Patricia Lee Morris, 75, of Bossier City, Louisiana, passed away on May 31, 2026, in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Patricia was born on December 2, 1950, at the United States Naval Hospital in Beaufort, South Carolina, and was raised with deep roots in Cedartown, Georgia. She lived a life defined by determination, independence, faith, and a deep love for family, friends, animals, and nature.

A lifelong Christian, Patricia carried her faith with her throughout her life. Professionally, she was ahead of her time, building a successful career in property management, construction administration, and project coordination during an era when such roles were uncommon for women. She managed apartment communities, condominiums, and large construction projects, earning respect through her intelligence, professionalism, and work ethic. Among her many accomplishments was her work managing operations on Dataw Island, South Carolina.

Outside of her career, Patricia found joy in sewing, crafting, gardening, and caring for animals. She had a remarkable green thumb and could bring life to nearly anything she planted. Her compassion extended to animals as well, and she rarely met one she didn’t want to rescue and care for.

Those who knew Patricia knew she could be stubborn, and she would likely smile at that description herself. Yet behind that strong will was a nurturing heart. Once someone earned her trust, they found a woman who was fiercely loyal, deeply caring, and always willing to help those she loved.

Her family often laughs when remembering one of the many stories that perfectly captured her determination. While preparing dozens of Valentine’s Day balloons, Patricia realized she was likely experiencing a cardiac event. Rather than seeking immediate medical attention, she calmly told her daughter to finish work and come by when convenient so she could be taken to the hospital—”no rush.” It was classic Patricia: resilient, independent, stubborn, and far more concerned with inconveniencing others than herself.

Patricia is survived by her daughter, Alleethea Sunshine Cappara and her husband, Michael Cappara; and her son, William Ira-Bivens Featherly and his wife, Jessica Featherly. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Allisyn Cappara, Madison Featherly, and Magnolia Featherly. 

She is also survived by her stepdaughter, Christina Fonner and her husband, Timothy Fonner; and her stepdaughter, Julie Willett and her husband, Michael Willett. Her step-grandchildren include Christopher Fonner, Summer Forcini, and Corey Lee. 

She was also blessed with six great-grandchildren: Emma, Avery, Kynlee, Carson, Eli, and Eric. 

Patricia also leaves behind her dear friend and companion, Douglas Mohler, who shared life’s journey alongside her during her later years. His friendship, companionship, and steadfast presence brought comfort, laughter, and support, and he held a special place in her life. 

The family would also like to recognize Patricia’s daughter-in-law, Jessica Featherly. Though their relationship began with two strong-willed women learning to navigate one another, it grew into one of mutual respect, love, and family. During Patricia’s final months, Jessica became one of her strongest advocates, helping coordinate care, rehabilitation, housing, paperwork, meals, clothing, and countless other details. Her compassion, dedication, and tireless support helped ensure Patricia’s comfort and dignity, and for that the family will always be grateful.

Patricia was previously married to George E. Featherly and William F. Tingen, both important chapters in her life’s journey.

She is also survived by her beloved cousins, Latrelle Bradshaw, Clint Bradshaw, and Greg Davidson. If any relative or friend has been unintentionally omitted, the family sincerely apologizes and asks for understanding during this difficult time.

More than any title or accomplishment, Patricia’s greatest legacy was the love she shared, the family she cherished, and the countless lives she touched through her kindness, strength, and unwavering determination.

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of her family and friends.

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Billy Ray Herring, 62, of Oil City, LA passed away on May 26, 2026. He was born on March 11, 1964 in Vivian, LA. He was the son of Marshall and Marie Herring.

He is survived by his mother Marie Herring; sister Mary Herring; brother James Herring, an Aunt, nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Preceding him in death are his father Marshall Herring; two brothers Jimmy Herring and James (Bebo) Herring.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 11am.

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Attorney General Liz Murrill announced today that the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (LBI) uncovered a Medicaid and SNAP fraud scheme involving more than $156,000 in fraudulently obtained government benefits, resulting in the arrest of one suspect and the arrest of a former Louisiana Department of Health employee who had previously been considered a fugitive.

LBI received a criminal referral from the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) regarding allegations that 39-year-old Tanesha Bowman (pictured at left), of Francais Street in Shreveport, had defrauded both the Medicaid and SNAP programs. LDH also reported that former employee, 33-year-old Juleah Seazer (pictured at right), of Francis Street in Shreveport, had participated in defrauding the Medicaid program. 

During this investigation, LBI agents discovered that Juleah Seazer, a former LDH Customer Service Representative had assisted a personal friend, Tanesha Bowman, in a scheme to unlawfully obtain reinstatement of her (Bowman) Medicaid benefits. LDH had previously terminated Bowman’s benefits after the agency discovered she had failed to report her true marital status and household income.

In October of 2025, Seazer and Bowman orchestrated an unofficial phone call utilizing the LDH Medicaid phone application system. As an employee of LDH, Seazer filed and deposited false public records in a public office with knowledge of the falsity of material facts. Bowman’s benefits were then restored when, in fact, she and her dependents remained ineligible. 

Through this investigation, agents learned that Bowman was also a recipient of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Those applications were reviewed and revealed that Bowman intentionally misrepresented her true household income and had defrauded that program as well. Bowman continuously omitted her marriage to a full-time City of Shreveport employee who was domiciled in the home. 

As a result of her actions, Bowman defrauded the Medicaid program of approximately $121,182 in benefits she and her family were not entitled to. Bowman also defrauded the SNAP program of approximately $35,305 in food assistance benefits that she was not entitled to.

LBI agents subsequently obtained arrest warrants through the 19th Judicial District Court in East Baton Rouge Parish for both parties. 

As to Tanesha Bowman, she was arrested pursuant to a warrant for knowingly defrauding government benefit programs by submitting false information and concealing material facts affecting her eligibility to receive those benefits. She was charged with:

• 8 counts: Government Benefits Fraud, LA.R.S. 14:70.9 
• 7 counts: Unauthorized use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, LA.R.S. 14:68.2

On June 3rd, 2026, Tanesha Bowman surrendered herself to LBI agents and was booked into the East Baton Rouge Prison for those previously noted offenses. Her bond has not been set yet.

Juleah Seazer was arrested today for intentionally defrauding a government benefit program, committing unauthorized trespasses of a state computer to access protected information, filing and maintaining false public records with knowledge of their falsity, and intentionally performing her duties as a public employee in an unlawful manner. She is charged with:

• 1 count: Government Benefits Fraud, LA.R.S. 14:70.9
• 2 counts: Trespass Against State Computers, LA.R.S. 14:73.12
• 1 count: Filing or Maintaining False Public Records, LA.R.S. 14:133(A)
• 1 count: Malfeasance in Office, LA.R.S. 14:134(A)(2)

Seazer, who was initially considered, is currently being booked at the Caddo Parish Jail.

The investigation is ongoing.

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It is with great sadness the Bossier Parish School Board shares news that District 8 Representative Kenneth Wiggins, its longest serving board member, has passed away at the age of 87.  

Mr. Wiggins was first appointed to the board in 1995, then went on to serve the District 8 constituency for more than three decades as an elected board member. 

 Bossier Schools Superintendent Jason Rowland called Wiggins “a one-of-a-kind gentleman.” 

“He was a staunch advocate for our employees and we will miss his genuine humor of rhymes that he so eloquently would provide,” Rowland said. “He was a dear friend to our school system and he will be missed.”   

District 6 board member Glen Bullard shared a special friendship with Wiggins, whom he served alongside for the past 16 years. 

“His passion for the faculty and staff of Bossier Schools was unparalleled,” Bullard reflected. “Mr. Wiggins’ thoughts were always with the employees. He was an advocate for anything and everything that would enhance them both professionally and financially.”

Dr. Shelly Barrett will remember Wiggins most for working tirelessly to meet the needs at Meadowview Elementary, the school where she served as principal for 10 years. 

“He was so committed and gracious to us (at Meadowview), and good to the kids. I can’t remember one student assembly that Mr. Wiggins did not attend,” Barrett said. “He was dedicated to our community and instrumental in getting the first Louisiana Safe Routes to Schools federal grant for $250,000 in 2006 for Meadowview. It went toward repairing sidewalks, fencing along ditches en route to the school, and the construction of a walking track on campus. Three-fourths of students at the time walked to school. I just adored him.” 

A U.S. Air Force veteran, Wiggins is most notably remembered as “The Moondog” on KTUX (98.9 FM). He was one of the original on-air radio personalities on the evening/overnight shift when the Shreveport station first went on the air in the mid-1980s. Wiggins built his local legacy for rhyming over song intros, a talent he carried over to Bossier Parish School Board meetings that often brought levity to the arduous business at hand.  

Funeral services for Wiggins will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 13 at Stonewall Baptist Church, 807 Eatman Street in Bossier City.

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For a certain period of time every year, college baseball is about as good as it gets. It can also be as bad as it gets in some instances (bat flips, screaming pitchers) but let’s set that aside for the moment.

It may not hold the year-round attention of the sports nation like the NFL or the seasonal attention of Major League Baseball, but college baseball has found its niche. What’s more, it has found a way to do the best thing possible – stay out of its own way.

Too many sports are constantly trying to re-invent themselves – international games, changing rules to appeal to a “new generation of fans” (who have the attention span of a hamster) – but college baseball has done a great job of staying in its lane.

Oh sure, NIL is a factor that has stolen some charm, and players will transfer in a heartbeat, but that’s all over the college sports landscape.

Of course, there are those who are grinding out a chilly, late February double-header against some Northern school that no one has ever heard of, but for the rest of the non-betting sports fans (if there are any left), we are now in the midst of the college baseball’s sweet spot.

The Regional round is behind us; the Super Regionals are this weekend and then comes the College World Series.

Each of the three have a certain magic.

Although the Regionals can be a monster to keep up with, it’s a six- or seven-game grind that can either be a cakewalk for a 3-0 winner or an absolute death march for a team that has to battle its way through the loser’s bracket. Where else would you have a pitcher who threw 122 pitchers the day before, then hop back on the mound in the 10^th inning and take the ball with the game on the line? First three pitches: 97, 96, 96. Take that, pitch counters!

That’s what West Virginia’s Dawson Montesa did Monday night in beating Kentucky, which set off an amazing celebration that only happens in college baseball. After winning on a walk-off single to advance to the Supers, the entire Mountaineer team locked arm-in-arm in front of the sellout crowd and sang “Take Me Home Country Roads” (aka “Almost Home, West Virginia”).

Though you kinda had to see it to appreciate it, rest assured this had a little more bite to it than a college football team singing the alma mater after beating Directional State by 40.

Now we are on to the Super Regionals where it’s just the basic best-of-three. Simple as it can be, which is how it should be. Before 1999, there were these goofy six-team regionals with brackets that no one could quite figure out. Throw in some bad weather and sometimes you thought they’d never end.

Thankfully, the College World Series moved off the eight-team cluster that was even more confusing. Then came those couple of years in which there was a one-game playoff (because CBS mandated it) and a team with one loss could (and did) beat a team with no losses in the CWS and still win the title.

Now, it’s two bracket winners playing in a best-of-three for the right to dogpile by the pitcher’s mount. Simple, neat, easy to figure out.

You might take it for granted, but there’s one more thing that college baseball has done that has allowed it to keep its charm – holding the CWS in Omaha.

That might seem obvious, but with all the $$ being thrown around, it would have been easy for the powers that be to take the coin and run off to Dodger Stadium or Wrigley Field. Instead, they just built a new stadium and rightfully kept it in the same area code.

These three weeks provide the perfect setup. Let’s hope college baseball can remember to not try to fix something that’s not broken. 

Contact JJ at johnjamesmarshall@yahoo.com

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JOURNAL SPORTS

Dominant seasons result in overwhelming rewards.

After winning a sixth consecutive state softball championship, Calvary Baptist had seven players make the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s Class 2A All-State Team announced Thursday – plus coach Tiffany Wood.

Four Lady Cavaliers received first-team acclaim, headlined by the undeniable – senior pitcher Kynzee Anderson.

She made All-State for the fourth straight year. For the second season in a row, she was chosen the 2A Most Outstanding Player.

It wasn’t the only top honor she’s picked up this week. MaxPreps.com named her its Louisiana Player of the Year. She’s likely to repeat next weekend as the LSWA’s  Miss Louisiana Softball.

The LSWA awarded first-team All-State status to junior infielders Baylor Bockhaus and Loren Sivils, and freshman outfielder Brynn Robinson. Getting honorable mention All-State status were three more juniors, catcher Mallory Carver, infielder Carlie Guile, and outfielder Reese Walker.

Those players and Wood led Calvary to a 37-1 record, a current (and likely final) No. 1 ranking in the MaxPreps national Top 25 poll, and wins over seven other teams that won state championships – five of the other nine in Louisiana.

Capping the championship season, Wood’s 400th career victory came in the state finals, a 5-2 win over Parkview Baptist. Calvary’s dominant run came with a relatively young roster – the Lady Cavs return all but two seniors, Anderson and all-district outfielder Abby Sims.

Anderson, a Georgia signee, posted a 30-1 record with a 0.61 ERA and a staggering 318 strikeouts in 171 innings pitched. She set a state record with 129 career wins.

Bockhaus clubbed 21 home runs and collected an astounding 69 RBI, while leading Calvary with a .486 batting average.

Sivils hit .462 with 60 RBI, cracking 15 homers. Robinson batted .470 with 30 RBI and stole 13 of 14 bases.

Guile was disruptive on the bases, with 28 steals in 30 attempts to go with a .431 batting average and 34 RBI. Walker hit .425 and also drove in 34 runs. Carver brought home 44 runners and hit .347.

Also earning honorable mention All-State was North Caddo’s Kaleigh Blackburn.

On the Class 2A baseball All-State squad, three Calvary players — Levi DeMoss, Brody Gray, and Cooper Holmes – received honorable mention status.

The Class A softball team announced earlier this week included a milestone achievement for Plain Dealing.

Lady Lions senior Sanaa Lyles was the school’s first softball all-state pick – first team, or honorable mention —  this century. She batted .630, scored 29 runs, drove in 28 and had seven triples. Teammate Sofie Green was an honorable mention selection.

2026 LSWA Class 2A Softball Team

Position – Player, School, Class, Top Stat

P – Kynzee Anderson, Calvary Baptist, Sr., 30-1 W-L

P – Kinley Cox, Oak Grove, So., 13-5

P – Malloy Miles, French Settlement, Jr., 20-2

P – Ainslie Willis, Oakdale, Sr., 16-8

C- Kaylie Callender, Winnfield, So., .537 batting avg.

INF – Joley Bennett, D’Arbonne Woods, So., .544

INF – Baylor Bockhaus, Calvary Baptist, So., .486

INF – Loren Sivils, Calvary Baptist, Jr., .462

INF – Maddison Sumbler, Oakdale, Jr., .630

OF – Lylah Madere, St. Thomas Aquinas, So., .578

OF – Brynn Robinson, Calvary Baptist, Fr., .470

OF – Sawyer Shelton, Menard, Sr., .480

UT – Caroline Bradley, Oak Grove, Jr., .419

UT – Karley Caskey, Winnfield, Jr., .404

UT – Kennedy Reppond, Ouachita Christian, Sr., .462

UT – Analeigh Roberts, Rosepine, Sr., .565

UT – Kenley Sonnier, Notre Dame, So., .577

MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYER: Kynzee Anderson, Calvary Baptist

COACH OF THE YEAR: Tiffany Wood, Calvary Baptist

Honorable mention: Aubrie Bertrand, East Beauregard; Kaleigh Blackburn, North Caddo; Hannah Brister, Slaughter Charter; Kelsey Bruce, Ouachita Christian; Mallory Carver, Calvary Baptist; Karley Caskey, Winnfield; Caroline Cedars, Many; Emily Cooley, DeQuincy; Lily Cunningham, Houma Christian; Emily Doiron, Houma Christian; Caylee Downs, Many; Emma Davis, Menard; Annabelle Drago, Menard; Mia Ennis, Country Day; Conlee Flotte, Slaughter Charter; Audi Flowers, DeQuincy; Sydney Fraher, Northlake Christian; Niki Gardner, Episcopal; Carlie Guile, Calvary Baptist; Avery Hankins, Oak Grove; Kylee Hardison, Oakdale; Abbigail Hardie, Mangham; Santana Harris, Winnfield; Alivia Hayes, Houma Christian; Alaura Hough, Pickering; Lylah Jones, D’Arbonne Woods; Maddie Jones, Rosepine; Marli Jones, Rosepine; Mia Klein, Lake Arthur; Jesse Lambert, Newman; Kaylee Methvin, Menard; Kenna Miles, French Settlement; Fallyn Moore, Oak Grove; Addie Morris, Ouachita Christian; Allie Payne, Many; Gracie Price, Ouachita Christian; Kaylynn Rainey, North Caddo; Ellie Kate Ray, Oak Grove; Peyton Reeves, East Beauregard; Kam Rodriguez, Pope John Paul; Hadley Spellman, French Settlement; Savanna Triche, Albany; Kaylee Vercher, Winnfield; Maddie Vinatieri, DeQuincy; Reese Walker, Calvary Baptist; Piper Weatherly, Vidalia; Abigail Willie, Northlake Christian; Aubrey Zachary, D’Arbonne Woods.

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By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

Jack Nicklaus built Muirfield Village Golf Course outside his hometown of Columbus, Ohio, over 50 years ago, and every year since, he’s tweaked the design, mostly to make it tougher and tougher but not unfair.

That makes the layout one of the most taxing on the PGA Tour, which means more bogeys than usual for the elite field attracted each year to the tournament Nicklaus created and still hosts – The Memorial.

So among all the solid stats that Sam Burns posted in Thursday’s first round, one stands above the others:  fewest bogeys. Burns had one, tying for second in the 72-player field in the signature event attracting nearly all of the Tour’s top stars.

That ability to avoid trouble helped the Shreveport native card a 3-under 69 Thursday, tied for sixth heading into today’s second round of The Memorial. Four players, including former U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark and last year’s U.S. Open winner, J.J. Spaun, share the lead at 5-under 67.

Burns had two-putt birdies on a pair of par-5s, and hit short range putts of 5 ½ feet and 8 feet to birdie the par-4 ninth and 13^th holes. His bogey came on the sixth hole, just after his first birdie at the fifth.

In the first round, Burns ranked ninth in the field in shots gained on approaches to the green, 16^th on shots gained off the tee, and 21^st in shots gained putting. He had the second-longest drive of the day, 355 yards.

Burns, 29, tees off at 11:55 CDT today with Akshay Bhatia, who was 1-over Thursday, tied with among others, two-time defending champion Scottie Scheffler.

Burns, a Calvary Baptist graduate and two-time All-American at LSU, plays out of Squire Creek Country Club in Choudrant, where he and wife Caroline reside. She is expecting their second child next month.

He is aiming to at least extend his string of three consecutive top 20 finishes at The Memorial (16^th in 2023, 15^th in 2024 and 12^th last year). He has five PGA Tour wins, the last the World Match Play Championship in 2023.

The Memorial will have streaming coverage today from 7:45 a.m.-6 p.m. on ESPN+, with Golf Channel providing TV coverage from 1-5 this afternoon.

Weekend plans are for streaming on ESPN+ from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and TV coverage on Golf Channel from 11:30-1:30, then shifting to CBS until 5 p.m. or completion of play.

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(EDITOR’S NOTE:  As Super Regionals begin this weekend, a classic voice of college baseball will be watching. Lyn Rollins has worked some Baton Rouge Regional assignments in years past, but nowadays his broadcast schedule wraps up with the end of LSU’s regular season. He’s weighing retirement, but will probably be back in August calling Tiger soccer and volleyball on ESPN+.) 

By ADDISON EVANS, Journal Contributor 

BATON ROUGE — Lyn Rollins arrives at Alex-Box Stadium early, as he always has, carrying his first Diet Coke of the evening, clutching the same worn brown briefcase that for decades has contained his neatly stacked game notes. He steps into the press box, his bright blue eyes scanning the monitors lined across the desk, his headset resting in place, waiting to begin the pre-game broadcast.

Around him, coworkers settle into their rhythm of preparing cameras, checking audio levels and lowering the deep blue SEC Network curtain for a backdrop in the announcers’ booth. His Diet Coke sits in front of him, but he still makes his way to the fridge for two more, a small routine that has outlasted nearly everything else in his career.

When he returns, he looks out to the empty rows of purple seats below him. Batting practice draws only a handful of fans. The sharp crack of baseballs to metal bats fills the air, echoing farther than it will once the crowd arrives. Soon his voice will fill it for many more watching at home.

Rollins’ real legacy is not anything he has said on air, but what his voice has come to mean to the people listening to it.

For decades, Rollins has been one of the defining voices of LSU sports, known for his “Lynisms,” a repertoire of colorful one-liners that have come to define him as a national treasure – cited by fans and media alike. 

Here’s a sample:

• “If Columbus would have had this wind behind him, he would have arrived in 1491.”

• “You’re going to need a bloodhound, federal Marshall and a subpoena to find that ball.”

• His most famous: “You can pucker up and kiss that baby goodbye! “

His career was not built in packed stadiums or bathed by television lights. It started during his undergraduate years at Northwestern State in a small radio station, KNOC AM in Natchitoches, where opportunity looked far less glamorous. 

“They literally said, if you empty the trash cans… sweep the lobby… make sure the door is locked, the job’s yours,” Rollins said. “I thought I was in heaven to do it.”

It was not the job itself that mattered; it was the opportunity to be there at all. His mentorship, one he says deserves a capital “M,” under legendary broadcaster Norm Fletcher allowed him to learn by doing, even when that meant Fletcher stepping away mid-broadcast and leaving Rollins alone on the mic. Those moments, he says, were where confidence was built not by perfection but by being trusted to figure it out.

Rollins traces much of his foundation back to Northwestern. He credits former speech department head Dr. Edna West, known for her nationally recognized work in phonetics, for shaping the way he speaks, even if she never realized the impact of her influence. He also tips his cap to college chum and former Demon infielder Jim Hawthorne, an Anacoco native who helped him find his love for broadcasting baseball.

“Northwestern gave me a chance to develop on my own terms,” Rollins said. “It wasn’t like today where there are opportunities with the SEC Network, ESPN and streaming.”

Hawthorne found statewide acclaim on a faster track, taking over at LSU’s sports play by play man in 1983 and going through the golden era of Tiger sports until retiring in 2016. Rollins started calling LSU baseball games on TV a decade after his former classmate got to Baton Rouge, but now has lasted a decade after Hawthorne hung up his headset.

Rollins was briefly a sportscaster at KALB TV in Alexandria, his hometown, in the mid-1970s, but for the first two decades after college, he broadcast sports on radio stations – notably serving as the voice of two minor league baseball clubs, the Lafayette Drillers and the Alexandria Aces, along with a 10-year stint as the play by play man for Northwestern Sports. Living in Pineville, Rollins drew TV assignments in the mid-90s for LSU baseball on the Jumbo Sports Network, then baseball, football and more on Cox Sports Television, and TigerVision before the advent of ESPN+ and the SEC Network.

For much of his career, broadcasting was not a full-time job, requiring him to balance other work along the way. Through it all was his wife, Debbie, a librarian who supported him during those early years and remained a constant as his reputation and schedule grew.

Outside of broadcasting, Rollins’ life follows the same kind of balance. His mornings begin with black coffee, followed by some form of exercise — something he has done nearly every day since 1985, missing only three. What once meant long runs has shifted to walking or biking, but his discipline has never left.

Much of his time away from the game is spent outdoors, working in his yard in Auburn, Ala., where he and Debbie relocated to be near their son and his family. The move has improved his lawn care, and lifestyle: he’s paying attention to details he says he might have overlooked years ago. The pace is much calmer, which is a large contrast to the noise of game day in Baton Rouge.

Over time, Rollins developed not just a skill, but his philosophy.

“Honor the audience… whether it’s one person or a million… you owe everything you’ve got,” he said.

To Rollins, broadcasting is not just describing a game: it is creating an experience.

That belief shaped his style, one built on language, imagery and connection, and over time, it built something else: trust.

That trust extends far beyond broadcasting.

Over the years, Rollins has received letters from people he has never met, many of them from women with husbands and children describing how his voice became part of their lives during some of their hardest moments. Some wrote about husbands battling illness, explaining how, for a few seconds during a home run call, the game allowed them to forget everything else. Others wrote about their children who were inspired by his craft. Rollins keeps those letters in his briefcase as a reminder that it is so much more than just a game.

“For 30 seconds… they forgot about their illness… they were wrapped up in the game,” Rollins said. “The joy of being able to relieve somebody… just the realization that what we do means a lot to people. We don’t see that.”

To him, those moments define the meaning of his work far more than any award or recognition.

Back in the press box, the quiet doesn’t last long. The seats begin to fill, the noise builds and the anticipation of Tuesday night Tiger baseball takes over.

Rollins adjusts his headset, glances at his notes and leans forward slightly as the first pitch approaches.

For those in the stadium, it is another game. For those listening, it is something more. Rollins already knows how he’ll sign off when the day, still a long seventh-inning stretch away, comes.

What he’ll say: “You can pucker up and kiss this baby goodbye!”

He won’t spread those words tonight. As he has for decades, Lyn Rollins is the voice carrying his audience not only to LSU Sports, but to the picture he paints of the game.

Contact Addison at sports@journalservicesllc.com

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BOM Bank was proud to sponsor the Dream Hunt Golf Tournament in support of an incredible mission! The Dream Hunt Foundation provides children and teens with disabilities, terminal illnesses, or disadvantaged circumstances the opportunity of a lifetime — participating in guided hunting and fishing trips they may never otherwise experience. Through partnerships with hospitals and organizations across the South, Dream Hunt Foundation helps make unforgettable memories for deserving youth ages 8–18. We are honored to support organizations that bring hope, joy, and life-changing experiences to young people and their families. Pictured left to right: Jeff Warren and BOM’s Sam Marvin.

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Wanda Coy Goodman was born on April 10, 1960, in Sterlington, Louisiana, and passed peacefully from this life on June 2, 2026, at the age of 66.

Wanda was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend whose kindness, generosity, and love for others touched many lives. She attended Louisiana Tech University and spent much of her professional life as a successful self-employed business owner, CEO, and CFO. Through hard work, determination, and dedication, she built a career she was proud of before enjoying a well-earned retirement in 2025.

Wanda shared a loving marriage with her husband, Ronny Goodman, for 20 years. Together they built a life centered on family, friendship, and cherished memories.

She found great joy in traveling, reading, and spending time with her family and friends. Her greatest treasures were her three beloved grandchildren, who brought endless happiness to her life. Wanda also had a special place in her heart for animals and devoted many hours volunteering with Nina’s Road to Rescue, helping care for stray dogs until they could find loving forever homes.

Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, Ronny Goodman, and her daughter, Krissy Goodman.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Gregg Gregory and wife Emily Gregory, and Michael Ciaravino and wife Emily Ciaravino; her daughters, Candice Robicheaux and Kelly Wootton; her beloved grandchildren, Owen Gregory, Alexis Gregory and Luca Ciaravino. Along with many extended family members and dear friends who will miss her greatly

A time of visitation will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport, Louisiana 71101.

Wanda’s loving spirit, compassionate heart, and unwavering devotion to those she loved will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

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With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Benny Ray Woodall on June 1, 2026, at the age of 74.

Benny spent most of his working life as a butcher. Beginning in high school, he worked his way from themeat department to management at Wardlaw’s Meat Market before continuing his career with Walmart,where he worked until retirement. He took pride in his work and in the relationships he built withcustomers and coworkers throughout the years.

Benny loved the outdoors and found happiness casting a line with friends, hunting, sharing stories on thedock, and dancing and singing with strangers. Since retirement, he was fortunate to be part of a close-knitcommunity of neighbors who became family. Whether lending a hand, checking in on one another, orsimply spending time together, those friendships meant a great deal to him.

The love Benny had for his daughters and grandchildren cannot be expressed in words. Some of thefamily’s favorite memories were made at the lake—days spent fishing, dressing Barbies, crawfishing, ridingmotorcycles, gathering around bonfires, and building memories they each cherish and hold dear.

Whether gathered by the water, relaxing in the yard, or spending time gardening, Benny found happinesssurrounded by the people he loved. Some of the simplest moments—sharing stories, laughing together,and watching the day pass—became the moments that mattered most.

Benny is survived by his daughters, Amy Medlin and Michelle Rodgers; his sons-in-law, Shawn Medlin andBarry Rodgers; his four beloved grandchildren, Riley, Jacob, Kaylee, and Jackson; and the many friends andneighbors who became an extended family over the years.

He will be remembered for his warm heart, his love of the outdoors, and his gift for bringing peopletogether. He surrounded himself with a community of dear friends and family who loved and cared for him.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many friends and neighbors who cared forhim, supported him, and enriched his life through their friendship and generosity.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

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Phonetic: /in-JEN-der/

Part of Speech: Verb

Definition

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Bossier Schools has announced that Kimberly Gray of W.T. Lewis Elementary School has been selected for the 2027 cohort of the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) Teacher Leader Fellows Program.

Gray is one of 14 educators from across the country chosen to participate in the program, which is designed to help teacher leaders deepen their understanding of instructional best practices and strengthen their ability to support student achievement within their schools and districts.

According to Bossier Schools, the NIET Teacher Leader Fellows Program selects educators who demonstrate excellence in the classroom, have a proven record of advancing student success and serve as models for their peers.

District officials congratulated Gray on receiving the national recognition and representing Bossier Schools through the prestigious leadership program.

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A project to improve a section of LA 530 in north Caddo Parish continues to make significant progress.

DOTD announces that the final layer of new asphalt paving has been applied to LA 530 from LA 538 to I-49, marking a milestone for the $4.7 million project near the town of Oil City.

The contractor will now being working on paving the existing driveway tie-ins to ensure a smooth transition for those connection points.

Upcoming work also includes installation of guardrail, permanent roadway striping & signage, and seeding/fertilization.

Intermittent, short duration lane closures will be necessary to allow for the remainder of the work to be completed. Motorists should remain alert in the construction zone, pay attention to signage, and adhere to the posted speed limit.

The entire project is anticipated to wrap up in late Summer 2026, with progress dependent on weather conditions and other factors that can impact construction timelines.

This type investment in the state’s transportation system is vital to the continued goal of modernizing and ensuring a strong, reliable roadway network.

This project was made possible by funding allocated from the Louisiana Transportation Infrastructure Fund (LTIF 1.0) during the 2024 Regular Legislative Session.

Safety reminder:

DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment. Remember to leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Area residents should exercise caution when driving, walking, or biking near an active construction zone.

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The City of Bossier City has announced the hiring of Riley Burns as its new Public Relations Liaison.

Burns recently graduated from Louisiana State University in Shreveport with a degree in Mass Communication and a concentration in Broadcast Journalism. During her time at LSUS, she gained experience managing social media platforms, creating digital content and engaging with audiences through strategic communication efforts.

City officials said Burns brings a strong background in communications, digital media and community engagement, along with a passion for public service and connecting residents with timely and accurate information.

In her new role, Burns will work to strengthen communication between city government and residents while supporting efforts to keep the public informed and engaged on local issues and initiatives.

The city welcomed Burns to the organization and expressed confidence that her skills and commitment to community outreach will be an asset to Bossier City and its residents.

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Gov. Jeff Landry announced the signing of an executive order on June 2 that seeks to provide funding for teacher and support staff pay raises by reducing a portion of the state’s Minimum Foundation Program appropriation for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

Under the order, the Minimum Foundation Program appropriation would be reduced by $168 million from what the administration describes as non-instructional spending. The funds would then be redirected to provide a one-time stipend of $2,000 for classroom teachers and $1,000 for support staff, along with associated employer retirement contributions, during the 2026-27 school year.

The proposal requires written approval from two-thirds of the elected members of both houses of the Louisiana Legislature before it can take effect.

“I promised Louisiana’s teachers a pay raise, and today we’re delivering,” Landry said. “For too long, teachers have been used as political pawns. That ends now.”

The executive order cites rising education spending despite declining student enrollment. According to the administration, Louisiana’s K-12 enrollment has decreased by more than 111,000 students since 1988, while inflation-adjusted per-student spending has increased from approximately $9,400 to about $16,500 per student.

The order also notes that many school districts maintain substantial unassigned fund balances and argues that educational funding should be directed more heavily toward classroom instruction and teacher compensation rather than administrative costs.

Landry pointed to recent academic gains as evidence that educators deserve additional compensation. The administration stated that Louisiana ranked first in the nation for reading growth and second for math growth for the second consecutive year. The state also reported being one of only two states performing above 2019 levels in math and the only state to exceed its pre-pandemic reading benchmark.

The governor’s office said approximately 51,000 public school teachers and 40,000 support staff could benefit from the stipend.

The order follows the failure of constitutional amendments proposed in 2025 and 2026 that would have dedicated savings from teacher retirement system debt reduction toward permanent salary increases for teachers and support staff.

If approved by the Legislature, the order would take effect July 1, 2026. The Louisiana Department of Education and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education would be responsible for identifying where the reductions would occur while working with districts to minimize impacts on areas such as school security, transportation and food services.

State officials said districts may be encouraged to use available unassigned fund balances, where feasible, to offset reductions in funding allocations.

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By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports 

The six-time reigning state champion Calvary Baptist Academy softball team is all but certain to add another prestigious title to its resume soon.

National champions.

It would be the first national crown hoisted by Calvary and one of a handful claimed in any sport around north Louisiana high schools.

Calvary won its sixth consecutive state title early last month, capturing the Select Division III crown beating Parkview Baptist 5-2 after a 12-2 semifinal romp over D’Arbonne Woods.

The Lady Cavs (37-1) held on to the No. 1 ranking in the MaxPreps Top 25 rankings this week even after three top-10 ranked Texas teams, including No. 2 Lake Creek (40-1) and third-rated Barbers Hill (41-5), closed their seasons by capturing state championships.

A handful of states still have championships to be settled, with playoffs including eight of MaxPrep’s Top 25. The highest-ranked team still active is No. 6 South Warren from Bowling Green, Ky., which plays today.  Two more top 10 squads, No. 7 Kenton Ridge (Ohio) and No. 9 Destiny Christian of Sacramento, Cal., are still going.

But the five top-rated teams in the MaxPreps Top 25 have hung up their cleats for the year, making it unlikely anyone can vault up to the top slot and unseat Calvary.

Lady Cavaliers coach Tiffany Frazier Wood was bursting with pride anticipating the final rankings, presumably next week.

“Five years ago, I never thought we’d be here, but now to see us at the No. 1 spot and it’s probably going to play out, it’s such a testament to the hard work of our players and coaching staff. It’s just a cool thing,” she said.

Calvary’s unbeaten (36-0) 2025 championship team finished No. 2 in the MaxPreps Top 25.

The Lady Cavaliers’ 2026 schedule gave them an opportunity to impress, and they did.

Calvary beat seven state champions from three different states. LHSAA title winners North Pineville (Select Division I), Hahnville (Non-Select Division I), North DeSoto (Non-Select Division II), Riverside (Select Division IV) and Quitman (Class B) were topped by the Lady Cavs in regular-season matchups, along with Bentonville (Arkansas Class 6A), Bullard (Texas 4A Division I). Their only loss was 3-2 on April 6 at eventual Non-Select Division I state semifinalist West Monroe.

“To be able to hang a national championship sign and banner, with everything that goes along with being a part of this season, is just unreal,” Wood said.

In the country’s other most recognized high school softball poll, the National Federation of Softball Coaches Association rankings, Calvary is second to Orange Beach, which also has completed its season with a 46-1 record and the Florida Class 4A crown. Orange Beach is No. 5 in the MaxPreps rankings.

Wood said she has reached out to Orange Beach, hoping to put together a matchup – likely a neutral site game – next spring.

Calvary returns all but two seniors – three-time All-State pitcher Kynzee Anderson, who is headed to Super Regional participant Georgia as last year’s Miss Louisiana Softball and the 2025 Class 2A Outstanding Player, along with all-district outfielder Abby Sims. Eight more first-team all-district players are expected back for the 2027 season.

The Class 2A All-State team for this season is due for release by the Louisiana Sportswriters Association online this afternoon and in print editions (including the Shreveport-Bossier Journal) Friday.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

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JOURNAL SPORTS

Many of the best moments in the 49 years of Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl history have been televised nationally in prime time, so it’s fitting the 50^th anniversary edition this winter will be a night game.

The 2026 contest is set for Tuesday, December 22 at 7:30 p.m. CST on ESPN, bowl officials announced Wednesday.  I-Bowl Foundation chairman Keith Burton was bullish about the prime time kickoff on a weeknight, which generally provides a much bigger TV audience.

“A 7:30 p.m. kickoff on ESPN gives us a tremendous opportunity to showcase our region on a national stage and celebrate what makes this game so special,” he said.

The bowl slate was released by ESPN with 35 bowls and 11 College Football Playoff games. One bowl has yet to be scheduled, the Trust & Will Holiday Bowl. No games will be carried on ESPN2, with six airing on ABC.

The only non-Football Bowl Subdivision contest included, the Cricket Celebration Bowl pairing champions of the two major HBCU leagues, Grambling’s Southwestern Athletic Conference and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, kicks off the schedule on Saturday, Dec. 12. The first round of playoff games begins Friday-Saturday Dec. 18-19 on campus sites.

This will be the third prime time kickoff for the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl in the past four years, following 2023 and 2024. It is the first pre-Christmas Independence Bowl since 2023, when Texas Tech defeated California in front of a crowd of 33,071.

Getting the night slot provides the local bowl with an opportunity to showcase its history to a more broad TV audience, while giving fans a full day of festivities, officials said. Playing before Christmas also allows the bowl to stage events without the year’s major holiday creating logistical hurdles for bowl week.

“This year’s game carries special significance as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Independence Bowl, a proud milestone for one of our community’s most enduring traditions,” Burton said. “For five decades, this event has brought people together through college football, hospitality, and the distinct spirit of a Louisiana bowl game.”

The Independence Bowl annually drives revenue and overall economic impact to the area. In last three editions, the bowl has accounted for an average of direct and indirect spending of $7.3 million in the local community and an average total economic impact of approximately $23.4 million. 

The bowl has topped 30,000 in paid attendance over the same span – averaging a paid attendance of 32,551 the last three years. It is the first time since 2015 that the bowl has seen three consecutive years of paid attendance over 30,000 fans. 

Louisiana Tech has played in each of the last two I-Bowls, losing to Army in 2024 as a five-win pinch-hitter after Marshall withdrew due to a coaching change and transfer portal losses, then topping Coastal Carolina last December for the Bulldogs’ eighth win of 2025.

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By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

Shreveport native Sam Burns returns to competition this morning after a two-week break from playing on the PGA Tour, beginning a three-week stretch that was the most impressive of his 2025 season.

Burns, 29, tees off at 8:40 CDT today in Dublin, Ohio, in Jack Nicklaus’ The Memorial. He is paired with Akshay Bhatia in the first two rounds in the tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club, designed and constantly tweaked by the Golden Bear.

Last year, after a two-week break following the PGA Championship, Burns tied for 12^th at even par in The Memorial, then lost in a playoff at the Canadian Open and again had the final round lead a week later at the U.S. Open, tying for seventh.

He’ll follow the same schedule this year with the two national opens on the horizon over the following two weeks.

Burns, who lives in Choudrant and plays out of Squire Creek Country Club there, has three straight top 20 finishes at The Memorial (16^th in 2023, 15^th in 2024 and 12^th last year)

While winning two All-America honors at LSU, the Calvary Baptist graduate was the 2017 recipient of the Jack Nicklaus Award as the top player in major college golf.

Burns has made the cut in nine of his 12 starts this year and has two top finishes, including seventh at The Masters. He was 4-under and one shot off the lead in his last outing, on the back nine of the third round at the PGA Championship, and wound up tied for 26^th at even par.

Interviewed on the PGA Tour’s “The Drop” program, Burns gave himself a C+ for his 2026 season.

“I’ve played nice some weeks, put myself right there, but I haven’t quite been able to get it done yet,” he said. “My game’s trending, I feel healthy, and I’m excited for the second half of the year.”

He is tied for sixth on the Tour in strokes gained putting, and 15^th in shooting under par at in a quarter of his rounds this season. Burns is 34^th in the Official World Golf Rankings and 50^th in FedEx Cup points, and has earned $2.5 million on tour this year.

The Memorial will have streaming coverage today and Friday from 7:45 a.m.-6 p.m. on ESPN+, with Golf Channel providing TV coverage from 1-5 both afternoons.

Viewers this weekend can watch streaming on ESPN+ from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. with TV coverage on Golf Channel from 11:30-1:30, then shifting to CBS until 5 p.m. or completion of play.

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Karen Lynn Weimer was born December 3, 1960, in Key West, FL. She came to Jesus in 1986 and received the baptism of the Holy Ghost in Vivian, LA at the age of 26. She strove to live a godly life.

Preceded in death by her mother, Adelaide Lander and father, Darrell Murphy, a retired Coast Guard Admiral. She is survived by her siblings, Mark Lennzo (WA), Robert Lennzo (CT), Cheryl Florence (Louis) of Vivian, LA, Brian Murphy (Wanda) of Mobile, AL, Patricia Lander DelConte of Bryson City, NC. Married for 45 years to Zane Weimer, they brought three children into the world, Joshua (Alison) (Roston, TX), Crystal (Richmond, VA), and Derrick Weimer (Michelle) (Pocatello, ID). Grandchildren include Arissa Marie Turner (25), Raven Irene Munson (21), Shayne Allynn (20), Lailonie Rose (20), Israel David (19), Cyric Chee (17), William Xander Larsen (17), Kenneth Zane Weimer (14), Sebastian Danny (11), Emerick Zane (10), L’ric Ray (3), Remi Lin (3). Great Grandchildren Azriel Havok Munson (4), Dexter Atlas Green (1) and the expected birth of Alexander Kevin Larsen very soon. There are too many nieces and nephews to list. Except, of course, her favorites, Amanda Nicole Florence and Kaitlin Nicole Austin, who were frequent visitors in Atlanta

Karen was a military wife who managed her children’s lives through many moves with the Air Force and was always proud of her husband’s service. Wherever she lived, she sought out opportunities to serve women who had been abused or left destitute. She frequently opened her home to those in need. Being an abuse survivor herself, she and Zane parented many children throughout their married life, ensuring their home was a safe haven for children with sketchy situations. They were welcome day or night and treated like their own. She loved serving others and as her health declined it was a constant source of sorrow that she could not be more involved. She wanted to start a non-profit to support and bring disadvantaged women back into the workforce. Her closets certainly supported her desire to clothe anyone she could find who needed outfits for interviews, church, or work. In Atlanta, she volunteered at the Domestic Violence Resale Shop where they called her “the pretty lady”, Heritage Hospice where she did nails for senior ladies throughout nursing homes in Cass County and was always a welcome friend, and her church at Praise Tabernacle whenever she was able to attend or participate.

A fierce and loyal friend who would go all “Karen” if anyone challenged her lifelong friend and “sister” Amy Gunstanson, who once had to send her to the car to stop a brawl at Goodwill in Texarkana, she was always up for anything that involved a trip in the car, whether it was a few miles to McDonalds for diet cokes and a few laughs, or across the country to Kentucky to visit Amy’s kids, Idaho to see her grandkids, Colorado to see Rochelle, or anywhere else anyone would take her.

Karen was the ultimate dog-mom to Thor, Lucy, Brenna and Tia who she alternately loved and deplored when they misbehaved. Thor was frequently wrapped around her head as she laid in bed, the other three next to her, despite their size and big feet tromping all over her or barking when anyone entered the bedroom. Because of her love for animals and dogs in particular, her closets will be donated to women of all faiths at an event to be scheduled in about a month, and a donation of any amount at the door will go towards sponsorship of a Kennel at the new Lucky U Shelter being built in Queen City, TX, with a memorial plaque in her name. Above all, Karen loved the people in her life with her whole heart, knowing no other way but to give generously, frequently, and in so doing, show the love of God whom she trusted with her life. She will be sorely missed.

Visitation will be Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 9 am to 10 am at Hanner Funeral Service.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 am, Saturday, June 6, 2026, in the Hanner Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Troy Sevell officiating.

Interment will be in Vivian Cemetery, Vivian, Louisiana.

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