 as part of ongoing efforts to target illegal gun possession and weapons-related offenses.

According to the department, officers made several arrests involving stolen firearms, convicted felons in possession of firearms, and individuals accused of carrying weapons while committing other crimes.

Those arrested included:

• Trystan Samuels, who was arrested after officers allegedly found him in possession of a stolen firearm.
• Christian Wright, who was arrested during a traffic stop after officers reportedly discovered narcotics and a firearm. He was charged with illegal carrying of a firearm with a controlled dangerous substance, possession of narcotics, and violating a restraining order.
• Javarion Townsend, who was arrested after being found armed on premises where alcohol is sold. He was charged with resisting an officer, negligent carrying of a weapon, and possession of a firearm on prohibited premises.
• Joshua Rochelle, who was arrested after officers determined he was a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
• Cameron Pennington, who was arrested after investigators determined he had shot himself and then provided false information to officers as they searched for a suspected crime scene. He was charged with illegal use of a weapon.
• Aldravion Taylor, who was arrested after officers allegedly found him in possession of a stolen firearm.
• Brandon Thompson, who was arrested during a traffic stop and charged with illegal carrying of a weapon, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under suspension, open container violations, and multiple traffic offenses.

In announcing the arrests, the department emphasized that its enforcement efforts are focused on individuals who illegally possess firearms, including convicted felons and those carrying stolen weapons.

Police stated that officers will continue proactive enforcement operations aimed at reducing gun-related crime and removing illegally possessed firearms from the streets.

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A Shreveport man convicted of illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon was sentenced Tuesday, June 9, to 10 years in prison.

District Judge Donald E. Hathaway Jr. sentenced Patrick Williams II, 40, to 10 years at hard labor without the benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence following his conviction on May 15 for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to court records, the charge stemmed from a traffic stop conducted by a Shreveport police officer on May 3, 2025. The officer stopped a Hyundai Elantra after observing the driver following another vehicle too closely and failing to use a turn signal.

During the stop, the officer detected the odor of marijuana and alcohol coming from the vehicle. While conducting a search of the car, officers discovered a Ruger 9mm pistol concealed beneath the media player near the center console and within arm’s reach of the driver.

Authorities said Williams admitted after being detained that he had possessed the firearm for approximately 15 years.

Williams had previous convictions for possession with intent to distribute a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance and for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Those convictions prohibited him from legally possessing a firearm.

The case was prosecuted by Chase Burgess and Jason Waltman. Williams was represented by the Caddo Parish Indigent Defender’s Office.

The case was filed under docket number 408452 in Caddo Parish District Court.

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Two individuals were arrested Sunday afternoon after Shreveport Police officers encountered an incident while addressing crowds in the downtown area.

Officers working downtown at approximately 1:30 p.m. June 7 responded to individuals loitering near a nightclub in the 1600 block of Marshall Street.

Following an investigation at the scene, officers arrested Andrew Howard and Lamyja Thomas. Both individuals were charged with one count each of obscenity.

Under Louisiana Revised Statute 14:106, obscenity includes the intentional public exposure of genitals, pubic hair, anus, vulva or female breast nipples in a public place or view with the intent of arousing sexual desire or appealing to prurient interests.

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SAS Gallerie is transitioning to an artist cooperative and will celebrate the change with a grand opening and the debut exhibition, “Rooted Together,” on July 16.

The opening reception will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. at SAS Gallerie, located at 540 Boardwalk Blvd., Suite 605, in Bossier City. The event is free and open to the public.

According to Eric Hess, CEO and artistic director of Sanctuary Arts School, the idea for the cooperative developed over the past three years as artists expressed interest in having their work displayed in a local gallery year-round while also participating in gallery operations. In response, the board of Sanctuary Arts School voted to transition management of the gallery to local artists and dedicate the space to showcasing their work.

The newly formed SAS Artist Cooperative Gallerie will serve as both an exhibition space and a gathering place for artists to collaborate, share ideas and develop their talents. Artists participating in the cooperative will also have opportunities to take part in Sanctuary Arts School’s entrepreneur program.

The cooperative will feature a variety of artistic disciplines, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry making and other visual arts. Original artwork and prints will be available for purchase during exhibitions.

Wine, refreshments and music will be provided during the opening reception.

The gallery operates under the nonprofit Sanctuary Arts School, established in 2019. Since opening three years ago, SAS Gallerie has presented solo exhibitions by established Southern artists and showcased emerging artists through annual exhibitions.

Organizers encourage community members to attend the opening and future bi-monthly exhibitions to support local artists and the region’s growing arts community.

Local artists interested in joining the cooperative may contact Eric Hess @ erichessglass@gmail.com for additional information.

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Members of the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office Corrections Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) recently traveled to Moundsville, West Virginia, to participate in the 2026 Mock Prison Riot, one of the premier corrections and public safety training events in the nation.

Held each spring at the historic, decommissioned West Virginia Penitentiary, the Mock Prison Riot brings together corrections professionals, law enforcement officers, military personnel, and public safety practitioners from around the world for several days of hands-on training, practical exercises, and professional development.

During the event, the BSO C.E.R.T. Team participated in obstacle course challenges, tactical scenarios, and speed competitions while also completing numerous training courses and certifications. The curriculum covered a wide range of topics, including chemical and impact munitions, PepperBall deployment, defensive tactics, hostage negotiations, tactical medical response, emerging technologies, and instructor development.

The knowledge and skills gained through this experience directly enhance the capabilities of our Corrections Division. Not only does this training better prepare our deputies to respond to critical incidents, but it also allows them to bring valuable techniques and certifications back to Bossier Parish to share with fellow deputies through future training opportunities.

This year’s event attracted agencies from across the United States and around the world, including representatives from Costa Rica, the Bahamas, Israel, New York, Florida, Nebraska, and many other locations. The opportunity to train alongside and learn from professionals with diverse backgrounds provides invaluable insight and strengthens partnerships across the public safety community.

Sheriff Whittington and the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office would like to thank our C.E.R.T. Team for their commitment to excellence and their dedication to continuous learning. We are proud of the way they represented our agency and grateful for the opportunity to invest in training that strengthens our ability to serve and protect the citizens of Bossier Parish.

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My parents had the one thing money can’t buy.

Poverty.

Well, that’s a stretch. We weren’t ever going to be confused with the Vanderbilts, but we weren’t The Beverly Hillbillies pre-oil either. We had all we needed.

I can never remember going without or being hungry or not having clothes to wear. A small-town preacher’s family always would be supplied. Bushels of corn and peas and beans showed up at our side door, fresh cucumbers, tomatoes. We had a garden like everyone else, but we didn’t really need one; we got the surplus from others. Our deep-freeze was always full.

But cash money, we didn’t have a lot of that. I didn’t know that at the time, but I do now.

Ignorance was bliss — but it wasn’t as grateful as it should have been. I didn’t understand how much my parents and their friends did for us kids. None of us knew. 

When summer rolls around every year, I think of our vacations back then and wonder how they did it, how my parents came up with the money. We’d drive from South Carolina to see my grandparents in Louisiana. Not always, but sometimes, we stayed at a hotel . . . almost always ate at a Howard Johnsons, so we could have pancakes. Or “pigs in a blanket.”

Spaghetti. No restaurants in my hometown. This was a huge deal, eating out.

And not every summer, but three times, we stopped on the way home at “Six Flags Over Georgia” in Atlanta.

Bigtime. Just saying. Two words: log ride.

It is not easy these days to scrape up money for a few days at the beach or “Six Flags Over Anywhere.” Even “One Flag” can be tough. But it was even harder for my parents, and probably for yours. Somehow, they managed it, and memories of those times are priceless, even though travel with five in a two-door Impala was far from luxury.

Ignorance is thinking the window rolled down and your sister’s elbow in your ribs was bliss. And it was. 

My parents did practical day-to-day things to get us over the hump, plus some more. It is another reason to honor a couple who did things for me I couldn’t do for myself. There is an illustration of selflessness in their actions and purpose that I need always to remember.

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right,” Paul writes in Ephesians. “‘Honor your father and mother’”—the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you…”

They did so much to make it “go well” with us. Summer vacation? Probably wasn’t much of a vacation for them, corralling kids and scraping some dollar bills together. Just a small reason, of many, to honor them, more than a half-century of summers later.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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A report released today by the Alliance for Affordable Energy (AAE) in collaboration with Sierra Club Delta Chapter, finds that Louisiana families and existing businesses could ultimately shoulder billions in added costs for power lines and gas plants to serve new “hyperscale” data centers. Examining public filings, permits, and financial data, the report shows a consistent pattern of nondisclosure agreements, confidential utility contracts, and intentionally complex financial structures that obscure the true costs of projects by Meta, Amazon, and others now building across the state.

The report, “Louisiana Data Centers: Financing and Energy Overview,” produced in partnership with Empower LLC, examines five “hyperscale” data center projects currently under development: Meta’s proposed Hyperion facility in Richland Parish, three Amazon data centers in northwest Louisiana, and Hut 8’s AI infrastructure project in West Feliciana Parish.

Researchers found that just two of those projects—Meta’s Hyperion campus and Hut 8’s planned facility—could require up to 7.2 gigawatts of electricity, roughly equivalent to the annual power use of 5.7 million homes.

The report also raises concerns about opaque financing structures, undisclosed utility agreements, and Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) rules that could shift major infrastructure costs onto residential ratepayers.

“This research shows that Meta can walk away from billions of dollars of investments in 2033, leaving Louisiana families to pay for this new infrastructure for decades,” said AAE Executive Director Logan Burke. “We deserve to know the real stakes of these projects.”

Among key findings of the report:

• Meta’s Hyperion project is being financed through a $27 billion private financial deal described as the largest corporate bond issue in history. The structure allows much of the project’s debt to remain off Meta’s public balance sheet.
• A December 2025 LPSC rule allows for data center developers to pay just 50% of new power infrastructure costs, potentially leaving consumers responsible for the balance through higher electric bills.
• Meta’s agreement with Entergy Louisiana allows the company to exit its lease as early as 2033 – potentially forcing ratepayers to foot the bill for three new gas-fired power plants, at least three transmission lines, all gas-related pipelines, and at least a dozen substations needed to serve the Hyperion project.
• In February 2026, the LPSC rejected a formal investigation into the financial risks of Meta’s off-balance-sheet deal, despite concerns from consumer and environmental groups.
• Pension funds including the California State Teachers’ Retirement System and Pennsylvania State Employees’ Retirement System are invested in Blue Owl Capital funds backing these data centers, tying retirement security to a potentially high-risk, low-transparency financial structure.
• Act 730 grants data centers 20-30 years of tax breaks for creating as few as 50 jobs, with no wage standards or automatic penalties for unfulfilled promises.

The report also details how large private investment firms, including Blue Owl Capital, have become central players in financing Louisiana’s data center expansion through private-market transactions that are subject to limited public scrutiny. The $27 billion bond backing Meta’s Hyperion project received a rating from only one agency (S&P Global) and is held by major financial institutions including PIMCO, BlackRock, and Prudential.

“The scale of power demand associated with the Meta project is staggering,” said Dennis Wamsted, Energy Analyst at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis. “Unfortunately we are seeing rapid growth with little thought to what it means for consumers across the country. The reality is, utilities should be skeptical of projects that overlook ready-to-deploy, reliable, and affordable energy sources like solar, wind, and battery storage.”

“Even as new details about these massive data centers come to light, our public officials refuse to acknowledge the real concerns and resistance from people on the ground,”says Angelle Bradford Rosenberg, Chair, Sierra Club Delta Chapter. “Communities are just not given adequate time to address the financial risks, let alone the other knock-on impacts.”

Community advocates say residents have repeatedly sought more information about the projects and their impact, only to encounter confidentiality claims and limited disclosure.

We’ve asked for information again and again but have been turned away by our elected officials and appointed regulators,” said Mary Stahl May, Caddo Parish resident. “We deserve to know the details of these deals and to have a say in our own utilities and public costs.”

The full report is available here.

About the Alliance for Affordable Energy
The Alliance for Affordable Energy is a Louisiana-based nonprofit group dedicated to advancing affordable, equitable, and environmentally responsible energy policy for all Louisiana residents.

About Empower LLC
Empower is a social enterprise dedicated to strategic research, strategic guidance, and training with the aim of strengthening civil society and improving corporate accountability.

About Sierra Club Delta Chapter

The Sierra Club Delta Chapter represents members, volunteers, and supporters across Louisiana who are committed to exploring, enjoying, and protecting the planet. Through grassroots organizing and advocacy, public education, and local partnerships, the Chapter works to advance environmental justice and safeguard Louisiana’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

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The “youngest” event during this month’s Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration is the most exclusive, yet casual, opportunity for the public to enjoy hearing from the Class of 2026 inductees.

It’s the Round Table Luncheon Saturday, June 27, at noon at Riverside Reserve, 104 Mill Street, in Natchitoches. There are still seats available for the eighth annual Round Table Luncheon presented by the Tiger Athletic Foundation.

Registration is available for the luncheon can be made by visiting LaSportsHall.com, or by calling 318-238-4255. It is a ticketed event.

Festivities begin Thursday evening, June 25 with the free of charge Welcome Reception from 5-7 open to all, no registration necessary, at the Hall of Fame museum facing the traffic circle at 800 Front Street in Natchitoches.

The BOM Celebrity Bowling Bash is at midday Friday, June 26 at Four Seasons Bowling Center in Alexandria. Friday evening brings the free Rockin’ River Fest concert on Cane River Lake in downtown Natchitoches, from 6-10:30, with the Class of 2026 introduced at 9:15 right before a sports-themed fireworks show over the water.

Events Saturday, June 27 include the free Saints and Pelicans Junior Training Camp for kids, the Round Table Luncheon, and the Induction Reception and Ceremony at the Natchitoches Events Center.

The Round Table Luncheon starts with tremendous Louisiana cuisine and quickly kicks into gear with Fox Sports announcer (and 2020 LSHOF inductee) Tim Brando interviewing small groups of inductees on stage in a very informal and fast-moving setting.

A poignant scene at the 2019 luncheon unfolded before the program when Peyton Manning, being inducted later that day, stopped by to greet LSU legend Johnny Robinson, who was inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame two months later.

Scenes like that, up-close access and the fun-filled dialog between Brando and the 2026 inductees combine to provide a memorable 90 minutes.

The Class of ‘26 is headlined by a star-studded group:  Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame 2025 inductee Sylvia Fowles, NFL stars Joe Horn, Todd McClure and Pat Williams, Major League Baseball All-Star Jonathan Lucroy and legendary basketball coaches John Brady, Mike McConathy and Dewain Strother.

Alexandria native and LSU baseball hero Warren Morris will receive the Louisiana Sports Ambassador Award, earning enshrinement into the LSHOF. His walk-off home run won the 1996 College World Series for LSU and resulted in the Bolton High School product becoming a lifelong spokesman for college baseball, the CWS and LSU.

LSU graduate and New Orleans native Gil LeBreton and multi-faceted Shreveporter John James Marshall are going into the Hall as the 2026 winners of the LSWA’s Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism. Former Tioga girls basketball coach and nationally-acclaimed high school sports administrator Kathy Holloway is being inducted as the recipient of the Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award.

The Hall of Fame Round Table Luncheon shapes up as a highly entertaining opportunity for guests to have a up-close-and-personal experience and be entertained and well fed in a casual setting, with a touch of elegance at the Riverside Reserve on the banks of Cane River Lake just a mile from downtown Natchitoches.

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By JONATHON ZENK, Northwestern State Sports Information

EUGENE, Oregon — Until now, only three athletes in Northwestern State history have reached the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in each of their first two seasons with the program. Years later, they all rank among the program’s legends.

Six-time All-American and two-time national champion high jumper Brian Brown reached nationals in 1987 and 1988.

Benton’s Latrell Frederick earned three All-America honors in the javelin after getting to NC’s in 2000 and 2001 in his first two collegiate campaigns.

Another javelin great, Cody Fillinch, who won All-America honors at each of his four NCAA Outdoors, got there in his first two years, 2006-07.

Two weeks ago, sophomore long jumper Roy Morris joined that short list after a tremendous performance at the NCAA East Region championships, finishing sixth.

After earning a second team All-American spot last season, Morris aims to repeat as an All-American with a top 16 finish among a 24-man field at tonight’s national meet.

The Evangel Christian product competes at 8:40 p.m. (CDT) this evening at Hayward Field on the campus of the University of Oregon. Fans can watch the long jump on ESPN+.

“It feels amazing to go back to nationals,” Morris said. “I can’t be more blessed than I am right now. It feels amazing to see the position God put me in. I can’t ask for much more than that.”

Last season, Morris made a surprise appearance at nationals after a jump of 24-8 at regionals to finish ninth at the NCAA East competition. Morris led after the first of two flights before a lengthy weather delay caused disruption and forced the second flight to not compete until late at night.

The competitor in Morris wanted to make a statement at this year’s regional meet, knowing some thought he benefited from the delay last season. He did, with a personal best mark of 25-7 ¼.

“He’s a competitor, through and through,” assistant coach Alex Wills said. “When it comes to those pressure situations, he keeps a level head and that is something not every athlete can do. That is one of the things you can’t really coach. They either have it or they don’t. He can keep a level head in those pressure situations. We had a plan going into the competition and he stuck to it.”

After making it to nationals last June, Morris and Wills knew there was more potential to untap. During the offseason, the two worked relentlessly to improve certain aspects of Morris’ game, and once the training paid off, there was no stopping the Greenwood resident.

This season, Morris went out to not only prove he could make it back to nationals but also prove to others that he deserved the spot a year ago.

“I really put the work in to advance to where I was last year,” Morris said. “I know a lot of people doubted me and saying it was the weather delay. I just went out and proved that it wasn’t the weather delay, but it was because of the work I put in.”

Throughout his first season and a half with the Demons, Morris had the goal of jumping 25-0.

That happened in early April at the Pepsi Florida Relays, one of five times going 25 feet in the next two months — all at pivotal points in competition.

It was also at that time that Morris also went to a new approach — one that helped earn the gold medal at the Southland Conference Championships and ultimately, another nationals appearance.

“Last year, we worked on being technical and this year, the big thing we worked on was speed down the runway,” Wills said. “We worked all fall on getting him quicker. I pushed him back so his approach was further out so we could build that speed even more. It took a while, as the Florida Relays were the first one we really got to try that new approach and it worked out well. We just kept building off that.”

He did it again on his final jump in a pressure situation to win the gold medal at the conference championships — doing so by a quarter inch —and was 25-plus on all three jumps at the NCAA East First Round in Kentucky.

His first went 7.66 meters (25-1 ¾), which was just shy of a personal best. That attempt would have finished 12th and earned the last East slot for  nationals if he didn’t make any more attempts.

Morris’ second jump put any thought he might not make it to nationals to bed, as he recorded a personal best jump of 7.80 meters (25-7 ¼) to cement his spot in Oregon.

The mark that earned him a spot at nationals a season ago wouldn’t have even put him inside the East Region top 20 this time around.

“We knew about his potential this year and even last year,” Wills said. “I’ve been telling coaches he’s going to jump 7.70 or 7.80, so for him to come out and hit that exact mark was amazing. But not only that, all three of his jumps were over 25 feet and he had only done that twice previously during his career. For him to come out and hit that mark all three times just shows that he is really that type of competitor and we’re ready to see what he can do at nationals.”

Morris uses a calm, level-headed demeanor during his jumps, which has helped him achieve several of his goals. Now he aims for another — to become one of the top eight long jumpers in the country to earn a first team All-American slot tonight.

Also competing for NSU tonight, in Heat 1 at 10:36, will be the men’s 4×400 meter relay team, anchored by Parkway’s Will Achee, in the semifinal round. ESPN will have coverage.

Lady Demon sprinter Rushana Dwyer runs Thursday in the 400 meter dash semifinals.

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JOURNAL SPORTS

Northwood senior catcher Nate Cervantes was a first-team Class 4A All-State baseball selection, heading a group of eight local baseball and softball standouts recognized by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association for being among the best players in Louisiana this spring.

Cervantes hit .442 for the Falcons.

Two Loyola stars, Luca Golden and Camden Pryor, were honorable mention on the 4A baseball All-State roster.

In softball, five Shreveport girls received honorable mention status on the 4A squad.

Caddo Magnet and Loyola each had two representatives. The Lady Mustangs recognized were Landry McLamb and Jada Wolfgang. Lady Flyer HM’s were Larkin Krieg and Presley Walker.

Mackenzie Jagers of Northwood also made the 4A softball honorable mention list.

The Class 5A All-State teams are due for release online today, with publication Thursday morning in the Shreveport-Bossier Journal.

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If you have ever experienced a summer bass tournament, then you understand the downside of one of these events. IT’S HOT! As a kid, I loved summertime, but as an adult I probably dread this time of year more than any other.  

I’ve always said that I would rather fish on a 30-degree day than a 95-degree day. Why? Because I can put enough clothes on to stay warm in the winter, but I can’t take enough clothes off to cool down in the summer.

Early mornings are usually not as bad, as temperatures will range from 75 to 80 degrees. As the morning warms up, by 10 o’clock you’re starting into the hot zone of 88 to 90 degrees. Then around noon, you’re looking at 90 to 95 degrees and starting to fry like a Natchitoches Meat Pie!

Sweat is now running down your back and into places we won’t mention. It’s dripping off your nose every time you bend over to lip a fish or change a bait. You have now entered the “miserable zone” of summertime fishing.

The problem is there’s no shade to retreat to unless you’re lucky enough to find a bridge somewhere on the lake. But the problem with bridges is that’s where all the crappie fishermen are, as they too are retreating to shade.

But there are ways to help you stay cool, or should I say cooler, depending on how you dress. First, a good wide brim hat is a must to help keep the sun and its intense UV rays off your head and neck region. 

Pull on a long-sleeve hooded shirt with built in UV protection like the ones I wear produced by Columbia Sportwear. They offer a variety of great UV protection shirts. There’s one I wear that it is truly unique; it’s made from plastic water bottles and is called the Columbia Omni Shade.

This shirt is like wearing an air conditioner, especially when you crank the big engine and run across the lake. It has a way of cooling you down quickly and giving you muchneeded relief from the heat while protecting you from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Even when you’re not running across the lake, just a slight breeze will help to cool you down wearing these shirts.

I wear long lightweight pants from both HUK Apparel and Columbia that also have built-in UV protection. The key to staying cooler on those upper 90-degree days is keeping the direct sunlight off the skin.

Now most people can’t comprehend or even imagine wearing long sleeves or long pants on a hot summer day. I used to be one of those guys. But ever since my Melanoma diagnosis in 2023, I have come to realize that long sleeves and long pants not only help me to stay cooler but also protect me from the sun’s UV rays

While I still hate fishing a tournament on hot summer days, I have found ways to cope with those high temperatures from June through August.

 I’ve also found that I maintain a better concentration level throughout the day by wearing clothes to help keep me cool. Nothing is worse when fishing than being too cold, too wet or too hot, as it can make for a long miserable day. 

‘Til next time, good luck and good fishing!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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What starts as one streaming service and a free trial can quickly become a monthly budget line item of its own. As subscription-based services continue to multiply, consumers everywhere are discovering that convenience often comes with a recurring charge attached.

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Whether you combine finances or keep things separate, one thing matters most—having honest, regular conversations about money before it becomes a problem.

 See what Ida says 

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This week I’m celebrating fifty two years as a licensed driver. Like most men, I naturally assume I’m a superior driver. The truth is I’m just competent enough not to injure myself or innocent pedestrians. I also spend far too much time reading bumper stickers and watching what other drivers are doing while they’re supposed to be driving. Once upon a time I could read a bumper sticker from a safe distance. Now, if I want to read your bumper, I have to tailgate you. I won’t comment on the silly things you’re doing behind the wheel, but I am working on a book.

Recently I was driving a loaner while my car was being serviced—a luxury model from a certain company that apparently believes drivers need more buttons than a NASA vehicle. It was keyless, of course. To start it, you put your foot on the brake and push a button. I’m used to that with my hybrid. But this wasn’t a hybrid. This was an old-fashioned internal combustion engine, the kind that used to require a little finesse and a lot of prayer.

My grandfather turned me loose behind the wheel about three years before the State of Alabama thought it was a good idea. I learned on what we called the “lonesome road”—a gravel stretch with only one real hazard: the creek running alongside it. Where I grew up, a bayou was a creek, and a creek was something you didn’t want to drive into. The only traffic on that road consisted of grandparents giving driving lessons and children learning how to scare them.

Most of my self-taught Drivers-Ed happened in a 1949 Plymouth Special Deluxe. You didn’t so much drive that car as point it in the general direction you hoped to go. Its only luxury was an AM radio. It had a starter button too—but starting that car on a cold morning was a full-body athletic event. You turned the key, depressed the clutch, pushed the starter button, and pumped the gas pedal like you were trying to churn butter. Getting that engine to fire was one of the early rites of male competency.

So imagine my amusement when I started the loaner car with a gentle tap of a button. No pumping the gas. No choke. No carburetor to flood. No vapor lock. If automakers are going to bring back push-button starters, they could at least bring back some of the drama. Cars have changed a lot in fifty-two years. Sometimes I feel like I’m not keeping up. When the service manager asked if I wanted a tutorial on all the features, I said, “I would rather not.”

And that’s when it hit me.

There are times I feel like I’m not keeping up with Jesus either. He asks me to go and do, and I would rather not. He asks me to love and forgive, and I would rather not. He asks me to look honestly at my life, and I would rather not. Sometimes the hardest thing to face is the mirror, and I would rather not.

Preachers feel it too. Some Sundays we leap out of bed ready to preach the love of God. Other Sundays we pull the covers over our head and think about calling in sick to ourselves. On those mornings, “I would rather not” feels like a full liturgy.

And you know what? Jesus understands. In the Garden of Gethsemane, facing the cross, He prayed a prayer that sounds an awful lot like “I would rather not.” But He went anyway. For you. For me.

So this Sunday, when you wake up and think about church and feel that tug of “I would rather not,” know this: you’re in good company. Preachers feel it. Jesus felt it. But blessings live on the other side of pushing past it.

How about it.

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Long before the infamous Salem Witch Trials captured the public imagination, the first recorded execution for witchcraft in what would become the United States took place on June 10, 1648.

On that date, Margaret Jones of the Massachusetts Bay Colony was executed after being convicted of witchcraft. Historians consider the case one of the earliest documented witchcraft prosecutions in colonial America and a precursor to the more widely known Salem Witch Trials that occurred more than four decades later.

Jones, a midwife and healer, was accused of using witchcraft after some of her patients reportedly experienced unusual reactions to treatments she administered. Court records from the period cited testimony from neighbors and community members who claimed to have witnessed suspicious behavior or unexplained events connected to her.

The execution reflected a period in colonial history when fear of the supernatural, religious beliefs, and limited scientific understanding often influenced legal proceedings. Accusations of witchcraft were not uncommon in Europe and the American colonies during the 17th century, and many individuals faced trials based on circumstantial evidence, rumors, and superstition.

Historians note that the case of Margaret Jones serves as an example of how fear and misinformation can shape public opinion and government actions. Today, scholars continue to study colonial witchcraft cases to better understand the social and cultural forces that contributed to such prosecutions.

The anniversary also arrives at a time when public interest in true crime, historical mysteries, and folklore remains strong. Museums, historians, and educational institutions across the country continue to examine the legacy of witchcraft trials and the lessons they offer about justice, evidence, and public fear.

While the events of June 10, 1648, occurred nearly four centuries ago, they remain an important chapter in early American history and a reminder of the consequences that can arise when suspicion outweighs facts.

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June 9, 1952 – June 7, 2026

Frances Diane Gray Rochelle passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 7. Born on June 9, 1952, in Ringgold, Louisiana, Diane lived a life filled with beauty, adventure, generosity, and a deep appreciation for family, friends, and the finer things in life.

Diane was raised in Minden, Louisiana, where her vibrant personality and natural charm made her unforgettable to all who knew her. She attended Minden High School, where she was named MHS Darling and voted Football Sweetheart. Following high school, she attended Northwestern State University where she was a Phi Mu and later graduated Louisiana Tech University, with a degree in Fine Arts.

Affectionately known as “Kitten,” Diane earned her nickname as a little girl because of her tender heart and habit of rescuing baby kittens. That nurturing spirit stayed with her throughout her life and extended to her beloved Bichon Frise dogs, many cats, race horses and other animals she loved.

As life’s greatest journeys often begin with a chance encounter, Diane met Ben Rochelle at the Super Derby at Louisiana Downs and soon began a new chapter in California. They were married for 12 years and built a wonderful life filled with friendship, adventure, and thoroughbred racing.

After residing in Beverly Hills, she lived in many cities throughout California. Her favorite being Eagle Oak Ranch in Paso Robles where she continued breeding and raising thoroughbred horses. No matter where she lived, she transformed every home and garden into a maste

rpiece. Her artistic eye and love for nature could be seen in the beautiful roses, flourishing fruit trees, vegetable gardens, and breathtaking landscapes she lovingly cultivated.

Diane’s greatest joy was sharing the world with the people she loved. A true adventurer, she traveled extensively across the globe with her mother, Mary Gray, family members, friends, and beloved nieces and nephew. From Russia to Australia and New Zealand, from Canada and Alaska to destinations throughout Europe and Asia, Diane loved creating memories with those she loved most.

Among Diane’s greatest blessings were her nieces and nephews, whom she adored beyond measure. That devotion carried on through her many great-nieces and great-nephews, where she delighted in every opportunity to spoil them, celebrate them, and create memories they will carry throughout their lives.

More than anything, Diane had a gift for making people feel special. Whether through an unexpected shopping trip, a hand written card, a carefully chosen gift or simply sharing a meal and conversation, she believed life was meant to be celebrated. She approached every day with enthusiasm, generosity, and gratitude, encouraging those around her to embrace beauty, seek adventure, and never wait for a special occasion to enjoy life.

Diane is survived by her sister, Beverly Wunnenberg (Steve); her brother, Terry Gray (Carla); and her sister, Renee Hall (David). She also leaves behind her cherished nieces and nephews: Kyle Wunnenberg (Lesley), Kim Smart (Keith), Laurie Osbon (Mark), Brandy Jorden (Aaron), Mandy Cassell (Nick), Courtney Birky (Hunter), Kate Johnson (Houston), Rachel Welton (Joseph), Kristina Adams (Ross) and Dean Segal, along with her many beloved great-nieces and great-nephews.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Courtney Wall and the many wonderful caregivers, friends, and members of Diane’s support team whose compassion, kindness, and dedication brought comfort and care during her journey with a brain tumor.

Diane was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ben Rochelle; her mother, Mary Merritt Gray; her father, Leon Wayne Gray Sr.; her sister-in-law, Mary Ann Segal; and her beloved great-niece, Bella Grayce Cassell.

A memorial service honoring her life will be on Thursday, June 11 at 11 am at Lifewater Church at 5320 Airline Dr. in Bossier City, La. Visitation will be before at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to a charitable organization of your choosing, continuing Diane’s legacy of generosity and caring for others.

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In Loving Memory of Judy Elaine Johnston

The family of Judy Elaine Johnston is deeply saddened to announce her passing on June 1, 2026.

Born on May 23, 1950, in Gladewater, Texas, Judy lived a full and remarkable life filled with love, laughter, generosity, and a deep appreciation for family. She touched the hearts of everyone she met through her caring nature, kind spirit, and unwavering love for those around her.

Everyone who knew Judy knew she was loving, punctual, and intentional in all that she did. She never missed an opportunity to show up for the people she loved. Whether it was attending school events, taking her children and grandchildren to doctor’s appointments, offering a helping hand, or simply being there when someone needed her, Judy was a constant source of support and encouragement.

A true country girl at heart, Judy found joy in the simple things in life. She loved fishing, reading, garage sales, cooking, and spending time outdoors. Some of her grandchildren’s most cherished memories include weekends spent teaching them how to bait and catch fish, heading to the pond with a lovingly packed lunch, and returning home where Judy would teach them how to cook the fish they had caught. Fish fries were a cherished tradition at her home and often brought family and friends together around the table.

Judy also loved spending time riding on her side-by-side with her grandchildren, creating memories that will be treasured for generations. Her laugh was contagious, her smile was beautiful, and her presence had a way of making everyone feel welcome and loved.

She shared an extraordinary bond with her beloved dog, Cricket. The two were inseparable, and anyone who knew Judy knew how much Cricket meant to her. Their companionship was truly unmatched and brought her endless joy throughout the years.

Judy was the best mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother anyone could have asked for. Her family was the center of her world, and she devoted her life to loving, supporting, and encouraging those she held dear. She celebrated every milestone, showed up for every opportunity she could, and never missed a chance to remind her family how much they meant to her.

Judy was the glue that held so many together. Throughout the years, she helped create a family rooted in love, laughter, traditions, and togetherness. She shared many years and countless memories with Judd, and together they helped shape a family that will continue to carry forward the values and love she instilled in each generation. The legacy she leaves behind will live on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all those fortunate enough to have known and loved her.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Laina, Thomas, Rachel, John, and Elisha; eleven grandchildren; her beloved great-grandchildren; her sisters, Anna, Caroline, Martha, and Barbara; and her brothers, Timmy, Don, and John.

Judy was loved by many and will forever be cherished in the hearts of those who knew her. Her kindness, strength, beauty, and unconditional love left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know her. When her family remembers her, they will remember not only the memories she created, but the way she made people feel—loved, supported, and at home.

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at:

2904 Sandalstone PlaceLongview, Texas

Interment

Judy will be laid to rest beside her loving family on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at:

Locust Grove Baptist Church Cemetery2636 Almond RoadBig Sandy, Texas 75755

Forever loved, deeply missed, and always remembered.

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Shreveport Police arrested Malcolm Hill following an indecent exposure investigation in the 1600 block of East Bert Kouns Industrial Loop.

According to police, officers responded to reports of indecent exposure at approximately 7:20 p.m. on June 6. After conducting an investigation, officers arrested Hill and charged him with one count of obscenity under Louisiana Revised Statute 14:106.

Under Louisiana law, obscenity includes the intentional exposure of the genitals, pubic hair, anus, vulva or female breast nipples in a public place or location open to public view when done with the intent of arousing sexual desire, appealing to prurient interest or in a manner considered patently offensive.

The Shreveport Police Department said it remains committed to addressing quality-of-life offenses and maintaining safe public spaces throughout the community.

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Caddo Parish Sheriff Henry Whitehorn Sr. administered the oath of office to eight new employees during a swearing-in ceremony held June 8 for the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The newly appointed personnel include Dominic Claiborne and Skylar Ross, who will serve in the patrol division.

Three new dispatchers also joined the agency: Angela Ouzts, Melissa Rehak and Kimberly Brooks.

Tierra Demming was sworn in to serve in community relations, while Shonteria Clark joined Sheriff’s Safety Town. Harold Coleman was sworn in as a part-time court liaison.

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office is continuing to recruit new personnel for a variety of positions. Openings include corrections deputies, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, building and groundskeepers, part-time courthouse security personnel and part-time work release drivers.

Applicants must be at least 21 years old. Information about qualifications, benefits and the application process is available through the sheriff’s office.

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The Highland Neighborhood Association will host a community celebration on Saturday, June 13, at Columbia Park to mark the revitalization of the neighborhood landmark and recognize the individuals and organizations who helped make the restoration possible.

The event will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. and will feature activities, refreshments and community fellowship. At 2 p.m., Mayor Tom Arceneaux will officially rededicate the park, followed by recognition of the community partners, organizations and residents whose support contributed to the park’s restoration over the past three years.

Organizers said the celebration is intended to honor the partnerships and volunteer efforts that helped bring new life to Columbia Park.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore Shreveport’s musical history through a curated playlist titled “(Almost) 100 Years of Shreveport Songs,” created by Chris Brown.

Families can participate in hands-on activities provided by Shreve Memorial Library through its Make & Go-Mobile Makerspace program.

Refreshments will be provided by Shreveport Biscuit Company.

Organizers said the event will celebrate the people, partnerships and community spirit that played a key role in the park’s transformation.

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Local officials recently celebrated the winners of Destination 318, an initiative designed to support entrepreneurship, tourism and community enhancement throughout Caddo and Bossier parishes.

The program is a partnership between Visit Shreveport-Bossier and the Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program and aims to encourage innovative projects that strengthen the region’s economy and quality of life.

City leaders congratulated the six top winners recognized through the initiative, praising their entrepreneurial efforts and commitment to improving the Shreveport-Bossier area.

Officials said the program serves as a tool to boost local tourism while supporting projects and businesses that contribute to community growth and development across both parishes.

The City of Bossier City also expressed appreciation for the entrepreneurs, organizations and community members whose efforts help promote and enhance the Shreveport-Bossier region.

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