Amazon Web Services is now accepting grant applications from residents, community organizations, and schools in Bossier Parish looking to launch or expand programs focused on education, economic development, sustainability, and community well-being.

The AWS Communities Fund is a philanthropic initiative that provides funding to communities where AWS operates infrastructure. The program is designed to support locally driven projects that promote STEAM education, sustainability, equity, and overall community health.

Eligible projects must address at least one of several focus areas, including STEAM education and access, environmental sustainability, economic development and leadership, hunger and homelessness, digital skills, culture, military veteran support, community support, and health and well-being.

Projects must take place within Bossier Parish, Caddo Parish, or Shreveport, and should be fully implemented within 12 months of receiving funding. Applicants seeking more than $5,000 in grant funding must be registered charities in the United States. Individuals applying must be at least 18 years old or have permission from a parent or guardian.

The initiative is part of AWS’s broader effort to support and strengthen the communities where it operates by investing in programs that promote opportunity, innovation, and inclusivity.

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BATON ROUGE — State Representative Larry Bagley’s legislation to eliminate Louisiana’s vehicle inspection sticker program advanced Tuesday from the House Transportation Committee with unanimous support.

House Bill 838, authored by Bagley, would end the state’s long-standing inspection sticker program and replace it with a new windshield QR code sticker system designed solely to assist law enforcement with faster VIN entry during traffic stops.

Representative Bagley secured the support of Governor Jeff Landry prior to the start of the 2026 Regular Session. Governor Landry reaffirmed that support during Tuesday’s committee hearing by publicly backing the measure and sending Bryan Adams, director of the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, to sit at the committee table, answer technical questions, and present the administration’s support for the bill.

Bagley said the unanimous committee vote reflects growing recognition that Louisiana’s inspection sticker system is outdated and no longer necessary for modern vehicles.

“This is about modernizing state law and removing an outdated burden from Louisiana drivers,” Bagley said. “The annual inspection sticker program was created decades ago, long before the technology we now have in today’s vehicles and law enforcement systems.”

As amended in committee, a new windshield QR code sticker will be included with motorists’ vehicle registration every two years. The QR code sticker will be affixed to the windshield and will allow law enforcement officers to quickly scan the code to more easily input the vehicle’s VIN — Vehicle Identification Number — into their in-car systems.

Bagley emphasized that the QR code will display only VIN information and serves solely as an efficiency tool for law enforcement officers during traffic stops.

Existing law enforcement technology already allows officers to obtain insurance and identifying information through license plate readers. The QR code does not expand that capability and is intended only to simplify VIN entry without requiring officers to manually type the number into their devices.

Under the legislation, enforcement of Louisiana’s inspection sticker law would cease after June 30, with the new QR code windshield sticker system scheduled to take effect on January 1.

Motorists would no longer be required to visit an inspection station for annual sticker renewals.

Bagley noted that Louisiana’s inspection sticker law was created at a time when vehicles lacked the advanced onboard diagnostics and safety systems now standard in modern automobiles. Today’s vehicles continuously monitor engine performance, emissions systems, tire pressure, braking systems, and other mechanical functions, alerting drivers through dashboard warnings when service is needed.

“Vehicle technology has changed dramatically over the years,” Bagley said. “Cars and trucks today already have sophisticated onboard systems that monitor performance and notify drivers when something needs attention.”

Bagley also pointed out that Louisiana is among a shrinking number of states that still require annual safety inspections for passenger vehicles.

“This legislation updates Louisiana law to reflect today’s technology while removing an outdated requirement for drivers,” Bagley said.

HB 838 now moves forward for consideration by the full House of Representatives.

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Parish officials are preparing for the annual Operation Clean Sweep event, a parish-wide initiative aimed at removing litter and debris from communities across Bossier Parish.

On March 27, Jurors Tom Salzer (District 11), Julianna Parks (District 5), and Chris Marsiglia (District 6) joined other officials on West Viking Drive to announce this year’s cleanup, which is set to take place Saturday, April 18.

The event will begin at 8:00 a.m., with participants asked to meet at the Viking Drive Substation.

Operation Clean Sweep brings together volunteers, the Bossier Parish Police Jury, Keep Bossier Beautiful, and the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office each year to improve the appearance of roadways and public spaces throughout the parish.

The effort has historically included the use of parish equipment, such as a grappling truck, to assist with collecting large discarded items, including appliances brought by residents to designated locations like the Airline High School parking lot.

Following the announcement, jurors and parish officials were presented with litter pickers and collection bags to mark the upcoming event.

Residents interested in participating can register online at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfCdcyBj7IQ76/viewform

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People have dreamed about coasting back to Earth from great heights from at least the 1470s when Italian Francesco di Giorgio Martini designed a cone-shaped canopy parachute.  It is the oldest known design for a parachute.  In 1485, Leonardo da Vinci designed a pyramid-shaped parachute.  For the following 300 years, several inventors, including Frenchman Louis-Sebastien Lenormand in 1783, jumped from trees to test their own parachutes, but none of their designs really worked as expected.       

In 1797, André-Jacques Garnerin attached a parachute he designed to a hydrogen balloon in a test in Paris, France.  When the balloon reached an altitude of about 3,200 feet, Garnerin parachuted safely back to the ground and became the first person to design and test a parachute capable of slowing a person’s fall from a high altitude.  Two years later, his wife became the first female parachutist.  In 1802, Garnerin made a safe parachute jump in a demonstration in England from an altitude of 8,000 feet.  101 years later, in December 1903, the Wright Brothers made history with the first powered, controlled, and sustained flight in a heavier-than-air machine at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.  In the following years, human flight became popular.  Pilots were seen as heroes and daredevils.  Pilots understood that if their airplanes failed during flight, the chances of survival were slim.  They recognized the need for a way to escape from a doomed aircraft and saw the life-saving potential of parachutes.  On March 1, 1912, during an exhibition in St. Louis, Missouri, parachutist Albert Berry jumped from an airplane flown by another pilot at an altitude of 1,500 feet.  He made a safe landing and became the first person to successfully parachute from a moving airplane.          

Parachutes eventually became standard equipment for airplane pilots after World War I.  They worked well for pilots of propeller driven aircraft and jet aircraft up to a point.  On October 14, 1947, Air Force test pilot Chuck Yeager flew an experimental Bell X-1 jet around 785 miles per hour and became the first human to break the sound barrier.  Eight years later, in February 1955, test pilot George Smith was flying an experimental jet over the Pacific Ocean when the jet malfunctioned.  Unable to regain control, George had to bail out.  The only problem was that he was flying faster than the speed of sound and no one had ever ejected from an aircraft traveling at that speed.  George knew that staying in the jet meant certain death, so he made the split-second decision and ejected.  The force of the wind hitting him knocked him unconscious, but his parachute automatically opened.  He landed in the water near a fishing boat crewed by a former U.S. Navy rescue expert.  George remained unconscious for five days.  When he awoke, he was blind in both eyes.  George’s recovery required numerous surgeries and a seven-month hospital stay.       

The U.S. Air Force immediately began working to solve the problem of parachuting from a supersonic jet.  After seven years of testing, Air Force scientists created an escape capsule for a supersonic jet.  On March 21, 1962, a flyer with the call sign “Yogi” ejected from a jet flying at about 870 miles per hour, 1.3 times the speed of sound.  The parachute on the capsule opened as expected.  Yogi landed successfully and became the first flyer to safely parachute from a jet traveling at supersonic speed.  But Yogi was no ordinary human.  He was not human.  The flyer with the call sign “Yogi” was a two-year-old black bear.       

Sources:

1.     “First parachute jump is made over Paris,” March 4, 2010, History.com, accessed March 22, 2026, https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/october-22/the-first-parachutist.

2.     “March 1, 1912, This Day in Aviation, accessed March 22, 2026, https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/tag/albert-berry/.

3.     “February 26, 1955,” This Day in Aviation, accessed March 22, 2026, https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/tag/george-franklin-smith/.

4.     “March 21, 1962,”  This Day in Aviation, accessed March 22, 2026,  https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/21-march-1962/.

5.     David Cenciotti, “A bear named ‘Yogi’ was ejected from a USAF B-58 to test the Hustler’s escape capsule on this day in 1962,” March 21, 2016, The Aviationist, accessed March 22, 2026, https://theaviationist.com/2016/03/21/b-58-ejects-yogi-bear/.

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On Sunday, March 29, 2026, Alvie Lee Bullock, Sr. left this earth for his new home in heaven. Known as Al by his friends and loved ones, he was born in Bienville, Louisiana on October 6, 1944, to Stanley and Trudi Bullock. He spent his formative years in Bienville. He later moved to Bossier City and established himself as a barber. As such he made many loyal friends that admired him for his skill in his chosen field.

He met his Lord and Savior some time ago when he relinquished his will to Jesus through baptism at Carriage Oaks Church of Christ. He finally succumbed to his exposure to Agent Orange contracted while serving his country in Vietnam.

Al was preceded in death by his parents. He leaves behind his wife, Betty Jean. Al also leaves behind two sons by his first marriage, Alvie Lee Bullock, Jr., and Joseph Bullock. With his marriage to Betty, Al received three more children whom he grew to love as much as his biological children. They are Ricky Tiller, Dolly Mitchell, and Tammy Field. Those who will also greatly miss Al are his sister-in-law, Dolly Brown, and brother-in-law, Gary Brown. In addition, he leaves behind his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A memorial for Al will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Dr., Bossier City, Louisiana. Officiating the service will be Brother Gary Brown.

Garry Randall Bacle arrived in heaven on Friday, March 27, 2026. He was born on June 8, 1945, and was the son and third born child of Thomas and Dorothy Bacle. He grew up in a small farming community in Crowville, Louisiana, alongside his siblings, Dub, Claudine and Linda. As the son of a farmer, he spent much of his childhood on the farm tending calves and pigs and working the rich soil in Franklin Parish. As a young boy, Garry contracted polio and his life was forever changed. For months he was treated at the hospital in Alexandria, and had it not been for the March of Dimes, he never would have been able to walk again. Later the March of Dimes would also be responsible for paying for Garry’s college education. Despite his lifelong limp and other physical limitations, Garry became an accomplished sportsman. His passion for hunting and fishing would follow him his entire life.

He was a graduate of Crowville High School and later an honor graduate at Louisiana Tech University where he earned his degree in agricultural business. He would go on to work for State Farm Insurance and there met his wife of 53 years, his beloved Billie. After marrying, they moved to Haughton, Louisiana where together they raised three children, Jerry, Becky and Randy.

Garry had a long career in insurance spanning over for 30 years working for State Farm, Commercial Union, Querbes and Nelson, Farm Bureau and Southern General. After retiring from Southern General Agency, he pursued several passions including hunting, wood carving, taxidermy, reloading and gardening, actually earning the title of a Master Gardener.

Garry had a deep faith in Jesus Christ that fueled his love of service to his church and community. He served as an ambassador to the March of Dimes for years, working to raise money for children with debilitating disease and injury. After moving to Haughton in 1976, Garry and Billie joined First Baptist Church of Haughton. Over the years he would serve the church in numerous capacities including teaching RAs, singing in choir, teaching vacation Bible School, and serving as a deacon. He was well known for his lighthearted disposition, captivating storytelling, and hilarious sense of humor. Garry never met a stranger. He was a gifted communicator, always having a funny anecdote or story to share with anyone who would listen, leaving his audiences with a bigger smile and cheerier dispostion. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and loyal friend.

Fully healed and free of all disabilities, Garry joyfully waits in heaven for his loved ones he has left behind. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca(Becky) and Tim Lewis; his son and daughter-in-law, David (Randy)and Andrea Bacle; his grandchildren, Grant and Garrett Lewis, and Birdie and Winston Bacle; his sister, Linda Ezell and husband, Jimmy; four nephews; three nieces; six great-nephews; five great-nieces, several close cousins, countless lifelong friends, and his church family at First Baptist Haughton. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Billie; his son, Jerry; his father and mother, Thomas and Dorothy Bacle; his brother, Dub Bacle, and sister, Claudine Strickland.

His family wishes to thank his loving church family at First Baptist Haughton, the staff at Pilgrim Manor, as well as the numerous friends and family that have demonstrated their love and faithfulness to Garry and the family over the years.

Honoring Garry as pallbearers will be Tim Lewis, Grant Lewis, Garrett Lewis, Randy Bacle, Winston Bacle, Chris Saucier, and Tucker Saucier. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Cary Winters, Jerry Houston, Claude Fry, James Russell, Ken Mason, Billy Carter, Ronnie Strickland, Seth Strickland, Britt Green, Danny Dean, Bill Burris, Steve Netherton, Jeb Lord and the Deacons of First Baptist Haughton.

A memorial service will be held in Garry’s honor on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Drive, Bossier City, LA. Visitation is from 11 am -12 noon with the funeral immediately following at noon. Members of the family are invited to attend the graveside services at Haughton Cemetery.

In honor of Garry, the family asks you consider donating a monetary gift or the gift of your time to the March of Dimes.

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The Shreveport Police Department says a woman was arrested following a March 24 incident involving a stolen vehicle and alleged attempted assault in a south Shreveport parking lot.

Officers responded around 4:29 p.m. to a suspicious vehicle call at the Home Depot located at 110 East Bert Kouns Industrial Loop. When they arrived, they made contact with Caddo Parish deputies, who had already detained Elisa Maria Palma in connection with a reported stolen 2004 Toyota 4Runner.

Investigators allege Palma took the vehicle earlier in the day along with cash, a driver’s license, credit and debit cards, and an iPhone 11. Authorities say the victim later spotted the vehicle at the store, and before deputies intervened, Palma allegedly attempted to ram another vehicle, forcing the driver to jump a curb to avoid being struck. Surveillance video reportedly captured the incident.

Police say they recovered the victim’s property, including identification, cards, and the stolen phone, from inside the vehicle.

Palma was booked into the Shreveport City Jail on charges including unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, theft, and aggravated assault. The investigation remains ongoing.

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Caddo Parish Sheriff Henry Whitehorn Sr. swore in 10 new personnel for the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office during a ceremony held March 27.

The newly appointed deputies will serve in several divisions, including corrections, property, food service, and jail records.

Those sworn in for corrections include Contrell Capers, Kayja Mack, Kaitlyn Harvey, and Angel Hines.

Brandi Jenkins was appointed as property clerk, while Evan Hayes and Paulette Demery will serve in food service roles.

In jail records, Shylah Frake, Tyra Maxie, and Breanna Alexander were sworn in.

The sheriff’s office is also continuing to recruit new personnel. Officials say applicants must be 21 or older and are hiring for a variety of positions, including corrections deputies, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, building and groundskeepers, part-time courthouse security personnel, and part-time work release drivers.

More information about qualifications, benefits, and the application process is available at caddosheriff.org.

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The Louisiana Department of Education has announced semifinalists for the state’s Teacher and Principal of the Year awards, recognizing educators across Louisiana for excellence in the classroom and school leadership.

Representing Bossier Parish, Melanie Leigh Machen of Benton High School was named a Teacher of the Year semifinalist, while Alyshia Coulson of Bellaire Elementary School was selected as a Principal of the Year semifinalist.

In Caddo Parish, Monica Speyrer of C.E. Byrd High School earned recognition as a Teacher of the Year semifinalist, and Shannon Wall of Northwood High School was named a Principal of the Year semifinalist.

State officials say the program highlights educators who demonstrate exceptional student growth and serve as models in their communities.

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David Francis Kelly passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026, in a care facility in Natchitoches, Louisiana, from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. He was 76. Born in Detroit, Michigan, to Raymond James Kelly and Mary Catherine Kelly (née Lueddeke), David was the third of six siblings: Ray Jr. (Josie) of Temecula, CA; Paul (Sara) of Wauconda, IL; Lauren (Bud Skuba) of Mundelein, IL; Sean (Rosemarie) of Lancaster, PA; and Anne (Dan Malmed) of Wilmette, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ray and Paul, brother-in-law Bud Skuba, and sister-in-law Sara.

David attended St. Francis Elementary School and Loyola Academy in Wilmette, Illinois, and New Trier High School in Winnetka. He later studied English at the University of Illinois Circle Campus.

He attended the Cook County Police Academy and served as a police officer with the Kenilworth Police Department from 1974 to 1984. He later worked as a private investigator.

Music was a lifelong passion for David. A talented guitarist, folksinger, and songwriter, he was an active member of the Chicago folk music scene. His career in law enforcement and his love of music coalesced with the 1989 release of his album Police Officer Blues, a collection of original songs (including one John Prine cover) reflecting his experiences and observations as a police officer. His brother Sean (banjo) and former wife Gail (vocals) performed on the album. David also organized and performed at fundraising concerts for the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and often performed at Durty Nellie’s in Palatine and The Irish Mill in Mundelein. David was smart, quick-witted, and adventurous. The latter half of his life was shaped by mental health challenges, including bipolar and schizoaffective disorders. This often led him to choose a more solitary path, and his presence, and at times his absence, was deeply felt by his family.

After some years living in the south, he returned to the North Shore for several years to help care for his aging parents in their Northbrook home. During this time, he was an active member and group administrator for Alcoholics Anonymous and enjoyed time with family. After their passing, he returned to a more isolated life in warmer climates, periodically coming home for family events.

There, he faced a number of serious health challenges, including a heart attack, lung cancer, and, in his last several years, Parkinson’s Disease. He was a resilient survivor and we often teased that he had nine lives. He will be missed.

David is survived by his former wife, Gail Burdick of Grayslake; his daughter Amanda Kelly; Amanda’s children, Makayla and Grace; great-grandchildren Avery and Enzo; and his son Tim Kelly. He is also survived by his second wife, Laura, and daughters Sara and Betsy and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, friends are invited to donate to a fund organized by his family to assist with funeral and aftercare expenses. http://spot.fund/j52cg6jsc (Spotfund.com: Memorial Fund David Kelly).

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Sarah B. Culpepper was born on June 2, 1954, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Andrew Jack and Louella (Robison) Biard and she passed away at her home in Stonewall, Louisiana, on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

Sarah graduated from Woodlawn High School in 1972 and went on to work as a customer service representative for Kansas City Southern railroad for many years.  Taking care of her family and grandchildren was one of her greatest joys in life.  Before being diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease, she was actively involved in many church activities.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Sarah is survived by her high school sweetheart and her husband of 53 years, Hal Culpepper Jr; her children, Windy Williams (Jim) and Katie Haydin (Scott); her grandson, Austin Haydin; and her granddaughter, Chloe Haydin.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America at www.hdsa.org.

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The Shreveport Police Department is warning drivers after reporting more than 2,200 crashes so far this year, calling the number preventable.

Officials said they will conduct a traffic checkpoint on Monday, March 30 from 3 to 7 p.m. in southeast Shreveport as part of ongoing efforts to improve roadway safety and reduce collisions.

Police are urging drivers to follow basic safety measures, including wearing seatbelts and avoiding phone use while driving. Officers said those who do not comply may face enforcement action during the checkpoint.

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OIL CITY – The Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation has announced the completion of $1.1 million in improvements at Earl G. Williamson Park.

The upgrades include the addition of a new accessible floating fishing pier, a shaded picnic area, and 34 new shaded single shelters, aimed at enhancing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.

To celebrate the improvements, parish officials are inviting the public to visit the park this weekend, March 28-29. Free snow cones will be available from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.

Officials said the enhancements come just in time for the warmer months and are part of ongoing efforts to improve outdoor spaces across the parish.

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LSU Shreveport graduate student Augustine Nwafor earned the best poster presentation award in the category of computer science/cybersecurity and information assurance/mathematics and statistics at the 100^th annual Louisiana Academy of Sciences meeting earlier this month.

The computer science student presented the project “SmartKnee,” a wearable system that monitors knee biomechanics in real time with the aim of preventing anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

SmartKnee uses two small inertial measurement units mounted on the thigh and shin to capture three-dimensional knee motion at a rate of 100 times per second.

When the system detects dangerous movement patterns, specifically when the knee collapses inward by more than five degrees while in a vulnerable position, the system triggers both haptic feedback on the device and visual alerts on a mobile coaching dashboard.

This immediate feedback allows athletes and coaches to correct risky movements before they lead to injury.

An AI-powered assistant translates biomechanical measurements into advice for athletes and coaches.

“This was the moment when innovation meets real human need,” Nwafor said. “Winning this award validates not just my work, but the collaborative approach we have taken to tackle a real-world problem.

“With Dr. (Urska) Cvek’s continued support, I am excited to see where this research goes next and how many athletes we can help protect from devastating injuries.”

Nwafor demonstrated a wearable prototype of the system, providing a tangible product rather than just a concept.

“What made the presentation stand out was the live demonstration,” said Cvek, an LSUS computer science professor. “Conference attendees could strap on the lightweight device and see their own knee angles displayed in real time on the mobile dashboard as they performed simple squats.

“People were incredibly receptive to the technology.”

Nwafor led a team of students to be finalists in the DevDays HealthTech Challenge this past November, and continued research and tweaking has led to an improved system.

Cvek assisted that team in project development and research and continues to help Nwafor.

She also delivered a talk at the annual meeting about the art of visual storytelling in science.

LSU Health Shreveport’s Dr. Giovanni Solitro, the director of the biomechanics educational laboratory, also assisted with knowledge and product design.

More than 200,000 people in the United States injure their ACLs annually, with full-blown tears requiring up to a year or more of recovery to return to competitive play.

This system could supplement the monitoring of athletic trainers and physical therapists and the manual observation they perform, potentially identifying at-risk athletes before injury occurs.

The system also stores data to build historic trends, helping to establish an athlete’s baseline and alert to times in which the athlete is more at risk, like when an athlete is fatigued and knee movements change.

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The LSUS team of Heidi Tyler and Kaleb Schmidley captured a championship title in the Team International Public Debate Association format this past weekend at the Pi Kappa Delta National Speech and Debate Conference held at Missouri State University.

Tyler and Schmidley won a category that featured 50 pairs in the first year the TIPDA format has been offered at this national event that features a variety of formats and competitions.

The Pilot pair advanced to the knockout stage of eight teams and won three rounds in a row from there to claim the title.

“It was such a treat to watch these two debate in all of the rounds, and they executed really well as a team,” said LSUS Debate coach Lindsay Duede. “Kaleb is just 16 years old and will likely graduate at 17, so for him to win a national title on the way is extraordinary.

“Heidi had a great tournament individually and as part of the team. Everybody has come such a long way.”

Tyler reached the semifinals in the varsity division as an individual.

Those efforts led LSUS to a seventh-place team finish despite bringing only seven debaters on a team that pretty narrowly focuses on IPDA debate style.

The wide-ranging tournament featured 59 college teams, some of which fielded more debaters that competed in a broader range of styles and other similar competitions.

“We had debaters that were willing to try new things, like competing in categories like interviewing, extemporaneous speaking and impromptu speaking,” Duede said. “They were novices in these areas competing for the first time, but they put in the work with several being recognized in their categories.”

Lindsey Brown earned excellence recognition in both Interviewing and Extemporaneous Speaking to add to her fifth-place speaking champion honor in team debate.

Levi Grubbs walked away with an excellence recognition in Impromptu Speaking.

Competition on a national stage prepares LSUS debaters for the upcoming IDPA National Championship Tournament, which is April 10-13 at Middle Tennessee State University.

The 2025 LSUS bunch took home a Scholastic National Championship this past season, which measures LSUS’s performance in all undergraduate debate divisions.

LSUS won a total of six national titles at the 2025 tournament, three at the tournament itself and three for season-long performance.

Duede said this team has worked hard to put itself in a position to shine again on the national stage in its primary debate format.

“These students have worked specifically in areas like presenting evidence and monitoring time in their speeches, and they’ve made significant improvement since the beginning of the season,” Duede said. “But even more importantly, they had more fun at this last tournament than they have all season.

“They challenged themselves and proven themselves in different areas, and they are coming into the national championships motivated and refreshed. It’s easy to get tired in a season with nine or 10 tournaments, but we have a lot of life after this one.”

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Mr. Kennon will lie in state for visitation on Friday, March 27, 2026, between the hours of 11:00 am. – 7:00 p.m., at Heavenly Gates Funeral Home in Shreveport, Louisiana.

The celebration of life will commence on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 11:00 am, in the sanctuary of Lake Bethlehem Baptist Church, Shreveport, Louisiana.

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Celebration of Life services for Mrs. Dora B. Edwards, of Oil City, will be Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at the Lake Zion Baptist Church, in Belcher, Louisiana. Pastor Robinson of the Mary Thomas Baptist Church officiating. Interment will follow in Lake Zion Cemetery, Belcher, Louisiana. Public Viewing will be Friday, March 27, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. – 5 p.m., at Washington’s & Smith’s Paradise Funeral Home, 1842 Barton Drive, Shreveport, Louisiana 71107. Flowers may be sent to or purchased at the Funeral Home.

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced bid results for multiple statewide projects in March, including a traffic safety improvement project affecting both Caddo and DeSoto parishes.

The project involves signing upgrades along Interstate 49 between the Natchitoches Parish line and the Inner Loop. The work is aimed at improving visibility and navigation for motorists traveling through the corridor.

The apparent low bid for the project came in at $3,864,006.39. The project is part of a broader effort to enhance safety and efficiency on major transportation routes across the state.

Officials indicated that projects are selected based on factors including traffic volume, roadway condition, and safety needs.

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Caddo Parish Public Schools has announced the appointment of Kathryn Ferguson as the next principal of Caddo Middle Magnet School, recognized as the top-performing middle school in Louisiana.

Ferguson brings a background in academic leadership and classroom excellence to the position, having previously been named Louisiana Middle School State Teacher of the Year. She currently serves as assistant principal of instruction at Youree Drive Middle AP Magnet, where she has focused on strengthening classroom instruction, supporting educators, and improving student achievement.

School officials also expressed appreciation for the leadership of Robin DeBusk, noting her lasting contributions to the Caddo Middle Magnet community.

Ferguson is expected to transition into her new role this spring, allowing time to support continuity for students, staff, and families ahead of the upcoming school year.

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Students from Caddo and Bossier parishes pursuing degrees through Northwestern State University’s School of Education were recognized during an Apple Pinning ceremony held March 24, marking their acceptance into teacher candidacy.

The ceremony honors students who have demonstrated a commitment to careers in education and will now advance into upper-level education coursework.

Students from the area recognized include:

Aliya Green of Haughton, Music Education

Jozey Isom of Haughton, Early Childhood Education

Abigail Meador of Haughton, Secondary Education

Avery Phillips of Bossier City, Secondary Education

Jamya Thompkins of Shreveport, Elementary Education

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Linda Kay Perry born in Sherman, TX on January 3, 1954, to Hershel (Pops) Stanley and Mary Janice Curtis Stanley, Linda Kay Stanley often bragged that she was the perfect child, being the seventh of her mother’s ten children. She died unexpectedly of a heart attack on March 23, 2026. Family relocations in her childhood years took Linda from Sherman to McKinney and to Michigan before returning to Sherman and then Shreveport. Living life’s complexities beyond her control Linda was one of several siblings who were adopted by her mother’s second husband and carrying the Shellnut name until marriage. By Linda’s teens the family had settled in Shreveport, where she graduated as a proud Woodlawn High School Knight in 1972. Linda’s most cherished youth era experience was as a member of the Youth Choir under the direction of Price Harris, Music and Youth Director at Calvary Baptist Church, Shreveport, growing an unwavering faith in God and building cherished friendships that lasted throughout the rest of her life.

The later 1970s found Linda exploring career fields in electronics, working at Shreveport’s Southwestern Bell facility, then returning to Sherman to work in the Transformer Assembly Line at Texas Instruments before transitioning to one of Grayson County’s pioneering Home Health Care businesses created by her mother. This era brought an introduction to members of the Young Singles Ministry of Calvary Baptist Church, and one person in particular. That introduction to James Perry grew from a casual friendship over the next year, into a bond that became a dating relationship in late 1979.

Linda and James married in April of 1980 with plans of growing a family together, when life took an unexpected turn a couple of years later, in the way of an urgent surgical procedure to save Linda’s life. Through a commitment to persevere against all odds, adoption processes were initiated, bringing an adorable 3-year-old into their lives in late 1986. While Linda and James may have allowed their friendship to grow cautiously over time, the introduction to this precious child was love at first sight and Jack Wespy Perry was accepted with open arms and loving hearts.

Linda’s career path moved to the field of campus and corporate Dining Service when a part-time position in the Austin College Snack Bar led to a promotion to Cash Operations and Catering Manager for Aramark Dining Services. There, Linda flourished professionally and the company continued to promote her into more challenging environments, allowing her to fill Dining Service Management positions at UTA, SMU, Alcatel, Dr. Pepper, Sherman ISD and Texas Instruments over the next fifteen years. As Sodexho began to grow their operation into the southwest region of the country, Linda was again recruited, and she took on the unique role of Intentional Manager, using her expertise to audit and streamline operations and train new managers to be able to grow profits and solidify bonds with the various corporations under contractual commitments with Sodexho. A job-related accident in 2002 led to Linda’s early retirement due to disability. In retirement, Linda became Nana to three adorable highlights in her life, Jaylor, River and Salem Perry.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, and by siblings, Bobby Joe Stanley, James Donald Stanley, Judy Carolyn Walker, Mary Anne Stanley (who drowned at the age of 16), Charles Gene Stanley, Michael Tracy Shellnut and Bennie Glenn Shellnut. Linda is survived by her husband, James; her son, Jack; daughter-In-law, Shawnee; their three wonderful children; brother, Kenneth Ray Stanley; sister, Edna Marie Fletcher and her husband David; and Sister-In-Law, Christine Stanley (Charles) along with numerous nieces and nephews, and finally, a host of families who, though not related, have considered us as family.

Family night will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Waldo Funeral Home. Linda’s funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Waldo Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Friendship Cemetery in Sherman, TX.

In lieu of flowers, financial donations to Price Harris Evangelical Ministries, Shreveport LA, Shriner’s Hospital for Children or your favorite non-profit would be greatly appreciated.

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Hayden Niklaus Price, age 9, of Louisiana, passed away on March 25, 2026. Born on August 1, 2016, in Natchitoches, Louisiana, Hayden was a bright light in the lives of all who knew and loved him.

Hayden was full of life, laughter, and curiosity. He found joy in the simple and sweet moments—riding his bike, enjoying his favorite meals, and making homemade s’mores in the microwave. He had a love for Harry Potter, often immersing himself in its magical world. Hayden loved school and embraced each day with enthusiasm and a kind spirit.

Above all, Hayden’s greatest love was his family. He cherished his siblings more than anything in the world and found his happiest moments surrounded by those he loved. Summers spent with family in South Louisiana/ Mississippi were especially dear to him, filled with warmth, laughter, and treasured memories that will live on in the hearts of those who shared them with him.

Hayden was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Philip Tramontana, Jr.; maternal great-grandfather, Philip Tramontana, Sr.; maternal great-grandmother, Diane Tramontana; and great-grandmother, Cynthia Smith.

He is survived by his loving mother, Diane Tramontana and husband Joseph Hull, Sr.; his father, Kendrick Price; his grandparents, Leola Dunn (“Grammie”), Chad Dunn (“PopPop”), Jessica Wren (“MiMi”), Robert Hull (“Poppy”), LaShonda Pikes (“Grandma”), and Raymond Price (“Grandfather”); and his beloved siblings, Deylihla Johnson, Joseph Hull, Jr., and Aaliyah Hull.

He also leaves behind many loving aunts and uncles: Rebecca Brock (“BecBec”), Justin Brock, Rita Marshall (“RiRi”) and James Marshall, Earnestine Seals, Philip Tramontana, III (“Uncle Bubba”), Shelby Pikes, Michael Pikes, and Jason Garlington, Amber Terrance-Hull(Aunt Sissy), Dillion Terrance-Hull (Uncle Nemo) along with extended family and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

A visitation will be held on March 27, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Aulds Funeral Home, with a funeral service to follow at 3:00 p.m.

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A Shreveport man was arrested after allegedly firing multiple rounds into the air during a late-night neighborhood disturbance, according to the Shreveport Police Department.

Officers responded around 11 p.m. on March 20 to the 200 block of Naomi Street following reports of gunfire in the area. Upon arrival, officers made contact with Ramsey Farris, who initially denied involvement.

Authorities said neighbors provided audio recordings from security cameras that captured the incident. Officers later located 11 spent 9mm shell casings in the backyard of the residence.

After being advised of his rights, Farris admitted to officers that he had been drinking, became upset over ongoing issues with neighbors, and discharged the firearm into the air.

Farris was arrested and charged with illegal use of a weapon and booked into the city jail.

Police emphasized the dangers of celebratory or reckless gunfire, noting that bullets fired into the air can return to the ground and cause serious injury or damage.

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A stretch of warm, springlike weather is expected to continue through the end of the workweek across Caddo Parish and Bossier Parish, before a noticeable cooldown arrives just in time for the weekend.

Daytime highs will climb into the mid-80s Wednesday through Friday, with mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies and light south winds. Overnight lows during this period will remain mild, generally in the lower 60s before dipping into the lower 50s by Friday night.

A shift in the pattern arrives Saturday, bringing much cooler temperatures. Highs are expected to drop to around 70 degrees, nearly 15 degrees cooler than earlier in the week. Clear skies Saturday night will allow temperatures to fall into the upper 40s.

Conditions begin to rebound Sunday, with mostly sunny skies and highs returning to the lower 80s. The warming trend continues into early next week, with highs holding in the low to mid-80s under a mix of clouds and sun.

Overall, residents can expect a warm start to the period, a brief but noticeable cool snap over the weekend, and a return to typical spring temperatures by early next week.

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