The Shreveport Police Department and DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office have unveiled a new law enforcement helicopter aimed at strengthening public safety efforts across the region.

Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith joined DeSoto Parish Sheriff Jayson Richardson on May 7 to introduce the aircraft, which will provide aerial support for both the City of Shreveport and DeSoto Parish.

According to officials, the helicopter is equipped with advanced technology designed to assist with crime prevention efforts, support officers on the ground, aid in search operations, and provide assistance during major incidents.

Law enforcement leaders said the aircraft will help with suspect tracking, locating missing persons, and improving officer safety while enhancing coordination between agencies.

Officials described the partnership as an example of regional cooperation focused on improving community safety and expanding law enforcement capabilities.

The Shreveport Police Department announced that Nicholas D. Parks has been arrested in connection with an attempted homicide investigation stemming from a stabbing incident in March.

According to police, officers responded to Ochsner LSU Health on March 9, 2026, after a male victim arrived at the hospital suffering from a stab wound to the back.

During the investigation, detectives identified Parks as the suspect in the attack. Authorities said he fled the scene following the stabbing.

A warrant for attempted second-degree homicide was signed for Parks on March 10, 2026.

Police confirmed in an update that Parks has now been taken into custody. Additional details regarding the arrest were not immediately released.

Shreveport Police Violent Crimes detectives have arrested Taurus White in connection with a shooting that occurred May 5, 2026, in the 1600 block of Marshall Street.

According to the Shreveport Police Department, the shooting left a 19-year-old man wounded.

With assistance from the department’s Warrants Unit, White was taken into custody and charged with illegal discharge of a weapon during a crime of violence.

Detectives also executed a search warrant at White’s residence, where investigators reportedly recovered evidence connected to the case with assistance from the SPD Crime Scene Unit.

Authorities said additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.

Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact Caddo Crime Stoppers at 318-673-7373. Anonymous tips are accepted.

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office announced that a missing 13-year-old juvenile from Keithville has been found safe following a multi-agency investigation spanning Louisiana and Texas.

According to CPSO, Merlin Argueta was reported missing on May 7, 2026. During the investigation, detectives developed information regarding possible locations connected to the juvenile and requested an Amber Alert through the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Shortly after the alert was issued, investigators received tips leading authorities to a vehicle believed to have been used in the abduction. Officers with the Allen Police Department made contact with Arlin Hernandez Dubon, who reportedly told investigators he drove Daniel Osman Vasquez Mejia to the residence where the juvenile was taken without parental consent.

Authorities said Dubon later provided information about the location of the juvenile and Vasquez Mejia. Allen Police officers then located both individuals.

Daniel Osman Vasquez Mejia was detained and arrested by the Collin County Sheriff’s Office on a charge of harboring a runaway.

Investigators also obtained a warrant for simple kidnapping under Louisiana Revised Statute 14:45. The warrant was signed by Judge Don Hathaway on May 8, 2026.

The juvenile is currently safe and in the custody of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services while arrangements are made for her return to her parents.

Officials said the investigation remains ongoing to determine whether additional criminal offenses occurred while the juvenile was missing.

Caddo Parish Sheriff Henry Whitehorn Sr. thanked the Allen Police Department, Collin County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, and all assisting agencies for their efforts in safely recovering the child. He also recognized Detective Christopher Ardoin and Sgt. Jared Marshall for their work on the case.

Graveside services for Maryona Annette Murphy, 61, of Stonewall, LA will be held at 11 A.M. Monday, May 11, 2026, at Bethel Cemetery with Bro. Wiley Cole officiating.

Ms. Murphy was born March 27, 1965, in Shreveport, LA and passed away May 6, 2026. Annette was a free-spirited lady who enjoyed having a good time. She was always singing and loved karaoke. She also loved being outdoors. Annette loved her children and grandchildren and will truly be missed by all those who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her grandchild, Dakota Authier.

Ms. Murphy is survived by her daughter, Kristen Authier and fiance’ Chad Franklin; son, John Authier; and grandchildren, Allyssa Hall, Kayla Hall, Branson Hall, and Auroura Autheir.

Richard Henry Hughes went home to be with Jesus on May 6, 2026, at the age of 88. He was the oldest child of Alvin and Odelle Hughes and was born on February 13, 1938, in Stephens, Arkansas. He had two siblings, a brother Bill and a sister, Linda. The family eventually moved to Shreveport, Louisiana when Richard was in elementary school. He grew up there and graduated from Byrd High School in 1956. During his senior year, he led their baseball team to its first and only state championship. Richard then earned a baseball scholarship to the University of Arkansas and was there two years before signing a professional contract with the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. Using a portion of his baseball signing bonus, he and his Dad purchased land near Stephens Arkansas with future plans to raise cattle.

During the next eight years, he worked his way up in the minor leagues and spent several years in the United States Army Reserves. In 1962, while back in Stephens in between minor league assignments, he met his future wife, Anne who was from Waldo, Arkansas. By September 1963, they were engaged, and on January 26, 1964, their 62 year adventure began as husband and wife. Beginning in 1966, they enjoyed his brief but exciting two plus years in the major leagues with the St. Louis Cardinals, where they beat the Boston Red Sox in the 1967 World Series and lost to the Detroit Tigers in the 1968 World Series.

Like everything in his life, Richard was fully committed. He was not only a devoted husband but also a loving father. He and Anne were blessed with three children, Stephen, Sherry, and Scott. His playing career in baseball ended in 1968 although he served various roles in the Cardinals organization (which often required extended periods of time away from home) until 1975. At this point, he chose to spend more quality time with his family. He utilized his earlier land purchase as a means of supporting them through raising cattle, broilers, and timber. With Anne teaching school and Richard developing his farm, the kids learned a range of skills and life lessons. It was a family affair! His love of music, playing the guitar, and outdoor pursuits like hunting and fishing also influenced his children and eventually his grandchildren.

During Richard’s life, he participated in many local civic and community organizations. This included the Stephens School Board, several terms as Justice of the Peace, Stephens Housing Authority, Community Outreach Center, and many years serving as an election official.

Richard’s faith was woven into every aspect of his life. His salvation experience as a teen at church camp began his lifelong walk with the Lord. Loving God, loving others, and serving was a way of life. His 62 year church membership at First Baptist Church in Stephens included serving as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, worship leader, and many other capacities. He and Anne were often called on to provide funeral music with Richard singing and Anne playing the piano. They were asked to lead music at many family reunions and gatherings. His prayer and deep desire were for all of his family to be spiritually grounded.

He is survived by his loving wife, Anne; their children, Stephen (Susanne) Hughes, Sherry (Curt) Pelot, and Scott (Christy) Hughes; grandchildren, Jonathan (Ronni) Hughes, Eli (Hannah) Davis, Joshua Hughes, Joseph (Caitlyn) Hughes, and Hannah (Noah) Lambka; and precious great grandchild, Samuel Davis.

A visitation will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. in Magnolia, AR with a Celebration of Life Service following at 2:00 p.m. with Bro. Sandy Carter officiating. A private burial will be held.

Honorary pallbearers will be Eli Davis, Jonathan Hughes, Joseph Hughes, Joshua Hughes, Noah Lambka, Curt Pelot, Brian Wreyford, and Jeff Wreyford.

Memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church, PO Box 176, Stephens, AR 71764.

(UPDATE 5/6/2026): DOTD advises motorists that the concrete pavement repairs on LA 511 (70th St.) and LA 523 (Line Ave./Ellerbe Rd) in Caddo Parish are complete as part of this ongoing $1.6 million project. No futher lane closures will be necessary on those routes.

Work continues on LA 526 (Bert Kouns) between 70th Street and Youree Drive in Shreveport, and will be starting soon on LA 3 in Bossier Parish, where drivers should expect intermittent lane closures as noted in the previous update below.

Once concrete pavement repairs are complete on all routes included in the project (listed in original notification below), the roadways will receive permanent striping, which should have minimal impact to traffic.

Previous update:

(UPDATE 5/5/2026): DOTD advises motorists that the contractor is nearing completion of the concrete pavement repairs on LA 526 (Bert Kouns) in Shreveport, and will be moving on to the next location included in the project.

Beginning Monday, May 11, 2026, crews will mobilize on LA 3 (Benton Road) in Bossier City to begin the process of removing damaged sections of roadway and replacing with new concrete. Work will be taking place between Viking Drive and Cash Point Road.

The majority of the work will take place on the northbound side of LA 3, with some repairs taking place in the concrete section on the southbound side closer to Viking Drive.

Intermittent lane closures will be necessary to allow these construction activities to progress safely and efficiently. Please pay attention to advance warning signage and adhere to the posted speed limit.

The entire project (all routes) is anticipated to be complete in Fall 2026, weather and other factors permitting.

Previous update:

(UPDATE 4/6/2026): DOTD advises motorists that work is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 13, 2026 on the next location as part of the ongoing project to provide concrete pavement repairs on several routes in Caddo & Bossier Parishes.

The contractor is planning to mobilize on LA 526 (Bert Kouns Industrial Loop) to begin removing damaged areas of roadway, and re-pouring new concrete at certain locations. The limits of this area are between LA 511 (70th St) and Kingston Rd. in Shreveport.

Intermittent lane closures will be necessary to allow these construction activities to progress safely and efficiently.

Motorists are also advised to keep in mind that work is also still taking place along LA 523 (Line Ave/Ellerbe Rd) near LA 3132 as part of this project.

Previous update:

(UPDATE 3/31/2026): DOTD advises motorists that the concrete pavement repairs along LA 511 (E. 70th St) in Shreveport are nearing completion, and the contractor for the project is preparing to move to the next location.

Beginning Monday, April 6, 2026, crews will mobilize to LA 523 (Line Ave/Ellerbe Rd) as listed in the original notification below to begin the repairs to that section of roadway.

Motorists should be prepared for intermittent lane closures as part of these construction activities, though major impacts to traffic are not expected.

Please travel with extreme caution through the work zone, eliminating distractions and watching for crews and equipment.

Original notification – 3/12/2026:

CADDO/BOSSIER PARISHES – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces a $1.6 million project to provide concrete pavement repairs on several routes in both Caddo and Bossier Parishes.

Work on the project is anticipated to begin on Thursday, March 19, 2026, and includes removal of damaged concrete panels and replacement with new concrete, full-depth repairs to address the roadway base at specified locations, new roadway striping, and related work.

Routes included in the project:

– LA 3 (Benton Rd) from Viking Dr. to Cash Point Rd. in Bossier Parish
– LA 3032 (Shreveport-Barksdale Hwy) Bridge eastbound over the Red River
– LA 3036 (N. Common St) from LA 173 (Ford St) to US 71 (N. Market St) in Caddo Parish
– LA 511 (70th St) from Dixie Meadows Rd. to LA 1 (Youree Dr) in Caddo Parish
– LA 523 (Line Ave/Ellerbe Rd) from E. 85th St. to LA 526 (E. Bert Kouns) in Caddo Parish
– LA 3194 (MLK Jr. Drive) from US 71 (N. Market St) to LA 173 (Hilry Huckaby) in Caddo Parish
– LA 526 (Bert Kouns) from LA 511 (70th St) to Kingston Rd. in Caddo Parish

The contractor plans to begin work on the LA 511 (70th Street) route, which will require alternating lane closures to allow for construction to progress safely and efficiently. Motorists should drive with caution, and be aware that they might encounter work crews in various locations.

DOTD will issue another update when construction activities move to the next location in the project.

The entire project is anticipated to wrap up in Fall 2026, weather and other factors permitting.

This project is made possible through funding allocated by House Bill 406 of the 2022 Regular Legislative Session.

Jack Edwin Carlisle Jr. was born Jan. 5, 1942, to Dr. Jack Carlisle and Carroll Bright Carlisle. He passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on May 6, 2026.

Carlisle graduated from Byrd High School in 1960 before attending LSU, where he graduated in 1964. He later earned his Juris Doctor degree from Loyola Law School in 1968.

He spent decades practicing law with the firm that became Lunn, Irion, Salley, Carlisle & Gardner, specializing in civil jury trials while also handling criminal cases throughout North and South Louisiana. During his career, he appeared before judges, juries, commissions and police juries across numerous parishes.

Carlisle served on the nominating committee for the Louisiana State Bar Association and was a former board member and past president of the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel. He also served for many years as a bar examination grader.

He held memberships in several legal organizations, including the Shreveport Bar Association, Louisiana Bar Association, American Bar Association, Shreveport Association of Defense Counsel, International Association of Defense Counsel and Defense Research Institute. He was also a fellow of the Louisiana Bar Foundation and a past president of the LSU Shreveport Alumni Association.

Outside of his legal career, Carlisle was an avid golfer and longtime member of the Shreveport Country Club, as well as a founding member of Southern Trace Country Club. He won the State Bar Association golf championship and enjoyed golfing trips throughout the United States and abroad, including memorable rounds in Italy, Ireland, England and Scotland.

In a personal note written years earlier, Carlisle reflected on the loss of his father and close friend and law partner Frank Walker in 1998, while expressing gratitude for his family, friends and life experiences.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack Edwin Carlisle and Carroll Bright Carlisle.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Mikolette Carlisle; his son, Jack Edwin Carlisle III; his brother, Joseph Frank Carlisle and wife Sandy; and his sister, Sarah Carlisle Hancock and husband Bill.

He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

A funeral service will be held Monday, May 11, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mark’s Cathedral. Interment and a reception will follow the service.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, The Querbes Park Foundation and The Shreveport Opera.

Deborah “Debbie,” also affectionately called “Bebe,” mother of two children, grandmother, and aunt, passed away Friday, May 1, 2026, in Shreveport, Louisiana, after a sudden illness. She was born January 6, 1958, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Joe S. Brown, Sr. and Lucille Cathey Brown. Debbie was always very close to her family and made her home in Haughton, Louisiana, on her family land. She was the mother of two children, Jason Brown and Rachel Brown, and was happy to have them live nearby as they grew up.

She was proud of her career as a truck driver and enjoyed the long hauls and seeing the United States as she traveled from state to state. She suffered a work-related injury and had to end her career at that time. She was a homemaker, an avid reader, and writer. She had a gift for writing beautiful, thoughtful poetry and letters to her family.

Debbie loved to cook, and many people had that one special dish that only she could master. She would always make that special dish if anyone asked her to, and she did it with so much love.

She was devoted to her beloved family, but she also had many personal interests. Along with her writings, she studied the Bible and loved puzzles and games. She was a volunteer firefighter for the Town of Cotton Valley, Louisiana.

She was a very talented country music line dancer and loved dancing to all genres of music. She was born with a hearing impairment, but she learned at a very young age to read lips as a way to communicate better. She never let that stop her from any activity she set her mind to. She sang karaoke with her brother on stage, relying on his lead, reading his lips, and feeling the beat of the music under her feet to stay in time.

Debbie’s later years were devoted to her large and loving family, and she was beloved by all. Debbie will be missed by so many, and her wish will be honored by placing her to rest next to her father, mother, and baby brother, Stevie.

Deborah is preceded in death by her parents, Joe S. Brown, Sr. and Lucille Cathey Brown, and by her brother, Steven Lee Brown.

She is survived by her son, Jason Brown and wife Caprice, along with their children, Jordan, Sarah, Jaden, and Olivia. She is also survived by her daughter, Rachel Brown, and grandson, Nathan McKnight. She is further survived by her uncle, Ronnie Cathey and wife Zona, along with their children.

Debbie is also survived by her brothers, Joe S. Brown, Jr. and wife Lois; Michael Brown and wife Lisa; and Robert “Denny” Brown and wife Dede, along with their children. She was a beloved Aunt “Bebe” to Trey Murray, Wes Brown, Jamie Brown, Kristie Brown, Jacob Brown, Kelly Brown, and Chance Brown. She was also a cherished Great-Aunt “Bebe” to Leia, Ellen, Caleb, Brody, Lincoln, Connor, Levi, Louis, Scarlett, and Taytum. Debbie also leaves behind many more beloved family members and friends from Kentucky, Tennessee, and Texas who were very special to her.

Pallbearers: Jason Brown, Jacob Brown, Jordan Brown, Nathan McKnight, Connor Brown, Kelly Brown, and Rachel Brown.

Honorary Pallbearers: Chance Brown, Louis McKinney, and Jaden Brown

By Matt Vines

The local economy stood on relatively solid ground in the first quarter of this year, which includes the first month of the Iran war.

That’s according to the first quarter Northwest Louisiana Economic Dashboard from the LSUS Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER).

Doug White, CBER director, said housing prices and mortgage rates are stable, Shreveport tax collection grew, and measures of discretionary spending like airport traffic and casino revenues are solid.

But energy prices continued to spike through April and don’t appear to be trending down anytime soon, especially while the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.

That will cause a further spike in the inflation rate, which already grew 3.3 percent from March 2025 levels and represented nearly a full percentage point increase from February.

“If I were trying to spin a positive story, I could probably do it,” White said. “If I was trying to spin a cautionary story or a negative story, I could probably do that, too.

“There’s nothing in (the dashboard) that scares me, but at the same time, there’s a lot of uncertainty – and business owners and economists don’t like uncertainty.” 

HOUSING

Mortgage rates are trending down at 6.11 percent, its lowest since 2022.

Housing prices are holding steady with the median price of a home at $246,000 in the four Northwest Louisiana parishes. Those prices have ranged from $240,000 to $260,000 for the past three years.

“Housing prices haven’t really gone up or down, and the housing market remained relatively consistent,” White said. “Sometimes there’s nothing wrong with consistency and stability, so the housing market’s relatively strong.”

This report doesn’t capture the rent market, but a separate CBER study published in April shows that Shreveport-Bossier has high numbers of cost-burdened renters.

TAX COLLECTION

The City of Shreveport’s tax collection numbers grew two percent from 2025 first quarter, coming in at $41,413,718 this quarter.

The hotel/motel tax occupancy tax grew 7.4% year over year, bringing in more than $1.2 million in the first quarter.

AIRPORT

While Shreveport Regional Airport did see a decline from its record-setting 2025 first quarter, the more than 155,000 flyers who came and went would still be the second-biggest first quarter in its history.

That’s about 15,000 fewer flyers, perhaps an anomaly or perhaps numbers that are trending back toward the norm after a huge 2025.

Jet fuel price spikes related to the Iran war and the potential for fewer flights nationwide could further impact airport traffic this year.

“Is the decline because people are traveling less or because ticket prices have gone up because of the war?” White asked. “Or do people have less money in general to travel? It’s really hard to say.”

CASINO

As Live! Casino passes its first-year mark, the overall casino market is still expanding with a 3.7% revenue growth this quarter compared to the 2025 first quarter.

But there are winners and losers starting to take shape.

Only Live! and Horseshoe brought in more revenue year over year, and Live! wasn’t open for the entire first quarter.

Bally’s, Sam’s Town and Boomtown were all down at least 10 percent.

Bally’s announced earlier this year that it’s purchasing the Sam’s Town location, a merger that is expected to be complete around the third quarter.

“You have the three really big casinos – Live!, Horseshoe, and Margaritaville – and then you have Bally’s that’s trying to get bigger and compete,” White said. “Live! has definitely expanded the market, but at the same time, it has taken some of that market share from other casinos.”

White added that the casino market’s overall growth in the first quarter signals that at least some Shreveport-Bossier consumers aren’t feeling financially pinched.

“If people were hurting or if the economy is slowing down, I’d expect to see it in areas like casino revenue,” White said. “But there are still signs that we’re in a K-shaped economy, which means that upper income people are doing great while middle- and low-income people aren’t doing as well.

“There is a case to be made that overall economic numbers aren’t capturing the real story for many people right now.”

THE FUTURE

Inflation is the name of the game as fuel shortages and shortages of other products that rely on the Strait of Hormuz will be a key driver of the inflation rate.

Higher gas prices, which soared past $3.70 on average locally, mean that consumers have less to spend in other areas.

Inflated diesel prices means shipping costs will be higher, which will eventually work their way into the price of pretty much everything, including food.

“Those higher prices are going to eventually work their way in,” White said. “Think about fertilizer, which is heavily produced in the Middle East.

“Those prices went way up, which means that we may not have as abundant of a harvest this year. We might not see those higher prices across the board until the middle or late summer, but it could be coming.”

Natural gas prices have also doubled in the last two years, which will drive up energy bills among other factors.

White said consumers overall have been resilient, but questions how much a prolonged increase in energy prices will impact consumer spending.

“If inflation continues to grow at faster rates, that affects disposable income,” White said. “You go out less, you spend less – you don’t go to the casinos or the movie theaters or to restaurants as much.

“I’m waiting to see what the March and April unemployment numbers look like.”

Higher inflation means The Federal Reserve will be less likely to cut the federal funds rate (which determines the interest rate).

The flipside is what’s happening in unemployment, which didn’t have March numbers because of the government shutdown. February numbers stood at 4.5 % in Shreveport-Bossier, which are in line with the slow uptick nationally but also don’t reflect any possible impact of the Iran war.

By Matt Vines

A commencement speech is an invitation for graduates clad in caps and gowns to begin the next phase of their lives.

And LSUS commencement speaker Pam Atchison will dip into her fruitful four-and-a-half decades in the Northwest Louisiana arts world to provide perspective, inspiration and guidance.

She was appropriately named a 2026 Champion of Culture by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities for her impact in her 38 years as the executive director of the Shreveport Arts Council and 43 years of total service.

But when Atchison takes the stage at the LSUS graduations on May 15, she is also marking the occasion as an opportunity for herself after retiring from SRAC in 2025.

“This is humbling beyond anything I can explain – but this isn’t a goodbye, I’m not done yet,” said Atchison. “This is the beginning of the next chapter for me as well, an invitation to begin my next phase.

“All of the honors have been great, and I know it’s a thank you for a job well done. But I’m not dead yet!”

Atchison hasn’t really begun “retirement” yet – she’s played an active role in planning SRAC’s huge biennial fundraiser Christmas in the Sky, attends many arts events and offers her insight to local artists in promoting their work and bringing in more income.

She and her husband Bob did take the grandkids to Disney World, and she’s made a point to travel to see art in places like Italy and Dallas.

But Atchison, who received the LSUS Circle of Excellence award in 2016, is considering volunteer roles and activities to continue to nourish a regional arts community which she’s cherished for so long.

LSUS masters program played vital role

When Pam Atchison decided to pursue a master’s degree with friend Shelly Ragle, now the director of Shreveport Parks and Recreation, she had already led one of the most consequential arts programs in the state for 20 years.

“I always assumed I’d get a master’s degree, and both of my boys were moving on to pursue their doctoral degrees when (Ragle) and I decided to start,” said Atchison, who graduated in 2003 with a master’s in human services administration. “I thought with 20 years of administrative experience as an executive director, I thought I would CLEP some classes and basically just write my thesis.

“I was cocky, and I thought I knew it all.”

What Atchison didn’t know is the seemingly extreme case studies she was analyzing in classes taught by nonprofit staples like Norman Dolch and Mike Woods would create the foundation for her playbook at SRAC.

“I was learning about emergency management and public relations fiascos and how to conduct huge capital campaigns,” Atchison said. “And then our building burned to the ground in 2009, and never in a million years did I think I would be doing a capital campaign to replace our building.

“I was reading books and writing papers on every single tragedy, like Founder’s Syndrome in the board of directors, thinking, ‘Come on, this isn’t Survivor.’ I’ll tell you that there’s not one chapter in that course that didn’t come to fruition over the next 10 years or so. I believed I was far better equipped to handle those situations because of those LSUS classes.”

The end result is the redesign of the historic downtown Central Fire Station as SRAC’s new offices (Central ARTstation), which sparked a wave of organizations inhabiting downtown historic buildings.

Caddo Common Park is another SRAC creation under Atchison, a one-acre urban creative greenspace that transformed long-blighted areas on Texas Ave. that border the historic Ledbetter Heights neighborhood.

The Park anchors Shreveport Common, a nine-block urban arts community that includes Municipal Auditorium, the Strand Theatre and the Central ARTstation.

Atchison facilitated ArtBreak, the south’s largest student arts festival that celebrated its 40^thanniversary this year. The festival was a response to severe state funding cuts for arts education.

All of these projects – and countless others — require extensive relationships with communities, businesses, and governments, underpinned by successful grants and fundraisers.

“I was used to writing grants about why everyone must love the arts and that children need a way to express themselves,” Atchison said. “But I learned how to write grants with actual data (at LSUS), where they approached grant writing from a scientific perspective.

“Now I used data about what children were doing without afterschool activities, and how the arts improved kids’ ability to learn. It wasn’t just about how art theoretically saves lives – now we had data.”

Atchison was recognized as one of the most effective grant writers in the arts world with grant funding being an important cog in SRAC’s $3 million annual operation.

‘The arts saved my life’

Growing up in East Texas as the oldest of five children, Atchison handled difficult social situations by developing a penchant for comedic theatre roles.

“I’d rather have people laugh with me than at me – I was in charge of that laugh,” said Atchison, who added long noses weren’t exactly in style. “I grew up in a very conservative family that wouldn’t hear of one curse word.

“I developed myself by playing characters all day long, and I did feel a certain freedom in my own house because of that.”

Atchison recalls her favorite line from Lady Macbeth — “Out damned spot, out I say!”

“I made it through high school that way,” Atchison said. “The arts built my self-esteem, and it gave me a sense of hope because there was always another audition for another play.

“It’s not an escape necessarily, but arts can allow you to deal head on with whatever you’re facing. I can say that I am one of the ones where the arts saved my life.”

That love led to a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Stephen F. Austin and eventually led to an artist-in-residence position with SRAC in the 1980s.

Now Atchison is proud to help foster an environment that nurtures Northwest Louisiana’s artists.

“There’s something about the Earth and the soil here,” Atchison said. “You have the Lead Belly’s and the Clementine Hunter’s and Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s, but then you have somebody like Zhailon Levingston who’s a director on Broadway and has a hit production ‘Cats: The Jellicle Ball.’

“SRAC isn’t an organization that makes or creates art. We want to enhance the environment so that artists can discover themselves and have a chance to make a living in the arts.”

And while Atchison may not have the official title anymore, she’s far from done making an impact in the local arts community.

A graveside service for Orbie Jean Hughes, 93, will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, May 11, 2026 at Forest Park Cemetery, St. Vincent. Officiating the service will be Reverend Dennis Sims.

Orbie was born on July 29, 1932 in Jamesville, Texas to Orbie “Jake” and Mamie Harris Fleniken and passed away Monday, May 4, 2026 in Shreveport, Louisiana.

She graduated high school as valedictorian in 1950 and married Orie E. Hughes in 1952. She was employed as a telephone and switchboard operator for many years at Southern Message and Schumpert Medical Center. She also worked as a receptionist in the Cancer Treatment Center at Schumpert Medical Center two years before her retirement. She enjoyed all types of needlework and made many dresses for her granddaughters and crocheted many afghans for her family.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Orie Hughes; daughter, Beverly Ann Renwick; sister, Marion Louise Harris; brother, Darvin Fleniken; parents, Orbie “Jake” and Mamie Harris Fleniken; one nephew and two nieces. Left to cherish her memory are her son, Terry Hughes and wife, Aimee of Shreveport, LA; grandsons, Corey Renwick and wife, Jinna and Kyle Renwick of Round Rock, TX; granddaughters, Laura Hughes of West Jordan, UT and Jaime Hughes Adams and husband, Christopher of Holladay, UT; nephew, Doug Harris and wife, Debbie and niece, Davalyn Lapp and husband, Benjy.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to Ellerbe Road Baptist Church, 10705 Ellerbe Rd, Shreveport, LA 71106.

A graveside service for Henry Barajas, 92, will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at Naples Cemetery in Naples, Texas. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall St., Shreveport, Louisiana. 

Henry was born on September 14, 1933 in Naples, Texas to Felipe Barajas and Cleta Lozano de Barajas and passed away Saturday, May 2, 2026 in Mooringsport, Louisiana.

He was a very hard working man for many, many years. He retired at the age of 85 years old, a widow of 10 years. He loved yard work, especially working his flowers. He kept his yard looking immaculate, that was his joy. He loved his family with all his heart and would give anyone the shirt off his back, he had a huge heart. He was a great pool player and has many trophies to show how good he was. He was a very successful restaurant owner for many years in the Shreveport/Bossier area.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife (Karen) and the Mother of his children (Leafy-Lil Mama) and many siblings that have passed on through the years. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Angela Barajas and Henry Barajas, Jr. (wife) Anita Barajas, (children) Ben Barajas (his Kids) Savana, Katelyn and Olivia, Henry Barajas, III (wife) Liz Barajas (children) Nicholas, Abby and Kyle,

Carli Barajas (spouse) Chris, (children) Baylee, Lilly, Maddison and Cayman, Brock Hicks (spouse) Amber, Samantha Menchue (spouse) James, (children) Stormie and Skyie.

David Barajas (wife) Monica Barajas (children) Holly Black (spouse) Ryan Black (children) Alexis and Frankie, Alex Barajas (wife) Brittney (children) Jackson, Brady and Cameron

And numerous nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren that loved him dearly and he loved them.

Honoring Henry as pallbearers will be Ben Barajas, Henry Barajas, III, Kyle Bragg, Nicholas Barajas, Ty Walker and Frankie Koppie. Serving as honorary pallbearer will be Ryan Black.

He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather and a good friend to many that knew him along the way.

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office is taking new steps to address illegal dumping by installing litter cameras at known problem areas across the parish.

The initiative is part of a collaboration with Keep Louisiana Beautiful, aimed at identifying and prosecuting individuals who illegally dispose of waste. Authorities say the cameras will be used to monitor dumping sites and gather evidence against offenders.

Funding for the project was made possible through a grant supported by Billy Nungesser and Keep Louisiana Beautiful representative Susan Russell.

Officials say individuals caught illegally dumping will be held accountable, emphasizing that the effort is intended to improve both the cleanliness and safety of the community.

Residents are encouraged to properly dispose of waste and play a role in keeping Caddo Parish clean.

See Bossier Parish on page 3
See Caddo Parish on page 4

Caddo Parish Public Schools has announced the appointment of Courtney Thomas as the next principal of Shreve Island Elementary School.

Thomas currently serves as assistant principal of instruction and discipline at University Elementary School. District officials say she brings experience in instructional leadership, teacher support, data-driven decision-making, student behavior systems and overall school operations.

She will succeed longtime principal Sandra Mack, who is retiring after years of service to both Shreve Island Elementary and Caddo Parish Public Schools.

District leaders expressed enthusiasm about the transition, noting that Thomas will continue building on the school’s foundation while leading it into the future.

A strong round of midweek showers and thunderstorms is expected to impact the region, followed by a noticeable cooldown and a stretch of quieter, gradually warming weather heading into the weekend and early next week.

Rain chances increase significantly on Wednesday, with cloudy skies and scattered storms in the morning becoming widespread by the afternoon. Highs will reach the upper 70s, while winds shift from the southwest to the west. Storm activity is expected to taper off Wednesday night, with lingering showers early before cooler, drier air moves in. Overnight lows will drop into the mid 50s.

Thursday brings a break from widespread rain, though mostly cloudy skies will remain. Only a slight chance of showers is expected, with highs in the lower 70s. Similar conditions continue into Thursday night, with a small chance of evening showers and lows holding in the mid 50s.

By Friday, conditions begin to improve, with partly cloudy skies and only a slight chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms. Highs will rebound into the upper 70s, with mild overnight temperatures in the upper 50s.

The weekend will feature a warming trend and more sunshine. Saturday is expected to be mostly sunny with highs in the mid 80s and only a minimal chance of rain. Clearer conditions continue into Saturday night.

On Sunday, temperatures remain warm with highs in the mid 80s. A slight chance of morning storms will give way to a better chance of scattered afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Rain chances increase further Sunday night as cloud cover builds.

The start of the new week brings more stable weather. Monday will be partly cloudy with highs around 80 degrees, followed by cooler, clear conditions Monday night with lows in the mid 50s.

By Tuesday, mostly sunny skies return, with highs in the lower 80s, signaling a stretch of calmer weather across both parishes.

The Parish of Caddo will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Walter B. Jacobs Nature Center with a vendor open house scheduled for Saturday, May 9.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the center’s newly completed event facility, located at 8012 Blanchard Furrh Road in Shreveport. The open house is designed to give local vendors an opportunity to tour the new space, learn about its features and explore how to become part of the center’s preferred vendor network.

Organizers say the event is open to a wide range of professionals in the events industry, including planners, decorators, DJs, bands, caterers, photographers, videographers, bartenders, floral designers, bakeries and other service providers.

In addition to showcasing the new venue, the event will coincide with the nature center’s 50th birthday celebration, offering attendees a chance to connect with parish representatives and learn more about future partnership opportunities.

Officials say the initiative is aimed at building relationships within the local events community while highlighting the expanded capabilities of the nature center as a destination for gatherings and special events.

Jerri Copes passed away on April 29, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of family and cherished memories. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Brenda Copes; her brother-in-law, Walt Adams; and her nephew, Brandon Copes.

Jerri is survived by her four children: Carrie Ward; Marina Fulbright and her husband, Michael; Johnny Madrigal and his wife, Maranda; and Lexie Madrigal. She is also survived by her brother, Chuck Copes, and his wife, Patty; and her sisters, Donette Cloud and her husband, Randy; Tammy Heminger and her husband, Jeff; Tracy Hadwin and her husband, Tony; and Terri Copes. Additionally, she is survived by her ex-husband, Joe Madrigal, who remained an important part of her life. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, along with a host of extended family members and friends who will cherish her memory.

Her presence will be missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of her loved ones.

A graveside service will be held at a later date with interment at Redwing Cemetery in Oak Grove, Louisiana. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be considered to the funeral fund created for her burial.

Meredith Lynn Noel Day was born on October 2, 1946, to James Meredith Noel and Franics Elizabeth Baker in Miami, Florida. She passed away at her home on April 23, 2026.

She was a graduate of Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA. She was always known to be one of the hardest workers you would ever come to know. Working professionally for Met Life as well as for fun at Palais Royal. She also took on being a bus driver, throwing newspapers, delivering pizzas and just about any other odd job she could come by. She spent countless hours helping to clean house, do laundry and scrub floors for loved ones. She was always busy!

She’s preceded in death by her husband Buel Kenneth Day, her father James Meredith Noel, her mother Francis Elizabeth Noel as well as her sister Bettina Noel.

She’s survived by her children, Jackie Whaley (Andy), their children Victoria (Colton), Andrew, and Benjamin; Melanie Rowald, her sons Stefan and William, and great-grandchildren Samson and Rose Marie; and Brian Day (Jennifer), their daughters Evelynn and Lola. She’s also survived by her sister Karen Landry; brothers James Noel, Stephen Noel, and Bob Noel, numerous nieces, and nephews, especially her Goddaughter, Lisa Mathews (Jason).

Her life was made full by the boundless love and care she received from her adopted daughter, Becky Tichenor (Mike) and the entire Tichenor family. The final years of her life were filled with their overwhelming love for their “Grandma Lynn.”

“Memaw” loved her family to a degree that words could never describe. She never missed a reason to celebrate and loved to pass out greeting cards with her handwritten messages of affection. She rarely missed a dance or orchestra performance as well as attended endless sporting events, field days and would always want to be first in the carpool line!

She was a devout cradle Catholic having attended St. Joseph’s for many years but most recently was a fixture at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton where she loved to light a candle each time she attended church and loved how close the handicapped parking was!

Special thanks to Ericka Pierre, NP and the staff from Primary Care Associates for treating her like family, to Elara Caring Home Heath, with a special note of thanks to Brian and Pam and to Dr. Srikar Veerareddy from ACS whom she loving referred to as the man with the beautiful silver hair!

Visitation will be held on May 11, 2026, at 10 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, officiated by Msgr. Rothell Price. Reception will follow at the church.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Andy Whaley, Mike Tichenor, Phil Bouton, Stefan Day, William Rowold, Drew Whaley, Benjamin Whaley, and Jason Mathews.

Memorials may be made in her honor to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church.

A bomb threat called in on May 5 prompted the evacuation of Airline High School, according to school officials.

Students were safely moved to the school’s football field, where they remained as emergency responders and investigators began sweeping campus buildings.

School officials said all students were reported safe. However, parents and guardians were advised that students could not be checked out during the ongoing response.

Bossier Parish Schools stated that updates would be provided as the situation develops and once authorities give the all-clear.