Ford to Be Sentenced Oct. 12 in Cedar Grove Mass Shooting Gun Case; Mayence Plea Deal in Progress

SHREVEPORT, La. — Nearly three months after the deadliest mass shooting in the United States in more than two years claimed eight children’s lives in Shreveport’s Cedar Grove neighborhood, federal court proceedings are advancing against two men charged in connection with the firearms at the center of the case.

Charles Ford, 56, of Shreveport, who was charged with illegally possessing the rifle used by Shamar Elkins in the April 19 mass shooting and with making false statements to an ATF agent, changed his plea to guilty at a June 15 federal court hearing. Ford is now scheduled for sentencing Oct. 12 before a federal judge in the Western District of Louisiana. He faces up to 15 years on the weapons charge and up to five additional years for making false statements to federal agents.

Ford was initially arrested April 21 and pleaded not guilty at his first federal court appearance in May. Investigators said Elkins, who killed seven of his own children and one other child before fleeing the scene and dying in a confrontation with Bossier City police, had access to the rifle through Ford, a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms.

In a separate case, Michael Mayence, 54, of Bossier City, faces charges of illegally possessing four firearms while subject to an active domestic violence protection order. Investigators recovered the weapons when they searched Mayence’s home after Elkins fled there following the shooting. According to federal court documents filed this week, attorneys in the Mayence case are working toward a plea agreement. Mayence is scheduled for a status conference hearing Aug. 10.

The eight children killed in the April 19 attack were identified by the Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office as Jayla Elkins, 3; Shayla Elkins, 5; Kayla Pugh, 6; Layla Pugh, 7; Markaydon Pugh, 10; Khedarrion Snow, 6; Braylon Snow, 5; and Sariahh Snow, 11.

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Sources: U.S. Attorney’s Office Western District of Louisiana, Federal Court Records, Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office

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Shreveport Police made several arrests over the weekend involving domestic violence incidents.

On July 12 at approximately 4:00 a.m., Jermichael Roberson was arrested and charged with one count of simple battery of a dating partner and one count of interfering with emergency communication.

On July 10 at approximately 1:30 a.m., Jackie Clark was arrested and charged with battery of a dating partner with child endangerment and interfering with emergency communication.

Also on July 10, Jackson Clark was arrested on outstanding warrants for domestic abuse battery and interfering with emergency communication.

The Shreveport Police Department will continue to prioritize domestic violence calls, thoroughly investigate these incidents, and hold offenders accountable. Interfering with a victim’s ability to call for help will not be tolerated.

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The Bossier City Police Department is recognizing three generations of the Sproles family for their service to the department and the City of Bossier.

Retired Assistant Chief Glen Sproles served the Bossier City Police Department for 33 years, building what the department described as a legacy of leadership, integrity, and commitment to the community.

His son, Lt. Scotty Sproles, has continued that legacy with nearly 24 years of service.

Officer Taylon Sproles now represents the third generation of the family to serve with the Bossier City Police Department.

According to the department, the Sproles family’s commitment to law enforcement has spanned more than half a century.

The department thanked the Sproles family for its dedication, sacrifice, and service to the City of Bossier and congratulated Lt. Scotty Sproles and Officer Taylon Sproles as they continue the family’s legacy of service.

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Residents in Caddo and Bossier parishes can expect a chance of showers and thunderstorms on Wednesday before hotter and drier conditions settle into the area through the weekend and early next week.

Wednesday will begin partly cloudy before skies become mostly cloudy with showers and thunderstorms likely during the afternoon. High temperatures will reach the upper 80s with west winds of 5 to 10 mph. Rain chances are 70 percent. Wednesday night will be partly cloudy during the evening before becoming mostly cloudy, with lows in the lower 70s.

Thursday will be partly cloudy with highs in the lower 90s and southwest winds around 5 mph. Thursday night will remain partly cloudy with lows in the lower 70s.

Friday will bring partly cloudy skies and highs in the lower 90s. Friday night will be mostly clear with lows in the mid-70s.

The warming trend continues over the weekend. Saturday will be mostly sunny with highs in the mid-90s, followed by mostly clear skies Saturday night and lows in the mid-70s.

Mostly sunny and hot conditions are expected Sunday and Monday, with afternoon highs remaining in the mid-90s and overnight lows in the mid-70s.

Residents should remain weather-aware Wednesday afternoon due to the potential for thunderstorms and prepare for increasingly hot conditions heading into the weekend and early next week by staying hydrated and limiting prolonged outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.

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A $13.4 million figure that has fueled public concern about Northwestern State University’s finances was a projected budget shortfall, not a final accounting of the university’s fiscal year 2025-26 results.

The distinction is important as the figure continues to be discussed at civic meetings and in public conversations about NSU’s financial condition.

A July 1 article about a proposed North Louisiana law school reported that Northwestern State projected a $13.4 million shortfall for the fiscal year ending June 30 and said the university had covered the cost by spending down its cash reserves.

The University of Louisiana System report cited for that figure, however, identified the $13.4 million as a projected surplus or deficit based on third-quarter financial information. The report was prepared before the fiscal year had closed and before all final revenues, expenses and year-end adjustments had been recorded.

That means the $13.4 million should not be described as NSU’s final deficit or actual year-end loss.

The final result could be substantially different from the projection because university budgets include salaries, benefits and operating costs that may not ultimately be spent. Vacant positions, delayed hiring, employee turnover and positions filled below their budgeted amounts can reduce actual personnel expenses. Departments also may postpone purchases or spend less than originally budgeted.

NSU’s final fiscal year result cannot be determined until the university and UL System complete their year-end accounting and release actual revenue and expenditure figures.

The same third-quarter report provides additional context that was not reflected in the public discussion surrounding the $13.4 million projection.

As of the quarter ending March 31, Northwestern State averaged 148 days of unrestricted cash on hand — the strongest unrestricted liquidity position among the current universities in the UL System. NSU also averaged 120 days of total cash, ranking second among those institutions.

The report separately projected that NSU would finish the fiscal year with $11.3 million in unrestricted reserves and $51.3 million in total reserves.

Those figures do not prove that Northwestern State avoided a year-end deficit. A university can spend more than it receives during a fiscal year while still maintaining substantial cash and reserves.

They do show, however, that the $13.4 million projection was not the same as an immediate cash shortage, an inability to meet payroll or a final documented loss.

Budget projections and cash measurements address different questions. A projected deficit estimates whether expected annual revenue will cover planned expenditures. Days of cash on hand measure how long an institution could continue meeting expenses using available cash resources.

Public concern over the university’s finances is understandable, particularly when a multimillion-dollar deficit figure is reported without a clear explanation of how it was calculated. But the available UL System documents do not establish that Northwestern State ended the year $13.4 million in the red.

A more precise description is that NSU was projected during the third quarter to end fiscal year 2025-26 with a $13.4 million budget shortfall. The university’s actual year-end result remains subject to final accounting.

Until those actual figures are released, the $13.4 million amount should be treated as a forecast — not as Northwestern State’s confirmed deficit.

The university’s year-end closing, expected within four weeks, should provide the first reliable answer to whether the projected $13.4 million shortfall was close to reality or substantially overstated.

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The Louisiana Folklife Center at Northwestern State University will present a traditional music and dance informance with Native Nations Intertribal at on Friday, July 17 at 6 p.m. the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum at 800 Front St. in Natchitoches. The event will be free and open to the public. 

The event will feature members of Native Nations Intertribal, who will symbolically open the 46th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival with Native American music and dance. Native Nations Intertribal will engage in a discussion of their traditions with NSU Professor of Anthropology Dr. Hiram “Pete” Gregory, an expert on Southeastern Native American tribes and culture. 

“We are so grateful to Native Nations Intertribal for so generously sharing their cultural knowledge with us,” said Dr. Shane Rasmussen, professor of English and director of the Louisiana Folklife Center at Northwestern State University. “Attendees at this event will have the opportunity to experience some of the most beautiful music and dance traditions in the world.” 

Native Nations Intertribal is an all-Native American song and dance troupe dedicated to sharing the beauty, diversity and living traditions of Indigenous peoples across the United States. For over 25 years, it has proudly performed at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, where the troupe honors their ancestors and educates audiences from around the world through the power of their songs, dances and stories. The group is composed of approximately 15-18 dancers and five singers, representing more than 10 tribal nations including Alabama-Coushatta, Coushatta, Southern Cheyenne, Mescalero Apache and Chickasaw, among others. Each performance is a celebration of these cultures, an opportunity to showcase the rich traditions that have been passed down through generations while building understanding and respect among all peoples. 

Native Nations Intertribal will participate in the Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival on July 18. In honor of the 2026 Festival theme, “America the Beautiful,” the Festival will feature the traditional music of the nation – blues, gospel, Cajun, Celtic, country, bluegrass and zydeco on three stages of music as well as in the Magale Recital Hall. Over 70 traditional crafts persons from throughout the state will display their crafts, handcrafting their work during the festival. 

Held in air-conditioned Prather Coliseum, the Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival features three stages of live music, Louisiana cuisine food vendors, the Louisiana State Fiddle Championship, dance lessons, music informances, narrative sessions, on-site demonstrations and more. Admission to this family friendly event is $10 for an all-day all-event pass, with children 12 and under admitted free all day. For more information, call the Louisiana Folklife Center at (318) 357-4332, email folklife@nsula.edu, or go to https://www.nsula.edu/folklife/. 

The event is sponsored by the Louisiana Folklife Center and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest History Museum and is in partnership with the City of Natchitoches. Support for the Festival is provided by grants from the Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc., the Louisiana Division of the Arts Decentralized Arts Fund Program, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission, the Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, the Shreveport Regional Arts Council and the State of Louisiana. 

The views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. 

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“Jason Richards Martin, 52, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes at his home on July 4, 2026. While his passing came far too soon, the impact he made on the lives of so many will be remembered for years to come.”

So began the obituary this week for our friend Jason “Big Jim” Martin, a husky, big-hearted, “Aw, shucks” kind of guy who was quick to laugh and slug-slow to seek a spotlight. The “Big Jim,” with all sorts of variations, was a sort of inside joke between him and his buddies, of which he had tons.

He had other nicknames too. “Gentle Giant” was the one most tossed around during several short and from-the-heart eulogies Monday morning at his service in Ruston. “Servant Leader” was another.

Other handles were son, brother, uncle, golf partner — solid player who could hit it a country mile — dependable sidekick, adopted family member.

As “famous” is generally understood, Jason was not famous. Unless you were us. “Us” being people who saw him all the time, people who really knew him. So when the holiday weekend news came of his passing, the immediate feeling was of loss, not just for ourselves but for everybody. The world had lost a friend it didn’t know it had, a friend the world didn’t know it needed.

He was that kind of famous, made that kind of in-the-shadows impact. “A life of quiet service,” his obituary read.

Amen to that.

Jason didn’t want to be a groomsman in one of his best friend’s wedding. Even being an usher was too much spotlight for Jason. But to help out with the honeymoon by being the long-distance airport cabbie for the couple? Bingo. Big Jim was your guy.

He didn’t want to be a distraction beyond that hole in the wall in the sanctuary when he ran the sound system for Sunday morning services. Instead, a blind was hung so he could be the opposite of seen but not heard: you could hear the preacher and you couldn’t see him.

We call that “serving The Big Jim Way.”

He was an equipment manager as a Louisiana Tech student after he graduated from Ruston High in 1991, then on the payroll as head of all athletic equipment years later. There are few jobs more invisible to the masses and more important to a coaching staff than that one. Being invisible is one of the job requirements. Be efficient, tie every loose end, be invisible. Be an ear and a shoulder for teammates who need it. Serve and let the big dogs eat.

Right down Big Jim’s alley.

In the service Monday were several peers like Dan Takata along with “kids” he’d worked with, now young men, students he’d managed while they’d literally managed together down West Alabama Avenue at Joe Aillet Stadium and in each of America’s time zones. Ethan Porta. Cam Ayers. Russ Hillhouse. Dempsey Flannery. Brayden Wilkinson. Like most everyone else, they were in Tech gear, as the family had, for Jason’s service, requested. Unlike everyone else, they’d been with Jason at literally every hour of the day, working side by side, learning how it’s done, how to be loyal, how to be selfless, how to be kind in chaos.

He evolved last year out of Athletics and into the University’s residential life department. In a way, his job hadn’t changed: he was still making students feel at home away from home.

“You raised an amazing man,” one of his golf buddies, fellow managers, and “adopted” brothers Marty Stokley said Monday to Jason’s family in a short testimony to his friend. “I was lucky to be his friend. It was an honor to know him.”

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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JOURNAL SPORTS

LAFAYETTE – The Bossier Phillies play for their third straight Louisiana American Legion Baseball Tournament championship today after outlasting Crowley 8-7 in a 12-inning semifinal Tuesday night.

Bossier (17-2) meets Gauthier-Amedee Legion Post 557 today at 4 and can capture the tourney title with a win in that contest, or an “if necessary” game that would follow. The Phillies are 4-0 in the state tournament, including a 5-1 victory over Gauthier-Amedee Monday night.

The Gonzales-based team rebounded Tuesday afternoon in the loser’s bracket final, topping the St. Landry Indians 7-3 to get to the championship round. Gauthier-Amedee needs to beat Bossier twice today to survive and advance to the regional championship tournament.

The Phillies never trailed Tuesday night but escaped Crowley chances to win in the bottom of the seventh and eighth. Bossier’s winning margin came when Griffin Sibley led off the 12^th with a double to right field, moved to third on a ground out, and scored on a two-out wild pitch.

The Millers put back-to-back batters on base with two out in the bottom half, but a grounder to second base ended the contest.

Cooper Holmes collected four RBI for the Phillies with a first-inning, bases-loaded clearing double, followed by a solo homer in the third inning on his next at-bat that put Bossier back on top 4-3. Crowley had answered Holmes’ first-inning burst with three in the home half.

The teams swapped scores in the fourth inning, with Nate Cervantes providing the Phillies’ run on a sacrifice fly that brought in Greer, who led off with a walk.

Bossier carried a 6-4 lead to the bottom of the seventh after Jackson Waller homered to right field opening the inning. Crowley loaded the bases with one out and closed within one on a passed ball. After a popup for the second out, with the go-ahead runner at second, the Millers tied it on Peyton Daigle’s sharp single to center field that moved the winning run to third. A fly out halted the rally and sent the game to extra innings.

The Phillies bounced back immediately. Kannon Greer led off reaching on an error, then Cole Snell was hit by a pitch and after a sacrifice bunt by Case Jorden, Cervantes was intentionally walked to fill the bases.

Waller again delivered, with a sacrifice fly to center for a 7-6 edge, but a ground out stranded Bossier’s two baserunners.

Crowley tied it by starting the bottom of the eighth with a double and a Hudson Daigle single, and with two outs, loaded the bases before Landon Devillier lined out to Snell in center field.

Bossier had runners at the corners with two out in the 10^th but couldn’t convert. The Phillies cashed in an inning later when Sibley doubled and scored the decisive run.

It was the longest game of the summer for Bossier.

Crowley finished 14-6 with four losses unfolding in the final inning.

The Phillies are trying to win not only a third straight state title, but also make it three consecutive regional crowns and a third World Series appearance in a row.

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By MALCOLM BUTLER, Lincoln Parish Journal

RUSTON — Four former Louisiana Tech standouts whose careers span nearly five decades will become the newest members of the Louisiana Tech Athletics Hall of Fame this fall.

Football standouts Johnny Robinson and Wenford Wilborn, baseball star Fred McGaha and softball great Morgan Turkoly make up the Hall of Fame’s 22nd induction class, and will be enshrined during Hall of Fame Weekend on Oct. 9-10. The university’s athletic department announced the group Tuesday.

McGaha is a Shreveport native and Fair Park High School graduate. He played for legendary Indians’ coaches James Farrar and Jimmy Orton.

The Class of 2026 will be inducted during a ticketed ceremony Friday, Oct. 9, on the Club Level of the Davison Athletics Complex before being recognized as part of Hall of Fame Weekend festivities.
The weekend will be capped that Saturday when the Bulldogs host UL-Lafayette in Tech’s inaugural home Sun Belt Conference football game at Joe Aillet Stadium. 

“Louisiana Tech has a long history of athletic success, and this class is a great microcosm of that tradition,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics Ryan Ivey. “These four very deserving individuals led their respective teams to great heights on the diamond and the gridiron, and we are so excited about enshrining them into the Athletics Hall of Fame.”

Established in 1984 with an inaugural class of seven inductees, the Louisiana Tech Athletics Hall of Fame represents the university’s highest athletic honor. Before this year’s induction, 128 former student-athletes, coaches and contributors had earned a place in the Hall, representing generations of excellence across Bulldog and Lady Techster athletics.

This year’s class recognizes standout performers whose accomplishments helped define their respective eras at Louisiana Tech.

McGaha was a catalyst in the rise of Louisiana Tech baseball during his career from 1969-72, at the outset of Pat Patterson’s 23-year tenure as the Bulldogs’ coach. A two-time all-conference selection, McGaha was named the Gulf States Conference Most Valuable Player in 1971 after leading the Bulldogs to the NCAA Mid-East Regional, where he also earned All-Regional honors. 

He followed that by receiving the George Kell Hitting Award as the Southland Conference’s Hitter of the Year in 1972. When his career ended, McGaha owned Louisiana Tech’s career and single-season records for hits, runs scored, total bases and stolen bases.

Robinson starred for the Bulldogs from 1977-80, becoming one of the most accomplished defensive players in program history. A three-time All-Southland Conference selection, he was named the league’s Defensive Player of the Year in 1979 after recording 138 tackles. 

He helped lead Louisiana Tech to consecutive Southland Conference championships in 1977 and 1978, including the 1977 Independence Bowl championship. He finished his career ranked 10th in school history with 340 tackles and fifth with 16 career sacks and later earned a place on Louisiana Tech’s Football 100-Year Anniversary Team.

Robinson played in three NFL seasons for the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders from 1981-83 after being chosen in the fourth round of the 1981 NFL Draft.

Wilborn established himself as one of the Bulldogs’ premier defensive backs and return specialists from 1971-74. A two-time All-Southland Conference selection, he remains tied for second in program history with 15 career interceptions. 

He also still owns the school record with 91 career punt returns and ranks second with 742 punt return yards. His 91-yard punt return against Eastern Michigan in 1971 set a Division II record at the time and remains the second-longest punt return in Louisiana Tech history.

Turkoly rounds out the class after putting together one of the most decorated careers in Louisiana Tech softball history from 2016-19. She remains the only player in program history to earn All-Conference USA honors in all four seasons, including first-team recognition in each of her final three years. Turkoly was named Conference USA Player of the Year in 2018 before earning Senior CLASS Award First Team All-America honors in 2019. 

She helped lead the Bulldogs to Conference USA Tournament championships in 2017 and 2019, the 2019 regular-season title and NCAA Regional appearances in both 2017 and 2019. She still ranks first in program history in career walks, runs scored and on-base percentage while ranking second in career batting average and hits.

Additional details about Hall of Fame Weekend, including ticket information for the induction ceremony, will be announced by Louisiana Tech Athletics on social media and the LaTechSports.com website in the coming weeks.

Contact Malcolm at lpjnewsla@gmail.com

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By Jim Rhodes, Special to the Journal

We all honor the events of June 6, 1944. It was a monumental task and should be recognized for the bravery and sacrifices of all involved on that day. It was the beginning of the end of Hitler’s Thousand Year Reich. It would be another year to finish it but we did and the world rejoiced. But there was another completely different war taking place in the Pacific theatre.

The United States military, along with Australia, England and a few others were fighting the Imperial Japanese in the Pacific. Beach landings such as Normandy were happening on a more frequent basis. At Normandy 160,000 soldiers hit the beaches on that famous day. Casualties were horrendous. Too many killed, maimed and injured (2,500 killed in action, 5,000 injured and an untold number of missing). In comparison on July 21, 1944, 65,000 hit the beach on Guam, spearheaded by the United States Marines, United States Army and our allies. The staggering results of that landing were 1,718 killed and 6,000 wounded.

I take up this comparison not from a historical perspective but from a personal one. You see I happened to be quite familiar with a participant in the Pacific Theatre. He was Private First Class Joseph Bernard Rhodes USMC Co D 1St Bn (Pioneers) 19th Marines Third Marine Division.

He was never one to talk about those days, as many of “Our Greatest Generation” participants, chose not to. On one particular day back when nothing was digital I had received my National Geographic magazine with its coveted fold out map. This particular issue was entitled “The Pacific Theatre”. As I had the map spread out on the kitchen table my Father walks in the side door asking what I was doing. I explained in short detail; he walked up standing behind me and started detailing his 3 year adventure. He pointed to each island that he had been to and explained very briefly what had happened and why he was there. When he got to Guam his only comment was “and that’s when I got to come home.”

There were no other comments after that. I sensed that there would be no questions or answers after that. Everything had gotten put back in that mental box and locked away.

Guam, what was so important about that island, aside from the strategic placement, it was an American Territory until December 10, 1941 when the Imperial Japanese captured it.

Later in life I started doing a little research on my Dad’s role in this part of history. The most intriguing part was trying to understand what one particular word meant “PIONEER”. There is no clear meaning as it is no longer used. But following that trail the best I could manage was that in today’s military jargon he was a combat engineer. Ask today’s military people and they give you this description that has no bearing on the 1940’s. Basically from what I could piece together here is my definition.

USMC PIONEER (n): Operates as member of crew of specially trained troops in constructing and repairing roads and bridges, removing natural and man-made obstacles to facilitate movement of friendly forces, executing demolitions, and creating man-made obstacles to prevent or slow advance of enemy force. My Dad’s training records indicate that he was qualified on most heavy equipment and specialized in putting potable water systems in place. His actual classification was part of the 3 man crew for heavy machine gun Browning M1919.

My Dad hit the beaches of Guam on the initial wave on July 21st. He was wounded on July 22nd and evacuated to a hospital ship to start his journey home to begin building a “normal” life. But he was reminded every day that he took a step of that hidden part of his life. I could see the physical pain that stayed as a reminder but I often wonder about the mental pain so many of those guys carried with them. I thought us as a family lived a normal life. That perspective changed as I grew older. I know I was loved as a child and throughout my life. But the words were never spoken by him or me until too late in life. I remember the phone call as clear as yesterday. He apologized for the personal troubles his actions had cased in my life and said he wanted me to know that he loved me. After shedding tears with a sense of relief I told him that I was proud to have been by his side and that I had always loved him and even more now. He passed shortly after that and finally found peace after the early 1940’s.

So when we pause to honor those who gave more than enough for us please honor all who have defended us and our way of life not just the ones from that particular event. REMEMBER THEM ALL.

A Brief History of the Invasion of Guam

The Battle of Guam, codenamed W-Day, commenced on July 21, 1944, as a vital piece of the American campaign to recapture territory lost to the Japanese Empire early in World War II. Japan had captured the U.S. territory on December 10, 1941, just days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, subjecting the local Chamorro population to a brutal occupation.

Reclaiming the island was strategically paramount for the Allies. Guam’s large size and deep-water harbors made it an ideal base for upcoming operations against the Philippines and Taiwan, while its airfields would put Japan within range of the new American B-29 Superfortress bombers.

The assault began with an intense, multi-day naval and aerial bombardment to soften Japanese defenses. When the 3rd Marine Division, the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade, and the Army’s 77th Infantry Division finally hit the western beaches on W-Day, they faced fierce resistance from roughly 18,500 dug-in Japanese defenders. Despite steep limestone cliffs and heavily fortified machine-gun positions, Allied forces secured the beachheads. After weeks of brutal, close-quarters jungle warfare, heavy nighttime counterattacks, and massive casualties on both sides, the island was officially declared secure on August 10, 1944.

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Our BOM Bank sponsored team had a great time participating in the Dream Hunt Golf Tournament! We are proud to support the Dream Hunt Foundation and its incredible mission of giving children and teens with disabilities, terminal illnesses, or disadvantaged circumstances the opportunity to experience guided hunting and fishing trips they may never otherwise have. Through partnerships with hospitals and organizations across the South, Dream Hunt Foundation creates unforgettable memories and life-changing experiences for youth ages 8–18. Pictured left to right: BOM’s Jonathan Wall, Drew Baker, Clint Oliver, and Sam Marvin.

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Antoinette Marie Ferlito Leone passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and devotion. She will be remembered for her warm heart, unwavering love, and the joy she brought to all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Joe and Rose Ferlito of Bossier City, Louisiana, and her brother, Nickey Ferlito of Cypress, Texas.

Antoinette is survived by her devoted husband, Johnny Leone Jr.; her loving sons, Johnny Leone III and Joey Leone and his wife, Jamie; her sister, Mary Vickie Cobbs and her husband, Raymond, of Greenville, Texas; her brother, Joseph Ferlito and his wife, Pat, of Bossier City, Louisiana; her sister, Rose Ann Cash and her husband, Benny, of Shreveport, Louisiana; and her sister-in-law, Joan Ferlito of Cypress, Texas.

She also leaves behind her treasured grandchildren, Isabella Rose Leone, Jacob Endsley, and Samantha Sweet, who brought immense joy to her life. Antoinette was also deeply loved by her many nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great-nieces, each of whom held a special place in her heart. Her love for her family was boundless, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

Antoinette’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of her family and friends. She will be dearly missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Kim Leone Cooper and Susan Leone Burkett for the love, guidance, and unwavering support they provided during Antoinette’s journey. They also wish to express their heartfelt appreciation to the compassionate team at Amedisys Hospice Care for the exceptional care, comfort, and kindness they provided, helping make Antoinette’s final days peaceful and surrounded by love.

A memorial service will be held on August 1, 2026, at 4:00 PM at Western Hills Baptist Church, with Bro. Joey Ketchum officiating.

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A funeral service to celebrate the life of Shirley Ann Chapman, 79, will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Dr., Bossier City, Louisiana. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Ringgold, Louisiana. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Officiating the service will be Pastor Dan Gillman.

Shirley was born on November 16, 1946, to Louis Ogran and Margie Marie Williams in Magnolia, Arkansas, and passed away on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Bossier City, Louisiana.

Shirley graduated from Smackover High School in 1964 and later retired from Millennium Medical. She married Daniel E. Chapman on June 1, 1985, and together they built a life filled with love and shared adventures. Shirley loved to sew, crochet, and create beautiful crafts, and she learned to play the piano as a child, beginning her time playing in church at Snow Hill Baptist at the age of 12.

She thoroughly loved traveling with her husband, Dan, all over the country on bowling tournament trips, making memories everywhere they went. Above all, Shirley dearly loved her children, grandchildren, and great‑grandchildren, who brought her endless pride, joy, and purpose. She will be dearly missed.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, L.O. Sr. and Marie Williams; sister, Peggy Williams, and brother, L.O. Jr. Left to cherish her memory are her beloved husband of 41 years, Daniel E. Chapman; son, Hank Ewing (Tammy) of St. Francisville, LA; daughter, Marie Johnson (Kenny) of Bossier City, LA; bonus-daughters, Ann Batson (Doug) of Bossier City, LA, Jennifer Yater (Jeff) of Indianapolis, IN, and Mary Chapman of Holly Springs, MS; sister-in-law, Cookie Jorstad of Shreveport, LA, and Marilyn Boudreau of Grandbury, TX; 16 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

Honoring Shirley as pallbearers will be Benjamin Crawford, Jack Crawford, Doug Batson, Kenneth Mark Johnson, Kenneth David Johnson, and Hank Ewing.

The family suggests memorials may be made to The Bridge Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resource Center at http://www.alzbridge.org.

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Phonetic: /per-FUNK-tuh-ree/

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition

Perfunctory is a formal word used to describe something that is done without energy or enthusiasm because of habit or because it is expected.

By the time my favorite band got to the last stop of the tour, their performance felt perfunctory.

Loading crossword puzzle. One moment please.

Play Sudoku online!

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A Caddo Parish man who showed pornography to and fondled a tender-aged female was found guilty at trial in Caddo District Court Friday, July 10, 2026.

Jimmy Wendt of Keithville, 68, was judged by a seven-woman, five-man jury in District Judge Chris Victory’s court, which deliberated for just over an hour before returning its verdict of guilty as charged on both counts, indecent behavior with a juvenile under age 13 and sexual battery on a victim under age 13.

The victim was between ages five and seven during the time of the offense, though she did not disclose the abuse until last year.  Jurors heard from the victim, her parents, and detectives from Caddo and Desoto Parishes. The victim went to a child advocacy center, where she gave a statement about what happened to her.  Local law enforcement was able to determine the offense happened in Caddo parish off Barron Road.  The child’s parents told the jury how Wendt would provide childcare for the victim while they were at work and described the layout of the home, which was consistent with what the victim described.

When Wendt returns for sentencing on August 12, 2026, he faces from two to 25 years at hard labor with at least two years to be served without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence on the indecent behavior conviction, and from 25 to 99 years at hard labor with at least 25 years to be served without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence on the sexual battery conviction. He must register as a sex offender for life as well.

Assistant District Attorneys Courtney N. Ray and Victoria Washington prosecuted Wendt, who was defended by Michael Enright and Carter Lawrence.

The case was docket No. 413022.

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The Shreveport Police Department’s state-leading DWI Unit had another busy weekend, making 18 arrests for impaired driving, including several repeat offenders.

Among those arrested were individuals accused of their second, third, fourth and even seventh DWI offenses.

Kevin Starks was arrested around 1:00 a.m. on July 13 for DWI third offense.

Antoiney Kennedy was arrested around 6:30 a.m. on July 12 for DWI first offense after allegedly driving the wrong way on a one-way street.

Brayden Rusk was arrested around 6:00 a.m. on July 12 for DWI first offense following a traffic stop for failing to signal.

Jakyra Rye was arrested on July 12 for DWI first offense following a traffic stop for improper lane usage.

Jacorey Harris was arrested around 2:20 a.m. on July 12 for DWI seventh offense, resisting an officer with force or violence, and battery on a police officer.

Lindsay Landry was arrested shortly before 1:00 a.m. on July 12 for DWI first offense after being stopped for driving without lights and improper lane usage.

Jamarcus Moss was arrested around 12:45 a.m. on July 12 for DWI fourth offense.

Kamari Clay was arrested shortly after midnight on July 12 for DWI first offense and reckless operation of a vehicle.

Rhonda Coleman was arrested around 6:15 a.m. on July 11 for DWI first offense following a traffic stop for a defective headlight.

Shaquille Johnson was arrested around 5:40 a.m. on July 11 for DWI first offense after being stopped for driving without lights.

Cody Bandy was arrested around 3:00 a.m. on July 11 for DWI first offense following a traffic stop for speeding.

Latravis Harris was arrested around 2:55 a.m. on July 11 for DWI first offense following a traffic stop for improper lane usage.

Caden was arrested around 11:35 p.m. on July 10 for DWI second offense following a traffic stop involving an unregistered vehicle.

Shaleriyah Moton was arrested around 6:12 a.m. on July 10 for DWI first offense after allegedly running a red light.

Thomas Hudson was arrested around 3:00 a.m. on July 10 for DWI second offense following a traffic stop.

Charles Mays was arrested around 12:30 a.m. on July 10 for DWI first offense after being stopped for misuse of a license plate and an altered tag. Officers also discovered that Mays had several outstanding warrants.

Tagaris Washington was arrested around 12:45 a.m. on July 10 for DWI third offense following a traffic stop.

Latasha Davis was arrested around 9:45 p.m. on July 9 for DWI second offense.

These arrests should serve as another warning: Shreveport Police officers are actively looking for impaired drivers. Several of these suspects had already been arrested for DWI before, yet allegedly chose to make the same dangerous decision again.

Driving impaired can cost you your license, your freedom or someone’s life. Find a sober driver, call for a ride or stay where you are.

Drink and drive at your own risk. Our officers are waiting.

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Elm Grove Middle School teacher Micah Stewart has received a $10,000 grant from the Amazon Northwest Louisiana Community Fund.

According to Bossier Schools, Stewart plans to use the funding to implement the Louisiana Robotics Challenge Program at Elm Grove Middle School and other schools across northwest Louisiana.

The district said the program will provide students with opportunities to explore computer science, engineering and robotics.

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