Plain Dealing – This morning, at approximately 12:25 a.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop G responded to a single-vehicle crash on Demoss Hill Road near Old Plain Dealing Road. The crash claimed the life of 31-year-old Amelia Swindell of Tulsa, OK.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2013 Nissan Sentra, driven by Swindell, was traveling west on Demoss Hill Road. For reasons still under investigation, the Nissan exited the roadway and collided with a tree.

Swindell, who was unrestrained at the time of the crash, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. A passenger in the vehicle, who was unrestrained, sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. 

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

Troopers wish to remind motorists of the importance of making good decisions while in motor vehicles. Never drive while impaired, fatigued, or distracted. Additionally, Louisiana law requires that every person inside a motor vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain properly restrained. While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions like these can mean the difference between life and death.

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Three Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies have graduated from the 49th D.A.R.E. Officer Training School at the Louisiana D.A.R.E. Training Center in Livingston Parish.

Deputies Gavin Muller, Marcus Clark, and Megan Rasmussen, successfully completed the training and are now certified to teach the D.A.R.E. curriculum to students in Bossier Parish schools.

D.A.R.E., which stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education, provides students with the knowledge and skills to make positive decisions and resist the dangers associated with drugs, alcohol, tobacco, violence and other challenges facing today’s youth. Bullying prevention and making healthy, responsible choices are also important components of the program.

During the 49th Officer Training Graduation, Louisiana D.A.R.E. Training Center Director Lt. Gene Higginbotham welcomed guests and recognized the graduating officers.

Bossier Parish Sheriff Julian Whittington addressed the graduates, reminding them that they are setting an example for the students they teach and spoke about the lasting impact D.A.R.E. officers can have on young people, sharing that after 39 years in law enforcement, some of the students he once taught through D.A.R.E. have gone on to become members of the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Bossier Sheriff Deputy Megan Rasmussen received additional recognition during the graduation, being named the Overall Top Student of the training class. She was awarded the D.A.R.E. Lion, a distinction each team competed for throughout the week, and was also recognized as the Most Outstanding Team Member.

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Hays Cahn of Legacy Elementary has been selected for the 2026 National Math Stars Pathfinder Cohort.

National Math Stars is a program that identifies and supports students who demonstrate exceptional mathematical potential. The program provides opportunities for talented young mathematicians to continue developing their skills through advanced learning experiences and a community of students who share their love and talent for math.

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Jody A Webb, 59, of Shreveport, LA, passed away peacefully at his home in Shreveport, on August 22, 2026, after a long battle with Appendiceal Cancer/Pseudomyxoma Peritonei.

Jody was born April 5, 1967 in Monroe, Louisiana to Jackie (Webb) Pardue (nee Johnson). He grew up in Louisiana and Arkansas, and attended college at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, AR.

Through the years, Jody taught History and other related subjects. He also coached Football and Field and Track. He was dedicated to helping as many “young people” as possible – encouraging them, listening to them, advising them, and helping them achieve their goals.

He also served in different churches over the years as Pastor, Interim Pastor, Youth Pastor, and Worship Leader. He was very strong in his faith, loved sharing his testimony and The Word with others, and singing the Lord’s praises.

Jody loved music, especially from the 80’s. He enjoyed Karaoke nights, making special playlists for different occasions, and live music. He was always searching for the next concert or music festival to attend. Trivia was also something he enjoyed. He watched trivia shows, played games, and participated in local trivia nights.

Jody was an avid wrestling fan. He enjoyed watching WWE with his family, and attending shows and matches with his son, who shares his love of the sport. Jody even took his turn in the ring for a while, wrestling in local area wrestling associations.
Jody loved football. The Saints and LSU were his favorites, of course.

Family was very important to Jody. He valued spending time together, attending events together, and finding fun activities for everyone. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, cousin, nephew, coach, teacher, and preacher. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Jody selflessly donated his body to science in the hope that something can be learned about this rare and devastating disease to help others in the future.

Jody was proceded in death by his grandparents Lois (nee Major) and Jesse Monroe Webb, Les and Mae (nee Kennedy) Johnson, infant sister – Lisa Ann Brown, his beloved Aunt Leona Schinks, cousin Jamon Franks, and Uncle Mike Hale.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 12 years, Ramona; son and daughter-in-law Sam Moix and Katie Tracey, and granddaughter Clara – all of Nacogdoches, TX; and daughter Madeline Moix of Shreveport, LA; his mother and step-father – Jackie and Larry Pardue of Downsville, LA; mother-in-law – Jackie Johnson of Warren, AR; sister and brother-in-law – Susan and Sean Boudreaux of Calhoun, LA; brother and sister-in-law – Jay and Rachel Webb, of Pantego, TX; sisters-in-law Kathy Lister of Huntington, WV and Gale Harrelson of New Edinburg, AR; Aunt Johnnie Hale, of Monroe, LA; and Aunt and Uncle Judi and Leroy Rice of Monroe, LA. Other loved ones include all his nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles.

The family would like to thank his doctors and caregivers that he had throughout this journey – Dr. Lash, Dr. Davis, Dr. Song, Samantha Edmiston, and Craig Knoll.

A Celebration of his Life will be held September 20, 2026 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Bayou Longbeard Bed and Breakfast, 4006 Bon Aire Drive, Monroe, LA 71203. All who knew and loved him are invited to attend this come-and-go event.

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Marian D. Grimes, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Born in Shreveport, Louisiana on May 31, 1954, she will be remembered for her generous heart and deep affection given freely to family and friends. Marian graduated from C.E. Byrd High School and Northeast Louisiana University. She earned a Masters in Education from Centenary College of Shreveport, LA.

She was preceded in death by her parents Herbert Arthur Dinkins and Marie Florence Bourgeois Dinkins, her brother Walter Arthur Dinkins of Dallas, TX, her brother-in-law Jerry Borchert, and niece Katherine Emma Borchert of Denton, TX.

She is survived by her husband of 43 years, William Reid Grimes, MD, her sons William Reid Grimes, Jr., Phd, MBA, and his wife Hannah, DDS, MD, of San Antonio, TX, and Arthur Dinkins Grimes, MD, and his wife Sarah, MD, of Oklahoma City, OK, with their three children, Bennett, Beau, and Wynne.

She is also survived by her sisters Jeannie Dinkins Burgess and husband, Steve of Shreveport, LA, Nancy Dinkins Bagley and husband Pat, Phd, of Baton Rouge, LA, and Martha Dinkins Borchert of Denton, TX. In addition, she leaves behind her nieces Eleanor Bryn Burgess and Elaine Burgess (Jacob) Dickson of Shreveport, LA, Caroline Bagley (Gary) Black of Baton Rouge, LA, Claire Bagley (Tobin) Swope of Dallas, TX, and nephew Stuart Sidney Burgess of Shreveport, LA.

Marian was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Shreveport.

A family service will be held at a later date.

The kindness and support of CHRISTUS Hospice and Professional Sitters Services was greatly appreciated. Marian cherished her multiple physicians and their staffs.

The family suggests memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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Ju’Marco Turmane Daniel, a Shreveport man who pleaded guilty to weapons charges in Caddo District Court last month, was sentenced Thursday, August 27, 2026, to serve a total of 20 years in prison at hard labor.

District Judge Donald E. Hathaway Jr., before whom Daniel, 31, pleaded July 22, sentenced him to varying terms for four charges.

For each of two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, he was ordered to serve 10 years at hard labor without benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence, those terms to be served concurrently.

For a third count, unlawful handling of a machine gun, he was ordered to serve five years at hard labor. The final count, aggravated flight from an officer, also merited a five-year hard-labor term. The last two counts are to be served consecutive to the first two counts and to each other.

The facts would have shown at trial that on December 13, 2024, an officer with the Shreveport Police Department attempted to make a traffic stop on a 2023 white Nissan Altima near the intersection of Mansfield and Valley View roads. The vehicle, being driven by Daniel, fled from the officer, exceeding 63 mph through residential neighborhoods, running multiple stop signs and against oncoming traffic.

After reaching a dead end, Daniel abandoned the car and fled on foot and was chased by the officer until he was caught and arrested in a nearby canal. Nearby were two Glock handguns and his cellphone. One of the Glocks was modified to be an illegal machine gun. Daniel had prior convictions making it illegal for him to have the guns.

The court also considered a previous domestic violence conviction involving a pregnant victim in its sentencing.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Chase E. Burgess. The Caddo Public Defender’s Office represented Daniel.

The case was docket No. 405729.

Shreveporter Kiandrew McFan was sentenced to 12.5 years at hard labor Thursday, August 27, by Caddo District Judge Donald E. Hathaway Jr., following McFan pleading guilty July 22 after prosecutors announced they were ready for trial.

McFan, 25, faced charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and aggravated flight from an officer. For the firearms charge, Judge Hathaway ordered McFan to serve 7.5 years at hard labor without benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence. For the flight charge, McFan was ordered to serve five years at hard labor. The sentences are to run consecutively.

On October 13, 2024, an officer with the Shreveport Police Department attempted to make a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Camaro illegally burning out its tires in a nearby parking lot. The vehicle, driven by McFan, pulled out onto Jewella Avenue and continued to be operated in a reckless manner around other motorists. As the officer activated his lights and sirens, the Camaro fled, exceeding 100 mph, driving into oncoming traffic, running multiple red lights and swerving in between other vehicles before it crashed into a fence. McFan then fled on foot.

When searching the car, the officer found a Glock handgun between the driver’s seat and center console. McFan’s driver’s license and vehicle registration were found in the car, linking him to the flight. A past conviction for simple burglary prevented him from possessing a firearm. An arrest warrant was obtained and ultimately, he was arrested in DeSoto Parish.

In his reasoning for sentencing, Judge Hathaway referenced a previous federal conviction for illegal possession of an explosive device, as well as the danger presented by the flight to other motorists.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Chase E. Burgess. McFan was defended by Edward Mouton.

The case was docket No. 407482.

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Caddo Sheriff Henry Whitehorn Sr. held a swearing-in ceremony, bringing in six new deputies.

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office welcomed:

Corrections Deputy: Alayziah Lewis, Almanik Kelly, Giovanni Smith

CCC Medical Nurse: Mary Jackson

Fines & Bonds Clerk: Lakendra Smith, Betty Perry

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office is currently recruiting new personnel. Applicants aged 21 and older can apply for various positions, including corrections deputies, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, building and groundskeepers, and part-time courthouse security personnel.

Take up the badge. Be the hero you want in your community. Be the next to be sworn in.

Apply here: https://www.caddosheriff.org/content.php?c=118

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The Louisiana Department of Education announced the 14 educators who will begin a new term on the Teachers Advisory Council.

Among the educators selected is Monica Speyrer of Caddo Parish School System and C.E. Byrd High.

The group of educators from across Louisiana meets with Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley and other state leaders to share feedback on education initiatives and issues impacting classrooms.

The following teachers will begin a new term when the council begins meeting during the 2026-2027 school year:

Angela Barfoot | Ouachita Parish Schools | Highland Elementary

Courtney Berthelot | St. Charles Parish Public School System | Destrehan High

Alisha Butler | Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired

Renee Fields | Assumption Parish School System | Assumption High

Breann Lavergne | Calcasieu Parish School System | Dolby Elementary

Mayria Ledet | St. Landry Parish School System | East Elementary

Amy Legendre | Tangipahoa Parish School System | Ponchatoula High

Brianne Loupe | Livingston Parish School System | Denham Springs Junior High

Savannah Richards | Concordia Parish School System | Vidalia Lower Elementary

Mindy Rose | University View Academy

Katherine Scott | West Baton Rouge Parish School System | Brusly Middle

Monica Speyrer | Caddo Parish School System | C.E. Byrd High

Cassidy Tackett | Caldwell Parish School District | Union Central Elementary

Nicolas Williams | DeSoto Parish School System | Mansfield Middle

Teachers Advisory Council members serve four-year terms. The LDOE launched a public application for open seats on the council in May.

Dr. Brumley created the Teachers Advisory Council in response to Senate Concurrent Resolution 33 (2022) to enhance teacher voice and gather educator feedback on current education initiatives and how Louisiana can continue to improve student outcomes.

The council meets with state leaders on a quarterly basis to discuss issues, laws, rules and policies affecting teachers and students. The council has provided feedback on topics including Let Teachers Teach, math, literacy, attendance, accountability, and teacher recruitment and retention.

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The Bossier City Fire Department celebrated its newest recruits with a special lunch at the Bossier City Fire Training Center.

The recruits have been working through the training and dedication required to serve and protect the community. They are now weeks away from taking the next step and officially becoming firefighters.

Graduation Day is September 11.

The Bossier City Fire Department said it is proud of the recruits and looks forward to welcoming them to the department.

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Dr. Claville will lie in state for visitation on Saturday, August 29, 2026, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., at Morning Star Baptist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana.

The celebration of life will commence on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 10:00 am., in the sanctuary of Morning Star Baptist Church, Shreveport, Louisiana.

You may leave condolences for The Wilford Family to read on the tribute wall.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Wilford Claville, III, please visit our floral store.

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Jerry E. Evans, age 80, was born on February 16, 1946, in Collins, Mississippi, to Palmer Eugene Evans and Myrtle Olene Walker. He passed away on August 22, 2026, in Bossier City, Louisiana. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, whose guidance and love shaped the foundation of his life.

He is survived by devoted family members and cherished friends who will hold his memory with deep affection. A private inurnment will be conducted at a later date at Chickasaw Cemetery.

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Shreveport Police Department detectives obtained arrest warrants for Wesley Carl Blevins and Phoebe Rosemary Bentley following an investigation into the theft of an employee’s cellphone from Uptown Cheapskate on Line Avenue.

The theft occurred Aug. 6, 2026, when investigators said Blevins and Bentley were standing at the counter while employees sorted through clothing they had brought into the store.

Surveillance video allegedly showed Blevins picking up an Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and handing it to Bentley. Bentley then put the phone in her pocket and left the business.

Employees identified Blevins through the store’s customer rewards account, and detectives later confirmed his identity.

Blevins was charged with theft as a habitual offender due to two prior theft convictions in Shreveport. He was also already out on bond in connection with multiple alleged package thefts from earlier this year.

Bentley was wanted for theft.

The Shreveport Police Department asked anyone who knew the whereabouts of Blevins or Bentley to contact the department.

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Centenary College of Louisiana cut the ribbon on a new phase of Mickle Hall’s renovations on Tuesday, August 25, marking the completion of new ADA-compliant ramps into the science building. The ramps not only make access more convenient, but the project also created a completely new entrance to Mickle from The Quad.

Centenary President Dr. Christopher Holoman said this is a step in the right direction as the college continues to progress toward a new era of Mickle Hall. Currently, the health sciences draw a significant number of students to Centenary College. In fact, the pre-med program enjoys a 94 percent acceptance rate to medical school.

“The refreshing, the updating, the modernization of our science facilities generally has been on the radar and in the plans for decades. Today we mark a beginning,” said Holoman.

Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux was on hand to help cut the ribbon. Mickle was built nearly eighty years ago, and over the next few years will undergo a major transformation, turning it into a state-of-the-art facility.

“I believe that Mickle Hall is an anchor,” said Ross Barrett, chairman of Centenary’s Board of Trustees. “It’s an anchor that will attract students, that will attract researchers, and attract the next generation of doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals.”

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By MATT VINES, LSU Shreveport Public Relations

WALKER, Minn. — All four LSU Shreveport Fishing boats finished well inside the top half at the 2026 Strike King Bassmaster College Championship on Leech Lake this past weekend.

Caden Williamson and Bryce Distefano were the Pilots’ top pair with a 22^nd-place showing, hauling in 31 pounds in their two days.

A strong second day vaulted Triston Richardson and Johnny Hudson Jr. into 30^th with a bag of 29-1.

Hunter Hamilton and Tyler Morris also made moves on Day 2 with 15-1 of their 28-2 coming on the second day.

John Klanchar and Ian Carter posted a 25-15 to place No. 51 in the 134-boat field.

Hamilton said LSUS anglers sought the familiar large-mouth bass they are prevalent in southern lakes as opposed to chasing small-mouth bass that exist in northern lakes.

“We definitely looked for grassy cover and the large-mouth bass that we are used to,” Hamilton said. “There were a lot more rocky cliffs and steep slopes than we normally see, but we were able to break down the lake together over our three practice days.

“To start the season off like this gives us a big confidence boost.”

Hamilton added that LSUS anglers maneuvered wave swells that reached four feet, much different than the calm waters in the South.

Points from the event kick start the 2026-27 season while anglers qualified from the strength of their performances throughout Bassmaster events from season just ended.

Heading into the Bassmasters College Championships, LSUS finished the season ranked No. 9, its third straight season of top-10 finishes.

LSUS coach Charles Thompson said having all four boats fish well at Bassmasters is a nice way to start the upcoming season, especially in a part of the country where LSUS doesn’t typically fish.

“This is probably the best start to a season that we’ve have at Bassmasters because this is an event that usually has our number,” Thompson said. “We don’t fish close to home in this event, and many times, we’re having to dig out of a (points) hole because we don’t fare extremely well at this championship in past years.

“We’re very happy for this kind of start, and we can really use our fall tournaments to springboard us to where we aren’t chasing (the leading programs) as much.”

The Pilots will fish a couple of events this fall but will open the throttle in the spring as they’ll rack up many of their points during the spawn (mating season), taking advantage of their expertise in shallow water with cover.

Thompson said an eager crop of five freshmen should mix well with the blend of veteran and underclassmen anglers as LSUS seeks to crack the top five nationally this season in a sport that has no divisions.

The program’s consistency led to two new sponsorship deals with EVOLV Fishing and BUBBA Seaguar, which underpins the financial stability as the Pilots continue to push into the championship-level stratosphere.

Contact Matt at matt.vines@lsus.edu

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Louis Eugene “Gene” Williams, Jr., of Bossier City, Louisiana, went to be with the Lord on August 24th, 2026 at the age of 71. He was born on March 11, 1955, in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Gene was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His family was the center of his world, and he took great pride in the people he loved. His contagious laughter, unwavering love, and the way he was always looking out for them will be treasured forever.

One of Gene’s greatest passions was the fire service. He devoted more than 33 years of his life to the Shreveport Fire Department, dedicating himself to helping and saving others. He retired in 2014 as a Battalion Chief, but his love for the department never left him.

Gene especially enjoyed training new recruits and spent countless hours helping applicants prepare for the CPAT agility test during his time there.  He took great pride in helping others succeed and was always willing to share his knowledge and experience.

Gene was an avid hunter and loved the outdoors. Some of his happiest times were spent at the deer camp with his friends, sharing stories, laughter, and playing dominoes at the camp house in Coushatta. These memories will be treasured by all who had the privilege of sharing those moments with him.

If you were lucky enough to call Gene your friend, you had a friend for life. He loved laughter, raw humor, and the camaraderie he shared with his fire department family and hunting buddies. Gene was the life of the party and was never at a loss for words. His unmistakable laughter could bring a smile to your face, even on the hardest of days.

During his final days, Gene’s love for the fire department remained as strong as ever. He often returned to memories from his years with the department, reliving moments and talking about wanting to go back to work. It was clear that being a firefighter was not simply a career for Gene—it was a part of who he was.

Gene is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Julie Williams; his children, Eugenia Williams and fiancé Jeff Bolfer, William Barnes and wife Jennifer, and Brittany Barnes; and his four grandchildren, Gavin Williams, Jadon Grant, Riley Barnes, and Graham Barnes. He is also survived by his sister, Diane Connell, and husband Richard; many cousins, nieces, and nephews; and many other loving family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Eugene Williams Sr. and Barbara Jean Williams.

The family would especially like to thank Michael Cook and Rusty Thames for the countless hours they spent sitting with Gene, caring for him, and loving on him during his final days. Their friendship and compassion meant more than words can express.  The family would also like to thank Dr. Paul Guidry for his exceptional care and Life Path hospice for their empathy and compassion during this time.  

A memorial service celebrating Gene’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 28, 2026, at Open Range Fellowship 9950 US 80, Greenwood, La 71033. A visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m.

Graveside with follow at Forest Park East. 

Gene will be deeply missed by his family, his fire department family, his hunting buddies, and the many friends whose lives he touched.

His laughter, his stories, his friendship, and his generous heart will live on in the memories of all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the Dementia Society of America in honor of Gene.

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Sue Bess Long Kerbow, 89, of Shreveport, Louisiana, passed away on August 7, 2026.

Sue was born on January 8, 1937, in Coushatta, Louisiana, to Zuma and Ruby Long. She was one of nine children.

Sue was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd Jerald Kerbow; her daughter, Debbie Kerbow David; her son, David Jerald Kerbow; and her grandson, Danny Mark David II.

She is survived by her granddaughter, Amanda David VanHoose; son-in-law, Danny Mark David; great-grandchildren, Preston VanHoose and Londyn VanHoose; and sister, Wanda Tharpe.

No funeral or memorial services will be held. The family asks that those who knew her remember her in their own way and cherish the memories they shared.

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The Shreveport Police Department Property Crimes Unit continues its investigation into a large number of vehicle burglaries believed to be connected to Johnathan Johntavian Winslow.(Pictured in white shirt)

Investigators have collectively worked numerous cases involving Winslow, and on August 25, 2026, additional arrest affidavits were submitted against him.

Those new charges total:

50 additional counts of Simple Burglary

11 additional counts of Theft of a Firearm

Winslow was taken into custody on August 24 at a residence in the 6100 block of Bowie Street following an extensive investigation by SPD Property Crimes detectives, K-9 officers, patrol officers, and assisting agencies.

Among the individuals detained during Winslow’s apprehension was Justin Lambert, who investigators determined was the homeowner of the residence where Winslow was located.

Following the execution of a search warrant at the residence, investigators recovered additional items of evidentiary value. As a result of that investigation, additional arrest affidavits were submitted for Lambert in connection with multiple cases.

Lambert faces the following additional charges:

Two counts of Illegal Possession of Stolen Firearms

Illegal Possession of Stolen Things

Two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon

The Property Crimes Unit continues working through a significant number of related burglary investigations, and additional charges and arrests are possible as detectives continue identifying stolen property, reviewing evidence, and connecting suspects to individual cases.

The Shreveport Police Department would also like to thank Louisiana Probation and Parole for their valuable assistance and cooperation throughout this investigation.

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The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office introduced the Emerging Leaders Initiative (E.L.I.), a leadership development program designed to identify, mentor and prepare the next generation of leaders in Bossier Parish.

The program’s first session was held Saturday, Aug. 22, at the Viking Drive Substation, which will serve as the program’s home base. The program was led by Dr. Shelley Barrett and endorsed by Bossier Sheriff Julian Whittington.

The inaugural day-long session brought together 29 students, with 19 members of the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office and four community leaders volunteering their time, knowledge and experience. The community leaders were Erin Buchanan with LA DOTD, Gary McCoy with Townsquare Media, Erika Derma with the LSU AgCenter and Abigail McAllister with the LSU AgCenter.

The program focused on professional growth, teamwork, communication and real-world problem-solving while helping participants build confidence, strengthen their leadership abilities and understand the importance of service, accountability and innovation.

Throughout the day, students learned about positive public communication and interacting with news and media. They also received demonstrations and instruction from the BSO Dive Team, Swift Water Rescue Team and Marine Patrol.

Additional topics included ATV safety, personality traits, decision-making and time management, healthy living and nutrition, BSO Support Services, physical fitness, self-defense tactics and first aid, drug resistance and vaping, interacting safely with law enforcement, SWAT and crisis negotiation, automotive safety and bomb technician operations.

“This program is about more than teaching young people about leadership. It’s about giving them opportunities to learn from people who are already serving their communities and helping them discover what they are capable of becoming,” Sheriff Whittington said.

Whittington said he was proud of the young people who participated in the program and grateful to those who gave their time and experience to invest in them.

“When we invest in our youth, we’re investing in the future of Bossier Parish,” Whittington said.

The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office said it looked forward to watching the young leaders grow, learn and develop throughout the E.L.I. program.

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Hot and mostly sunny conditions were expected across Caddo and Bossier parishes through Tuesday, with highs reaching around 101 degrees Wednesday and the upper 90s by Sunday through Tuesday.

Wednesday was expected to be mostly sunny with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs were expected around 101 degrees, with southwest winds of 5 to 10 mph and a 20 percent chance of rain.

Wednesday night was expected to be partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly in the evening. Lows were expected in the mid 70s, with a 50 percent chance of rain.

Thursday was expected to be partly cloudy with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs were expected in the mid 90s, with a 20 percent chance of rain.

Thursday night was expected to be mostly clear with lows in the lower 70s.

Friday was expected to be mostly sunny and hot with highs in the mid 90s. Friday night was expected to be clear with lows around 70.

Saturday was expected to be sunny and hot with highs in the mid 90s, followed by clear skies and lows in the lower 70s Saturday night.

Sunday was expected to be sunny and hot with highs in the upper 90s. Sunday night was expected to be clear with lows in the mid 70s.

Monday was expected to be mostly sunny and hot with highs in the upper 90s. Monday night was expected to be mostly clear with lows in the mid 70s.

Tuesday was expected to be mostly sunny and hot with highs in the upper 90s. Heat index values were expected to reach up to 105 degrees in the afternoon.

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Seven members of the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier were announced as Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Initiative 40 Under Forty 2026 honorees.

The honorees included active members Chelsea Giles, Chakina Hill, Jessica Hunter, Jessica Roque, Alex Einerson Tindall and Cheradee Williams, along with sustainer Carolyn Murphy Thompson.

The Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier said its members were recognized year after year among the community’s outstanding young professionals for their leadership, service and impact throughout Shreveport-Bossier.

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Hannah Jones Speer, 85, of Shreveport, LA passed away peacefully on Monday, August 10, 2026 following a brief illness.

She was born on November 12, 1940 in Atlanta, Georgia to Zeddie and Ossie Jones. Hannah was a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend. She will be remembered for her beauty, artistic ability, love of tennis and the outdoors, but most of all her fierce love of family.

Hannah attended the University of Georgia where she was a cheerleader and a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. She was a flight attendant for Delta Airlines and flew Delta’s inaugural flights from Atlanta to L.A. and Las Vegas.

She married Wayne Henry Speer III in 1963 and they started their married life in his hometown of Houston, TX where they lived until they moved to Shreveport, LA in 1977 with their three children. Hannah was an avid tennis player and owned and operated Omni Sport on Line Avenue for many years.

Hannah is survived by her beloved husband of 64 years Wayne Henry Speer III; her daughter Georgia Speer (Woodus Humphrey) of Shreveport, and her sons Wayne Henry Speer IV (Missy) of Austin and Travis Jones Speer of Shreveport. She was blessed with four grandaughters – Hannah Schuttler (John), Catherine Parker (Adrian), Grace Parker (Levi), and Mia Parker; as well as three grandsons – Wayne Henry Speer V, Griffin Speer and Sawyer Speer. She is also survived by her sister Nancy Dawson of Kennessaw, GA.

Hannah was preceded in death by her parents Ossie and Zeddie Jones of Roswell, GA, and her in-laws Catherine and Wayne Speer II of Houston.

Honorary pall bearers: Wayne Speer IV, Travis Speer, Quinn Speer, Griffin Speer, Sawyer Speer, Woodus Humphrey Jr. and John Schuttler.

The family would especially like to express their gratitude to Hannah’s caregivers: Joyce Hunter, Maude Warner, Brianna White and Dominique White, as well as a huge thank you to Hospice Nurse Renee Sugg and the nursing staff at the Carpenter House.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association or St. Joseph’s Hospice.

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Nelson Brito Dominguez, born August 17, 1959, in Havana, Cuba, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2026.

At just 18 years old, Nelson courageously left Cuba and came to the United States in search of a better life. With determination, strength, and hope for the future, he built a life he could be proud of. His journey was a testament to the man he was—strong, hardworking, and never afraid of a challenge.

Nelson was a mechanic and truck driver by trade, but anyone who knew him knew that he loved to stay busy. He enjoyed working with his hands, fixing things, taking on special projects, and always finding something to keep him occupied. There was always another project to work on, another problem to solve, or something that needed fixing.

Above all, Nelson was a father and grandfather. His daughter, Veronica Brito Banuelos (Juan), and his beloved grandson, Kendreu Epperson, were his biggest pride and joy. They held a very special place in his heart and were among the greatest blessings in his life.

Nelson was preceded in death by his son, Christopher Brito, who passed away on July 25, 2023. While the pain of losing Nelson is immense, there is comfort in knowing that he is no longer suffering and has been reunited with his son, Christopher.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Rest peacefully, Papa. Until we meet again

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A burglary in progress call led Webster Parish deputies to a Shreveport man who now faces additional drug and firearm charges following his arrest Friday afternoon.

Deputy John Sepulvado and Sgt. Lance Chanler were dispatched to a reported active burglary at a Taylor Road residence where they learned the suspect had left the scene.

Sheriff Jason Parker said deputies located 40-year-old Jesse D. Johnson, who gave an address in the 4800 block of Camellia Lane in Shreveport, just before 11:30 a.m. at the TA Travel Center on LA Highway 532.

Johnson reportedly was placed in custody and told officers he had entered the residence looking for an individual and began going through the house when he realized that person was not home.

Johnson also reportedly told officers a firearm and mushrooms were present in his vehicle. A search reportedly revealed a loaded handgun and two clear bags of mushrooms. A background check revealed Johnson had prior felony convictions.

During follow-up interviews, the victims said they did not know Johnson and had never invited him into their home.

Johnson is being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center, where he is charged with simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm in presence of CDS and possession of CDS Schedule I (mushrooms). His bond has been set at $45,000.

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Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop G responded to a single-vehicle crash on Aug. 24 around 9:15 am on Louisiana Highway 174 near Catfish Bend Road. The crash claimed the life of 41-year-old David Purvis, Jr. of Shreveport.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 1980 Ford F2000, driven by Purvis, was traveling east on Louisiana Highway 174. For reasons still under investigation, Purvis’ vehicle exited the roadway and overturned.

Purvis, who was unrestrained at the time of the crash, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced deceased at the scene. Impairment is not suspected; however, standard toxicology samples were taken and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

While not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that properly wearing your seat belt will dramatically reduce your chance of being severely injured or killed in a crash. Louisiana law requires that every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain buckled up. Properly wearing your seat belt is one of the most effective ways to save your life and reduce injuries during crashes.

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