Phonetic: /in·noc·u·ous/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition
not likely to bother or offend : inoffensive
an innocuous comment/remark
The comedian’s jokes were innocuous enough.
newly aware that the behavior isn’t as innocuous as they imagined.
—Conor Friedersdorf
causing no injury or damage : harmless
an innocuous by-product of the process
What may seem innocuous at the time could lead to larger problems down the road.
—Marc Zalmanoff
Victoria LaMelle Green
December 29, 1925 — July 26, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 1, 2026, 11am at St. Mary of the Pines Church, Shreveport.
Claudia Mae Smith
September 14, 1933 — July 26, 2026
Service: Monday, August 3, 2026, 11am at Broadmoor Baptist Church, Shreveport.
Susan Renee Branch
November 18, 1948 – July 25, 2026
Service: Thursday, July 30, 2026, 10am at Calvary Baptist Church, Shreveport.
Rita Jean Williams Walton
February 19, 1931 — July 25, 2026
Service: Thursday, July 30, 2026, 11am at First Baptist Church, Keithville.
Virginia “Jenny” Lea Rich
August 28, 1984 — July 24, 2026
Service: Thursday, July 30, 2026, 10am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City.
Mary Lee Richie
September 29, 1952 — July 24, 2026
Service: Friday, July 31, 2026, 2pm at Aulds Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Ray Charles Williams
December 5, 1954 — July 24, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 1, 2026, 1pm at Winnfield Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Charles “Oscar” Kirkendall
August 3, 1945 — July 23, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 1, 2026, 2pm at Faith Community Church, Shreveport.
Perry Michael “Mike” Orr
September 3, 1971 — July 23, 2026
Service: Friday, July 31, 2026, 10am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home Southside, Shreveport.
Edgar “Wiley” Eason
April 9, 1957 – July 22, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 1, 2026, 11am at Greater New Zion Baptist Church, Benton.
Shirley Lewis
September 10, 1942 – July 22, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 1, 2026, 1pm at Walnut Hill St. Mary Baptist Church, Shreveport.
Dylan B. O’Neal
July 18, 2007 – July 20, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 1, 2026, 11am at New Elizabeth Baptist Church, Shreveport.
Sammie Washington
July 31, 1936 – July 20, 2026
Service: Thursday, July 30, 2026, 11am at Carver Cemetery, Shreveport.
Ralph Gary Whitener
August 8, 1951 — July 20, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 8, 2026, 10:30am at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Shreveport.
Constance “Connie” Ann McBreairty Bryan
1943 – July 19, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 1, 2026, 2pm at Bellaire Baptist Church, Bossier City.
Daniel Cheung Tak Lok
January 24, 1951 — July 18, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 8, 2026, 10am at Aulds Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Christopher “Chris” Daniel Pierce
January 19, 1985 — July 18, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 8, 2026, 10am at Open Range Fellowship, Greenwood.
Dianne Webb Mullin
September 18, 1934 – July 17, 2026
Service: Friday, July 31, 2026, 10:30am at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Shreveport.
Chuckie Brooks
November 6, 1968 — July 16, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 1, 2026, 11am at Winnfield Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Jairus Lee Keyes Sr.
September 6, 1953 – July 15, 2026
Service: Friday, July 31, 2026, 11am at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Marciel Spearman
September 14, 1953 – July 15, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 1, 2026, 1pm at Carver Memorial Cemetery, Shreveport.
Raymond Lee Wilson
September 3, 1938 — July 13, 2026
Service: Friday, July 31, 2026, 11am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City.
Rebecca Sue Wilson
December 30, 1941 — July 13, 2026
Service: Friday, July 31, 2026, 11am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City.
Antoinette Marie Ferlito Leone
April 20, 1948 — July 9, 2026
Service: Sunday, August 1, 2026, 4pm at Western Hills Baptist Church, Shreveport.
Thomas Nimmo
April 19, 1943 – July 9, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 8, 2026, 2pm at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Stephen “Steve” Sasser
June 24, 1955 — June 25, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 1, 2026, 11am at Aulds Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Diana Kay Yarbrough
September 26, 1949 — June 16, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 8, 2026, 10am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City.
Janice LaRue Horton
June 15, 1942 – June 12, 2026
Service: Friday, August 28, 2026, 5pm at Osborn Funeral Home, Shreveport.
A Shreveport man convicted earlier this month for killing a female acquaintance three years ago was sentenced to life in prison Monday, July 27, 2026 in Caddo District Court.
District Judge Chris Victory sentenced Edduin Silva, 22, to the state-mandated term for the April 26, 2023 slaying of Amaya Jacobs. Ms. Jacobs, 35, was shot multiple times in the face as she drove near Fairfax Avenue and Morningside Drive in the Caddo Heights neighborhood. The hard-labor sentence is to be served without benefit of parole, probation or suspension of sentence.
Silva fired his .22 caliber AR-style rifle 13 times, striking Ms. Jacobs with multiple rounds. Surveillance video showed Silva, who admitted to police that he shot the victim, pacing up and down in front of his house armed with the rifle moments before the shooting.
Silva was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Victoria Washington and Courtney N. Ray. He was defended by Leslie Kelly.
The case was docket No. 395241.
A Shreveport man who pleaded guilty in April to leading police on a high-speed chase for almost a dozen miles was sentenced to serve a decade in prison Monday, July 27, 2026, in Caddo District Court.
Darrtavious Tuvoya Lewis, 22, was sentenced by District Judge Donald E. Hathaway Jr. The term must be served at hard labor. A pre-sentencing investigation showed that Leis had two prior convictions for crimes of violence and was still on probation at the time of this offense for one of those convictions. Judge Hathaway ordered that the sentences run consecutively.
Lewis pleaded guilty as charged April 16, 2026, in Caddo District Court, just after the first and only witness against him was about to testify.
On April 20, 2025, Shreveport police officers observed a 2019 Dodge Durango with a license plate that returned to a stolen vehicle out of Texas run a red light at Kennedy Drive and Hollywood Avenue. When officers tried to initiate a traffic stop, the driver fled and led several patrol units on a high-speed chase that lasted over 15 minutes, reached speeds in excess of 110 mph and ended on Greenwood Road, almost 12 miles away, when the Durango crashed into the fence of a nearby fire station. The driver fled on foot and was eventually apprehended with the use of a K9 officer.
Throughout the pursuit, the Durango drove into oncoming traffic, forced multiple vehicles off of the road and nearly collided with several cars that were unassociated with the pursuit.
Lewis was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Chase Burgess and Jason Waltman. He was represented by the Caddo Parish Public Defender’s office.
The case was docket No. 408229.
Deputy Chief Mike Tyler presented the City of Shreveport’s year-to-date crime statistics to the Shreveport City Council on Monday.
The statistics compared the reporting period from Jan. 1 through July 24 for each year to provide an accurate comparison of crime trends over time.
According to the Shreveport Police Department, the city has experienced reductions in many crime categories, including several violent offenses. However, officials said one of the most concerning trends is the continued increase in fatal traffic crashes.
The City of Shreveport and Caddo Parish currently lead Louisiana in fatal crashes. Officials identified two areas of particular concern:
The department urged drivers to remain alert, put their phones down, obey traffic laws, and watch carefully for pedestrians. Pedestrians were also encouraged to use designated crossings, remain visible, and avoid entering roadways unexpectedly.
According to the department, reducing fatal crashes requires everyone who uses the roadways to make safer decisions.
Residents in Caddo and Bossier parishes can expect hot and humid conditions throughout the week, with heat index values reaching up to 106 degrees and chances of afternoon showers and thunderstorms later in the week.
Wednesday is forecast to be mostly sunny and hot, with highs in the upper 90s. Southwest winds of 5 to 10 mph are expected, with heat index values reaching up to 106 in the afternoon. Wednesday night will be partly cloudy with lows in the upper 70s and south winds around 5 mph.
Thursday will begin partly cloudy before becoming mostly cloudy, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs are expected in the mid 90s, with southwest winds around 5 mph. The chance of rain is 30%, and heat index values could reach up to 105 in the afternoon. Thursday night will be partly cloudy with lows in the upper 70s.
Friday will remain partly cloudy and hot, with highs in the mid 90s and heat index values up to 105 in the afternoon. Friday night will be partly cloudy with lows in the upper 70s.
Saturday is expected to be partly cloudy and hot, with highs in the upper 90s and heat index values reaching up to 105. Saturday night will be mostly clear with a slight chance of evening showers. Lows are expected in the mid 70s, with a 20% chance of rain.
Sunday will bring mostly sunny skies with highs in the lower 90s. Sunday night will be mostly clear with lows in the lower 70s.
Monday is expected to be mostly sunny with highs in the mid 90s.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced that DOTD crews completed piling repairs on two bridges along LA 169 north of Greenwood in Caddo Parish.
According to DOTD, the maintenance work helps ensure the structures continue to remain in service for the traveling public.
Dear Ask the Paperboy,
With the ongoing media assault about something called cyclosporiasis and the unnerving term “explosive diarrhea,” it seems that Right Now is not a particularly good time to be a colon. Does Paperboy have any insight, encouragement, or advice? We have our fingers crossed. And our legs.
Impatient in New Iberia
Dear Impatient,
These are the times that try men’s colons. While official colon-carrying public health watchdogs continue to investigate the multistate outbreak of digestive-related illness, no excretory system is safe until the nasty parasite causing the damage is caught, tried, and locked away for good.
The problem is that many parasites are microscopic, not good news if the parasite wants to play in the NBA but outstanding news if the parasite wants to cause trouble on a wide scale while hiding in plain sight.
Paperboy feels certain we’ll locate the cause of the outbreak and quell the uprising soon. We’ve landed on the moon and brought the crew back safely. We’ve climbed Everest. We’ve survived heavy metal. We can, for lack of a better term, come out the other side of this happy and healthy, maybe even a few pounds lighter.
While on the subject, is Paperboy the only one, or is “explosive” redundant in the phrase “explosive diarrhea”?, (or “ED,” in scientific parlance, as if we needed more disturbing news from that particular abbreviation). Either way, this bureau is anti-cyclosporiasis, 10 times out of 10. Paperboy hopes you and yours are washing all fruits and vegetables and staying within the gravitational pull of a bathroom, just in case.
Dear Ask the Paperboy,
Can you envision a curse worse than cyclosporiasis? Getting run over by a herd of bison or having to watch the USA soccer team, sure. But in bathroom-related travails, could cyclosporiasis be at the head of the Living Nightmare line?
Disheartened John from Jonesboro
Dear John,
You won’t believe this but … roughly 10 years ago, a settlement worth $18 million was reached — it involved nearly 2.5 million plaintiffs — over defective pressurized flushing mechanisms that could cause some toilets to explode and DID cause some toilets to explode. Sometimes the toilets were not being manned, but sometimes they were. True story.
The company was aware of the faulty equipment but, to continue a theme, just sat on the pot and didn’t say anything, so to speak. But once the fur and porcelain flew a time or two, school was out. Can you imagine? You are literally minding your own business and suddenly you feel like you’re being launched toward the International Space Station.
Hopefully our long national nightmare will soon be over and we can call it a “rest” room again.
Dear Ask the Paperboy,
While on the tacky subject, why is the bathroom sometimes called the john?
John (Again, Still Concerned and Possibly Disheartened)
Dear John,
It’s not your fault. The flushing toilet was invented by Sir John Harington in the 16th century, specifically for Queen Elizabeth I for when Elizabeth I needed to go Number 2. The reality of the bathroom is the same for the prince or the pauper, which is why Paperboy is such a plumbing groupie: everyone needs it, and you can’t buy it online.
This invention brought Sir John much glory, although few people in the Queen’s Court would shake his hand.
Other funny but everyday names for the john proper or bathroom include the can, the powder room, the loo (our British friends), the lavatory, the washroom, the privy, or the restroom.
While “the loo” seems cheery and bright, there are other terms that are not so, although their beginnings were innocent enough. For educational purposes — although the term is a bit harsh — it must be said that Thomas Crapper, an English plumber, improved on John’s john in the late 1800s. It is largely Tom, through his plumbing ingenuity, who has allowed us the easy flushing life we enjoy today — when the commodes aren’t exploding, of course, which is no fault of Mr. Crapper.
Tough break on the name, but let’s be honest: Tom had us all, including Paperboy, at “float valve.”
Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu
By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports
Not long ago, Shreveport’s Devin Harper saw his football future playing at Ole Miss but now he’s embroiled in a bad breakup with the Rebels.
As he prepares for his second college season, he’s in Baton Rouge as an LSU Tiger offensive lineman, and is the subject of a $400,000 lawsuit by his former college’s athletic department.
The suit was filed Monday in Lafayette (Miss.) County circuit court, where the University of Mississippi is located. A similar suit, seeking over $500,000, was filed against former Ole Miss starting linebacker Princewill Umanmielen, who also bolted for LSU in the aftermath of coach Lake Kiffin’s move from Ole Miss to take over the Tigers’ program.
Late in his senior season at Calvary Baptist Academy, Harper signed a football scholarship with Ole Miss in December 2024. He played in six games last season as the Rebels reached the semifinals of the College Football Playoffs, losing Jan. 8 to Miami in the Fiesta Bowl.
The university says he signed a revenue-sharing agreement Jan. 6 to remain with the Rebels, but he entered the transfer portal eight days later and signed to play at LSU on Jan. 16. The Jackson Clarion-Ledger reported the agreements signed by both former Rebels contained buyouts for voluntarily breaching their contracts in a 90-day window (referred to as the early-termination period), and neither has paid Ole Miss the contracted buyout.
A statement from Ole Miss Tuesday explained the rationale behind the lawsuits and said the university tried to resolve the disputes before taking legal action. A timeline released by the Rebels said a letter was sent to Harper upon his departure “requesting payment” and got no response, and on Feb. 13 sent another letter setting a 30-day deadline to pay the buyout, again not answered.
On March 12, according to Ole Miss, it asked LSU to make the payment and six days later, LSU responded it was not party to the contract and would not pay.
When the lawsuit was filed Monday, Ole Miss said it “contacted” Harper and LSU “requesting payment to avoid additional (legal) costs.”
“The University of Mississippi values its student-athletes and is committed to honoring all obligations made to them. In return, the university expects that same commitment from its student-athletes and their representatives in upholding their contracts,” the statement said.
“Before transferring to another institution, student-athletes Devin Harper and Princewill Umanmielen signed revenue-sharing agreements that included a provision requiring them to compensate the university with a predetermined amount if they departed before fulfilling their commitment. The University of Mississippi has a responsibility to enforce its contractual terms, and this position is consistent with the actions of other institutions in the current landscape of college athletics.”
The players and LSU had no comment about the lawsuit Tuesday.
Although his freshman year at Ole Miss was unremarkable in games, the amount of his buyout indicates the Rebels’ coaches expected him to become a key asset up front. In six games in 2025, he played 72 total snaps with 57 coming at right tackle and 7 at left tackle, with a season-high 33 snaps against The Citadel. He got 10 offensive snaps in the Rebels’ College Football Playoff rout of Tulane.
Harper, whose high school football career finished at Calvary Baptist after three years at Captain Shreve, was a standout in his final two prep seasons in Shreveport. The 6-4, 312-pounder was rated a consensus 4-star recruit in the Class of 2025 and ranked among the nation’s Top 15 offensive tackles. On3.com rated him the No. 5 offensive tackle prospect.
He was the No. 121 recruit in the ESPN 300 rankings. He ranked among Louisiana’s top10 prospects by ESPN, Rivals, 247, and On3, reaching as high as No. 3 by 247.
He was all-district as a junior for Shreve’s 9-1 Gators, then made Class 2A All-State for Calvary.
Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com
By DAVID ORR, Centenary Director of Athletics and Recreation
As the 2026-27 athletic year is about to begin, it’s a good time to assess the progress made in recent years and look ahead for opportunities to advance.
Centenary Athletics: Building momentum for the future
Centenary College is successfully transitioning into its third century and celebrated its 200-year anniversary in style. One of the most exciting milestones was the return of college football to Centenary after an absence of more than 80 years. Led by head coach Byron Dawson, the Gents took the field and immediately brought a renewed sense of pride, enthusiasm, and community spirit to the Centenary campus and the Shreveport-Bossier City region.
The return of football was made possible through significant investments in athletics facilities. Atkins Field, home of Gents Football, Ladies and Gents Soccer, and Gents Lacrosse, underwent a remarkable transformation with the addition of new spectator grandstands, a press box, video board, enhanced lighting, and an upgraded sound system. Adjacent to Atkins Field sits the Athletic Fieldhouse, which houses offices and locker rooms for Gents Football, Ladies Softball, and Ladies Soccer.
Connecting these facilities is a newly constructed football practice field featuring synthetic turf and LED lighting. The practice complex provides our student-athletes with a first-class training environment while maximizing scheduling flexibility and facility usage. Additional improvements throughout the outdoor athletics complex have enhanced entrances, parking, and tailgating areas, creating a more welcoming and enjoyable experience for fans and visitors. If you have not experienced a Saturday evening football game on campus, it is well worth the trip. The atmosphere, energy, and sense of community have quickly become a hallmark of Centenary Athletics.
Looking ahead: Continued facility enhancements
As Centenary Athletics continues to grow, strategic investments in facilities remain a priority. While the successful launch of football represented a major step forward, facility development is never truly finished. Ongoing evaluation of our athletic venues ensures that we continue to provide student-athletes, coaches, alumni, and fans with an outstanding experience.
Future improvements will focus on maintaining first-class competition and practice facilities while strengthening areas that impact student-athlete development, recruitment, sports medicine, strength and conditioning, and the overall game-day atmosphere. The goal is simple: create an environment that supports championship-level competition while enhancing the overall student-athlete experience.
Conference realignment and a changing landscape
The landscape of college athletics continues to evolve at every level. Conference realignment has reshaped relationships, rivalries, recruiting territories, and travel considerations across the country. While these changes often garner attention at the Division I level, Division III institutions are not immune to the effects.
For Centenary, conference affiliation remains one of the most important strategic considerations in athletics. Strong conference partnerships create opportunities for meaningful rivalries, manageable travel, competitive balance, and enhanced student-athlete experiences. The Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference has provided an excellent home for Centenary Athletics, and the relationships built within the conference continue to benefit our student-athletes and athletic programs.
At a time when college athletics often appears focused solely on revenue generation and media rights, Division III remains centered on educational values, competitive excellence, and the overall student-athlete experience. That foundation continues to serve institutions like Centenary very well.
The value of the FloSports extension
The continued partnership between the SCAC and FloSports has significantly increased visibility for Centenary Athletics and Division III sports as a whole. The ability for parents, alumni, recruits, and supporters to watch competition from anywhere in the country has transformed how we connect with our athletic community.
For a college like Centenary, whose alumni network extends well beyond northwest Louisiana, digital exposure is more important than ever. Livestreaming provides consistent access to athletic events and offers recruiting advantages by showcasing facilities, campus life, and competitive experiences to prospective student-athletes and their families.
While nothing replaces attending an event in person, streaming technology has become an important tool for growing engagement and strengthening connections with the broader Centenary family.
NIL, the transfer portal, and Division III athletics
No discussion about the future of college athletics would be complete without mentioning Name, Image, and Likeness opportunities and the transfer portal. These developments have dramatically changed the landscape, particularly at the Division I level.
At the Division III level, the impact has been somewhat different. While NIL opportunities now exist for many student-athletes, Division III institutions remain focused on academics, campus involvement, and the broad educational experience. Student-athletes continue to choose schools like Centenary because they value a close-knit campus environment, meaningful relationships with faculty and coaches, and the opportunity to compete at a high level while pursuing academic and career goals.
The transfer portal has certainly created additional movement across all levels of college athletics. In some ways, Division III institutions have benefited by attracting student-athletes seeking a better balance between academics and athletics. At the same time, retaining talented student-athletes requires institutions to continue investing in facilities, coaching staffs, student support services, and the overall campus experience.
Ultimately, Division III’s greatest strength remains unchanged. Student-athletes are competitors, leaders, scholars, and members of the campus community. Their experience extends beyond wins and losses, preparing them for success long after their playing careers have ended.
Moving forward
Centenary Athletics has experienced tremendous momentum over the past several years. The return of football, significant facility enhancements, growth in fan engagement, and continued competitive success across numerous sports have positioned the College for an exciting future.
As we look ahead, our commitment remains focused on providing a transformational student-athlete experience while building facilities, programs, and partnerships that honor Centenary’s history and support its future. The foundation has been laid, and the best may still be ahead.
Contact David at dorr@centenary.edu
Now into Week 4 of recovery from quadruple bypass surgery and I’m slowly getting some energy back. My appetite is also returning after losing close to 20 pounds. Quality, deep rem sleep is hard to come by, but the anxiety issues are getting better.
Enough about all that, let’s talk about things to do during the dog days of summer. While health wise, I’m still a few weeks away from dropping my boat in the water and getting back to serious fishing, now is a great time to head into my fishing man cave and reorganize, clean and respool a few reels for some good fall use.
After a busy spring tournament schedule my fishing man cave is a disaster. Bags of baits that should be on pegs are laying everywhere. I’ve got tackle boxes scattered all over the room that also need to be placed on a shelf.
Some of my crankbait boxes need to be gone through to consider certain baits that might need to be replaced. It’s also a great time to check the hooks and replace those old treble hooks with new ones. This is one area anglers can sometimes overlook until they lose a few fish, and it costs them a high finish.
Outside the fishing man cave, another thing anglers have to be conscious of this time of year, with temperatures reaching the mid to upper 90’s, is leaving soft plastic baits in your boat. Point being, high temperatures will melt soft plastic lures making not only a mess but costing you money.
Hopefully you’re fortunate enough to park your boat under a carport or inside your garage. But even in the garage, temperatures can reach extreme highs. I have a large fan that I run daily in my garage to help keep the temperature down.
If I know that I won’t be fishing for quite a while during those hot summer days, I’ll remove the soft plastic baits from my boat and store them in my air-conditioned fishing man cave.
After reorganizing the man cave, next I’ll take a look at the fishing reels that I have used most of the spring; clean each one as well as drop a little oil on the gears and moving parts. High dollar fishing reels only act like high dollar reels if you take good care of them.
Once your fishing man cave is in order, now is the time to get into your boat and clean it out. I take everything out of my boat so I can clean all the lockers. It’s also the time to take my spring tackle out and put my fall tackle in.
And while you’re at it, why not clean any major carpet stains? The best thing I have found to bring your boat carpet back to looking new is shaving crème. Take a small section at a time and apply the shaving crème then scrub with a soft brush or rag.
Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then rise with water and you’ll be amazed at how good your carpet will look. It’s also great for the new marine deck foam flooring that has become so popular.
These are just a few things to add to your summer to-do list in order to make sure you’re ready for some great fall fishing. ‘Til next time, stay cool and avoid the summer heat.
Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com
Walking through our preschool the other day, a little fellow proudly showed me his bandaid. He stuck out his arm like he was unveiling a medal of honor. I asked what happened. With the solemnity only a fouryearold can muster, he said, “I got a bobo.”
Case closed. Diagnosis made. Treatment applied. Healing underway.
Children are refreshingly honest about pain. If something hurts, they point to it. If they fall, they cry. If they get a scratch, they want a bandaid — preferably one with dinosaurs or superheroes, because everyone knows those heal faster.
Adults, on the other hand, become experts at hiding our wounds. We carry heart bobo’s — hurts no one can see. Disappointments we never voice. Grief we tuck behind a busy schedule. Regrets we bury so deeply we forget where we put them. Pain that we pretend isn’t there because we think grown-ups are supposed to “handle it.”
But the truth is, some of the deepest wounds don’t show up on the skin.
Isaiah wrote, “By his wounds we are healed.” That’s not poetic exaggeration — it’s the heart of the Gospel. Jesus didn’t just die for our sins in some abstract theological sense. He took on our pain, our brokenness, our hidden hurts, our heart bobo’s. The Son of God carried what we try so hard to conceal.
There’s pathos in that exchange — Christ taking our sin and sorrow, offering us freedom, and yet we humans often cling to the very things He died to release us from. It’s like walking around with a perfectly good bandaid in hand but refusing to peel off the backing.
King David prayed, “Put a new and right spirit within me.” That’s the grown-up version of holding out your wound and saying, “Lord, this is where it hurts.” It’s the courage to admit we need healing. It’s the humility to let God do what we cannot.
And here’s the soft humor of it all: If a preschooler can trust a bandaid to make a scraped elbow better, surely we can trust the Savior of the world to tend to our hearts.
So maybe today is a good day to stop pretending we’re fine. A good day to let go of what Christ has already carried. A good day to let the Healer do His healing.
After all, Jesus didn’t come to make bad people good. He came to make broken people whole. And that includes every one of us — heart bobo’s and all.
July 29 marks the anniversary of the death of Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh, whose life and work have become among the most recognized in art history.
Van Gogh died on July 29, 1890, at the age of 37, two days after suffering a gunshot wound in Auvers-sur-Oise, France. Although he created more than 2,000 works of art, including around 900 paintings, he sold very few during his lifetime and struggled financially while pursuing his passion for painting.
One of his most famous final works, Wheatfield with Crows, is often associated with the final weeks of his life. The painting’s dramatic sky and winding paths have led generations of art historians and viewers to interpret it as reflecting his emotional state, though scholars continue to debate its exact significance.
Van Gogh’s distinctive style, characterized by bold colors and expressive brushstrokes, later helped shape modern art. Today, masterpieces such as The Starry Night, Sunflowers and Irises attract millions of visitors to museums around the world and rank among the most recognizable paintings ever created.
Ironically, the artist who struggled to gain recognition during his lifetime is now considered one of history’s greatest painters, with some of his works selling for tens of millions of dollars at auction.
More than 135 years after his death, Vincent van Gogh’s legacy continues to inspire artists, historians and art lovers worldwide, making July 29 a day to remember one of history’s most influential creative figures.
BOM Bank is proud to support organizations that make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. As part of our second-quarter volunteer efforts, our North Louisiana market donated much-needed supplies to Arvad Ministries House of Grace NWLA, a Christ-centered home for young women ages 18–24. House of Grace provides a safe, supportive environment where each resident can focus on achieving important life goals—whether that’s earning a high school diploma, getting a first job, or learning to drive—without the burden of worrying about where their next meal will come from or where they’ll sleep. Pictured with the donated supplies is BOM’s Melinda Williams. We are honored to partner with organizations that bring hope, encouragement, and opportunity to the communities we serve.
Henryetta Walls Vanaman, 75, of Conway, Arkansas passed away on Tuesday, July 28,2026. She was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on July 19,1951, to parents Elizabeth Odell Williams Walls and Henry Newton Walls. She was preceded in death by her husband, James “Jim” Douglas Vanaman, both parents, and her sisters, Desmond Walls Allen and Betty Jo Pass Guest. Henryetta is survived by her son, James Douglas “Doug” Vanaman Jr. (Tammy), daughter, Amanda Elizabeth Lovette (Jim), grandchild Abbigale “Abbi” Elizabeth Vanaman and numerous other family members and dear friends. Throughout her life, Henryetta’s family moved several times, taking her from Louisiana to Arkansas, Mississippi, and Missouri but landing back in Arkansas for most of her life.
In 1967, she married the love of her life, James “Jim” Douglas Vanaman. They lived in Greenville, Mississippi, then North Little Rock, Arkansas before making Conway their home. She was the mom that was involved in every school event, a member of the PTO, and the mom that your friends loved to hang out with. From painting tiny, pewter figurines with Doug and supporting every musical endeavor, art and any other interest to shopping, traveling, and creating beautiful homes with Amanda. In 1996, Henryetta became a grandmother (affectionately referred to as “Hank”) and could not have been more excited about her new role. She shared her love of photography, books and reading with Abbi.
After many years of family life, Henryetta returned to school, then graduated Summa Cum Laude from UALR in 2000 with degrees in Art and English as a Donaghey Scholar. She was passionate about her art, creating in different mediums, from sculpting to painting; taking the opportunity to study French in Orleans. France was one of the great highlights of this time.
Her love of photography was well known, and few things made her happier than taking family photos. Posing for what seemed like forever as she clicked away to make sure she got at least a few good shots was a beloved family tradition.
In 2002, Henryetta joined the Murphy Foundation Programs in Literature and Language at Hendrix College and retired in 2021. During that time, she coordinated visits for scholars, writers and theatre directors, managed receptions, lunches and dinners, mentored countless interns and executed poetry readings. She did it all and did it well. Hendrix and the Murphy Program held a special place in her heart. She loved the community and the community loved her in return.
Anyone that ever-met Henryetta likely enjoyed a big Henryetta (or Hank) hug and we’re all going to miss those.
Visitation will be from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Wilcox Family Funeral Home.
Perry Michael “Mike” Orr, Jr., born September 3, 1971, passed away on July 23, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of skill, dedication, and cherished friendships. He is survived by his beloved wife, Susie Orr; his mother, Donna Herman; his brothers, Clint Orr (and his wife, Dinah) and David Herman (and his wife, Sarah); his grandmother, Virginia Lutterman (and husband, Gerald); his aunts and uncles, Nancy Ting, Jo Ann and Duke Jackson, Charlotte and Dewayne Stanley, and Ken Vowell; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
From an early age, Mike displayed an exceptional gift for understanding how things worked. Around age ten, he took apart his grandfather’s lawnmower engine piece by piece to see how it operated, then carefully reassembled it. This curiosity defined his remarkable career as a master mechanic whose expertise was recognized far beyond his home state. His step-father, Roy Herman, who owned an auto body shop, nurtured Mike’s early passion. Mike and his brothers, David and Clint, spent formative hours helping Roy, developing the skills that would guide their lives. The three brothers shared a solid bond, spending their teenage years riding three-wheelers through the woods, camping in Arkansas, and playing in creeks. This love of nature continued throughout their lives, especially during cherished visits to Two Mile Creek in Arkansas.
Mike’s skills were so valued that he was sent to other countries to train and teach fellow mechanics. For years, he worked for Enterprise Products maintaining large commercial diesel engines in the natural gas field, and also worked for Anadarko Petroleum, Louisiana CAT, and Saia Freight, where his meticulous craftsmanship earned him respect and admiration. At home in Haughton, Louisiana, Michael enjoyed working in his shop, petting his dog, Bree, and driving around in his golf cart. His unwavering love for his wife, Susie, was evident to everyone who knew them. When not devoted to his work, Michael found joy and peace at Two Mile Creek Ranch near Mena, Arkansas, where he built a community of dear friends. His generous spirit extended to all those around him.
Mike will be remembered for his love of picking up family and friends in his truck for drives filled with hysterical stories. A skilled storyteller, he kept everyone laughing and entertained. He was passionate about history and loved challenging people’s knowledge with questions, often rewarding those who answered correctly. His legacy lives on through his family and friends. Being a Christian, Mike is now in heaven with his beloved Papaw, Max Orr, his father, Perry Michael Orr Sr., and his step-dad, Roy Herman, and his good friend, Gene Cole, tinkering away and entertaining them with incredible but true stories.
Funeral services for Mike will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Dr., Shreveport, Louisiana. Burial will follow at Forest Park West Cemetery, 4000 Meriwether Rd. in Shreveport. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the start of the service. Officiating the service will be Pastor Tony Nations. The family requests that everyone wear casual attire.
Honoring Mike as pallbearers will be Clint Orr, David Herman, Joey Smith, Jimmy Dowdall, Mathew Dowdall, Justin Rodgers, Dal White, and Leagon Jackson.
Phonetic: /of·fi·cious/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition
volunteering one’s services where they are neither asked nor needed : meddlesome
officious people who are always ready to offer unasked advice
informal, unofficial
officious conversations between foreign ministers
Susan Renee Branch
November 18, 1948 – July 25, 2026
Service: Thursday, July 30, 2026, 10am at Calvary Baptist Church, Shreveport.
Rita Jean Williams Walton
February 19, 1931 — July 25, 2026
Service: Thursday, July 30, 2026, 11am at First Baptist Church, Keithville.
Virginia “Jenny” Lea Rich
August 28, 1984 — July 24, 2026
Service: Thursday, July 30, 2026, 10am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City.
Charles “Oscar” Kirkendall
August 3, 1945 — July 23, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 1, 2026, 2pm at Faith Community Church, Shreveport.
Perry Michael “Mike” Orr
September 3, 1971 — July 23, 2026
Service: Friday, July 31, 2026, 10am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home Southside, Shreveport.
Michael Stanley
May 18, 1960 — July 23, 2026
Service: Wednesday, July 29, 2026, 2pm at Aulds Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Edgar “Wiley” Eason
April 9, 1957 – July 22, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 1, 2026, 11am at Greater New Zion Baptist Church, Benton.
Shirley Lewis
September 10, 1942 – July 22, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 1, 2026, 1pm at Walnut Hill St. Mary Baptist Church, Shreveport.
Charles Edward Hicks
June 8, 1939 — July 21, 2026
Service: Wednesday, July 29, 2026, 10am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home Southside, Shreveport.
Dylan B. O’Neal
July 18, 2007 – July 20, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 1, 2026, 11am at New Elizabeth Baptist Church, Shreveport.
Ralph Gary Whitener
August 8, 1951 — July 20, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 8, 2026, 10:30am at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Shreveport.
Christopher “Chris” Daniel Pierce
January 19, 1985 — July 18, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 8, 2026, 10am at Open Range Fellowship, Greenwood.
Dianne Webb Mullin
September 18, 1934 – July 17, 2026
Service: Friday, July 31, 2026, 10:30am at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Shreveport.
Chuckie Brooks
November 6, 1968 — July 16, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 1, 2026, 11am at Winnfield Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Jairus Lee Keyes Sr.
September 6, 1953 – July 15, 2026
Service: Friday, July 31, 2026, 11am at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Marciel Spearman
September 14, 1953 – July 15, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 1, 2026, 1pm at Carver Memorial Cemetery, Shreveport.
Daisy Lee Swayzer-Anderson
June 11, 1935 — July 14, 2026
Service: Wednesday, July 29, 2026, 11am at Paradise Baptist Church, Shreveport.
Raymond Lee Wilson
September 3, 1938 — July 13, 2026
Service: Friday, July 31, 2026, 11am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City.
Rebecca Sue Wilson
December 30, 1941 — July 13, 2026
Service: Friday, July 31, 2026, 11am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City.
Antoinette Marie Ferlito Leone
April 20, 1948 — July 9, 2026
Service: Sunday, August 1, 2026, 4pm at Western Hills Baptist Church, Shreveport.
Thomas Nimmo
April 19, 1943 – July 9, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 8, 2026, 2pm at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Diana Kay Yarbrough
September 26, 1949 — June 16, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 8, 2026, 10am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City.
Janice LaRue Horton
June 15, 1942 – June 12, 2026
Service: Friday, August 28, 2026, 5pm at Osborn Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Momentum continues to build for one of Downtown Shreveport’s most anticipated redevelopment projects.
This week, the Downtown Shreveport Development Corporation (DSDC) hosted a welcome dinner at the historic Remington Suite Hotel & Spa for the Petro Tower Lofts development team as they spend the week in Shreveport finalizing plans ahead of the project’s anticipated construction.
The evening celebrated not only the progress of the redevelopment, but also the partnerships that have helped move the long-awaited project from vision to reality. Once complete, the approximately $30 million redevelopment will transform the long vacant Petroleum Tower into 117 market-rate apartment homes, dedicated tenant parking, ground-floor commercial space, and modern resident amenities, bringing new life to one of downtown’s most recognizable landmarks.
Earlier this year, representatives from the DDA traveled to Baton Rouge to support the project during the Louisiana State Bond Commission’s approval process. Along with the financing support provided by the Northwest Louisiana Finance Authority (NWLFA), these milestones have helped move the redevelopment into its final stages before construction.
During the evening, project leaders Naganat Guru and Nand Kumar expressed their appreciation to City of Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux, and DDA Executive Director Cedric B. Glover for their continued partnership throughout the redevelopment process and their leadership.
“This is an ideal building site for our investment. We are bringing an historic building back to life and this city is moving forward,” said Nand Kumar. “We like what we see in Shreveport — the cleanliness of downtown, the growth we’ve seen with investments from other companies like Amazon and others, and the support from local leadership, like the DDA and Mayor of Shreveport, who have been instrumental in getting this deal done.”
Naganat Guru added,
“This is the best example of a successful public-private partnership; it’s one that allows us to maximize the incentives offered from both a federal and state level and that does not come at great cost to a local community. We want the project to be profitable while doing something good for the city at the same time.”
Guests also heard remarks from Director Cedric B. Glover, Mayor Arceneaux, Shreveport City Council Chairwoman Tabatha Taylor, Councilman Gary Brooks, and DDA Board Chairman Drayden Dunn, each emphasizing the importance of the Petro Tower Lofts redevelopment as another transformational investment in Downtown Shreveport.
“Projects like Petro Tower Lofts demonstrate what can be accomplished when developers, community leaders, and public partners share a common vision for the future of downtown,” said Cedric B. Glover, Executive Director of the Downtown Development Authority. “This redevelopment represents far more than the restoration of a historic building – it reflects the continued confidence in Downtown Shreveport as a place to live, invest, and build for the future. We are excited to see this project moving into its next phase and look forward to construction getting underway.”
The celebration was made even more memorable thanks to two outstanding downtown destinations. Held inside the beautifully restored Remington Suite Hotel & Spa, the evening showcased the hospitality and character that define Downtown Shreveport. Guests enjoyed a dinner expertly prepared by Chef Jasmine Cherry and the talented team from Noble Savage, whose Southern-inspired menu perfectly complemented the occasion.
Together, these two downtown businesses helped create an evening that celebrated not only the progress of an important redevelopment project, but also the collaboration, investment, and momentum shaping the future of Downtown Shreveport.
As the Petro Tower Lofts project moves closer to construction, excitement continues to grow for the impact it will have on downtown’s residential population, commercial activity, and long-term revitalization. The redevelopment builds upon the strong foundation of Downtown Shreveport while creating new opportunities for people to live, work, invest, and experience our city center.
Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office D.A.R.E. Officers recently joined fellow D.A.R.E. instructors from across the state at the 35th Annual Louisiana D.A.R.E. Officers Association Training Conference, where they completed professional development and recertification training focused on continuing education, youth engagement, and strengthening the D.A.R.E. program.
Representing the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office were D.A.R.E. Coordinator Deputy Cedric Payne, Deputy Brandon Dunn, Deputy Mark Fortenberry, Deputy Marcus Hays, Deputy Ronald Crook, Deputy Sarah Laurent, Deputy Danny Soliz, Deputy Jeremy Johnston Deputy Roy Rawls, Deputy Jake Brown, Deputy Traneil Barnett, Deputy Colton Hunter, Deputy Anthony Hinderberger and Deputy Jonathan Schroeder.
During the conference, several Bossier Parish D.A.R.E. officers were recognized for their years of service to the program. Deputies Brandon Dunn, Mark Fortenberry, Marcus Hays, and Ronald Crook each received 3-Year Service Awards, Deputy Sarah Laurent was recognized for 5 years of service, and D.A.R.E. Coordinator Deputy Cedric Payne received a 10-Year Service Award.
Sheriff Whittington said, “The D.A.R.E. program continues to have a meaningful impact on the lives of young people throughout Bossier Parish. Our D.A.R.E. officers are committed to building positive relationships with students while providing valuable life lessons that extend far beyond the classroom. Continued training ensures they remain prepared to make a difference in the schools and communities they serve.”
In addition to completing the required training and recertification, Bossier Parish deputies represented the agency exceptionally well throughout the conference. D.A.R.E. Coordinator Deputy Cedric Payne earned first place in the Aim Small, Miss Small pistol competition, and the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office team, consisting of Deputy Cedric Payne, Deputy Marcus Hays, Deputy Danny Soliz, and Deputy Jonathan Schroeder, captured second place in the conference 3-on-3 basketball tournament. Payne was also recognized with the Best D.A.R.E. Truck award during the conference car show.
The conference concluded with another significant achievement as D.A.R.E. Coordinator Deputy Cedric Payne was sworn in as the Statewide Representative for the Louisiana D.A.R.E. Officers Association, where he will serve as a liaison and representative for D.A.R.E. officers throughout Louisiana.
The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office congratulates our D.A.R.E. officers on their accomplishments and thanks them for their continued commitment to educating, mentoring, and positively impacting the youth of Bossier Parish.
