Photographers across Northwest Louisiana are once again invited to share their perspective on the region as the Golden Lens Photography Contest returns for its fourth year. The community-wide competition, hosted in partnership by the Prize Foundation and Bossier Parish Community College, highlights the culture, creativity and spirit that define Shreveport and Bossier City.
From Sept. 27 through Oct. 19, photographers of all skill levels may submit original images that celebrate life in Caddo and Bossier parishes. A jury of professionals will review submissions and select standout works for exhibition at the Film Prize 2026 Kickoff Event in January. During the kickoff, community members will attend a Golden Lens reception, view the exhibition and cast their votes to determine the People’s Choice Award winner.
The contest will award a $1,000 Grand Prize to the top entry selected by the jury and a $500 People’s Choice Award determined by the public.
“Golden Lens shines a light on the talent and creativity in our community while celebrating the unique stories that make Shreveport-Bossier so special,” said Gregory Kallenberg, executive director of the Prize Foundation. “This year promises to be our most exciting yet.”
Each participant may submit up to three images, captured during the official contest window and within Caddo or Bossier parishes. Full contest rules and submission information are available at www.prizefest.com/goldenlens. The entry deadline is Oct. 19.
The Golden Lens Photography Contest began as a way to foster artistic expression and community pride in Northwest Louisiana and has since become a signature event uniting artists, residents and institutions through the shared language of photography.
For more information, contact Jenn Wasserman, photography instructor at BPCC, at jwasserman@bpcc.edu or message Golden Lens on Instagram.
The recent Service Academy Day held at Louisiana Tech Saturday, Sept. 27, had a distinctly local twist as Naval Academy Midshipman 2nd Class Christopher Barnard of Shreveport took time from his duties at Annapolis in order to assist Naval Academy Admissions Representatives Captain Trent Friedel, USN and Lt. Commander Roman Farrar, USN by giving potential applicants a personal insight into life in the Brigade of Midshipmen.
MIDN Barnard is a 2023 alumnus of Captain Shreve High School where he was a member of the swim team and excelled as a National Merit semifinalist. As a Midshipman, he runs triathlons in addition to his military duties and studies in electrical engineering. Local young men and women like him who are making their mark in the world make us proud to be Louisianans.
The Journal Services family extends best wishes to MIDN Barnard as he completes his studies and takes his place in the defense of the nation. The Journal hopes MIDN Barnard enjoyed his brief time home.
The Shreveport Police Department has announced the 25th Anniversary of its Pastors on Patrol
program, a long-standing partnership between local clergy and law enforcement dedicated to building
stronger connections within the community.
To mark this milestone, two special events are planned:
The Anniversary Breakfast with Chaplains will take place on Thursday, Oct. 2, at 9am at The Denny’s on Mansfield Road. Media are invited to attend, meet the Chaplains, and hear first-hand the impact of 25 years of service.
The 25th Anniversary Celebration Service will take place later in the month on Sunday, Oct. 26, at 6pm, at Lonestar Baptist Church, 5603 Ellison Street
The Pastors on Patrol program has been an integral part of the Shreveport Police Department since 2000,
providing spiritual guidance, counseling, and community support to both officers and citizens. The upcoming events will highlight the dedication of these chaplains and their continued commitment to strengthening trust between law enforcement and the community.
Media outlets are encouraged to cover these events and interview members of the Chaplaincy team.
There will also be a jumphouse and hot dogs. Come out and enjoy the HFD open house.
In recent weeks, the Shreveport Police Department received multiple complaints regarding firearms and
narcotics activity involving an individual in South Shreveport.
On Sept. 22, members of the Shreveport Police Department, with assistance from the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant at a residence connected to the investigation. As a result,
officers arrested Vincent Rice.
Rice has been charged with:
During the search, officers seized multiple pounds of marijuana, approximately 420 grams of
methamphetamine, and additional Schedule II narcotics. Several firearms were also recovered.
The Shreveport Police Department would like to thank the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this case.
This investigation highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to remove dangerous narcotics and illegal weapons from the community.
Shreveport police officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 8300 block of Harding Street on Sept. 23 just before 10pm. Upon arrival, officers located 17-year-old Victor Samuels, who had sustained gunshot injuries. Samuels was transported to a local hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
Detectives with the Shreveport Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit determined that Samuels had been involved in an exchange of gunfire with another male. Through the course of their investigation, detectives identified a suspect in connection with the homicide.
On Sept. 25, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Task Force, investigators arrested 17-year-old Kamarion Young. Young has been charged with one count of Second-Degree Murder and booked into the Shreveport City Jail.
The investigation remains ongoing.
The Bossier Chamber of Commerce will host the State of Legislative Affairs on Tuesday, Sept. 30, at 11:30am at Silver Star Smokehouse & Tavern (Bossier City).
Join the Bossier Chamber to hear from Senate President Cameron Henry and Speaker of the House Phillip DeVillier as they talk about the current state of Louisiana’s legislative affairs. Find out more about what’s happening in Louisiana’s Senate and House of Representatives and how this impacts employers, employees, and residents of Louisiana.
Registration can be found online at bossierchamber.com
Block by Block is winning awards. The Block-by-Block team was asked to speak on a panel regarding the Block by Block initiative at the Keep Louisiana Beautiful Conference. The program also won the Community Improvement Award.
After the panel, the team spoke with various leaders in Louisiana who want to learn how to implement Block by Block in their cities. It was an honor to have that hard work recognized.
Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation, Centenary College Lacrosse, and Red River Lacrosse Association are teaming up to offer a Fall Youth Lacrosse Clinic on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 9-11am.
Beginners to immediate level players ages 7 – 14 (3rd – 8th grades) are invited to register for this free event. Children will be introduced to the basics of lacrosse and sharpen skills needed to play this fast-growing sport. Participants can bring their own equipment or borrow from the partners.
The clinic will be held at Centenary College’s Mayo Field, (3482 Dixie Dr., Shreveport). Check-in begins at 8:30am. Participants must register: www.caddoparks.org.
For additional clinic information, contact Mary Murphy at mmurphy@caddo.gov, 318-220-6284, Michael Pabst at (318) 834-0690, or visit Red River Lacrosse Association’s website to learn more.
The Shreveport Police Department, Shreveport Fire Department, and the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office will
conduct a joint public safety exercise today at 9 a.m. at Calumet, located in the 3300 block of Midway Avenue.
To facilitate the exercise, Jewella Avenue will be closed between Midway Street and Hollywood Avenue from 8 a.m. until 12 noon. Motorists are encouraged to plan alternate routes and residents are asked for their patience and cooperation during this time.
The public should not be alarmed by the large presence of emergency vehicles, personnel, and specialized units, including the Shreveport Police Drone Team. This exercise is designed to strengthen coordination and preparedness among first responders in managing a variety of emergency scenarios.
The Shreveport Police Department thanks the community for its understanding and support as they continue working to ensure the safety and security of all Shreveport residents.
