For some reason, ever since someone came up with the concept of competition, man has always looked for a way to gain a competitive edge — even if it means cheating!  

In any contest, there are rules and just like records, some feel that rules are made to be broken. Today, we are going to look at some of the worst bass tournament cheaters to ever wet a hook, and how these incidents should be handled.

Years ago, an angler got caught cheating on Lake of the Pines in a bass tournament called the “KYKX Big Bass Splash.” In one tournament when the polygraph examiner questioned if the catch was legit, he was unsure on whether to pass or fail the guy. So, the tournament director decided to award him the victory despite questions surrounding his catch. 

The following year, the same angler was in position to win again but this time the polygraph examiner failed him. Then a man came forward and told the tournament director how and where this angler was getting his fish.   

He was pulling his bass out of a basket under a dock just before weigh-in. Convicted of fraud, this guy paid a price with a prison sentence and a heavy fine. 

Then there is the story of Elro McNeil who, in 1983, tried to weigh-in a bass that he purchased from Florida. It was rejected, but the bass was then frozen and thawed at his Louisiana home before being turned over to another angler for weigh-in at a Tyler, Texas tournament. 

The saddest part of this story was that one of the anglers involved in this elaborate scheme was found shot dead at his favorite fishing hole. At first it was considered a murder, but it was later ruled a suicide. 

What may be the best cheating scheme ever was orchestrated by Japanese angler, Yuming Gao, a few weeks ago during a Bassmaster Open. This dude took cheating to another level as he was placing air tags inside other angler’s bass boats so he could track them and learn where they were catching their fish. 

The one thing I’ve learned over my many years of seeing guys that cheat in bass tournaments is, most of the time, it wasn’t about the money they could win, but more about their ego and wanting to be recognized as one of the best bass fishermen in their region.

As an angler, the only thing you have is your name. Once you cheat and get caught, not only is your fishing career over, but you’ve now lost the reputation you had as a person. 

All anglers want to be recognized as one of the best, especially on whatever tournament trail they are fishing. But for some, the need to cheat can be so strong that no matter what the consequences are they just can’t stand winning the right way. I guess they think they won’t get caught… until they do. 

Here’s the deal; if you’re an angler looking to bend the rules in order to gain a competitive advantage, you’re already a loser! You have no place in tournament bass fishing, and I hope the next time you decide to cheat, the hands of justice come down on you with both prison time and a hefty fine, along with a lifetime ban from all fishing tournaments. 

If you’ve ever had so much earwax that you started wondering whether your head was secretly manufacturing candles for a side hustle, then friend, you are in good company. Recently I found myself in that exact predicament—both ears so clogged that even Granny’s Home Remedy (which usually involves olive oil, prayer, and a level of confidence not supported by medical science) didn’t make a dent. My hearing was so bad I kept asking people to repeat themselves, and they kept repeating themselves louder, and eventually everyone was shouting like we were reenacting the Battle of Jericho.

Finally, I surrendered and went to an ENT. The procedure was swift, humbling, and—let’s be honest—deeply satisfying. Suddenly the world was crisp again. Birds chirped. Paper rustled. I could hear my own footsteps.

But as I walked out of the office, ears squeakyclean and ego slightly bruised, I wondered: if our physical ears can get that stopped up, what about our spiritual ones?

Jesus once said, “People have eyes but do not see, and ears but do not hear.” I used to think He was being poetic. Now I think He may have been talking about spiritual cerumen—holy earwax, if you will.

Earwax doesn’t show up all at once. It builds slowly, quietly, sneakily—like dust bunnies or church committee meetings. One day you’re hearing fine, and the next you’re saying “Huh?” so often people think it’s your new spiritual gift.

Spiritual wax works the same way.

• A little pride here.
• A little resentment there.
• A dash of busyness, a sprinkle of distraction, a generous scoop of “I’ll pray later.”

Before long, the still, small voice of God sounds like it’s coming from the bottom of a well. And just like physical wax, spiritual wax is rarely solved by home remedies. We try:

• The Cotton Swab Method: “I’ll fix this myself.”
• The Essential Oil Method: “I bought something expensive; surely that counts as spiritual growth.”
• The Denial Method: “I’m fine. Everyone else is mumbling.”

But none of these clear the blockage. They just push it deeper.

After my ENT adventure, I learned that the best ear hygiene is simple: keep things clear, avoid sticking junk in there, and let the ear do what it was designed to do.

Spiritually, the same principles apply.

1. Stop sticking things in your ears.
You know the things—noise, hurry, outrage, comparison, doomscrolling, and the occasional YouTube prophet who predicted the end of the world last Tuesday. None of these help you hear God.

2. Let the Spirit do the cleaning.
Just as the ear naturally moves wax outward, the Holy Spirit gently brings our blockages to the surface—if we give Him space. Prayer, silence, Scripture, worship: these are the warm drops that soften the buildup.

3. Get professional help when needed.
Sometimes the blockage is too deep for DIY spirituality. That’s when we need pastors, counselors, trusted friends, or a good old-fashioned cometoJesus moment.

When the ENT finished, I was amazed at how loud the world was. I had forgotten what clarity sounded like.

When God clears our spiritual ears, the same thing happens. Suddenly Scripture speaks. Prayer feels alive. Worship vibrates in the bones. Conviction is gentle but unmistakable. And the voice of God—steady, loving, persistent—sounds like it’s been waiting patiently the whole time.

Maybe Jesus wasn’t scolding when He said people had ears but didn’t hear. Maybe He was diagnosing. Maybe He was inviting us to the Great Physician’s office for a little spiritual irrigation. And who knows—maybe when our ears are finally clear, we’ll hear Him say, “Welcome back. I’ve been talking to you this whole time.”

It’s 2026, and they’ve put AI inside everything from your toaster to your toothbrush. Now, a local genius claims to have optimized the highway driving experience. Our advice? If the app gives you the option to ‘Cancel,’ hit it before it hits your windshield.

April 29 has served as the backdrop for events ranging from historic weddings to moments of unrest, each leaving a lasting imprint on society.

One of the most widely recognized events tied to this date occurred in 2011, when Prince William married Catherine Middleton in a ceremony watched by millions around the world. The royal wedding was seen as a modernizing moment for the British monarchy, blending tradition with contemporary appeal and capturing global attention.

April 29 is also remembered for the 1992 Los Angeles riots, which erupted following the acquittal of police officers involved in the beating of Rodney King. The unrest lasted several days, resulting in widespread damage, injuries, and loss of life. The riots highlighted deep racial and economic tensions in the United States and prompted ongoing discussions about policing and justice.

In wartime history, April 29, 1945, marked the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp by Allied forces during World War II. The discovery of the camp’s conditions exposed the full extent of atrocities committed during the Holocaust and became a pivotal moment in documenting those crimes.

The date also carries significance in technological progress. In 2004, the final Oldsmobile rolled off the assembly line, marking the end of one of America’s oldest automobile brands and symbolizing shifts within the auto industry.

From celebration to conflict and remembrance, April 29 reflects the wide spectrum of human experience, illustrating how a single date can hold moments of joy, tragedy, and transformation.

“When a mother realizes her child is watching history unfold in real time—and feeling afraid—she faces a question no parent is ever quite prepared to answer: how do you explain a frightening world without making it feel even more dangerous?”

 See what Ida says 

Frederic Halbur, 64, “Fred”, son of Bobbie Bass and Norbert Halbur, loving husband of Diana Christine Halbur, passed away on April 9, 2026 at his home in Shreveport, LA.

He is survived by his wife, Diana; brother, Frank and his wife Shuala; and sister, Pat and her husband Albert.

Fred worked as an auto mechanic until his retirement in 2015, bringing his love of cars home with him to work on many occasions. He also loved animals, boat rides on the lake and scenic rides on the motorcycle.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

A funeral service for Lee Allen Howell “Dub,” 82, will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Dr., Bossier City, Louisiana. Burial will follow at Springhill Cemetery in Ringgold, Louisiana. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Officiating the service will be Brother Chad Rhoades.

Lee was born on March 18, 1944, to Morgan Howell and Sadie Butler Howell in Winnfield, Louisiana, and passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026, in Bossier City, Louisiana.

Lee Howell spent his life working in the logging industry, a trade he respected and poured his strength into for many years. The heart of his world was his wife, Nancy Dubois Howell, with whom he shared 63 years of unwavering companionship. Their long marriage stood as a testament to loyalty, resilience, and a love that carried them through every season of life. Lee will be remembered for his quiet dedication and the steady presence he offered to those around him.

Lee was preceded in death by his father, Morgan Howell; mother, Sadie Butler Howell; brothers, M.L. Howell and Robert Howell; sister, Lucille Clifton Woodell; and mother-in-law, Maymie Dubois. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 63 years, Nancy Dubois Howell, and their baby, Lil Red Howell of Haughton, LA; brother, Thomas” Buddy” Howell and wife, Billie Jean of Castor, LA, and Jimmy Howell and wife, Carolyn of Stonewall, LA; and sister, Ann Howell of New Castle, OK.

Honoring Lee as pallbearers will be Colby Howell, Lucas Howell, Blake Howell, Richard Willis, Craig Howell, and Tommy Ashburn. Serving as an honorary pallbearer will be Joseph Boots Clifton.

The family suggests memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, http://www.stjude.org.

The family would like to extend a very special thanks to Pilgrim Manor for taking such good care of Lee.

Two men from south Louisiana were arrested early April 26 after Shreveport Police responded to a reported burglary in progress at a dealership on East Bert Kouns Industrial Loop.

Officers arrived around 1:45 a.m. and established a perimeter, taking both suspects into custody at the scene.

Authorities identified the suspects as Elijah Barnaba of Opelousas and Jacolby Castille of Lafayette. Investigators said the pair was in possession of a device used to program key fobs, along with other tools commonly associated with vehicle theft.

Both men were booked on multiple charges, including two counts of theft of a motor vehicle, criminal damage to property, criminal trespass, possession of burglary tools and resisting an officer.

Police credited the quick response and coordination of patrol officers in preventing the theft and making the arrests.

A carport fire in the Dogwood North subdivision spread to multiple structures Sunday night, displacing two families, according to Bossier Parish Fire District No. 1.

Fire crews responded around 8:22 p.m. on April 26 to Dogwood Trail, where the carport was found fully engulfed upon arrival. The fire extended to the attached home, a neighboring residence and several vehicles.

Firefighters conducted water shuttle operations using 3,000-gallon engines until a water supply was established from a hydrant located about 900 feet away. Crews worked for approximately an hour to bring the fire under control.

No injuries were reported. A total of five engines, two rescue units, one EMS unit and three chiefs responded to the scene.

SHREVEPORT, La. — The Southern University Board of Supervisors voted unanimously April 23 to establish a law school in Shreveport, a decision that would give Louisiana its fifth law school and its first in the northern part of the state.

The board, meeting in Shreveport, reviewed a report from an external consultant that documented strong regional demand for legal education and a shortage of legal professionals serving Northwest Louisiana. The resolution authorizes system leadership to move forward with planning, including pursuit of American Bar Association accreditation, program and curriculum development, faculty hiring, and engagement with community and state stakeholders. No opening date has been set.

Board Chairman Tony Clayton called the vote a milestone for the system. “This is a bold and forward-looking decision that reflects our commitment to meeting the educational and workforce needs of Louisiana,” Clayton said. “Establishing a law school in Shreveport strengthens our mission to provide access and opportunity, while positioning the Southern University System to have an even greater impact across the state.”

Southern University Law Center Chancellor Alvin Washington said the expansion aligns with the institution’s core mission. “We are committed to producing practice-ready graduates and increasing access to legal education for students who aspire to serve their communities,” Washington said. “Expanding into Shreveport allows us to do just that.”

The move follows years of groundwork. The Southern University Law Center, based in Baton Rouge and one of the nation’s top-ranked historically Black law schools, previously explored an off-campus instructional site in the Shreveport-Bossier region, with a phased plan that envisioned growing into a full branch campus offering a part-time evening and weekend program for non-traditional students.

The proposed school is expected to draw students from North Louisiana, East Texas and Southwest Arkansas, broadening the pipeline of attorneys serving an area that advocates say has long been underserved by legal education options.

Regional leaders rallied behind the decision. Appellate Judge Shonda Stone, state Sen. Sam Jenkins and attorney Carl Franklin each voiced support, citing the need to expand legal workforce capacity across North Louisiana. Southern University at Shreveport, a two-year institution that has operated in the city since 1967, is part of the same historically Black university system.

Additional details on timelines and implementation are expected as planning advances.

The Bossier Chamber of Commerce hosted its second cleanup event of 2026 on Saturday as part of Love the Boot Week, with support from the organization’s Chamber Diplomats.

Love the Boot Week is a statewide initiative focused on litter removal and beautification, aimed at raising awareness about Louisiana’s litter problem while encouraging community involvement in cleanup efforts.

Chamber officials noted that while the official week has concluded, residents and businesses are encouraged to continue maintaining clean neighborhoods year-round.

More information and resources are available at keeplouisianabeautiful.org.

The Shreveport Police Department’s Community-Oriented Policing Bureau participated in multiple community events over the weekend in support of autism awareness.

Officers attended the “Superhero Block Party – Light It Up Blue” event at Princess Park, where they interacted with families through games and activities while building connections with residents.

The bureau also took part in the Autism Awareness Superhero Fun Run at Betty Virginia Park, continuing outreach efforts and sharing information with attendees.

During both events, officers promoted the department’s Friends of the Community Program, which aims to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the community.

Officials said the events provided an opportunity to support a meaningful cause while fostering positive engagement with local residents.

By MALCOLM BUTLER, Lincoln Parish Journal

RUSTON — After months of legal chess, the divorce between Louisiana Tech and Conference USA is finally over without ever colliding in court.

Conference USA sent out a statement late Monday afternoon stating that the two sides have come to a resolution, the first sign of the I’s dotted and T’s crossed since last summer when Tech’s bid for Sun Belt Conference membership was accepted.

“Conference USA is pleased to have reached a positive resolution with Louisiana Tech that fully acknowledges our governing documents,” said the two-sentence statement from the league. “We look forward to continued success and impact in the national landscape, driven by the collective strength and shared vision of our 10 (remaining) member institutions.”

Although plenty of reports recently surfaced that the two sides (the University of Louisiana System and Tech vs. CUSA) had reached some sort of financial agreement, the statement put a final nail in the proverbial separation coffin. 

The university confirmed it.

“We’ve reached a fair and equitable agreement with Conference USA, our partner for 13 years,” said a statement released by Louisiana Tech. “The move to the Sun Belt Conference in July is one that will benefit the health and well-being of our student athletes, the fiscal stability of our athletics department, and the economic vitality of our entire region. Our Bulldogs and Lady Techsters look forward to renewing rivalries with the Ragin’ Cajuns, Warhawks, Golden Eagles, and all of the Sun Belt members. Go Dogs!”

After months of no progress in an agreement to reach a financial settlement, the ULS filed a lawsuit on behalf of Louisiana Tech in early March. The two sides’ legal teams went back and forth over the last few months without ever meeting to court, although a number of legal documents were filed in both district and federal courts.

Tech officials said that the financial terms of the agreement are confidential. Last Thursday, the ULS System board of supervisors went into executive session to discuss Tech’s plan to make the separation payment, and approved it.

A national media outlet announced a few weeks ago that the two sides had agreed to a final price of roughly $8 million. However, based on historical precent, that number seems high, sources indicated.

Tech AD Ryan Ivey said that he is glad to move forward with eyes set on July 1.

“We are excited about the opportunity to be in the Sun Belt,” said Ivey. “It gives us the momentum we need to help our department and student athletes and the future of Louisiana Tech Athletics.”

Contact Malcolm at lpjnewsla@gmail.com

For a few million dollars, Louisiana Tech is finally where it ought to be.

For the lack of several million, LIV Golf’s foray into Louisiana has predictably all but fizzled out, with good riddance.

A good idea gets done. A bad one gets sunk.

It made no sense for the Bulldogs to keep trotting around Conference USA next season, and everyone on both sides knew it. CUSA had the ‘Dogs by the short hairs, though, because of these tricky little documents called bylaws. They spelled out to some degree the requirements to depart the conference, and to a lesser extent, the pricetag of doing it.

What was that number? Maybe not the $8 million some outlets floated in the last couple of weeks, but it wasn’t a sale price, either. Cost more than a mass visit to your favorite escape room, and was much more complicated.

The powers that be in Ruston knew that. But they also were weary of teams dealing with the grind of CUSA travel – not only to big cities like Miami and Atlanta, which are not exactly down the road a few hours, but to outposts like Lynchburg, Dover, Kennessaw, Murfreesboro, and Westchester (Fla.).

It was unpleasant enough making those trips, but fans from those institutions didn’t make their way to Ruston when their teams did. Nor did fans follow the Bulldogs to CUSA destinations.

The Sun Belt will be a 180. Travel won’t be as taxing, and considering gas prices, that’s even more important now than it was when Tech and the SBC got engaged last summer. Visiting fans will get noticed at Tech home games instead of being dressed as empty seats.

Conference matchups with ULM and UL Lafayette are prime attractions, and short drives for teams and fans. Not too far away are Arkansas State and Southern Miss. Even Troy and South Alabama are possible day trips for the most enthusiastic.

No doubt the football, baseball, softball, and track standards are much better in the SBC. It’s still a one-bid league for basketball, but more relevant with programs than have made some NCAA Tournament runs – something that is a far-too-distant memory in Ruston.

It took some court filings and extended staredowns, but inevitably, a spoiled relationship is ending. Divorce has its pains but is not necessarily a bad outcome.

Down in New Orleans, finances are helping crater an idea without merit from the start.

LIV Golf stinks. Call it what it is – Saudi Arabia’s bazillion-dollar sports washing of a miserable human rights record that includes the execution of an American journalist and some apparent culpability in the 9-11 attacks. But they have oil.

Dozens of pro golfers swallowed the money and ignored the stench when they joined LIV. Some made lifetime fortunes. Nearly all soiled their reputations as golfers, and humans.

LIV backers sold some top brass in Louisiana on staging a tournament in New Orleans. In late June. That was testament to the stupidity.

Unfortunately, the effort suckered in state officials to the point that more investment ($7 million) was made in this venture than the longstanding PGA Tour stop in New Orleans, the Zurich Classic, which has been a tremendous benefit to the Crescent City for decades.

Good news: LIV will repay the $1.2 million the state has already handed over. Another $2 million has gone to renovating Bayou Oaks, which will have some residual economic benefits beyond giving golfers another top-flight option down dere.

Reports say the state and LIV are bouncing around potential to host a fall tournament at Bayou Oaks. Louisiana’s money would be much better spent investing in the Zurich Classic or a thousand other sports ventures – the Independence Bowl comes to mind.

Like Tech to the Sun Belt, THAT makes sense.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

JOURNAL SPORTS

Entering its 50^th year, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl will kick off the college football season in August with an appearance by one of the century’s most dynamic LSU football stars.

“The Honey Badger,” LSU great and Super Bowl champion Tyrann Mathieu, was announced Monday as the featured speaker for the annual Independence Bowl Kickoff Dinner on Monday, August 17.

Mathieu, a New Orleans native who became one of college football’s breakout stars with his dynamic play-making as a defensive back and return specialist for the Tigers, capped his 12-year NFL career playing for his hometown Saints after helping the Kansas City Chiefs win a Super Bowl.

“I’m honored to be a part of the 2026 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl Kickoff Dinner,” said Mathieu. “Louisiana has always meant everything to me, so any chance to come back, connect with fans, and celebrate the game that gave me so much is special. I’m looking forward to a great night in Shreveport.”

Mathieu joins a star-studded roster of sports figures who have spoken at the event over its first 15 years: Terry Bradshaw, Bobby Bowden, Lou Holtz, Jason Witten, Emmitt Smith, Archie Manning, Herschel Walker, Steve Spurrier, Drew Brees, Marcus Spears, Kim Mulkey, Paul Skenes, Holly Rowe and Mack Brown. 

“Like many football fans across our state, I have great respect for what Tyrann Mathieu has meant to Louisiana and to the game of football. His career reflects results, toughness, and leadership at the highest level, and his story continues to resonate well beyond the field,” said Keith Burton, 2026 Independence Bowl Foundation chairman. “We are proud to welcome him to Shreveport-Bossier for the 2026 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl Kickoff Dinner and look forward to an evening that will be meaningful for our community and especially for the next generation of student-athletes.”

Mathieu rose to prominence as a member of the LSU Tigers in 2010 and 2011, as he was college football’s premier game-changer, causing turnovers on defense and scoring electric touchdowns on special teams. In his sophomore season of 2011, he was Heisman Trophy finalist, and he was also named the Chuck Bednarik Award winner, SEC Defensive Player of the Year and a consensus All-American.

Playing for Arizona, Kansas City and New Orleans over a dozen pro seasons, Mathieu won first-team All-Pro honors three times and second-team All-Pro once.

He has also received recognition for his commitment to service off the field. Mathieu has been a Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award nominee for two different franchises, the Chiefs and Saints.

As an LSU sophomore in 2011, he wore the prized No. 7 for the Tigers and was one of college football’s truly elite players. He totaled 77 tackles, 1.5 sacks, five forced fumbles four recoveries (including two returned for touchdowns) and two interceptions. He also had two punt return touchdowns.

Mathieu was named a member of the Pro Football Writers Association 2013 All-Rookie Team. In his third season in the NFL, Mathieu had his finest year as a member of the Cardinals with 89 combined tackles, 17 pass deflections, five interceptions, one sack, one forced fumble and one touchdown in 14 games. He was named to his first of three career Pro Bowls and was named as a first-team All-Pro safety by the Associated Press.

The most notable stretch of Mathieu’s professional career came from 2019-21 with the Chiefs. His first season in Kansas City earned him the second first-team All-Pro nod of his career. Mathieu finished the season with 75 combined tackles, four interceptions, 12 passes defended and two sacks. He was one of the leaders of the Chiefs’ defense and earned his Super Bowl when Kansas City defeated the San Francisco 49ers, 31-20, in Super Bowl LIV.

Mathieu was ranked as the 39th-best player in the NFL by his peers in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020. He earned his second and third Pro Bowl berths in 2020 and 2021, and he also earned his third and final first-team All-Pro honor in 2021.

Mathieu returned home when he signed a three-year deal with the New Orleans Saints in 2022. He started all 51 games between 2022-2024 for his hometown team – collecting 228 combined tackles and 10 interceptions. Mathieu retired on July 22, 2025 after 12 seasons in the NFL.

He was named a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team, and in 2025, he was named a second-team AP All-Time All-American for his legendary college career at LSU.

Individual tickets to the event are on sale for $75, and a table of eight is $600. Fans can purchase tickets at the RadianceTechnologiesIndependenceBowl.com website or by calling the bowl office at 318.221.0712.

In Loving Memory of Bert Allen McDaniel
December 29, 1942 – April 24, 2026

Bert Allen McDaniel, 83, longtime resident of Mobile, Alabama, passed away on April 24, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, warmth, and a life lived to its fullest. Born in the winter of 1942, Bert carried a steady, reliable spirit through eight decades of changing times, always remaining a foundational figure for his entire family and those who knew him.

He is survived by MaryLou Welsh McDaniel his devoted wife of 66 years. Daughters: Beverly Tompkins (Bobby) and Cheryl Kendrick (Brad), 6 Grandchildren: Kyle Saunders (Elizabeth), Amy Horzempa, Jeremy Jordan (Heather), John Tompkins (Jenny), Joseph Tompkins (Hannah) and Amber Kendrick. 3 Great Grandchildren: Collin Saunders, Noah Horzempa and Hudson Horzempa. 4 Sisters: Judy Flowers (Jesse), Patsy Slaughter (Clois), Shirley Cantley (Henry) and Sybil Lynn. 2 Brothers: Billy McDaniel (Ramona) and Harry McDaniel. 1 Aunt: Betty Railey (Jack). And numerous cousins, nephews and nieces. And all who will continue to honor his memory by carrying forward the values he instilled in them.

He joins those who passed before him, including 1 Son: Bert Jr (Bertie), 1 Daughter: Betty Jordan, Parents: Sybil and William (Bill) McDaniel and many other family members.

Bert, affectionately known as Buddy to his family, was defined by his love of his Savior Jesus Christ, giving spirit, devotion to his family, truly loving nature and the biggest Alabama Football fan in the family.

Bert’s journey was one of many seasons-Born in Elysian Fields, Texas, but grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana where he and his siblings had many adventures. He found joy in the simple things: Future Farmers of America, basketball, picking up his sweetheart in his truck for dates at the drive-in, working on the dairy farm, racing cars and building things with his hands and tools.

He attended LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas and pursued a career in welding supplies which took him and his wife to several places before settling in Mobile, Alabama.

He will always be loved and missed until we see him again in Heaven. Oh, what a glorious day that will be!

A visitation will be held at Osborn Funeral Home in Shreveport, Louisiana at 10:00am on Thursday April 30, 2026 followed by a graveside service to honor Bert’s life and legacy at 12:00pm in Forest Park West Cemetery Shreveport, Louisiana.

A Shreveport man was killed in a three-vehicle crash early Monday morning on Interstate 49 in Rapides Parish.

Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to the crash around 5:15 a.m. on April 27 near mile marker 101. The crash claimed the life of 24-year-old Dillon Jenkins of Shreveport.

According to the initial investigation, Jenkins was driving a 2022 Kawasaki motorcycle northbound on I-49 along with a 2018 Dodge Ram and a 2019 Toyota. Investigators said the driver of the Dodge Ram failed to slow down and rear-ended the motorcycle.

Following the impact, Jenkins was ejected from the motorcycle and was then struck by the Toyota.

Jenkins sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The drivers of both the Dodge Ram and the Toyota, who were properly restrained, were not injured.

Toxicology samples were collected and submitted for analysis as part of the ongoing investigation.

State police noted that distracted and inattentive driving remains a leading cause of crashes and urged motorists to remain alert, warning that even a brief lapse in attention can have deadly consequences.

Shreveport police have arrested a suspect accused of attempting to cash fraudulent checks at a local credit union.

According to the Shreveport Police Department, officers responded April 22, 2026, around 2:35 p.m. to Wesla Federal Credit Union’s Fern Branch after receiving a report of an individual attempting to negotiate a fraudulent check. Upon arrival, officers identified the suspect as Berma Hogan, who was allegedly attempting to cash a $900 fraudulent check.

Investigators determined Hogan had successfully negotiated two additional fraudulent checks in the days prior, including transactions on April 20 at the Fern Branch and April 21 at the Williamson Way Branch of Wesla Federal Credit Union. Both checks were later returned after officials found no record of the associated account.

Hogan was taken into custody without incident and charged with bank fraud.

Authorities credited responding officers and the Shreveport-Caddo Financial Crimes Task Force for their role in identifying and stopping the scheme.

The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Shreveport Police Department or Caddo Crime Stoppers.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.