The Bossier-Shreveport region has been named one of the 2026 Great American Defense Communities in the nation, recognizing the region’s longstanding commitment to supporting Airmen, military families and veterans.

Bossier City and Shreveport officials joined community, business and military leaders at the Highland Jazz & Blues Festival in Columbia Park to celebrate the recognition.

The Great American Defense Community flag was presented during Saturday’s festival, bringing together the communities of Bossier City and Shreveport to celebrate the people and partnerships that support the region’s military community.

The recognition reflects the involvement of civic leaders, businesses, residents and military families in supporting those who serve.

Bossier City celebrated Barksdale Air Force Base and the men and women who call Northwest Louisiana home.

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Bossier High School has been designated a Louisiana Purple Star School, recognizing its support for military-connected students and their families.

Dr. Ernise Singleton from the Louisiana Department of Education visited the campus to present the official banner to Principal Dr. Billy Neill.

Earning the designation requires meeting high standards of support for military-connected students and their families.

The Bossier Chamber of Commerce also named Bossier High a Military Champion and presented the school with a $250 award.

Bossier High is the 29th Purple Star School in Bossier Parish. Bossier Schools serves more than 3,200 military families.

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Two Killed in Double 18-Wheeler Crash on I-20 Near Pines Road
Shreveport Police Department, Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office

The Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office has identified the two men killed in a double 18-wheeler collision on Interstate 20 eastbound between Bert Kouns Industrial Loop and Pines Road on Friday afternoon, Sept. 18. Bobby G. Conner II, 66, of Huntsville, Texas, and Diego L. Gonzalez-Sanchez, 29, both died at the scene. A westbound 18-wheeler left the roadway, crossed the center median, and was struck by an eastbound semi-truck. AirLife airlifted one victim to the hospital, but both men were pronounced dead. Bystanders who happened to be nurses stopped to render aid before emergency crews arrived. The investigation is ongoing.

Bossier City Proposes Tapping Reserves to Balance $85.8M Operating Budget
Bossier City Council, Bossier City Finance Department

Bossier City is asking its City Council to approve a proposed 2027 general fund budget of $85.8 million — a 3.7 percent increase over 2026 — that would require drawing approximately $1.9 million from reserves to cover a projected revenue shortfall. The city anticipates collecting $83.9 million in revenues from sales taxes, property taxes, fees, and other sources, leaving the gap to be covered by existing fund balance. City reserves would decrease from $65.5 million to $63.6 million under the proposal — still well above the roughly $12 million required by city policy. About half of the increase in spending is attributed to public safety, with police and fire budgets projected to increase by $3.3 million. No new personnel are being added. Brookshire Grocery Arena is expected to post an operating deficit of $350,000 in 2027. Insurance premiums are projected to rise 31 percent, adding nearly $1.5 million in new costs. The City Council’s budget workshop is scheduled for this afternoon following its 3 p.m. regular meeting.

Caddo Parish Commission Proclaims September 25 as Dolly Parton Day
Caddo Parish Commission

The Caddo Parish Commission has officially proclaimed September 25, 2026 as Dolly Parton Day in Caddo Parish, recognizing Parton’s decades-long commitment to childhood literacy through her Imagination Library program, which mails free books monthly to enrolled children from birth through age five. Caddo Parish families can enroll children at imaginationlibrary.com.

Shreveport City Council Launches Neighborhood Leadership Institute
Shreveport City Council

The Office of the Shreveport City Council held its inaugural Neighborhood Leadership Institute Saturday at Airport Park Community Center, bringing together residents from across the city to learn how local government works and how neighborhoods can more effectively engage with city services and elected officials. The one-day program is designed to give community leaders insight into city operations, budgeting, and how to advocate for their neighborhoods.

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The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office welcomed 13 new members to the BSO team during a swearing-in ceremony held in the Training Room at the Bossier Sheriff’s Criminal Operations Building.

Bossier Sheriff Julian Whittington administered the Oath of Affirmation as the new employees officially began their service with the department.

Joining the BSO team are Dalton Eastland, Westin Green, Josh Miller, Shay Owens and Zach Wilkes as non-POST deputies; Landon Irby and Mat Holloway as POST-certified deputies; BJ Patterson and Jaylan Witty as corrections officers; Haley Reichenbach as a dispatcher; Chuck Glasgow as a maintenance employee; Courtney Olson as a Corrections LPN; and Tommy Souter, rehired as a part-time Courthouse Security Deputy.

Each person brings a unique role and skill set to the organization, with a commitment to being part of a team dedicated to serving the residents of Bossier Parish.

Sheriff Whittington welcomed the new employees and encouraged them as they begin their careers with the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office continues to seek individuals interested in joining its team and serving their community. Those interested in career opportunities with BSO can contact the Human Resources Department at (318) 965-3459.

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The Caddo Commons in downtown Shreveport rang with the clash of steel and cheers of spectators as the knights of the Haughton Hussars and Shreveport’s chapter of Historic European Martial Arts (HEMA) fought in a tournament demonstrating Medieval combat on Sept. 20.

Members of both organizations fight at full speed with actual steel swords with dull edges and armor. The HEMA members practice a style resembling modern fencing while the Hussars’ style is closer to the actual combat of the era. They also employ melee weapons such as maces. It is quite a show!

The tournament was sponsored by the Shreveport Regional Arts Council (SRAC) as one of a series of events held throughout the year at the Caddo Commons. The eclectic series has featured everything from opera to big band music as well as events such as Sunday’s tournament. Every event sponsored at the Caddo Commons by the SRAC is family friendly and free of cost.

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Week 4 of the Shreveport-Bossier Journal’s annual High School Football Pick ’Em contest is underway, giving local fans another chance to test their gridiron knowledge and win cash.

Each week, the contest features 10 selected matchups highlighting Bossier and Caddo high schools and marquee regional games. The second round of competition concludes Friday, Sept. 25, so make your selections before kickoff to get in the game.

Each weekly winner will take home $100 and be featured with a photo in the Journal.

Participants can submit their picks online through the SBJ platform throughout the season to see who truly reigns as the top football prognosticator in Bossier and Caddo Parishes.

Contest Rules & Details

• Anyone is eligible to participate for free, and each week’s winning participant will win a $100 prize. Each week, the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 10 selected high school football games. Ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two designated weekly contests. The picker with the closest score, without going over, is the winner. All decisions by Management/SBJ are final. The contest can be modified and/or cancelled without notice to the public.
  
  The only persons not eligible to participate are the publisher, the publisher’s immediate family, and regular content contributors to the Journal as determined by Management/SBJ.
  
• There is no entry fee. All contest decisions by Journal management are final. Weekly winners will be notified on Mondays and must agree to have their photo published in the Journal.
  
• Every participant receives a free subscription to the Journal, delivered directly to their inbox daily at 6:55 a.m.

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Caddo Parish 4-H welcomed Alexis Bearden to its team Sept. 15. Bearden joined fellow agent Mary O’Neal and 4-H program assistant Sandra Brumley.

Bearden is a former 4-H member and adult volunteer and a graduate of Louisiana Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science in Livestock Production.

After graduating from Louisiana Tech, Bearden wanted to make an impact on youth in the 4-H program because of the lasting impact growing up in 4-H had on her. 4-H provided her with the foundation and knowledge to help her achieve her degree and contributed to her determination to further her education.

Outside of work, Bearden enjoys photography, outdoor activities and thrift store shopping.

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By RON HIGGINS, Journal Sports

BATON ROUGE – There have been losses in Lane Kiffin’s 15 seasons as a college head football coach he couldn’t explain.

Like two years ago in Tiger Stadium when Kiffin’s 9^th ranked one-loss Ole Miss Rebels fell to 13^th ranked LSU 29-26 in overtime.

Ole Miss held the lead until LSU’s final two snaps, a game-tying Garrett Nussmeier to Aaron Anderson 23-yard TD pass with 27 seconds left in regulation followed by Nussmeier’s game-winning 25-yard scoring strike to Kyren Lacy on the Tigers’ first offensive snap in overtime.

“This was like our game. . .we had the game and let it slip away,” Kiffin said afterwards. This one will be hard. It will be around forever.”

Last Saturday, with the Nike on the other foot in first-year LSU head coach Kiffin’s first game against the Rebels, he and his team again had difficulty afterwards (especially after watching the game film) swallowing a 32-24 loss in an early season battle of unbeaten top 10 teams.

“There’s some games you just get outplayed, out coached, and you go, ‘OK,  back to the drawing board,’” Kiffin said at his Monday press conference as the now No. 10 ranked Tigers prepare to move on and host No. 23 Texas A&M on Saturday in Tiger Stadium. “But that one (the Ole Miss loss), they (his team) really struggled with this morning.

“After breaking down the film, they really feel like after seeing it that they lost the game in so many situations.”

In the most critical plays that decide a game – usually no more than five or six – LSU failed because of missed assignments.

Like settling on a game-tying field goal early in the fourth quarter after failing to score a TD because of a missed block.

“We have a toss to the running back that’s going to walk in the end zone,” Kiffin said. “The tight end doesn’t block the defensive end. Still made five yards, but it’s going to be a walk into the end zone. Those are the ones you struggle with because those are four-point plays a lot of time. Miss the (blocking) assignment down there and get a field goal instead of a touchdown.”

Or like LSU first-year starting quarterback Sam Leavitt’s unfortunate tunnel vision in the Tigers’ red zone costing his team valuable points.

“The last two times we go inside the five (yard line),” Kiffin said, “there’s two guys open in the end zone for touchdowns, and we get three combined points.”

Or LSU’s defense taking a poor pursuit angle on Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss’ game-winning 14-yard TD around left end as he sprinted untouched into the end zone.

“We have to do a really good job beating the (Ole Miss) tight end on it,” Kiffin said. “It’s not even a run that the quarterback pulls the ball on. It’s not even a zone read and he goes and scores.”

The dreadful feeling of the Tigers’ losing a winnable game has been exacerbated with the loss of a key starter on both sides.

Deshawn Spears, who played the STAR position defensively (a hybrid linebacker/defensive back) sustained a season-ending ACL knee tear against the Rebels.

When Spears was hurt, sophomore CJ Jimcoily and redshirt freshman Jhase Thomas both played in Spears’ absence.

Also, the loss of All-SEC first-team preseason tight end Trey’Dez Green with an undetermined leg injury is a huge blow to LSU’s offense. Green has been the Tigers’ safety valve receiver for the last two seasons.  He had 14 catches for 222 yards and a TD this season before getting hurt making a 19-yard catch and run on the second play of the fourth quarter at Ole Miss.

Tight ends Zach Grace, Malachi Thomas and Roman Mothershed filled Green’s vacancy. None of that trio has Green’s experience (11 LSU starts), his size (6-7, 237) or his athletic ability.

GAME 4

No. 10 LSU (2-1 overall, 0-1 SEC) vs. No. 23 Texas A&M (2-1, 0-1 SEC), Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, Saturday, 6:30 p.m. (ABC)

Last game for Aggies: Lost at home 31-21 to Kentucky. The Wildcats’ defense limited A&M quarterback Marcel Reed to 26 of 49 passing for 236 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions.

Series record and last meeting: LSU leads 36-24-3. Last season in Baton Rouge, the Tigers led 17-14 at the half but the Aggies’ 35-7 second half scoring blitz resulted in a 49-25 blowout by the visitors leading to the firing of LSU head coach Brian Kelly the next day.

Texas A&M head coach: Mike Elko (37-17 in five seasons overall and 21-8 in three seasons at A&M).

THIS AND THAT

Early betting line: LSU by 8½

Betting tip: The over is 8-2 (including five straight) including in the last 10 LSU-TAMU games.

Number of Louisiana natives on Texas A&M roster: 2

Number of Texas natives on LSU roster: 7

Number of transfers on the Texas A&M roster from 4-year schools: 30 players from 22 schools (including three from LSU).

TEXAS A&M PLAYERS TO WATCH

QB Marcel Reed (62 of 104 for 632 passing yards, 6 TDs, 3 interceptions, 117 rushing yards and 1 TD on 62 carries), RB Rueben Owens (186 rushing yards and 1 TD on 41 carries), WR Mario Craver (19 catches for 194 receiving yards and 1 TD) WR Isaiah Horton (12 catches for 120 receiving yards and 3 TDs), DE Marco Jones (8 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble), DE T.J. Searcy (14 tackles, 2½ FL, 1 sack, 1 PBU, 2 QB hurries), PK David Olano 3 of 3 FG, 15 of 15 PATs), P Tyler White (8 for 48.4 ypk, 1 touchback, 1 fair catch, 4 inside the 20, 4 50 yards plus)

DID YOU KNOW. . .

Former Texas A&M running back John David Crow was the first Louisiana-born native to win the Heisman Trophy. A native of Marion who graduated from Springhill High, the late Crow won the 1957 Heisman.

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By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

CAMPTI — Players want to play. At Magnolia School of Excellence, nearly all of the Mariners play almost every play.

All 15 dressed out strode onto the field at Lakeview last Friday night hoping – no, believing —  they could do what their opponents did a week earlier and end the state’s second-longest losing streak.

They didn’t. Although they had chances into the second half, the Mariners lost for the 21^st consecutive game, 46-14. Lakeview won at home for the first time since 2023, and as a bonus, posted a homecoming triumph to follow its 35-0 Week 2 victory at Plain Dealing.

But Magnolia coaches and players rode home rather encouraged. For the first time in three games, they didn’t play with a running clock trailing by at least 40 points. They also scored for the first time – and staged a goalline stand.

So for the first time in the Shreveport-Bossier Journal’s five seasons, our Team of the Week didn’t celebrate a victory last weekend. Instead, the Mariners showed a ton of moxie and unabashedly set their sights on succeeding on the scoreboard this Friday night in their homecoming game.

“We’re going to come back,” said senior Lemont Anderson, a 205-pounder who wore two jerseys – Number 10 so he could play fullback, quarterback, tight end, or receiver, and on top of it, Number 70, in case he had to play center, which he did most of the night, along with defensive end.

“Next year, we can win. I won’t be playing, but they’ve got it,” he said. “Next week, we can win. We’ve got Beekman Charter on our homecoming week, and I need that one — and Senior Night, also.”

The approach is basic, said freshman Jadarien Peterson, who scored both Magnolia touchdowns on long returns in the kicking game — an 80-yard punt runback in the second quarter and with just under a quarter to go, a 78-yarder with a kickoff that kept the Mariners in range at 26-14.

“Hard work pays off. We’ve got to keep going,” he said. “Don’t stop. Don’t let nothing hold you down, at all.”

Nothing.

Not when your head coach, Kelly Yancey, is back despite two heart attacks last month, resulting in two stents put in just over a week before the Sept. 4 season opener at Class 5A Dutchtown.

“It just shows his dedication,” said Anderson. “We were worried, when we found out, and he was fresh out of surgery, and he wanted to come out and coach. We said, ‘no, you’re not.  Stay in that hospital bed.’”

He didn’t for very long. Friday night, Yancey was back for his second game, and wasn’t casually coaching. Even as the outcome was no longer in doubt in the closing minutes, he gave the officiating crew an earful a couple minutes after admonishing a hefty, very weary lineman who had sat down on the sideline.

“He’s never given up, ever,” said Anderson, in his third year on the team. “He keeps fighting. We keep fighting.”

On every snap, every kickoff. The ball went into play nearly 130 times Friday night. Anderson was off the field once, because he rolled his ankle. He couldn’t shake hands afterward because his right arm was banged up.

Peterson, a defensive back and receiver who might be 140 pounds, was also out there for all but one play. The four reserves were all linemen, so when a back was shaken up, one of them had to line up at fullback for a snap.

With a threadbare and fluid roster, there’s a steady flow of adjustments on the fly by coaches and players.

“We’re going to plug ‘em where we need them, try to get the most out of them, and constantly remind them it’s all about the team,” said Yancey. “We line up and try to go bust heads, and respect the guys across from us. We’re setting a culture, and that’s really hard with a team that’s been losing. But it’s about the team, and being winners not only on the field, but in the classroom and in life.”

Anderson proudly lifted his Number 70 jersey to show his Number 10 underneath.

“That’s what I started the game with, but we didn’t have a center (due to a concussion), and I had to do what I had to do,” he explained.

“Since I’ve been here, we ain’t won since, and I decided this year, I’m going to do whatever it takes to win. Truth be told, I’ve played every position – quarterback, running back, tight end, defensive end, linebacker, safety and now center. I’ll do anything we need.”

He recognizes progress when few others would.

“I can see today, it’s paying off, it’s working. I feel like we’re going to break that losing streak. We had little mistakes tonight. We’re tired. Once we get our stamina up, and get a few more people out here, we’ll be able to come out with wins. This was a very winnable game, and we got tired. That’s the only reason we lost.”

A two-point conversion run by Khali Davis after Peterson’s first TD tied the game at 8, thanks to a goalline stand that began at the 1 and ended with a blocked field goal, and an interception by Davis at Lakeview’s 20. A score four minutes before halftime gave Lakeview an unsteady lead. Yancey and his staff liked much of what they saw the rest of the way.

“Being in the game, seeing how they reacted to getting knocked down … getting back up ready to go.  We’ve got a proud 15 today, and I’ll take that 15 anywhere, to Calvary, to Homer,” said the coach. “Those 15 are gonna fight, I know that, and that’s what we want.

“We’re teaching them to have good character, be strong, and to bounce back. These young men are the same way in the hallway – respecting their teachers, respecting the administration, and mainly respecting the people in their households.”

Although they aren’t a polished product, the Mariners aren’t without talent, and they’re certainly not lacking guts. Anderson, who said he hates losing more than he likes winning, explained what makes him most proud.

“My guys, they’re out here trying their hardest, and I appreciate that,” he said. “I love that.”

That’s a triumph no matter what’s on the scoreboard. All who boarded the yellow dog back to Shreveport share a bond …

“It’s Mariners on three, and family on six,” said Anderson. “We’re always going to be like that.”

… and a belief.

“It’s gonna happen, sometime,” said Yancey.

“Bet,” said Peterson.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

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JOURNAL SPORTS

While power points determine state playoff qualification in LHSAA sports, district play has value, and it starts this week for 10 of the 19 local football teams.

District championships don’t add to the LHSAA power point rankings but the prestige of winning a title is obvious, and each win along the way bolsters the power point total.

There are three District 1-5A games this week:  Parkway at Huntington, Captain Shreve at unbeaten Haughton and Benton at Evangel. Last week’s Evangel win over Huntington was not one of the six designated 1-5A contests this season.

In District 1-4A, Minden comes to Bossier, North DeSoto travels to meet Woodlawn, and Booker T. Washington squares off with Southwood.

A couple of games pit teams that are no longer in the same district.  Loyola dropped down to Class 3A and will visit longtime District 1-4A rival Northwood.  Calvary goes to Farmerville to play Union Parish, which is winless with a new coaching staff against a challenging early schedule.

Two 1-5A teams continue their demanding non-district schedules with appealing matchups. Texas power Pleasant Grove visits to play Byrd, and Airline hosts Franklin Parish, ranked sixth in Class 4A.

The Week 4 schedule for Shreveport-Bossier high schools:

THURSDAY’S GAMES

Parkway (2-1) at Huntington (0-3), Independence Stadium

North DeSoto (3-0) vs. Woodlawn (0-3), Leonard C. Barnes Stadium

Minden (3-0) at Bossier (1-2), Memorial Stadium

FRIDAY’S GAMES

Captain Shreve (2-1) at Haughton (3-0), Dak Prescott Field

Benton (2-1) at Evangel (1-2), Rodney Duron Field

Franklin Parish (2-1) at Airline (3-0), M.D. Ray Field

Pleasant Grove, Tex., (4-0) at Byrd (0-3), Lee Hedges Stadium

Loyola (2-1) at Northwood (1-2), Jerry Burton Stadium

Booker T. Washington (2-1) at Southwood (0-3), Independence Stadium

Calvary (3-0) at Union Parish (0-3)

Green Oaks (3-0) at Red River (0-3)

Plain Dealing (0-3) at North Caddo (0-2), Johnny Prudhomme Stadium

Beekman Charter (2-1) at Magnolia School of Excellence (0-3)

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JOURNAL SPORTS

Blowout wins kept Calvary and Loyola in this week’s Louisiana Sports Writers Association top 10 polls but no other Shreveport-Bossier teams are getting any voting support.

The Cavaliers crushed Grant’s Cougars 57-13 last Friday, while the Flyers rolled 48-12 over St. Edmund’s Blue Jays.

Calvary remains No. 1 in the Class 2A poll while Loyola stayed at No. 8 in Class 3A. Two teams above the Flyers lost but didn’t fall far — previous No. 1 St. Charles (10-7 OT loss to Class 5A Holy Cross) and previous No. 3 Jena (28-12 loss to 4A No. 1 Westgate).

Only 16 of the 50 ranked teams in this week’s top 10 polls are from the 318 area code.

Eleven sports media members in the LSWA are polled weekly to compile the rankings.

Class 5A

School (1^st place votes), record, poll points, last week’s ranking

1. Karr (10), 3-0, 131, 2

2. Ruston, 2-1, 115,1

3. Alexandria, 3-0, 109, 3

4. St. Augustine, 3-0, 104, 4

5. John Curtis, 2-1, 782 6

6. Archbishop Rummel, 3-0, 80, 7

7. Acadiana, 3-0, 45, 8

8. Brother Martin, 3-0,  47, 9

9. Catholic-Baton Rouge, 1-2, 45, 5

10. Jesuit, 3-0, 22, Not ranked

Others receiving votes: St. Thomas More 15, Central 13, West Monroe 8, Ouachita 7, Mandeville 5, Barbe 3, Thibodaux 3.

Class 4A

1. Westgate (9), 3-0, 129, 1

2. North DeSoto (1), 3-0, 114, 3

3. Neville (1), 2-1, 104, 4

4. Archbishop Shaw, 2-1, 99, 2

5. Lake Charles Prep, 3-0, 91, 5

6. Franklin Parish, 2-1, 76, 7

7. Madison Prep, 1-2, 62, 6

8. John F. Kennedy, 2-1, 46, NR

9. Belle Chasse, 3-0, 36, NR

10. Cecilia, 2-1, 29, 8

Others receiving votes:  Plaquemine 27, Salmen 19, Lafayette Renaissance 7, Franklinton 3, Opelousas 3, Carencro 2, Teurlings Catholic 2, E.D. White 1

Class 3A

1. St. James (9), 3-0, 130, 2

2. St. Charles (2), 2-1, 118, 1

3. Sterlington, 2-1, 104, 4

4. Jena, 2-1, 96, 3

5. University, 1-2, 83, 6

6. Iowa, 1-2, 81, 5

7. Jewel Sumner, 2-1, 64, 7

8. Loyola, 2-1, 55, 8

9. Marksville, 3-0, 42, 9

10. Eunice, 3-0, 30, NR

Others receiving votes: Vandebilt Catholic 23, Carroll 13, Iota 4, Northwest 3, De La Salle 2, West Feliciana 1.

Class 2A

1, Calvary Baptist (9), 3-0, 130, 1

2, Dunham (2), 2-1, 120, 2

3. Notre Dame, 3-0, 113, 3

4. Mangham, 2-1, 96, 4

5. Amite, 3-0, 67, 7

6. Lafayette Christian Academy, 2-1, 55, 5

7. Oak Grove, 1-2, 53, 6

8. Catholic-New Iberia, 2-1, 51, 9

9. Mansfield, 3-0, 48, 10

10. Newman, 2-1, 27, NR

Others receiving votes: Kinder 25, Loreauville 19, West St. Mary 7, Covenant Christian 7, Country Day 4, Lake Arthur 2.

Class 1A

1. Ouachita Christian (6), 3-0, 127, 1

2. Riverside Academy (4), 3-0, 125, 2

3. Ascension Catholic, 3-0, 110, 3

4. Jeanerette, 3-0, 96, 4

5. Haynesville, 2-1, 84, 5

6. Logansport, 3-0, 72, 6

7. Southern Lab, 2-0, 65, 7

8. Kentwood, 3-0, 63, 8

9. Westminster-Lafayette, 3-0, 40, 9

10. Cedar Creek, 3-0, 35, NR

Others receiving votes: East Feliciana 20, South Plaquemines 13, Lincoln Prep 11, Westminster-Opelousas 3, Catholic-Pointe Coupee 1, St. Edmund 1.

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JOURNAL SPORTS

This week’s Independence Bowl 50th Anniversary All-Time Team reveal makes it back-to-back players from the 1999 Oklahoma Sooners.

Last week’s selection as the 13^th-ranked performer in I-Bowl history was Sooners quarterback Josh Heupel. This week’s OU star is College Football Hall of Fame safety Roy Williams making the list at number 12.

Williams, who was a redshirt freshman in 1999, started for the Sooners in the 1999 Independence Bowl. He collected six solo tackles, one tackle-for-loss and one pass breakup.

Like the Oklahoma program as a whole, Williams built off the 1999 season and Independence Bowl appearance and propelled his game to the next level. He was yet again a starter in 2000 and helped lead the Sooners to a BCS National Championship and an undefeated season. He set the Oklahoma defensive back record for TFL in a season with 12, and he was named first-team All-Big 12.

Williams’ 2001 season, his junior year, was his finest in Norman. Among the long list of awards he won are the Bronko Nagurski Trophy – awarded to the top defensive player in the country – and the Jim Thorpe Award as the best defensive back in the nation. He was also named a unanimous All-American and the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. 

Williams was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2022 – alongside fellow Independence Bowl alum Kevin Faulk (LSU – 1995 and 1997) and Gary Pinkel (Missouri – 2003, 2005 and 2011).

After forgoing his senior year in Norman, Williams was selected eighth overall in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, and he quickly became known as one of the league’s hardest-hitting safeties. Williams brought back two pick-sixes in his rookie season in 2002, tying the Cowboys’ single-season record for interceptions returned for touchdowns. He finished as the runner-up for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and made the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team.

The 2003 season was the best of Williams’ pro career, as he made his lone appearance on the All-Pro team – a first-team nod – and was named to the Pro Bowl for the first of five consecutive times. His stellar season helped lead Dallas to the NFL’s top-ranked defense and to their first playoff appearance since 1999. 

Williams ended up playing nine seasons in the NFL – seven seasons for the Cowboys and two for the Cincinnati Bengals. Over his NFL career, he compiled 471 solo tackles, 601 total tackles, 20 interceptions, 58 pass deflections, nine forced fumbles, 11 fumble recoveries, 24 TFL, 7.5 sacks, and three touchdowns. He made the Pro Bowl every year between 2003 and 2007.

The next player on the Independence Bowl’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team, No. 11, will be released next Monday, September 28. Players will be unveiled individually every week, with No. 1 being announced on Monday, December 7.

The previously announced players chosen for the Independence Bowl’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team (with position, school and years played in the I-Bowl):

No. 13 – Josh Heupel (QB, Oklahoma, 1999); No. 14 – Art Monk (WR, Syracuse, 1979); No. 15 – Von Miller (OLB, Texas A&M, 2009); No. 16 — Wesley Walls (DE/TE, Ole Miss, 1986); No. 17 – Joe Morris (RB, Syracuse, 1979); No. 18 – Ray Childress (DT, Texas A&M, 1981); No. 19 – Sidney Rice (WR, South Carolina, 2005);

No. 20 – Brad Smith (QB, Missouri, 2003 and 2005); No. 21 – Derrick Mason (WR, Michigan State, 1995); No. 22 – Garrison Hearst (RB,  Georgia, 1991); No. 23 – Jacob Rodriguez (LB, Texas Tech, 2023); No. 24 – Tim Krumrie (NG, Wisconsin, 1982); No. 25 – Muhsin Muhammad (WR, Michigan State, 1995); No. 26 – Ja’Mar Toombs (RB, Texas A&M, 2000); No. 27 – Otis Wilson (LB, Louisville, 1977); No. 28 – A.J. Green (WR, Georgia, 2009); No. 29 – Rocky Calmus (LB – Oklahoma, 1999); No. 30 – Flozell Adams (OT – Michigan State, 1995);

No. 31 – Willie Blade (DT, Mississippi State, 2000); No. 32 – Scott Thomas (S, Air Force, 1983 & 1984); No. 33 – Chad Hennings (DT, Air Force, 1984); No. 34 — Dameyune Craig (QB, Auburn, 1996); No. 35 – Geno Atkins (DT,  Georgia, 2009); No. 36 – Rondell Mealey (RB, LSU, 1997); No. 37 – Rolando McClain (LB, Alabama, 2007); No. 38 – Weldon Brown (CB, Louisiana Tech, 2008); No. 39 – Andre Smith (OT, Alabama, 2006 & 2007; No. 40 – Tiki Barber (RB, Virginia, 1994);

No. 41 – Puka Nacua (WR, BYU, 2021); No. 42 – Gary Kubiak (QB; Texas A&M, 1981); No. 43 — Seneca Wallace (QB, Iowa State, 2001); No. 44 – Todd McClure (C, LSU, 1995 & 1997); No. 45 – Gary Anderson (K, Syracuse, 1979); No. 46 – Booger McFarland (LB, LSU, 1995 & 1997); No. 47 – Tremaine Edmunds (LB – Virginia Tech, 2015); No. 48 – Bill Musgrave (QB – Oregon, 1989); No. 49 – Larry Anderson (DB – Louisiana Tech, 1977); No. 50 – Lorenza Baker (LB – Louisiana Tech, 1990).

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I met a sentence the other day that has been bothering me—in a good way.

“God, the master of time, never gives the future.”

Read that again. Did your mind immediately go to the future? Mine did.

I have plans for today. Plans for tomorrow. Appointments, meetings, deadlines, things I need to remember, and several things I have already forgotten. All of them are carefully placed on my calendar. Notice the possessive pronoun.

My calendar.

That is how we talk, as though we own Tuesday. We look at a little square on a screen three weeks from now and say, “I have something that day.”

Maybe.

As we say in the South, “The Lord willing and the creek don’t rise.”

Calendars are good things. Planning is responsible. But putting something on a calendar does not mean we possess the day. God has given us this moment. The next one remains in his hands. One of the hardest skills in life is learning to be fully present in the moment we have. We have two favorite ways of avoiding it.

The first is the past.

We call them “the good old days.” The funny thing about the good old days is that when we were living through them, we complained about them too. Personally, I vote for the late 1970s—but only after the leisure suit phase. There are some things even nostalgia cannot redeem.

We remember our younger years as simpler times, conveniently forgetting that we were younger, considerably less wise, and occasionally wearing polyester. Sometimes we look backward because we regret mistakes. Sometimes because we miss people. Sometimes because we realize we were standing in a wonderful moment and didn’t recognize how wonderful it was until it was gone.

Our other escape route is the future. We worry about everything we have to do. We stare at our calendar and wonder who put all that stuff on there, conveniently ignoring the fact that most of the appointments were made by us.

Or we are waiting for something wonderful.

At one point, I was looking ahead to the possibility of praying the invocation at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony. That was exciting. So there I was, supposedly contemplating the spiritual discipline of living in the present while simultaneously thinking about the 1970s, imagining a future event, examining my calendar—and receiving texts from church staff reminding me of a couple of things I needed to do. I was apparently fully present in about four different decades at once.

It was a busy moment. And now it is gone. That may be the spiritual lesson.

The only moment in which you can love somebody is this one. The only moment in which you can pray is this one. The only moment in which you can notice grace is this one. The only moment in which you can actually live is this one.

We remember the past. We prepare wisely for the future. But we receive life from God now.

So try something. For the next two minutes, be completely present. Don’t revisit yesterday. Don’t rehearse tomorrow. Don’t check your phone. Don’t mentally reorganize your calendar. Just be here.

Now.

If you make it the full two minutes, congratulations. You may already be more spiritually mature than I am. If you don’t, notice which direction your mind traveled.

Did you go backward or forward?

I have a theory that I can come pretty close to guessing your age by which direction you went. When we’re young, we keep asking, “What’s next?” As we get older, we increasingly ask, “Remember when? “Faith may teach us to ask a different question:

“God, what are you doing right here?”

Because God, the master of time, has not given us tomorrow.

But he has given us this moment.

And this moment is enough.

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United Way of Northwest Louisiana (UWNWLA) will kick off its Year of Dolly on Friday, September 25, with a community-wide celebration honoring Dolly Parton’s life, legacy and lifelong commitment to children and literacy.

The community celebration continues to build throughout September, leading up to Dolly Day on September 25. The lead-up includes Caddo Parish’s September 17 recognition of Dolly Parton’s legacy and the Robinson Film Center’s Remembering Dolly Book Drive, taking place September 4–30. On September 25, community members can celebrate with a special Dolly Smoothie at two local Smoothie King locations, attend a special screening of 9 to 5 at Robinson Film Center, and gather at the Bakowski Bridge of Lights as it shines pink in honor of Dolly’s life and legacy.

Caddo Parish to Recognize September 25 as Dolly Parton’s Day

As part of the celebration, Caddo Parish will dedicate September 25 as Dolly Parton’s Day, recognizing Parton’s extraordinary contributions to music, philanthropy, literacy and communities around the world.

The local recognition reflects the lasting impact of Parton’s work and the role her Imagination Library continues to play in Northwest Louisiana, where more than 7000 children receive a free, age-appropriate book delivered to their homes each month.

Community Partners Join the Celebration

Dolly Day will extend beyond a single event, with local businesses and organizations joining United Way in celebrating Parton’s legacy.

On September 25, Smoothie King locations on Texas Street and Mansfield Road will offer a special signature Dolly Smoothie for the day, giving community members another way to participate in the celebration while supporting the spirit of Dolly Day.

Through September 30, Robinson Film Center is hosting the Remembering Dolly Book Drive, inviting community members to donate new children’s books in honor of Dolly Parton’s love of reading. The donated books will be distributed to students at four local schools: J. S. Clark, Magnolia Charter School, Caddo Heights Math/Science Elementary School, and Atkins Elementary, helping expand access to reading opportunities for children right here at home. While Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library provides enrolled children with a new, age-appropriate book each month, the book drive offers another way to support literacy and share the joy of reading with local students.

Special 9 to 5 Screening to Highlight Dolly Day

The centerpiece of Dolly Day will be a special community screening of 9 to 5 at Robinson Film Center on Friday, September 25.

The evening will begin with a cocktail hour and light hors d’oeuvres at 5 p.m., followed by the movie at 6 p.m. The event will also include a special announcement following the screening.

Registration is required because seating is limited, and the screening is nearly sold out. Community members are encouraged to register today.

Registration: 9 to 5 Movie Screening

Donations will also be accepted in support of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – Book Club, helping sustain the program in Northwest Louisiana and carry Dolly’s legacy forward through the gift of books.

Support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library:
Donate to the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – Book Club

Dolly’s Legacy Shines Across the Texas Street Bridge

Following the screening, community members will head to the Bakowski Bridge of Lights on Texas Street, which will be illuminated in pinkin honor of Dolly Parton’s life and legacy.

The lighting will serve as a visual reminder of the impact Dolly made through her generosity and commitment to helping children dream, learn and grow. The Bakowski Bridge of Lights has confirmed the pink lighting for September 25 in celebration of Dolly and her Imagination Library.

Dolly Day Kicks Off a Year of Carrying Dolly’s Legacy Forward

Dolly Day will officially launch United Way of Northwest Louisiana’s Year of Dolly, a year-long effort to honor Parton by continuing the work she cared so deeply about — putting books into the hands of children and creating opportunities for them to dream big.

The celebration will continue throughout the year, including at Day of Caring, United Way of Northwest Louisiana’s largest annual volunteer event. Additional opportunities to honor Dolly and support local children through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will be announced throughout the Year of Dolly.

Today, more than 7,000 children across Northwest Louisiana are enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and receive a new book each month. Community support helps sustain the local program and ensures children throughout the region can continue experiencing the joy of receiving a book of their very own.

“Dolly gave so much to children and families through her love of books, imagination and community,” said LaToria W. Thomas, CEO of United Way of Northwest Louisiana. “Our Year of Dolly is about honoring that legacy by continuing to invest in the children right here at home. Dolly showed us what it means to give generously, dream boldly and make a difference in the lives of others. We are excited to bring our community together to celebrate her and carry that spirit forward.”

More information about upcoming opportunities to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and participate in United Way of Northwest Louisiana’s Year of Dolly will be shared throughout the year.

About United Way of Northwest Louisiana

United Way of Northwest Louisiana mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. True to our founding spirit, whenever there is a need in our region, United Way is there. We bring a comprehensive approach to every challenge—actively listening and responding to local needs. Our reach across ten parishes means we can share innovations and scale impact to improve lives throughout Northwest Louisiana. From strengthening local resilience to advancing healthy community, youth opportunity, and financial security, we’re working toward a future where every person in every community can reach their full potential.

To learn more, visit unitedwaynwla.org.

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Hans Riegel was born in Bonn, Germany, in 1893.  After completing primary school, he began an apprenticeship as a confectioner, a candymaker.  During World War I, Hans fought for the Germans.  After the war, he returned to candy making and was hired by the Heinen confectionery company in Kessenich.  On December 13, 1920, Hans left the Heinen company and founded his own candy company.  His capital for his new venture included one sack of sugar, a marble slab, a chopper, a masonry stove, a copper kettle, and a roller.  It was a small operation compared to what he was used to at the Heinen company.  Working out of his small home at Bergstraße 37 in Bonn, Hans was only able to make about 110 pounds of hard candy per day.  As soon as a batch was ready to sell, Hans’s wife Gertrude loaded the candy into a basket on her bicycle and hand-delivered the sweets to customers.  Business was not growing as quickly as Hans had hoped.  He knew he needed a unique product to bring in funds to allow him to expand his business.  But what? 

Hans’s target demographic was children, so he thought back to the things that made him happy as a child.  In the late 1800s and early 1900s, showmen brought captive bears into towns to perform for passersby who would give them coins.  The bears were street performers.  The bears walked upright and performed numerous tricks, but the one the children enjoyed most, according to the number of coins taken in, was when the bears would dance as the showmen kept a beat on the tambourine.  They were called Tanzbären, or dancing bears.  In 1922, Hans used his fond memories to mold his candy into the shape of a dancing bear.  Hans shaped his bears with four outstretched limbs so they could sit upright or could stand on all four paws.  Children often played with the bears before eating them.  Hans created an edible toy.             

Sales of the dancing bears quickly exceeded Hans’s expectations.  By 1923, Gertrude could no longer keep up with demand on her bicycle, so Hans purchased the company’s first delivery automobile.  Hans’s candy went on sale in nearby shops and gradually expanded outward.  By 1930, Hans’s candy was available throughout Germany.  By 1933, Hans employed 400 people.  Production stopped during World War II due to the lack of supplies.  Hans died in March 1945, six months before the war ended.  Following the war, Gertrude managed operations until two of her sons, Hans Jr. and Paul Riegel, took over management of the company.  They built the company into a worldwide enterprise who employs about 8,500 workers in 16 factories in 11 countries who make more than 1,000 different sweet treats.  Their top seller is still the product Hans designed after the dancing bears that he remembered from his childhood.  Earlier I said Hans produced hard candy, but the dancing bears were something altogether different.  You may not have heard the word Tanzbären, but it is likely that you or someone you know has enjoyed Haribo’s gummy bears.

 Sources:

1.     “Hans Riegel,” Kessenichy ist Kult, accessed September 13, 2026, https://www.kessenich-ist-kult.de/kessenich-herz-des-bonner-suedens/personen-der-geschichte/hans-riegel/.

2.     “Haribo – About Us,” Haribo.com, accessed September 13, 2026, https://www.haribo.com/en-us/about-us/history.

© 2026 Brad Dison. All rights reserved. Remember This? is distributed for licensed publication only.

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Edward Luteen Rooker was born on March 11, 1955, in Hammond, Indiana. He passed away on September 15, 2026, leaving behind a family who loved him deeply and a lifetime of memories that will forever be cherished.

Edward proudly served his country as a United States Marine, a distinction that remained an important part of his life and legacy. Following his military service, Edward dedicated many years to his career with General Motors, retiring after 30 years of dedicated service. His strong work ethic, commitment, and dedication were qualities he carried throughout his life.

Edward was preceded in death by his mother, Georgia; his father, Ed Senior; his stepfather, Frank; and his sister, Christine Rooker.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Patricia Rooker; his two sons, John Rooker and Jeff Rooker; his daughter-in-law, Jessica Rooker, wife of Jeff; and his stepchildren, Stephanie (Casey) Jones, Johnathan Grigsby, and Desiree (Brandon) Dowdy.

He is also survived by his brothers, Brian Rooker, Tim Rooker, and Scott Rooker. 

Edward was a beloved grandfather to Cyrill Rooker, McKenzie Rooker, Maddox Rooker, Malachi Rooker, Johnathan (Kendra) Grigsby Jr., Madisyn Grigsby, Hayden (Roman) Sottovia, Dylan Lally, and Brandon Dowdy. 

His legacy continues through his cherished great-grandchildren, Scarlett, Eleanor, Johnathan Grigsby III, and Westyn Lang.

Edward’s life will be remembered through the family he loved, the memories they shared, and the legacy he leaves behind. His service to his country, his 30 years of dedicated service to General Motors, his devotion to his family, and the place he held in the hearts of those who loved him will never be forgotten.

Semper Fi.

Forever loved. Forever remembered. Never forgotten.

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A graveside service for Wanda Janelle Saucier, 93, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at Forest Park West Cemetery in Shreveport, Louisiana. Officiating the service will be Deacon John Bascoe.

Janelle was born on March 9, 1933 in Winnfield, Louisiana to John and Lena White and passed away Saturday, September 19, 2026 in Shreveport, Louisiana.

She was a devoted wife and a giving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Before retirement, she worked at KOKA Shreveport Radio Station. She was a faithful volunteer at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert L. Saucier and grandson, Robert Beau Lucas. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Cynthia Lee Saucier Lucas and husband, Jay R. Lucas, Sr.; two grandchildren, Lauren Lee Lucas Carpenter and husband, Austin W. Carpenter and J. Rich Lucas, Jr.; three great-grandchildren, Kaylee Saucier Carpenter, Luke Briscoe Carpenter and Kate Cecile Carpenter; nieces, Amy Saucier and Gail Howell; nephew, J.C. Saucier and brother-in-law, Charles Saucier; sister-in-law, Floy Saucier. 

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Phonetic: /an·​o·​dyne/

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition

serving to alleviate pain

the anodyne properties of certain drugs

2

not likely to offend or arouse tensions : innocuous

… his speech contained a single anodyne reference to the man who preceded him.—John F. Burns

Christi Williams Breithaupt
February 9, 1961 — September 19, 2026
Service: Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 2pm at First Baptist Church, Keithville.

Marcille “Granny” Hollis
October 6, 1932 — September 19, 2026
Service: Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 10am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City.

Wanda Janelle Saucier
March 9, 1933 — September 19, 2026
Service: Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 11am at Forest Park West Cemetery, Shreveport.

Joseph Samuel Cush
May 27, 1930 – September 18, 2026
Service: Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 10am at The Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport.

Brigitte Kay Teague
February 21, 1960 — September 18, 2026
Service: Tuesday, September 29, 2026, 5pm at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City.

Allan Lee “Pete” Petty
December 6, 1938 — September 17, 2026
Service: Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 10:30am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Mary “Shannon” Bardon
February 24, 1970 — September 15, 2026
Service: Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 11am at Aulds Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Coach Virgil “Vee” LaSol Williams
August 28, 1991 — September 15, 2026
Service: Saturday, September 26, 2026, 11am at Calvary Baptist Academy, Shreveport.

Peggy Jo Chester Duncan
January 23, 1952 — September 14, 2026
Service: Saturday, September 26, 2026, 10am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City.

Barry Lee Usie
September 13, 1960 – September 11, 2026
Service: Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 5:30pm at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Vanessa Lynn Casey
February 19, 1956 — September 10, 2026
Service: Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 12:30pm at Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, Keithville.

Pamela List
August 26, 1957 — September 9, 2026
Service: Monday, September 28, 2026, 10:30am at Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, Keithville.

Barbara Ann Hilton Willis
June 11, 1938 — August 31, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 24, 2026, 4pm at Christ United Methodist Church, Shreveport.

Jerry Grass
December 21, 1935 — August 27, 2026
Service: Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 11:30am at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, Keithville.

Robert Sean Gammel
September 10, 1978 — August 23, 2026
Service: Friday, September 25, 2026, 1pm at Aulds Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Helen Christine “Chris” Frazier Belk
October 1, 1953 — August 6, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 2pm at Broadmoor United Methodist Church, Shreveport.

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Bossier Parish Fire District 1 was dispatched to a reported grass fire on Sept. 18 around 2 pm on Jennifer Lane in the Gray Lake Subdivision.

Upon arrival, crews found that the grass fire had spread to a home on the property as well as three additional yards. Command requested assistance from the Haughton Fire Department for additional manpower.

Firefighters brought the fire under control in approximately 15 minutes. One resident was evaluated by EMS at the scene.

The response included three engines, two brush trucks, two chiefs and one EMS unit. The Haughton Fire Department responded with one brush truck.

Bossier Parish remains under a burn ban. Extremely dry conditions can allow fires to spread rapidly and unexpectedly, putting homes, property and lives at risk.

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The Shreveport Police Department is moving forward with construction of its new police headquarters.

With three new substations completed, construction on the new headquarters is now underway. Demolition is complete, and the next phase includes modern upgrades and new facilities while preserving the historic exterior and character of the Shreveport landmark.

Chief Wayne Smith met with the construction team this week to review progress and discuss the work ahead.

The department said the project is an investment in its officers, the community and the future of public safety in Shreveport.

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By DAVID ERSOFF, Journal Contributor

I have always been able to cook — after many years working in restaurant management, that is. I can cook just about everything; sadly, I can’t bake anything, I am so bad that I don’t even try ready-to-bake desserts. Something will go wrong.

I was looking online recently and found a place that does baking classes, and I was intrigued. As I looked more, I noticed they have their own bakery, featuring a lot of freshly-baked breakfast and dessert items, as well as fresh-baked breads.

I took this as a sign that this should be my next place to check out: Lowder Baking Company, 4019 Fern Ave. Suite 500, Shreveport, and I am glad I did.

I went in expecting to order a few different items to try, and of course, came out with a lot more than I intended. It’s OK, none of the food will go to waste.

I ordered five different baked items, knowing I’d take a few bites of each to be able to share how good they were, and have all those leftovers for the next couple days. The ones I ordered were: the Cinnamon Roll; Caramel Apple Crumble Danish, Vanilla Bean Cruffin des Rois; Dark Chocolate Fudge Brownie and the Almond Croissant.

These were some of the best pastry and dessert items I’ve had in a while.

The Cinnamon Roll was massive, rich, moist and full of cinnamon flavor while not being too heavy. The icing added the perfect sweetness to the roll.

I could live on the Caramel Apple Danish. It was the largest Danish I’ve ever seen. The caramel and apple added such a nice flavor to the freshly-made Danish. The breading was moist while holding up to all the toppings.

I have a weakness for brownies, and I like them more fudgy then cakey. This one fit that bill. It was so rich without leaving that feeling of eating something too heavy.   I know now where to get some of the best brownies out there.

The Almond Croissant and the Vanilla Bean Cruffin were much more subtle on the added sweet flavors, which is part of why I ordered them. I wanted a couple of items that have some flavor, but were much more dependent on the skill of  the baker. If the bake wasn’t perfect, then anyone eating it would know right away. I can tell you, these two items were perfect. I wouldn’t hesitate to order these again, and for anyone who doesn’t like things overly sweet, these are what you need to get.

While I was waiting for them to pack up my items, I saw that Lowder’s offers some frozen meals ready to put in the oven. I could not resist, considering I didn’t have any thoughts about dinner that night.

I picked Crawfish (pot) Pie. I wasn’t sure what to expect, as I’ve never been a big pot pie eater, but this dish was a pleasant surprise. It was full of large crawfish tails and the filling was flavorful with a kick to it that made me refill my drink a few times. This will be an item I will have at the ready to keep me nice and warm when the temps go down. I’ll have to try some others that they carry as well.

As for taking the classes, I’m probably a lost cause on the baking, so I may just settle for enjoying what the experts make.

Contact David at dersoff@bellsouth.net

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The Caddo Parish Commission recognized several members of the community during its regular session meeting.

Martha Marak was honored for her years of leadership at the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana, where she helped strengthen the network of support providing food and hope to families across the region. The Commission offered well wishes as she begins retirement.

Officer Susan Mendels was recognized for the courage and composure she demonstrated while responding to an armed threat in Downtown Shreveport on July 5, 2026, as well as for her continued determination throughout her recovery and return to service.

The Commission proclaimed Sept. 25, 2026 (9-2-5), as Dolly Parton Day in Caddo Parish, celebrating Parton’s commitment to childhood literacy through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. United Way of Northwest Louisiana, a longstanding community partner, attended the meeting to share how its collaboration continues to impact local children and families.

The Commission also commemorated the 190th birthday of C.C. Antoine, honoring the Louisiana statesman, military officer, businessman and civil rights advocate whose leadership and public service helped shape the history of Caddo Parish and beyond.

Mane Guiden and the Mane Attraction Car, Bike, and Truck Show Festival were recognized for bringing together local businesses, families, automotive enthusiasts and community partners while using the event as a platform for philanthropy, connection and community pride.

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