Thinking out loud while wondering whatever happened to Arsenio Hall . . . .

Surely there isn’t someone sitting in those Police/Sheriff cars parked at the beginning and end of the
I-20 construction zone 24/7, is there? . . . .

Speaking of I-20 construction, how many times do you see 18-wheelers passing through the construction zone, when there are signs before the zone clearly warning drivers that their big rigs are prohibited? I see them all the time, and that’s when I wish my inner Gomer would take over. “Citizens Ah-REST! Citizens Ah-REST!” . . . .

My fiancée’ and I recently went to see a movie. 98 percent of the seats were empty. Of course, a couple had to sit next to us. And the guy took off his flip-flops, put his feet on the reclining seat, and curled up in a ball. When I go to the theatre, I want to eat buttered popcorn and watch a movie. I don’t want to see someone’s feet . . . .

Speaking of movies, there must have been 15 previews that night. Only two were of movies we would possibly be interested in seeing. These days, if you’re not into animation, or the weird, you’re out of luck . . . .

I went into a cake store and said I would like a large Red Velvet cake. The young lady asked me if I wanted the eight-inch or the 10-inch size. What part of “I would like a large” cake did she not understand? . . . .

Check out Caroline Castora, the weekend evening meteorologist at KTBS-TV (Channel 3). She is excellent. Hard to believe this is her first full-time job out of college. She will make it big one day. Count on it . . . .

If you’re driving at the speed limit or slower, PLEASE use the right lane. The left lane is for passing. AAARRRGGGHHH! . . . .

As you may have read, for my 60^th birthday, my fiancée took me to a Masters practice round at Augusta National. It was probably a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Does that mean I have to give her a present of equal value? . . . .

I appreciate Curtis Jackson (you know him as rapper 50 Cent) wanting to make a difference in Shreveport. But forget about bringing film and TV production to town. If he really wants to make a difference, how about paying a private company to fix the potholes? Now, that’s something from which everyone would benefit . . . .

Six-and-a-half years ago, I had retinal detachment surgery on my left eye. A few weeks ago, the retina tore in my right eye. To try and avoid surgery, the doc fired 671 laser “hits” to repair the tear. If the police ever want to “persuade” someone to confess to a crime, they should call my doctor . . . .

Soon, car washes will be like Mexican food restaurants – one on every corner . . . .

This year’s college football season is going to be epic. So many games featuring brand names versus brand names (LSU vs. Oklahoma, Texas vs. Michigan, Alabama vs. Wisconsin). Can’t wait! . . . .

Why not leave well enough alone? The Weather Channel’s app was great. Now, it’s not . . . .

I still haven’t heard a good reason as to why Tom Brady subjected himself to being roasted to a crisp on Netflix. The seven-time Super Bowl winning quarterback doesn’t need a dime, but no payday was worth that public humiliation . . . .

I-49, between 3132 and I-20, should be renamed “I-49 Speedway”. Cars blow past me all the time going at least 80 miles per hour. I am convinced I will die in a car accident, and it won’t be my fault . . . .

As I write this, I am about to go on a trip where I will be staying in a house with 13 other people – six of them under the age of six –  for a week.  I am an only child. Pray for me . . . .

It’s pretty cool that country music singer Jordan Davis, who has the hit single Tucson Too Late, is from Shreveport and went to went to C.E. Byrd High School . . . .

Speaking of country music singers, I’m a Luke Bryan fan, but am starting to think he’s run his course. Bryant’s songs pretty much sound the same. And now, when I hear a singer named “Luke,” it may be Luke Combs . . . .

From time to time, people post on my subdivision’s Facebook page that they are looking for a babysitter. Do parents really leave their child in the hands of someone they don’t know? . . . .

A guy recently did some work for me. He said he grew up watching me on TV. Afterwards, he sent me a follow-up text. “Thank you for your business, Ed.” . . . .

I miss my mom.

Contact Tony (not Ed) at SBJTonyT@gmail.com.

The City of Shreveport, in collaboration with the Power Coalition, Providence House, and other partners, is pleased to announce the availability of applications for financial assistance and supportive services for tenants residing at Villa Norte and Jolie Apartments. This initiative, the Emergency Apartment Relocation Assistance Program, aims to provide necessary aid and resources to support our citizens during challenging times. 

Listed below are the details of the two meetings that will take place on Friday, May 17: 

MEETING ONE 

Jolie Apartments 

Time: 10 am – 2 pm 

Location: Shreveport Public Assembly & Recreation Department (SPAR) Maintenance Facility 

1033 Shreveport/Barksdale Hwy, Shreveport, LA, 71104 

MEETING TWO 

Villa Norte Apartments 

Time: 10 am – 12 pm 

Location: New Birth Baptist Church 

836 North Market, Shreveport, LA 71107 

For inquiries and further assistance, please contact the City of Shreveport, Department of Community Development, at 318-673-5900 or Providence House at 318-221-7887. 

We encourage eligible residents to take advantage of this opportunity for support and assistance. Your well-being is of paramount importance to us, and we remain committed to serving you during these times of need. In an effort to ensure that all residents have access to the support and services being offered, SPORTRAN is dedicated to providing transportation to and from the designated application sites. A letter will be sent to residents with SPORTRAN pick-up times. Also, SPORTRAN can be contacted by phone at 318-673-7400. 

The 40th Annual SWEPCO Mudbug Madness Festival returns to the riverfront this Memorial Day weekend with music, food and fun for everyone. The festival, to be held May 24-26, will run from 11 am to 11 pm each day.  Friday there is no charge until 5 pm.  After 5 pm on Friday, admission is $10.00 through the remaining of the festival.  Free admission is offered to children under 10 and to anyone showing a Military ID.  A 3-day pass is available at the gate for $15.00.

Mudbug Madness will feature two performing stages featuring 30 bands, Kids on the Bayou Stage and activities, artisan booths, food vendors, crawfish eating contests, festival souvenirs, green spaces, a Latin night, and plenty of cold beverages and boiled crawfish.

The Centerpoint Energy Stage presented by NBC 6 and Townsquare Media will feature headline performers Grammy-award winning Terrance Simien, Cowboy Mouth, Dwayne Dopsie and country recording artist Sammy Kershaw. Other performers on that stage include:  Diki Du & the Zydeco Krewe, Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble, Blue Crab Redemption, Jamie Bergeron & the Kickin’ Cajuns, and Craig Wayne Boyd.  

The FOX 33 Swamp Stage presented by Cumulus Radio will feature rising country star, Reed Foley, Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs, Barksdale Bubble, Pocket Change and Chasin Benjamins to name a few.

A special addition to this year’s festival will be Latin Night on the Swamp Stage, Sunday, May 26, from 6:30-8:30 pm.  Presented by 318 Latino and KSLA, it will feature three Latino Bands:  Los Cazadores de Cerro, Boyz of Kumbia and La Actualidad Nortena.

Kids on the Bayou will feature magicians, dancers, music, hands-on activities, Shreveport Aquarium Mining Booth, Nerf Maze and art and food vendors.  

Special events will include the popular Celebrity Crawfish Eating Contest at noon on opening day featuring local on-air personalities and VIPs, the crowd-thrilling Men’s Crawfish Eating Contest Saturday at 1 pm, Crawfish Calling Contest Saturday at 4:15 pm and the Women’s Crawfish Eating Contest Sunday at 2:30 pm.  

Returning this year on Friday will be $5.00 Lunch Specials and Happy Hour $3.00 beverage prices 11 am to 7 pm.   Also, returning is the Shiner Bock Beer Garden featuring Shiner products, bar tables and yard games.  A second green space has been added to The Swamp featuring picnic tables and yard games. There will also be the popular Mudbug Madness Treasure Hunt to begin Friday, May 10 with the first clue released in the 10 pm KTAL NBC 6 newscast each night and posted on social media the following morning.  This year’s Treasure Hunt is sponsored by Louisiana Association of the Blind.  Social media posts will be made audible for the hearing impaired.  

“We are very excited to be celebrating 40 years of Mudbug Madness,” says Executive Director, Terri Mathews.  “In addition to exceptional music and food, every inch of the festival site will be full of exciting vendors and programming including interactive sponsor booths, tasting booths, a beer garden, green space, special events & contests, and fun!   Mudbug Madness touches all of one’s senses,” says Mathews. “The sights, sounds and smells will be the perfect kick-off to summertime.”

For more information on Mudbug Madness, please visit www.mudbugmadness.com.

On May 10, the first graduates of the Northwest Louisiana Chapter of the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) walked across the stage at Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) and received their diplomas.

In addition to earning an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Industrial Engineering Technology, Industrial Maintenance concentration, they were awarded a certificate of completion from FAME USA. These are marketable credentials, and the graduates also have two years of relevant work experience to go along with them, making them highly competitive in the job market.

The Northwest Louisiana Chapter of FAME was created in May 2022 by a group of area manufacturers, BPCC and the North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP) to meet a critical need for skilled maintenance technicians faced by most manufacturing and industrial employers. These companies are seeing employees with decades of experience begin to retire at the same time that machine technology is advancing rapidly.

The FAME program was created by Toyota over a decade ago to train multiskilled, global best maintenance technicians for their US-based plants. The seven manufacturing companies that sponsor the Northwest Louisiana FAME chapter found it to be a good fit for their needs. Those companies include Arq, Inc., Benteler Steel/Tube, Frymaster, Maxim Watermakers, Music Mountain Water, Prolec GE and Ternium USA.

“I am very pleased with the growth of our local FAME chapter,” said Dustin Niemoeller, Plant Manager of BENTELER Steel/Tube – Shreveport. “I attended the 2022 meeting when the FAME program was originally presented to local manufacturing companies, and BENTELER committed to being a member of the local FAME chapter before leaving the meeting. We had a tight timeline to implement the first cohort and we made it happen. At the time, BENTELER was already experiencing the challenge of finding and hiring qualified maintenance technicians, and we knew this program was necessary both for the here and now and for our future growth plans. From my perspective, the FAME program is an excellent way for us to help students earn an associate degree while gaining valuable work experience. Students who are able to graduate with their degree and certificates are almost guaranteed to find a well-paying maintenance technician position in the area.”

In addition to the three FAME participants that graduated on May 10, the seven current FAME students in the 2023 class cohort received Career and Technical Certificates – Industrial Technician, demonstrating their completion of certain technical training courses.

The Northwest Louisiana FAME chapter is in process of selecting its 2024 class cohort and saw a 27% increase in applications received this recruitment season and a significant improvement in applicant qualifications, based on high school transcripts, ACT scores and technical training taken during high school.

“When I speak to high school students during FAME recruitment events and North Louisiana Manufacturing Month tours, more often now I hear students telling me they are ready to go to work when they graduate,” said Angie White, COO of NLEP. “And I applaud them for that focus, but I want to make sure they are armed with marketable skills that can qualify them for quality jobs with growth potential. This is why NLEP is such a strong advocate for high school technical education and dual enrollment opportunities, and work-study programs like FAME.”

Recruitment for the 2025 class cohort will begin in fall 2024. To learn more about the program and to apply, visit http://www.NWLAFAME.org.

About North Louisiana Economic Partnership
North Louisiana Economic Partnership, an Accredited Economic Development Organization, provides professional economic development services to an 11-parish region of North Louisiana, including lead generation and prospect management. Its mission is to be a catalyst and connector advancing economic growth in the region. Visit nlep.org for more information.

Central ARTSTATION is proud to announce the unveiling of an exhibition featuring the woodcarvings of Arturo Ramirez, taking place on Thursday, May 16 from 5:30-7 pm at ARTSTATION, located at 801 Crockett St. in Shreveport.

Hailing from the San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico, Arturo Ramirez brings to life the ancient art of waterfowl carving. Introduced to the craft by a high school art teacher, Arturo’s passion for woodcarving has flourished into a remarkable body of work.

With each carving meticulously crafted over hundreds of hours, Arturo’s pieces stand as testaments to the rich tradition of waterfowl decoys. His Keel-Billed Toucan, awarded the prestigious ‘Beginner Winner’ accolade by Wildfowl Carving Magazine in 2023, and his Falcon, earning the coveted Novice Best in Show at the 45th Annual Wildfowl Festival, showcase his unparalleled talent and dedication to his craft.

Waterfowl decoys hold a rich history, dating back to ancient civilizations. From the clay decoys used by the ancient Egyptians as early as 2500 BC to the enduring legacy of American Indian decoy-making, the artistry of decoy carving has stood the test of time. Yet, in the face of modernity and mass production, the craft faces challenges. Through Arturo’s work, we are reminded of the beauty and significance of handmade artistry.

Join us at Central ARTSTATION as we celebrate Arturo Ramirez’s extraordinary talent and immerse ourselves in the timeless art of waterfowl carving. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness the beauty of tradition come to life.

About Central ARTSTATION:
Central ARTSTATION is a dynamic hub for artistic expression and cultural engagement, dedicated to showcasing the work of emerging and established artists from around the world. Located at 801 Crockett St. in Downtown Shreveport, the Central ARTSTATION offers a diverse range of exhibitions, workshops, and events, inviting audiences to explore the boundless possibilities of creativity.

It’s World War II’s Day on the second Tuesday of every month at the Bossier Parish Library’s superb History Center. The popular program examines a different aspect of the Second World War, often from a local angle. Past programs have examined such varied topics as Natchitoches’ General Stephen Henry, the Aleutian Islands in Alaska occupied by the Japanese in WWII and the Eighth Air Force in Europe.

In keeping with the month of May being Jewish American Heritage Month, this month’s presentation was given by Ms. Barbara Joseph, Executive Director of the North Louisiana Jewish Federation.

Ms. Joseph spoke about the documentary movie “Four Winters”, a film that tells the story of Jewish partisan fighters in Eastern Europe. These were men and women, many of whom were teenagers, who escaped from the Nazis, often by jumping from moving trains and evading the guards’ gunfire. They escaped into the woods where they joined with other partisans and fought the Nazis. The movie tells their story using interviews of a few of the estimated 25,000 partisans from the war who are still alive today. It is an incredible story of resiliency, courage, and determination. The title of the movie refers to one of the interviewed former partisans speaking of the four winters she spent fighting in the forests of Eastern Europe.

The World War II’s Day programs are held on the second Tuesday of every month at 10:30 at the Bossier History Center in the old Bossier Library at 2206 Beckett Street Bossier City.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents are investigating a fatal boating incident in Caddo Parish.

The body of Nick Isabella, 75 of Shreveport, was recovered from Wallace Lake on May 10 by the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Isabella was reported as a missing person to the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office on May 10 by his neighbors who said Isabella went fishing on May 8. Isabella’s vehicle was found at a boat launch on Wallace Lake and Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies located his body next to the canoe he was using for fishing.

The LDWF Enforcement Division will be the leading investigative agency for this fatal boating incident. It is unknown at this time how Isabella fell overboard. His body was recovered without wearing a personal flotation device.

Centenary College’s annual Honors Convocation recognizes students for achievements in academics and campus leadership and serves as one of the capstones for the academic year. This year’s convocation was held in Brown Chapel on Friday, May 3, kicking off the College’s commencement weekend for the Class of 2024.

Centenary faculty and staff recognized the honorees, including recipients of academic department and campus awards as well as those inducted into honor societies. A program from the event is available at centenary.edu/honorsconvocation.

ACADEMIC AWARDS

Honor Court Recognition

            Fall 2023 Members:

            Savannah Weatherford, Chief Justice

            Aiden Peterkin, Associate Justice

            Theresa Johnson, Clerk

            Joel Cardenas-Lopez

            Cameron Cason

            Hailey Chiasson

            Emma Foster

            Kiara Liedy

            Alireza Moosavi Behbahani

            Brooke Sandefur

            Riana Seidenberg

            Mackenzie Williams

            Spring 2024 Members:

            Alireza Moosavi Behbahani, Chief Justice

            Emma Foster, Associate Justice

            Madison McKnight, Clerk

            Savanna Arevalo

            Hailey Chiasson

            Channing Hall

            Kiara Liedy

            Madilyn McCrary

            Kaylee Roberts

            Brooke Sandefur

            Riana Seidenberg

            Makayla Young

Alpha Chi National Honor Society
Emma Foster

Mack Grant

Dani Kimmey

Madilyn McCrary

Alireza Moosavi Behbahani

Jacob Nguyen

Macy Smith

Art and Visual Culture

Bruce Allen Studio Art Award – Riana Seidenberg

Biology

Susan K. and Henry M. Shuey, Jr., M.D. Scholarship for Excellence – Tarif Islam

AED Outstanding Contributions Award – Regan Griffin

Biology Department Award for Academic Excellence – Aiden Peterkin and Eva Vega

Chemistry

General Chemistry Achievement Award – Jolie England and Trinity Thomas

Outstanding Achievement in Organic Chemistry – Hamza Chatha and T.J. Chau

Senior Chemistry Academic Award – Cameron Cason

Education

Hallquist Elementary Education Award – Joan Bradley

Vroonland Secondary Education Award – Amy Burke

English

M.T. Brewerton Award for English – Jordan Fong and Chrystopher Jackson

Zeak Monroe Buckner Creative Writing Award – Emma Greer

Audrey M. Smith Poetry Award – Kaleb Atkinson

Thomas E. Horton & Stephen Victory Scholarship – Jackson Melancon and Kai Young

Eric J. Brock Award for Literary and Cultural Scholarship – Ally Sullivan

James Scott “Jim” Andrews Memorial Award for Creative Writing – Rhys Deupree and Michael Micinski

Corrington Creative Writing Award, 1st Place – Kay Christopher

Corrington Creative Writing Award, 2nd Place – Tarif Islam

Corrington Creative Writing Award, 3rd Place – Aaliyah Vines

Corrington Excellence in First-Year Writing Award, Fall 2023: 1st Place – Jadyn Nourse

Corrington Excellence in First-Year Writing Award, Fall 2023: 2nd Place – Cicely Jackson

Corrington Excellence in First-Year Writing Award, Fall 2023: 3rd Place – Hayden Cagle

Corrington Excellence in First-Year Writing Award, Spring 2024: 1st Place – Raven Hayes

Corrington Excellence in First-Year Writing Award, Spring 2024: 2nd Place – Jackson Melancon

Corrington Excellence in First-Year Writing Award, Spring 2024: 3rd Place – Dylan Phillips

Foreign Languages Department

Prix Afred Mercier – Coby Harris

Prix Diego Morphy – Olivia Gningone Billy

Prix Louisa Lamotte – Jordan Hoffman

Le Prix Tintamarre – Jaspen Charles

Pi Delta Phi French Honor Society – Jordan Hoffman, Theresa Johnson, Sybella Louis, Madilyn McCrary, Siobhan Stanley, Christopher Willie

Frost School of Business

Cecil E. Ramey, Jr. Frost School of Business Award – Jordan Danzell

Top Accounting Major Award – Mackenzie Cox

Top Business Major Award – Jordan Danzell

Top Economics Major Award – Andrew Turner

The CFA Institute Outstanding Award – Jordan Danzell

Helen B. Sikes MBA Honors Award – Kendall Huff and Taylor Wilson

Omicron Delta Epsilon Honor Society – Glay Collier, Jackson Ossman, Andrew Turner

Sigma Beta Delta Honor Society – Ubaldo Ayala, Connor Fisk, Ron Masti, Philip Pugh, Michael Pullano, Sophie Schmitz, Lacey Wedge

History and Political Science

Colonial Dames of America, Chapter 6: Outstanding American History Student Award – Debra Brown

M.T. Brewerton Award for History – Debra Brown

Excellence in Political Science Award in honor of Professor Rodney Grunes – Visar Rraci

Dr. Leroy Vogel Memorial Award – Channing Hall and Madilyn McCrary

Katherine Slaikeu Nolan Historical Research Award – Dani Kimmey

Weems, Schimpf, Haines, Landry, Shemwell & Moore Pre-Law Award – Channing Hall

Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society – Avery Cauley, Channing Hall, Madilyn McCrary, Kaylee Roberts

Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society – Debra Brown

Mathematics

Virginia Carlton Mathematics Award – Sarah Baquedano

Minnie Hall Brown and Willey Bush Brown, Jr. Award – Macy Smith

John A. Hardin Award – Dylan Allred

Hurley School of Music

Shirley Hawn Outstanding Freshman Award – Katie Allen and Brooklyn Howard

Ronald E. Dean Academic Achievement Award – Seth Hooker

Frank Carroll Award – Gene Angelo Nucal

Outstanding Senior Award – Ree Randolph

Natural Sciences

Poppy K. Moon Award – Emma Lavelle

Philosophy

L. Hughes Cox Endowed Scholarship – Christopher Willie

Psychology

Vroonland Psychology Award – Gracie Napier

Outstanding Graduate in Psychology Award – Maddie Schonberg and Mackenzie Williams

Psi Chi Honor Society – Man Cing, Mack Grant, Gray Rhodes, Makayla Young

Sociology

C. Wright Mills Award – Isabelle Dominguez

Departmental Honors in Sociology – Nyla Pierce

Dr. W. Ferrell Pledger Honor Award in Sociology – Nyla Pierce

CENTENARY RESEARCH CONFERENCE AWARDS

Natural Sciences – Austyn Benoit and Monica Percino

Social Sciences – Mackenzie Williams

Humanities – Jordan Hoffman

Best Poster Presentation – Tarif Islam

CAMPUS AWARDS

Chaplain’s Office

John M. Warren Award – Monica Percino

Thomas A. Pitt Memorial Award – Beth Vogler

Christian Leadership Center

Christian Leadership Center Seniors Award – Dominick Strickland

James Sears Award for Outstanding Contribution to CLC – Brennan Amato

Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Morgan and Pledger Diversity Advocate Group Award – Anacelia Galeano-Balam, Alexa Hinojosa, Jennifer Saldana Santiago

Morgan and Pledger Diversity Advocate Individual Award – Nyla Pierce

Financial Aid

Mary Sue Rix Award – Emerson Horne

Class of 1964 50th Anniversary Award – Chrystopher Jackson

Residence Life

Allan Todd Memorial Award for Outstanding Resident Assistant – Briana Aguirre

STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

SGA Bullet Award – Gracie Napier

SGA Pacesetters – Aiden Peterkin, Alireza Moosavi Behbahani, Andrea Kay, Audrey Laper, Caymen Hawkins, Cing Cing, Coby Harris, Gracie Napier, Jordan Fong, Regan Griffin, Riana Seidenberg, Siobahn Stanley, Stan Melton, Summer Faust, Tori Ligman, Tuyen Chau

Centenary Spotlight Award – Jordan Fong

Faculty/Staff Pacesetters – Dr. Bellee Jones-Pierce and Dr. Chrissy Martin

SGA Executive Committee 2024-2025:

            President – Andrea Kay

            VP of Institutional Affairs – Samuel Brocato

            VP of Campus Engagement – Avery Cauley

            VP of Finance – Abigail Rinaudo

            VP of Publicity and Records – Sophie Vidrine

SGA Senators 2024-2025:

Sophomores – Cicely Jackson, Clay Lewandowski, Hayden McConnell, Henry Pudwill, Sydney Welch

Juniors – Duncan Benton, Tuyen Chau, Nina Guerrero, Jacob Nguyen, Olivia Stratmann

Seniors – Emma Greer, Tarif Islam, Brittany Lee, Ethan Manwaring, Christopher Tarr

MAROON JACKETS

Ray Williams Honorary Maroon Jacket Award – Audrey Laper

Faculty/Staff Honorary Maroon Jacket – Dr. Chrissy Martin

Joy Jeffers Award – Jordan Fong

Maroon Jackets 2024-2025 – Brennan Amato, Gene Angelo Nucal, Avery Cauley, Summer Faust, Emma Greer, Channing Hall, Andrea Kay, Mary Large, Brittany Lee, Kiara Liedy, Carl Lind, Manisha Menon, Mackenzie Olinger, Viviana Rivero, Aubrey Salazar, Sophie Schmitz, Riana Seidenberg

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT

Outstanding Contributions to Student Life – Joel Cardenas-Lopez, Jordan Danzell, Chris Dennis, Jordan Fong, Coby Harris, Caymen Hawkins, Audrey Laper, Tori Ligman, Matthew Lulich, Stan Melton, Gracie Napier, Andrew Turner

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

Verba J. Schwab Memorial Endowed Leadership Award – Ayla Purdy

David and Jodi Rowe Presidential Leadership Award – Tori Ligman

Ellis H. Brown Leadership Award – Gracie Napier and Matthew Lulich

Shreveport Police Department’s Violent Crimes detectives have apprehended 17-year-old Justin Houston in connection with the alleged vehicle burglary incident that tragically resulted in the death of a 12-year-old juvenile.

Houston has been charged with one count of burglary and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. While the investigation into this devastating case is ongoing, the Shreveport Police Department is urging the community for patience as we pursue justice for all those affected.
It’s important to note that Houston’s mug shot is not available at this time, as simple burglary does not fall under the classification of a violent crime.

Original Press Release: Shreveport Police Department Investigates Fatal Shooting of 12-Year-Old

Last night, on May 11 at approximately 11 p.m., officers from the Shreveport Police Department responded to a call reporting gunshots in the 8800 block of Hawthorne Drive. Upon arrival, officers received another call indicating a black male had been shot and was found unresponsive at the scene.

Despite efforts by the Shreveport Fire Department to render aid, the male was pronounced deceased.

Violent crimes investigators from the Shreveport Police Department immediately initiated their investigation. A juvenile witness was detained, and it was revealed that the deceased, a 12-year-old male, was accompanied by multiple other juveniles attempting to break into a vehicle in the area. The burglary was interrupted by the vehicle owner, who fired a shot, resulting in the death of the 12-year-old.

Following interviews, one juvenile has been arrested on a count of simple burglary, yet other juvenile suspects involved in the burglary remain at large. The individual who fired the fatal shot has not been arrested at this time.

The Shreveport Police Department stresses that this investigation is in its early stages and will collaborate closely with the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office in the days ahead. We urge anyone with relevant information to come forward.

As we continue our investigation, we ask for patience and understanding. Further updates will be provided as they become available.

Local officers will carry the “Flame of Hope” for Special Olympics Louisiana throughout the area on Wednesday, May 15. Law Enforcement Officers from agencies across the state will be participating to bring awareness to Special Olympics Louisiana and the upcoming State Summer Games.

The Northwest Area leg of the Louisiana Law Enforcement Torch Run details:

Date: May 15, 2024 Time: 8 am

**Agencies on the East side of the Red River will meet at Bossier City Civic Center, Bossier City LA 71111.
They will light the Torch “Flame of Hope” and begin the run 3 miles:

West on POW-MIA Blvd toward Benton Rd. Right/North onto Benton Road.

Left/West onto E. Texas St./US -80

**Agencies on the West side of the Red River will meet at Caddo Parish Correctional Center, 1101 Forum Drive, Shreveport LA 71107.

They will light the Torch “Flame of Hope” and begin the run 3 miles:

Southwest on Forum Dr. toward N. Hearne Ave.

Left/East onto N. Hearne Ave.

Right/South onto N. Market St.

The East Side and West Side agencies runners will unite at Texas St. & Market St. running both Torches into downtown Shreveport.

They will all run West on Texas St.

Left/South on Marshall St.

Right/West on Milam St.

Arrive at the Southside of Caddo Parish District Court 501 Texas St. Shreveport LA 71101

9 a.m.

A Ceremony, to include a joint Proclamation from the Mayors of Shreveport and Bossier City will be held.

9:45 a.m. Start running

Runners will leave Caddo Parish District Court and continue the run 7 miles:

West on Milam St.

Right/North onto Mc Neil St.

Right/East onto Texas St.

Right/South onto Market St.

Cross over onto Spring St. (Spring St. turns into Youree Drive) continue South on Youree Dr.

Arrive at Walmart Supercenter, 1645 E. Bert Kouns Industrial Loop, Shreveport. The run will end here. We will have lunch for the runners and volunteers.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics is an international series of torch relays, run by law enforcement officers leading up to each state or nation’s Special Olympics Summer Games. The Special Olympics Louisiana State Summer Games will be held May 17-19 on the campus of Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond. Officers will carry the torch from all points of the state beginning in May with a series of runs throughout the month. The final leg of the run will take place at Southeastern Louisiana University and conclude at Opening Ceremonies at the Southeastern Track Complex for 7pm. Photo and interview opportunities will be available at the end of the run. All Law Enforcement Torch Run events are open to the public. For more information about this run, the final leg run, or the 2024 State Summer Games please log onto http://www.specialolympicsla.org.

Special Olympics Louisiana’s Law Enforcement Torch Run hosts various fundraising events in all areas of the state year- round. The Law Enforcement Torch Run® is Special Olympics’ largest annual grass roots fund raising and public awareness campaign. This year the Torch Run is celebrating its 40th year. Officers carry the “Flame of Hope” throughout Louisiana and work year-round conducting other fund-raising activities for Special Olympics Louisiana. For more information on the Law Enforcement Torch Run or events in your area, visit http://www.specialolympicsla.org and click Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Special Olympics Louisiana (SOLA) is a state-wide, 501(C) 3 non-profit organization that changes lives by promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion between people with and without intellectual disabilities. SOLA offers year-round programs for 8,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities in all 64 parishes with the help of 6,000 volunteers. Health, education, leadership, family, training and sports programs are available for people beginning at age 2, and there is no upper age limit. There is no cost to participate in Special Olympics. For more information, visit Special Olympics Louisiana at http://www.specialolympicsla.org. Engage with us on X @SOLouisiana; fb.com/specialolympicslouisiana; youtube.com/SOLouisianaTV, and Instagram.com/specialolympicslouisiana.

Each week, the Shreveport-Bossier Journal’s Tony Taglavore takes to lunch a local person — someone well-known, successful, and/or influential, and asks, “What’s Your Story?”

By TONY TAGLAVORE, Journal Services

“It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until he has hurt him deeply.”-A.W. Tozer

Every Sunday morning at 10:30, there he was. The infallible-looking pastor. Playing piano. Standing at the pulpit. Preaching the word of God.

Smiling ear-to-ear. Voice booming. Confident. Seemingly not a worry in the world.

The other six days of the week?

“I was going to the cemetery Monday through Sunday, drinking at my parents and my brother’s grave, just living consumed with grief. One day, I left the cemetery because I would go there to drink, then I would get in my car and go home. My house was about two miles from the cemetery. I was one house away from my house, when all of the sudden, lights came on behind me. It was a police officer. I was arrested and taken to Bossier Max with a DUI.”

Carlton Gilmer, the son of a construction foreman and a stay-at-home mom, who was raised in the church, had become what he calls a “closet alcoholic.”

“My wife didn’t know anything about it because I was (drinking) at the cemetery while she was working. By the time she would come home, I was sober enough to pull the wool over her eyes. She didn’t know until she got the call that I had been arrested.”

Carlton didn’t get treatment.

“I was convinced I could help myself, and I couldn’t. I did for a while, but when the next round of tragedy came, I returned to what I had learned. I didn’t want to cope. I didn’t want to think.”

The “next round of tragedy” led to another run-in with the law two years later.

“The last time I left the cemetery, there was a Bossier Sheriff’s officer on the side of the road. I don’t remember anything about that. That’s how inebriated I was. I didn’t know anything until I woke up and was facing that brick wall I faced two years prior. When I saw that wall, I immediately knew where I was. My picture came out in the Inquisitor.”

The 61-year-old Senior Pastor of Bossier Life Church told me this story, and his story, during lunch at a place of his choice, Jacquelyn’s Cafe in Shreveport. Carlton enjoyed a large chicken salad and a glass of unsweet tea. I made short work of a small shrimp salad and a glass of water.

“I went through an unfortunate divorce (from his first wife) 20 years ago. It was very painful. It wrecked what I thought was the picture of ministry was all about, because ministers don’t divorce. But, I walked through it. I thought I would regain life and just move on, and life would be happy. But, life presented a lot of challenges for me.”

Challenges? More like heart-wrenching, blood-curling events. In six years time, Carlton lost his father, mother, and newborn grandchild, who died at Carlton’s house following complications from birth.

Carlton also lost his brother.

(He) called and asked if I could take him to his cardiologist. I told him I was too busy. Could he find someone else? He drove himself, had a heart attack enroute, went into on-coming traffic, and an 18-wheeler hit him and killed him. As you can imagine, I blamed myself for my brother’s death. If only I would have taken him, maybe he would be here.”

Despite leading a congregation of people who loved him, Carlton felt alone. He began living a private life. But, after each arrest, Carlton’s church family continued believing in him. He wanted to quit the ministry. His followers wouldn’t let him.

“They got up and stood behind me. They said, “Pastor, you’re not done. You’re going to get help, and we’re going to be here until you can come back and be our pastor.”

Carlton returned, after six days of “intense therapy” at a counseling and therapy center in Ohio for ministers.

“The counselors took me all through my life and found places where I was weak.”

In 2018, Carlton found sobriety — and something else.

“All the years I served in churches, I knew the God of my parents. I knew the God of the ministers and pastors I had served. I knew the God of my friends and colleagues. But, six years ago, I really found the God of Carlton Gilmer.”

From when he was just three years old, Carlton’s entire life has been centered around God — and God’s music.

“My mother was (singing) in the choir. Church ended, she went to take off her choir robe, and I walked up and sat down at the piano. I began to play what we sang for the last hymn. That was on a Sunday. Monday, my dad bought me a piano, and it began.”

“It” was Carlton’s career. By the time he was 10, the Bossier City-born youngster was a hired hand.

“First Christian Church in Bossier, a little bitty church, needed an organist. They hired me and paid me $10 a week to play their organ.”

Carlton’s father knew his son’s future was in his son’s hands — literally.

“He didn’t even want me mowing the yard. He didn’t want me to do anything to jeopardize my hands, because he knew that was my life.”

When Carlton graduated from Bossier High School, he wasn’t much interested in going to college. Carlton was all about music and ministry. “But my dad wouldn’t have it.” So, at his father’s insistence, Carlton auditioned for, was offered, and accepted, a fully-paid music scholarship to Centenary College.

A parent’s prayer answered.

Carlton left after 18 months.

“It just wasn’t what I wanted. As a little boy, I would stand in the back of my dad’s pickup truck, in the bed, and I would lay a Bible up on the front of the cab. I would preach to no one. Dad would park on the street, but that was my pulpit. My dream was that one day, I would preach the gospel.”

And he did. First, at small churches, before movin’ on up to the big time. For 17 years, Carlton was an Associate Pastor at “the Duron’s church”, First Assembly of God. As seen on TV. Thousands of members. Carlton was in the spotlight — until he wasn’t.”

Carlton left, and became pastor at a Haughton church for 11 years.

“I was looking for something kind of like what I grew up in. Maybe not big. Personable.”

The opposite of big? How about the inside of a Starbucks. That’s where, in 2012, Carlton, his wife of now 20 years (Terri), two of his daughters, and two “visitors” started Bossier Life Church. It’s grown to about 100 members, who meet inside leased space at Heart O’ Bossier Shopping Center.

“On Sunday mornings, like my pastor used to do when I was little, I’m either at the door, or out in the parking lot, welcoming people when they get out of their doors. I’ve tried to go back to the way things used to be.”

After more than an hour of soaking up Carlton’s story, I asked my final question. As always, what is it about his life story that could possibly help others?

“Failure is not final. The only way failure is final is if you allow it to be. My favorite scripture in all the Bible is Micah 7:8. ‘Don’t laugh at me O my enemies when I fall, for I shall arise.'”

It took more than three days, but Carlton has risen.

“Rock bottom is not a bad place to hit, because it’s a safety net. A net in itself you can fall through. When you’ve hit rock bottom, you’ve gone as far as you can go. The only way from there is up. God created the rocks, so if you hit the rocks, you’re on good ground. You’re on God ground.”

Do you know someone with a story? Email SBJTonyT@gmail.com.

It is cliché. 

A cartoon character will be in the middle of an ethical conundrum. The cartoonist will picture an angel on one shoulder and a demon on the other. Both are vying for attention and to direct the future behavior of the character. Have you felt that your bad side is trying to convince your good side to do something? We preachers talk about this matter as a paradox or as one author put it, “human polarity in Biblical perspective.” 

I had a preacher friend who described it as “people who are too bad to be good and too good to be bad.” The Apostle Paul wrote, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.” That is one of the super-saints of the church describing his inner struggle and he was an Apostle! 

We all have struggles with good and bad behavior, with doing what is good and doing that which is wrong. You don’t have to ponder the great truth of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden; you simply need to tell a toddler not to do something and watch what happens next. The Bible portrays us as saints and sinners simultaneously. The good news is that Jesus loves sinners, and He also loves saints. You can’t lose with the radical grace of the cross. Are you getting this, Jesus loves you and there is nothing you can do to change that.

I have arrived at my point now. If you are struggling with good and bad, right and wrong, being a saint and a sinner, do you suppose that person who so aggravated you this morning might also be struggling? The truth is all people are incredibly broken and beautiful simultaneously. Out of our acknowledged brokenness grows our unique beauty. Are we seeing others as Jesus sees them? 

Are we treating others as Jesus would treat them? Remember that Jesus said, “As you did it to one of the least of these, you did it unto Me.”

New York Times bestselling author and LSU Shreveport alumna Ashley Elston will discuss her creative journey and visit with fans Thursday at LSUS.

Elston’s debut adult novel “First Lie Wins” is a Reese’s Book Club pick and has been on the New York Times bestseller list several months. The cat-and-mouse thriller is now in development for television. Grey’s Anatomy showrunner Krista Vernoff is teaming with Octavia Spencer to adapt the novel for Hulu.

“When you publish a book, you hope it will do well and be well received, but the response to ‘First Lie Wins’ is beyond anything I would have ever thought possible,” Elston said.

“An Evening with Ashley Elston,” from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. May 16 at LSUS, is only Elston’s second appearance in Shreveport since First Lie Wins skyrocketed up the bestseller list! Elston will answer audience questions and sign books. People can bring their books or buy one at the event. The event includes free hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and nonalcoholic beverages. Buy tickets here: https://lsusfoundation.org/events/

The LSU Shreveport Foundation and the LSU Shreveport Alumni Association are co-sponsoring “An Evening with Ashley Elston.” Individual tickets are $20, or alums who join the Alumni Association ($50) will receive a free ticket. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

“Elston truly embodies the spirit of Pilot Pride, and we’re thrilled to showcase her achievements! The Alumni Association eagerly anticipates celebrating not just her professional accomplishments, but also the inspiring personal journey that has fueled creative process,” said LSUS Alumni Association Executive Director Jazmin Jernigan.

“First Lie Wins” focuses on Evie, a young woman who seems to have it all—but as the novel unfolds, readers learn that Evie’s perfect life is a façade. “First Lie Wins” offers readers twists and turns to the very end.

“Ashley Elston is both an accomplished alumna and an exceptional author. She is an example of the many outstanding graduates of LSU Shreveport who are accomplishing so much,” said LSUS Foundation President Laura Perdue. “If you haven’t read ‘First Lie Wins’, you should and come out to the event. You will see Shreveport and North Louisiana throughout the novel!”

Elston grew up in Monroe, Louisiana, and moved to Shreveport to be near her husband, Dean. She earned a bachelor’s degree from LSUS in 1997. Elston built a thriving business as a wedding photographer before turning to writing.

Her debut Young Adult novel, “The Rules for Disappearing”, was released in 2013, and was chosen as a finalist for the International Thriller Writers Best Young Adult Novel Award in 2014. She has since written five more Young Adult novels.

“The Rules for Disappearing” is set in Louisiana and even has a reference to LSUS.

“I loved my time at LSUS! Admittedly, I was one of those students who wasn’t sure what they wanted to do,” Elston says. “I loved English and loved to read so those were the classes I took. Dr. Knighton was one of my absolute favorite teachers — so much so that I named the teacher in my first book after him.”

By Brad Dison