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Rose Ella Courtney
July 16, 1954 – July 21, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 10am at New Bethel Baptist Church, Shreveport.

Gretchen Budemer Long
October 3, 1946 — July 20, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 10:30am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home Southside, Shreveport.

Rose Marie Eckenrode Clarke
March 27, 1939 — July 18, 2026
Service: Monday, July 27, 2026, 10am at St. Mary of the Pines Catholic Church, Shreveport.

Mary Alice Fogleman
March 20, 1938 — July 17, 2026
Service: Thursday, July 23, 2026, 9:30am at Forest Park West Cemetery, Shreveport.

Shajuadia Lee
June 26, 1965 – July 17, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 1pm at Good Samaritan Funeral Home, Shreveport.

James Johnson
July 18, 1935 – July 17, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 12pm at Greater New Zion Baptist Church, Benton.

Dianne Webb Mullin
September 18, 1934 – July 17, 2026
Service: Friday, July 31, 2026, 10:30am at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Shreveport.

Willie Boggs, Jr.
July 18, 1963 — July 16, 2026
Service: Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 2pm at Aulds Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Chuckie Brooks
November 6, 1968 — July 16, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 1, 2026, 11am at Winnfield Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Robyn Edwina Blackshire
February 7, 1997 – July 15, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 3pm at Good Samaritan Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Margie Louise Campbell
July 26, 1953 – July 15, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 11am at Oakland Cemetery, Sligo.

Aiden “Bubs” Castleman
April 27, 2007 — July 15, 2026
Service: Friday, July 24, 2026, 10am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City.

Katherine Ann Brown
October 11, 1950 – July 14, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 11aam at Jerusalem Baptist Church, Koran.

Franklin Galloway
March 7, 1962 – July 14, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 11am at Gospel Light Church, Shreveport.

Ella Jane Strong
April 23, 1949 — July 14, 2026
Service: Friday, July 24, 2026, 11:30am at Word Of God Ministries, Shreveport.

Daisy Lee Swayzer-Anderson
June 11, 1935 — July 14, 2026
Service: Wednesday, July 29, 2026, 11am at Paradise Baptist Church, Shreveport.

Danny R. Whitaker
April 17, 1970 — July 14, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 11am at Greater New Zion Full Gospel Baptist Church, Shreveport.

Gennie McAfee
February 21, 1937 — July 13, 2026
Service: Friday, July 24, 2026, 1pm at Midway Baptist Church No. 1, 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.

Joyce Woodard
January 28, 1956 – July 12, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 11am at Good Samaritan Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Gregory Huff
October 15, 1958 – July 9, 2026
Service: Thursday, July 23, 2026, 10:30am at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, Shreveport.

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.

Wanda Jean Reddick-Jenkins
January 3, 1950 — July 7, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 1pm at Winnfield 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.

Michael “Dusty” Callaway
August 12, 1979 – June 2, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 10am at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, Shreveport.

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The Shreveport-Caddo Financial Crimes Task Force has arrested Leigh Ann Rigsby following an investigation into the alleged theft of funds from Water Works Irrigation Incorporated.

Investigators learned Rigsby managed the company, which was owned by her ex-husband, from approximately August 2025 through April 2026. During that time, she allegedly created a similarly named business and diverted customer payments into accounts under her control.

Financial records showed that multiple checks intended for Water Works Irrigation Incorporated were deposited into Rigsby’s business account, including one check totaling $20,055.28.

Investigators also obtained evidence that customers were directed to send payments to a post office box associated with another business operated by Rigsby.

Rigsby was arrested for one count of Theft and booked into the Caddo Correctional Center on July 21, 2026. 

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A citizen tip led to the arrest of a wanted burglary suspect on July 20, 2026, according to the Shreveport Police Department.

Officers arrested Trevell Jackie Ray Tyler on active warrants connected to multiple property-crime investigations.

Police said a concerned citizen contacted law enforcement after seeing information on social media and reported that Tyler was at Ants Urban Lounge. Officers responded to the business, located Tyler and confirmed he was the wanted individual.

During the arrest, officers also discovered that Tyler was in possession of a stolen firearm. He was taken into custody without further incident and booked on the outstanding warrants, along with additional charges unrelated to the original investigations.

Tyler faces the following charges:

• Five counts of simple burglary
• Two counts of access device fraud
• One count of principal to access device fraud
• Resisting an officer
• Possession of a stolen firearm

The Shreveport Police Department said the arrest demonstrates how information shared with the public can generate valuable tips and help officers quickly locate wanted individuals.

The department thanked the citizen who recognized Tyler and contacted law enforcement.

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Hot and mostly dry conditions will continue across Caddo and Bossier parishes through early next week, with afternoon temperatures remaining in the mid to upper 90s and heat index values climbing above 100 degrees each day.

Wednesday will be sunny and hot with highs in the upper 90s. Northeast winds will range from 5 to 10 mph, and heat index values could reach 106 degrees during the afternoon. Wednesday night will be clear with lows in the mid 70s and northeast winds of 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday will be mostly sunny with highs in the mid 90s and northeast winds of 5 to 10 mph. Thursday night will be mostly clear with lows in the mid 70s.

Friday will be partly cloudy and hot with highs in the mid 90s. Friday night will be partly cloudy with lows in the upper 70s.

Saturday will remain partly cloudy and hot with highs in the mid 90s. Heat index values could reach 105 degrees during the afternoon. Saturday night will be partly cloudy with lows in the upper 70s.

Sunday’s forecast calls for mostly sunny skies and highs in the upper 90s. Afternoon heat index values could once again reach 105 degrees. Sunday night will be mostly clear with lows in the upper 70s.

The hot weather is expected to continue into Monday with mostly sunny skies and highs in the upper 90s. Heat index values could reach 105 degrees during the afternoon.

Residents are encouraged to stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, and take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses as the prolonged stretch of summer heat continues across northwest Louisiana.

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Troopers have made an arrest in connection with the fatal hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of 43-year-old Jerry Vest.

As a result of the investigation and through information obtained, Troopers identified the vehicle involved in the crash as a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe and determined that 71-year-old Miguel Angel Ceballos-Vasquez of Shreveport was the vehicle’s driver when it struck Vest.

On July 20, 2026, working in coordination with local, state, and federal authorities, Troopers located Ceballos-Vasquez and took him into custody without incident. Ceballos-Vasquez was transported to the Bossier Parish Maximum Security Jail, where he was processed on charges of felony hit-and-run driving and obstruction of justice. This investigation remains active and ongoing.

See below for the initial news release.

TROOP G NEWS RELEASE

June 21, 2026

Troopers Request Public Assistance in Bossier Parish Fatal Hit-and-Run Investigation

Bossier Parish – On June 20, 2026, at approximately 10:30 p.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop G responded to a fatal hit-and-run crash on Louisiana Highway 3 near Courtney Lane. The crash claimed the life of

43-year-old Jerry Vest, Jr. of Mooringsport.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Vest was walking south in the left lane on Louisiana Highway 3 when he was struck from behind by an unknown vehicle. Vest sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The unknown vehicle did not contact law enforcement and fled the scene in an unknown direction.

Impairment on the part of Vest is suspected. Standard toxicology samples were obtained and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Troopers are still working to identify the driver and vehicle involved. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Louisiana State Police Troop G at 318-741-7411. Information can also be reported anonymously through the Louisiana State Police online reporting system by visiting lsp.org and clicking on Report Suspicious or Criminal Activity, or calling the Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.

Louisiana State Troopers urge pedestrians to remain vigilant while walking near roadways. Taking simple precautions such as wearing light-colored clothing, keeping safe distances from travel lanes, and walking while facing oncoming traffic can greatly reduce the risk of pedestrian-related crashes. Additionally, drivers need to be aware of the consequences of hit-and-run driving. Those who commit the crime of felony hit-and-run driving resulting in death or serious bodily injury can face fines of up to five thousand dollars and up to ten years in prison.

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Bossier City Mayor Tommy Chandler hosted his monthly Mayor’s Prayer Luncheon, bringing together residents, community leaders, first responders, elected officials and local businesses for a time of faith and fellowship.

Chandler thanked Judge Jeff Cox for delivering a message during the luncheon and recognized Addalynn Allen for sharing a musical performance.

Chandler also thanked Sam Armenio for sponsoring this year’s luncheon and Lil Smokehouse BBQ for providing food for the event.

Chandler expressed appreciation to those who attended and helped make the event a success, noting the continued support, prayers and commitment of the community.

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Ivan Lake has received several recent improvements aimed at enhancing the experience for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts visiting the lake.

Located within the Bodcau Wildlife Management Area in Bossier Parish, the lake received upgrades from Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Division staff.

Recent renovations at the Ivan Lake Fishing Pier and surrounding areas included replacing damaged boards on all five fishing piers, stabilizing pier railings to improve safety, clearing and mulching bank fishing areas near the piers, erosion control work along sidewalks, maintenance of channel marker signs and drainage improvements to help protect the piers from future damage.

Ivan Lake underwent a complete renovation from 2006-2011, with fishing piers and channel markers installed in 2012. Fourteen years later, the improvements are intended to help the lake continue providing fishing opportunities for visitors each year.

Visitors are invited to enjoy the upgrades, whether fishing from the pier, fishing from the bank or enjoying the scenery.

Before visiting, users of the Bodcau Wildlife Management Area are required to have a WMA Access Permit and complete a Self-Clearing Permit.

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Man most recently walked on the moon December 14, 1972, the Apollo 17 mission.

Early 2028 is the current target for the mission of Artemis IV, NASA’s first crewed landing since the Apollo era ended.

In case you missed it, Monday marked the 57 years since Apollo 11 and man’s first steps on the moon, July 20, 1969. It was such a magnificent event that’s it difficult to believe we take it for granted now.

Probably because it’s been 57 years, and probably because we’ve all seen Apollo 13 a few dozen times.

To anyone younger than 60, Apollo 11 must seem like just another old movie you’ve intended forever to watch but haven’t … “Yeah, seems I heard something about that …”

The column below was written on the 25^th anniversary of those first lunar steps, a humongous, larger-than-large deal at the time. Do you remember where you were in 1969 — or in 1994?

Late on the night of the 25^th anniversary of Americans first walking on the moon, I walked into my back yard and looked at the moon, bright and nearly full in a clear sky, and I wondered:

If we can put a man on the moon, why can’t I drive from here to the Tyler zoo without having to stop and ask for directions?

The man in the moon would not answer this, and the stars were quiet.

But still I looked at the moon, alive, beaming, almost beating, the majesty of it all, and wondered:

Why am I so hungry all of a sudden? And why this craving for Tang?

Then I remembered I hadn’t eaten supper so I went inside and made some Frosted Flakes and ate them.

It’s hard to look at the moon and think on an empty stomach. I wondered if they ate Frosted Flakes on the moon while they drank Tang.

Relapsing into a serious space addiction came unexpectedly this week. I watched all the documentaries, all the specials, from Moon Shot to The Right Stuff, some two and three times.

Didn’t meant to; one came on early in the week, and I accidentally watched some of it and then was in orbit, a willing projectile into an atmosphere of wonder and nostalgia.

I am just now re-entering Earth’s gravitational pull.

It all started happening when I was 8 or 9. I had all the models: the command module, the lunar module, the service module, the Saturn 5 rocket.

The command and lunar modules would even hook to each other with a push and a twist.

I was a human Mission Control.

The model thing has been mentioned to other guys my age, but none have admitted owning them. I was ahead of my time — or weird. Probably just weird.

We watched the moon walk live that night in South Carolina: me, my parents, my two sisters. We watched on a black-and-white Sylvania, and the picture was more grainy than usual. The reception was always a gamble from the Florence TV station 44 miles west; made sense to my small, still developing brain that Tranquility Base was going to be a bigger challenge.

Was thrilled we could see anything at all.

I was sitting on the edge of a brown oval rug, my feet on the hardwood floor, six feet from the willing but outmatched 20-inch screen, and looked at the moonwalk, a man really and truly walking around up there in what looked like a form-fitting balloon, and wondered:

If we can put a man on the moon, why can’t we get our Impala two-door with us in it to Six Flags Over Georgia?

Such memories flooded back as I stood in my yard and looked at the night sky and at the same moon I’d looked at 25 years ago. Of the two of us, the moon was the one that hadn’t changed.

This magical moment was broken only when I turned to walk inside … then smelled something. My dog, a loyal former stray named Mr. Elfie Smith, looked at me.

That smell … My shoe.

The dog smiled. A satisfied, relieved smile.

That’s one giant leap backward for mankind.

The astronauts never had to worry about stepping in The Wrong Stuff. Did they?

IN THE LUNAR MODULE …

Aldrin: “Nice walk, Neil.”

Armstrong: “Thanks, Buzz. You too.”

Aldrin, (sniffing): “Hey, you smell something?”

Armstrong: “It smells like …” (checking the bottom of his astronaut moon boot) “AWWW, MANNN! Doggoneit! I’m sorry. Gee whiz …”

Aldrin, (fanning): “Uh, Mission Control, we’ve got a little problem here. Anybody got a paper towel? … Did we pack Lysol? Air freshener? … Gonna have an interesting sample for you …”

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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Things Got Heated at Riverdale Academy… But Not for the Reason You Think

Things got a little heated at a recent meeting at Riverdale Academy between current administrator Dr. Hunter Brown and former administrator Mr. Danny Rester, along with his wife, retired Caddo Parish school teacher Mrs. Valinda Rester.

But what would you expect? It was nearly 100 degrees outside, and no one had turned on the air conditioner in the teachers’ lounge before the meeting!

The good news? Once the room cooled down, everyone was all smiles.

In fact, we’re excited to announce that the Resters have officially joined the Riverdale Academy family for the upcoming school year. Mr. Rester will serve as our high school science and fine arts teacher, while Mrs. Rester will teach middle school English Language Arts, social studies, and health.

With their welcome addition, every Riverdale Academy faculty position has been filled, and we are looking forward to an outstanding school year.

Riverdale Academy is proud to be accredited by the Louisiana Department of Education, the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools, and Cognia, reflecting our commitment to providing a quality education in a nurturing environment.

For more than 50 years, Riverdale Academy has welcomed students from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures. Our student body has included Vietnamese Americans, Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Indian Americans, Caucasian Americans, and families representing Christian, Muslim, and Hindu faiths.

But here’s what matters most:

Our teachers don’t teach labels. They teach people.

Every student who walks through our doors is valued, encouraged, and challenged to reach his or her full potential.

As a small school, we believe one of our greatest strengths is the ability to know our students personally while continually expanding opportunities for them to grow. Along with a strong traditional academic program, students have opportunities to participate in:

• Basketball
• Softball
• Football
• Baseball
• Golf
• Track and field
• Tennis
• Fishing
• Cross-country

Students can also become involved in:

• Quiz Bowl
• Chess
• Robotics
• 4-H
• Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)
• Beta Club

And we’re not finished yet. We are continually exploring new programs, activities, and opportunities to help our students discover their interests, develop their talents, and prepare for the future.

If you’re looking for a school where students are known by name, challenged academically, encouraged spiritually, and supported every step of the way, we’d love to meet you.

For more information or to schedule a visit, please contact Dr. Hunter Brown at hbrown@riverdaleacademy.org or Mrs. Stacy Greer at sgreer@riverdaleacademy.org.

You can also visit www.riverdaleacademy.org or follow Riverdale Academy on Facebook to learn more about what makes our school a special place to learn, grow, and belong.

At Riverdale Academy, we don’t just educate students—we invest in people.

Riverdale Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or national origin.

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BATON ROUGE – You could hear him long before he walked in the Crowne Plaza Hotel ballroom just after lunchtime on Tuesday.

And then, there he was.

“How ya’ doin? Been lifting weights? You’re looking good.”

That sandpaper voice.

“Hey podnah, guess we’ll see you in the playoffs this season.”

The thick Cajun accent.

“Great to see you, man.”

Ed Orgeron, surrounded at the Louisiana High School Coaches’ Association’s annual clinic as he entered the room to lecture about LSU’s pass rush techniques, was back among his people doing what he does best.

Working the room with his infectious personality. Making everyone feel like they were his long-lost friend. Nobody was a stranger, as noted by Orgeron’s post-speech receiving line of at least 50 coaches who wanted a word with him or a selfie.

It took the former LSU head football coach – hired in December 2016, feted in 2019 as the national Coach of the Year after the 16-0 Tigers won the national championship and fired in 2021 – 10 minutes to navigate 140 feet from the ballroom door to the front of the room so he could start his animated demonstration.

Every few feet, there was a handshake. A hand on a shoulder. Always ending with a smile and a laugh.

Anybody with a shred of sanity or pride wonders why a man who was paid almost a $17 million buyout two years after arguably coaching the greatest team in college football history would want to return to  the place that dumped him?

Because you can take the boy out of the bayou, but you can’t take the bayou out of the boy. Ed Orgeron loves football, LSU, his home state and its people.

And he respects new Tigers’ head coach Lane Kiffin enough to work for him a third time.

It was no surprise that former Ole Miss head coach Kiffin, who coached as an assistant with Orgeron on Southern Cal’s staff from 2001 to 2004, and then as head coach hired him at Tennessee in 2009 and again at Southern Cal from 2010 to 2013, created a position for him.

“It just took awhile to find the right role,” said Orgeron, who’s starting his third month as the Tigers’ special assistant to recruiting and defense.

The job is tailor-made for Orgeron, who turns 65 on Monday. Few human beings ever have been a better college football recruiter than him. And as a pupil of Pete Jenkins, the Obi Wan Kenobi of defensive line coaches for 6½ decades, Orgeron remains one of the finest defensive line technicians nationally.

His salary of $100,000 on an eight-month contract is tip money compared to his past LSU head coaching haul of $9 million annually. Surely, his new office is basically a broom closet compared to the expansive head coaching digs he enjoyed.

Unpretentious Coach O doesn’t care about the perception. He’s returned to his roots – recruiting teenagers, going to the practice field and getting in the trenches with them and developing them into young adults with viable futures.

One of them – former LSU linebacker Andre Anthony — was in the clinic audience. Signed by Orgeron in 2017, he fought through injuries in a five-year career good enough to get chosen by Tampa Bay in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL draft.

Though he never played in a regular season game that season – the Bucs quickly waived him, and he spent the year on the Chicago Bears practice squad — Anthony turned to coaching.

Last season in his first year as a high school head coach for Kenner-based Bonnabel, his squad overcame a 1-3 start to capture the program’s first winning season since 2012, first district championship since 1998, and first playoff win since 1997.

Anthony was clearly thrilled to see Orgeron again in LSU coaching paraphernalia.

“You can see his passion,” said Anthony after Orgeron’s enthusiastic 50-minute clinic. “It’s why I went to LSU. After he left, I thought he’d be back in coaching after five months. He loves it.”

Orgeron and his new wife Brandy spent most of his four seasons away from the game living on Miami Beach in a 37th-floor condo overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

It seemed like paradise.

Collecting buyout checks. Working out all day. Tanning at the beach. Drinks at beach bars. Visits to two of his sons who were analysts for Miami’s program, and to another son who’s a Tulane analyst.

Yes, maybe a June 2025 Louisiana Supreme Court ruling awarding Orgeron’s previous wife Kelly $8.13 million of his LSU buyout pushed his return to coaching.

But more than anything, he was bored. And in a predominantly Cuban population, he felt like he had docked his pirogue in Havana.

“My name could have been Raoul Ortega down there. . .they didn’t give a sh–,” he told the clinic crowd, which roared with laughter. “I’m not complaining. But after a while, the beach is the beach, right?

“And I really missed Louisiana.”

So, he and the new missus moved back into his University Club digs at the start of this year. It wasn’t long after social media pictures of Orgeron tutoring five-star LSU freshman defensive line signee Richard Anderson that Kiffin called with a job offer.

“I’ll be there in five minutes,” Orgeron said.

Orgeron will tell you he wasn’t a great head coach. But he knew how to recruit. He understood how to motivate.

And when he pushed the right buttons – persuading future 2019 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Joe Burrow to transfer to LSU from Ohio State in the summer of 2018 and adding playcalling whiz Joe Brady the next season – he understood his role on the Tigers’ ride to the national title.

“My job in 2019 was if the (team) bus left at 2:30, I got on the bus, and I looked for Joe (Burrow),” he said. “If Joe was on the bus, the bus would leave. If Joe wasn’t on the bus, the bus wasn’t leaving.

“When I got to the stadium, I said, `Hey Joe, throw the ball to Ja’Marr (Chase). If you ain’t, throw it to Justin (Jefferson). That’d be great, baby.’ ”

When Orgeron was Ole Miss’ head coach from 2005 to 2007, his biggest downfall was micromanaging. At LSU, the magic disappeared in 2020 and 2021 (when the Tigers were a combined 11-11 overall, 8-10) because he made a string of bad coordinator hires and trusted them too much.

Thanks to NIL and the transfer portal, the role of college football head coach has changed drastically while Orgeron was away from the game.

When LSU opens preseason camp in about two weeks, the Tigers will have 59 new players (43 transfer portal buys and 16 high school signees).

“It’s a new day and age,” Orgeron said. “How are we going to get all these (portal) guys together?

“Believe me, Coach Kiffin is an expert on it. He’s got this thing figured out. He’s built a phenomenal culture within six months he’s been here.

“Everything is ‘Yessir.’ Every day is `I’m gonna practice like a Tiger.’ Nobody misses a workout. Nobody’s late. Everybody works extra.”

Orgeron isn’t exactly clear on what his on-field duties will entail this fall. But he knows where he’ll be on Sept. 19 when Tigers play at Ole Miss following nine months of sniping between the schools and the fan bases after LSU’s money-whipped heist of Kiffin and his entire offensive staff.

“Getting off that bus at Ole Miss. . .wooo, that’s gonna be funnn bay-bee,” he said with a huge laugh.

Contact Ron at ronhigginsmedia@gmail.com

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By JASON PUGH, Northwestern State Associate AD for Media Relations

HOUSTON – As Northwestern State’s contingent went through the paces at Tuesday’s Southland Conference Opening Drive football media event, it was clear the trio representing the Demons were comfortable.

That itself is fitting as the program enters its third season under head coach Blaine McCorkle.

“We’ve had a lot of birthdays since we last played,” McCorkle said. “We are a year older. The majority of our team is back. One of the things I’m the most proud of in our program in the first three years – two years in a row – we’ve had the fewest and second-fewest players going into the (transfer) portal from the Southland Conference. We had the fewest in our first year, and we were second last year. Southeastern had 11, and we had 13.”

McCorkle was joined by graduate running back Myion Hicks and graduate linebacker Danny Sears during the two-day event at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston.

Both Sears and Hicks were voted team captains by their teammates with Sears earning the honor for the second straight year.

“It means everything,” said Sears, who started all 12 games a season ago and ranked fourth on the team with 52 tackles. “I have my teammates’ trust, and I know I can’t let them down being captain, and I won’t. Whether that comes from holding them accountable or them holding me accountable, I’ll put my hand up and say, ‘That’s on me.’”

Hicks enters his second season with the Demons after his first full offseason with the program.

A graduate transfer from Furman a season ago, Hicks led Northwestern in rushing with 311 yards a season ago. In addition to focusing on becoming a more well-rounded back, Hicks reiterated the importance of being named a team captain.

“It’s an honor, but being a captain is not just a title, it’s a responsibility,” Hicks said. “It comes with the way you carry yourself, hold yourself to a standard, hold the guys and the rest of the team to a standard. It’s not just something to take lightly. Danny and I are really honored to be captains, and we’re going to hold our guys to the accountability we feel they should have.”

While Tuesday’s event was a chance for the pair to step a little bit out of their comfort zone, it also brought a little more realism to the 2026 season, which begins Aug. 27 with a home matchup against Louisiana Christian.

“It’s always a fun thing to come to, to see the other players and coaches from the other schools,” McCorkle said. “You know it’s getting close. When the (Southland) commissioner (Chris Grant) got up a little while ago to kick it off, he said, ‘Happy New Year.’ That’s what it is in our world – this is when the year starts. It’s an exciting time, and it will be here before you know it.”

Contact Jason at pughj@nsula.edu

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By PATRICK MEEHAN, Centenary Assistant AD for Strategic Communications

As the Centenary sports year approaches, I sat down with second-year Gents’  head basketball coach J.A. Anglin this week to discuss a variety of summer topics.

It was just over a year ago that Anglin moved across the Red River from Bossier Parish Community College to take over Gents’ basketball.

Who can we expect to see on your roster for this upcoming season?

“With 12 members of our team returning, we were able to retain most of our roster from last season. Although our group went through quite a bit of bumps and bruises throughout the season, we believe they all gained valuable experience. Ryan Spears and Me’Khai Taylor got healthy after the Christmas break. Ashton Savoie gave us great minutes after he finished the football season. They provided us more depth going into the final stages of the season.

“Jaden Braden, Kane Broussard, and Bryce Evans were thrown into the fire as true first-year players. They had to learn on the fly and by the end of the season they were playing like sophomores. Nick Addison and Dee (Dontarius) Coleman gave our team some production. They all learned what the SCAC is really about. We will be looking for all of them to provide more consistency and leadership for our incoming class.

“Donnie Haney and Jordan Williams will be joining us this season after gaining experience at the junior college level. Our staff has put together our first recruiting class and we are excited about our talented first-year players from Louisiana and Texas. We feel the recruiting class addresses our issues of depth and rebounding from last season.”

How has this summer/preseason been different than the last one?

“It has been nice to have a summer at Centenary! I am now a year and a week into the job. My assistants and I have been able to get on the road and recruit this summer in Louisiana and Texas. In terms of recruiting, we will be working ahead instead of playing catch-up.

“The day-to-day operations have been a lot smoother as well. We are not scrambling to put together games for next season. The gear for next season has been ordered. We are much more organized than we were at this point last summer.”

With time to be strategic about building your schedule, what will it do to prepare the Gents for Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference competition?

“We have put together a competitive non-conference schedule, one that we think will prepare us for conference play in the SCAC. Home and home games with Belhaven, Millsaps, and ETBU will give us a good gage of where we are as a team going into SCAC play. Belhaven is coming off an NCAA Tournament appearance last season. Millsaps was very competitive after their coach’s first season there. ETBU gave us two tough games last season and we expect the same this season. The two NCAA Division I exhibition opponents, ULM and Lamar, will be great experiences for our program.”

Another summer activity is hosting camps. You’ve gotten to do that more this summer; how did it go?

“We had a great camp season on campus with the local youth. A lot of our players were able to come back to campus and work the camps. It is something we are looking forward to growing in the future.”

LOOKING AHEAD:  The 2026-27 Centenary Athletics year officially begins on Tuesday, Sept. 1 as the women’s soccer team faces Belhaven in a non-conference match at Atkins Field at 6 o’clock.

Two days later, the Gents take the pitch at home to face Schreiner University at 7 o’clock. On Saturday, Sept. 5, Ladies soccer plays Louisiana Christian University at 11 a.m. at Atkins Field, and that evening the football team faces Westgate Christian University at 6 p.m. to begin its season.

Football tickets are available for purchase online now: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/la/shreveport/organization/69826/centenary-college-of/tickets

NO cash sales will be available. Centenary students, faculty & staff are allowed into every home event FREE with a valid Centenary ID.

See the complete 2026-27 home composite schedule here: https://www.gocentenary.com/composite

Contact Patrick at pmeehan@centenary.edu

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If I have learned nothing else over my many years of tournament bass fishing, it’s the fact that it’s a young man’s sport. Being young has its privileges, especially when it comes to energy levels and mobility. At the age of 65, I no longer hop around the boat like a rat on crack. 

Now I’m a little more cautious in making sure I don’t hang a toe getting up on the front deck of my Caymas boat.  I’m just trying to maintain my balance and make sure that I don’t fall in the lake! 

I’ve also noticed that the older I have gotten, the further it seems to be from the driver’s seat console to the front of my boat. Just putting the trolling motor in the water also requires a little more energy now, even with high-tech lift-assist-systems that trolling motors have today. 

Even tying on a new lure can be a challenge as I need my reading glasses just to see what I’m doing. Threading fishing line through the eye of a hook requires skill that used to be automatic; now it’s an adventure and a test of my patience! 

One aspect that today’s young anglers seem to do a better job of is covering water and fishing as many places as they can in a day’s time. Older guys tend to stay in one area longer and fish it thoroughly just because we don’t want to take the time or exert the energy to move. 

I have also noticed the younger generation of today are not very likely to offer much help for the older guys who might be launching their boats by themselves. 

This was something I was always conscious of during my younger days. If I saw an older gentleman trying to launch his boat by himself, I always offered a helping hand. I think it’s just the way my generation was raised, to always be looking out for the elderly.

Even today, and now that I’m the older guy at the ramp, I’ll still offer ANY angler assistance. It’s just good manners.

In today’s tournament world, I find myself trying to stay in better shape just so I can compete with these young guns. To compete on any tournament trail, you must spend time on the water. 

A good angler will practice 8-10 hours a day in the boat trying to locate as many schools of bass as he can. It’s not uncommon for the really good anglers to practice from sunup to sundown. Again, nothing will make you a better angler than time on the water! 

These are the anglers who will not only cash more checks but will also be holding up the trophy at the end of the tournament. You cannot compete in today’s bass fishing world by taking shortcuts or only fishing for a few hours a day, no matter how good you think you are. 

Another issue at my age is that some days, fishing is literally a grind and a test of your patience. The bass don’t always bite all day long and there are only a few small windows of opportunity where the bass will feed. If you’re not on the water, you will miss those opportunities. 

There will be some days that you will ask yourself, “Why am I out here?”  But these are the days that will separate the good anglers from the average ones. The good anglers will stay on the lake and make every attempt to figure out how to make the fish bite. 

This is called persistence and determination, which can go a long way in having tournament success. It’s also called focus, which I find is a lot harder to maintain as I’ve gotten older. Focus ensures that you don’t miss those windows of opportunity when you get that unexpected bite. 

One thing that has not changed, even at the age of 65, is my desire to compete. I’m still that same competitive soul who gets so much joy in a high finish and beating the younger generation. We’ve all heard, age is just a number. That’s true until you reach what you think is that age …then reality sets in.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Willie Ray Boggs Jr., who passed away on July 16, 2026, at the age of 62.

Willie Boggs was born on July 18, 1963, in Shreveport, Louisiana. Willie lived a life defined by love, kindness, hard work and dedication to his family and friends. He touched the lives of many through his generosity, wisdom and unwavering support for those around him. Throughout his life, Willie was known for his 20 years in Testament Construction, his handyman work, and took great pride in fishing, making birdhouses, crosses, helping others and shooting pool. Whether spending time with family and friends, enjoying the grandbabies and great-grandbabies, or lending a helping hand to someone in need, he left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. Willie had several friends and cousins who looked up to him for guidance.

Above all, Willie cherished his family. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Bridget Boggs; his children: April Moseley, her husband Chris and their children; Rainey Broadway, her husband Jake and their children Eloise and Stella; Jordan Young, his girlfriend Angel and Jordan’s son, Jordan Jr.; Delaney Malone and her boyfriend Kenneth; and Betty Nicole Williams, her husband Chris and their son, Chris’shaun.

Willie also had three stepchildren: Samantha Butcher, her husband James and their son Killian; Chasidy Gentry, her husband Jamie and their daughters Lilly and Grace; and Dalton Kuhn, his only stepson.

Also left to cherish his memory are his sisters, Kim Boggs and her children, and Glenda Briceno and her children; and his brothers, David Wyndon and his children, and Billy Johnson and his children.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Ray Boggs Sr. and Ola Glennis Johnston; his sister, Tonie Renea Tanner; his brother, Roger Dale Boggs; his great-grandbaby, Georgia Dale Broadway; and his ex-wife, Barbara Boggs.

Though hearts are heavy, his family finds comfort in the memories they shared and the legacy of love, strength and compassion he leaves behind. His guidance, laughter and gentle spirit will be deeply missed. He always kept his faith in the Lord and will be forever remembered.

Services will be held Wednesday, July 22, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Aulds Funeral Home, 7849 East Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71115.

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John “Scotty” Wade, the son of U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. (Ret.) and Mrs. Ernest Wade, both now deceased, passed away at the age of 72 in Alexandria, Louisiana.

Due to his father’s military service, Scotty Wade, a native of Shreveport, Louisiana, lived in many states, including spending more than 50 years in Warner Robins, Georgia.

While in Warner Robins, Scotty enjoyed bowling with his friends from Happy Hour, participating in Special Olympic Games and traveling throughout the state. Wherever he went, he always had a big smile and brought smiles to those around him. He never met a stranger, only a friend he had not yet met.

Survivors include his brother, Paul C. Wade of Louisiana, and two nephews, Jason C. Wade of Louisiana and Samuel T. Wade of Colorado.

Scotty passed away on Christmas Day 2025, but due to veteran and family interment delays, a graveside service at Arlington National Cemetery is scheduled for July 31, 2026, at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Happy Hour Services at happyhourservicecenter.org. Donors are asked to reference “Scotty” in the comments.

The service will be held Friday, July 31, at Arlington National Cemetery, 1 Memorial Ave., Arlington, VA 22211, from 2 to 2:30 p.m. (Central time).

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July 22 marks one of the most famous days in American crime history.

On July 22, 1934, notorious bank robber John Dillinger was shot and killed by federal agents outside the Biograph Theater in Chicago after leaving a movie. His death ended one of the nation’s most highly publicized manhunts during the Great Depression.

Dillinger became one of America’s most infamous outlaws after a string of bank robberies, jail escapes and confrontations with law enforcement across the Midwest. Newspapers closely followed his crimes, turning him into a household name at a time when many Americans were struggling through economic hardship.

Federal authorities tracked Dillinger to the theater after receiving information from an informant. As he exited the building, agents attempted to arrest him. When he tried to flee, he was shot and killed.

The event marked a significant moment in the history of federal law enforcement. The pursuit of Dillinger helped elevate the public profile of what would become the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) under Director J. Edgar Hoover and led to increased attention on interstate crime-fighting efforts.

More than 90 years later, Dillinger’s story continues to be the subject of books, documentaries and films, making July 22 a notable date in American history.

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Phonetic: /gar·​ru·​lous/

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition

tending to talk a lot : very talkative

He became more garrulous after drinking a couple of beers.

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Play Sudoku online!

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Mary Luellen Snow Holmes
October 4, 1952 — July 18, 2026
Service: Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 1:30pm at Rose-Neath Cemetery, Bossier City.

Mary Alice Fogleman
March 20, 1938 — July 17, 2026
Service: Thursday, July 23, 2026, 9:30am at Forest Park West Cemetery, Shreveport.

Shajuadia Lee
June 26, 1965 – July 17, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 1pm at Good Samaritan Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Dianne Webb Mullin
September 18, 1934 – July 17, 2026
Service: Friday, July 31, 2026, 10:30am at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Shreveport.

Willie Boggs, Jr.
July 18, 1963 — July 16, 2026
Service: Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 2pm at Aulds Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Chuckie Brooks
November 6, 1968 — July 16, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 1, 2026, 11am at Winnfield Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Nan Pons Ferguson
December 26, 1938 – July 16, 2026
Service: Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 2pm at Osborn Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Robyn Edwina Blackshire
February 7, 1997 – July 15, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 3pm at Good Samaritan Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Aiden “Bubs” Castleman
April 27, 2007 — July 15, 2026
Service: Friday, July 24, 2026, 10am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City.

Franklin Galloway
March 7, 1962 – July 14, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 11am at Gospel Light Church, 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.

Joyce Woodard
January 28, 1956 – July 12, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 11am at Good Samaritan Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Gregory Huff
October 15, 1958 – July 9, 2026
Service: Thursday, July 23, 2026, 10:30am at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, Shreveport.

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.

Wanda Jean Reddick-Jenkins
January 3, 1950 — July 7, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 1pm at Winnfield 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.

Michael “Dusty” Callaway
August 12, 1979 – June 2, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 10am at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, Shreveport.

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The Shreveport Police Department reported that officers arrested a man after recovering a concealed AK-9 semiautomatic handgun near a school.

According to the department, members of the Violent Crimes Abatement Team were conducting investigative follow-ups on July 16, 2026, when they observed Dalvin Hall Jr. walking in the 700 block of West 63rd Street along the northern boundary of the Caddo Career and Technology Center.

Officers noticed a visible bulge near Hall’s waist and contacted him. Hall admitted he had a firearm concealed inside his shorts. Officers recovered an AK-9 semiautomatic handgun and ammunition.

Hall was taken into custody and charged with negligent carrying of a handgun and possession of a firearm in a firearm-free zone.

The Shreveport Police Department said it supports the Second Amendment and the rights of responsible, law-abiding gun owners but noted that officers must investigate situations involving concealed firearms, particularly near schools.

The department said officers recognized that something was not right, took immediate action and safely removed a dangerous weapon from an area near a school. It added that the officers’ proactive policing may have prevented another violent crime in the city.

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The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office marked several career milestones this morning during a ceremony at the Sheriff’s Command Center in Plain Dealing.

Sheriff Julian Whittington administered the Oath of Affirmation to Deputies Preston Emerson, Ryan German, Zach Hawkins, and Stone Smith, officially welcoming them to the agency. The four deputies will begin their service assigned to one of the Sheriff’s Office correctional facilities.

The ceremony also recognized Dispatcher Rebecca Koglin, who was promoted to Supervisor within the Communications Division and will serve as a shift supervisor.

Sheriff Whittington said, “Whether beginning a career or advancing to a new leadership role, each of these individuals has demonstrated a commitment to serving others. We are proud to recognize their achievements and look forward to their continued success.”

Please join us in congratulating our newest deputies and Supervisor Koglin as they begin the next chapter of their careers with the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office.

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