Roman Collins has been busy since his time on American Idol. He performed on the American Idol Finale, released his album, and joined others for worship experiences in multiple cities.

His latest endeavor is to join one of his idols, CeCe Winans, on her Christmas Concert tour. On her social media, Winans commented that this is her first Christmas tour in over a decade.

“Also, joining me on tour is my special guest, Roman Collins! We had a great time singing together on American Idol and I’m looking forward to sharing the stage with him again”, wrote Winans.

Tickets go on pre-sale today at 10:00 am local with the pre-sale code CeCe24.

It’s summer time; it’s hot and outdoors activities are best confined to early and late in the day. It’s proper to sit back under the cooling hum of the air conditioner and remember how special the outdoors can be and to be reminded of events of the past that made impressions of me.

I remember once when visiting my hunting club in later summer, I experienced something that was news to me. I was privileged to see two wild turkeys take to the air from the back side of the goat weed patch, climb nearly a hundred feet high to sail over the tops of the pines at the edge of the field. Turkeys are not known as strong fliers and I had no idea they could fly that high with such ease.

The most fascinating thing I saw, though, was right here in my own back yard.

Living in the country working from my home office, I’m often privy to nature doing what nature does. I’ll hear a commotion outside the window and it’ll be two hummingbirds undergoing a kamakazi attack on each other. Something scratches on the side of the house, I’ll go out and a squirrel will scurry away. Looking across the pasture when I walk out for the morning paper, I’ll frequently see a red-coated doe browsing along pasture’s edge.

Recently, I saw something that at first baffled me. My interest was piqued when I noticed a mound of sand pushed up against the concrete slab of the back porch from under the ajuga plants growing there. I assumed it was the mole that has given us fits this summer. I was about to fetch the mole trap when a creature crawled out of a hole in the middle of the sand pile and flew away.

It was the biggest wasp I’d ever seen. It looked like a hornet on steroids. Colored yellow and black somewhat like a yellow jacket or guinea wasp, the creature was a good two inches long. I was baffled and I’ll admit, a bit shaken. What if a colony of super-sized hornets or yellow jackets had chosen this site for their home? I could forget about relaxing on the porch under the ceiling fan. I live too far from the emergency room to enjoy that privilege.

When I spotted a cicada lying in the sand next to the wasp’s entry hole in the sand, a light bulb came on in my head. I had read an article sometime ago about cicada killer wasps that inhabit our area.
A trip to cyberspace revealed that the creature which had troubled me was indeed a cicada killer. Photos accompanying the articles I read confirmed it. Here’s what I learned from a University of Kentucky website about these interesting bugs.

“Also known as sand hornets, these wasps attract attention due to their large size, the burrows that they dig in home lawns, and their buzzing flights over the lawn. These insects occur in all states east of the Rocky Mountains and prefer to dig their burrows in sandy, bare, well drained soil exposed to full sunlight. The wasps feed on flower nectar while the immature or larval stage feeds primarily upon cicadas that are brought to the burrow by the adult.

“In spite of their large size, the wasps usually ignore people but they can give a painful sting if bothered. Mating males are aggressive and more easily disturbed.”

According to the article, the females search tree trunks and lower limbs for cicadas. The wasp stings its prey, turns the victim on its back, straddles it, and drags it or glides with it to the burrow. Each cell is furnished with at least one cicada (sometimes two or three) and a single egg before being sealed off. Two to 3 days later the egg hatches. Depending on the number of cicadas in its cell, the larva feeds for 4 to 10 days until only the cicada’s outer shell remains.

And I thought a high-flying wild turkey was going to be the highlight of my week!

SHREVEPORT – With The Arc-Caddo Bossier’s Goldman School and Child Development Center adding a second location this year, the nonprofit’s ability to impact children with and without disabilities nearly doubled.

But so did the need to prepare current teachers and staff as well as find new staffers.

Insert LSUS assistant professors Drs. Rosie Cooper and Margaret Gifford.

Cooper and Gifford are offering classroom management training from an educational and clinical perspective as a community service.

“When Drs. Cooper and Gifford presented us with this idea, I was speechless,” said LaShanda Davis, director of children’s services for The Goldman School. “My first comment was, ‘This is what we really need.’

“This partnership will equip our staff with the tools to recognize challenging behaviors and understand the steps that it takes to help control the behaviors. This training allows the staff to respect each child’s individuality while still maintaining a positive outlook for that child.”

Both Cooper and Gifford are board certified behavior analysts, but Cooper brings a background as a K-12 educator while Gifford comes from a clinical behavior analysis setting.

The duo attended a ribbon cutting ceremony for the second Goldman School location in February after implementing successful training for DeSoto Parish teachers during the 2022-23 school year.

“We went because it was a community event, but we were really inspired by their mission and their dedication to the children in our community,” said Gifford, who specializes in severe problem behavior. “They have classrooms that are very similar to a setup in a typical school, and we felt like we wanted to volunteer our services to this nonprofit.”

The Arc Caddo-Bossier’s Goldman School and Child Development Center, which was founded under a different name in 1954, later became the first center in Louisiana to include typically developing children as peer models paired with children with disabilities in 1987.

The centers serve children from infants through five years old.

The Goldman School’s executive director Kristen Powers said research has proven that both typically developing children and children with disabilities benefit in an inclusive environment.

“Classroom management skills are essential to maintaining productive educational environments for our little learners,” Powers said. “This type of specialized training is critical, and the knowledge shared by experts like Drs. Cooper and Gifford will help us provide even higher quality care for the children we serve.

“They clearly have a passion for improving care for children with all types of abilities, and their willingness to take us on as a community project shows their level of compassion and their desire to have a positive impact on the outcomes of our programs.”

Cooper and Gifford will conduct two days of training at the end of July with staff and teachers from both Goldman School centers, following up with visits, observation, and consultation throughout the school year.

The LSUS pair will specifically train teachers and their assistants who work with children from ages 2-5.
“Some of these children may be nonverbal and have limited communication skills, so some of what we’re providing is ways to better communicate with students,” said Cooper, who spent 16 years in K-12 education before entering higher education at LSUS. “It’s not just going to be an improvement for individual students because when you improve the classroom environment as a whole, it benefits teachers as well.

“We’re providing sound, scientifically researched methods to bring more structure and giving teachers more tools in their toolbox to create more stability long term.”

Gifford added that early identification and intervention with problem behaviors dramatically improves that student’s trajectory of success once they enter grade school.

The Goldman School expansion, which began as a partnership between The Arc Caddo-Bossier and The Highland Center, added the capacity to serve up to 92 additional children and reduce its lengthy waiting list by approximately 75 percent.

“Lives are changed at our schools, not only for the children but everyone in their ‘village’ – parents, caregivers, extended family and friends,” Powers said. “We find that those who surround the children we serve are hungry for knowledge and want to learn from best practices.

“The skills to be gained from this training will not only help our teachers and staff but will translate to the ‘villages’ of our students to better understand and meet the needs of their loved one whether or not the child has been diagnosed with an intellectual or developmental disability.”

To learn more about The Arc Caddo-Bossier’s Goldman School and Child Development Centers, visit the Children’s Services tab at thearccaddobossier.org website.

George Carlin once made this comment on why he had such a congenital distrust of religious neophytes who claim to be “born again.” “They talk too much, pure and simple! When I was born, I was so stunned that I couldn’t speak for two years! If someone has a religious experience and shuts up for a couple of years, I will take them seriously.” Carlin had nothing nice to say about organized religion, but in this regard, he points out a spiritual truth.

Wonder and awe stun and mute our spontaneous energies. They paralyze us so that we become reflective by conscription.

Amazement does the opposite. Amazement opens up the conduit to our emotions and usually to our mouths. When your friend starts, “we had the most amazing vacation.” Don’t you catch your breath because you are about to be assaulted with a verbal travel journal? Of course, to go with the narration, pictures will be thrust upon you. Wonder and awe are spiritual and deep, amazement is visceral and shallow.

I take you to the Christmas stories in Luke. There are angels busy giving birth announcements. Zechariah the old man gets one and he is amazed. Zechariah, knowing about biological impossibilities voices proper questions, and Gabriel, seemingly unhappy with his questions, mutes him for nine months. So, Zechariah was amazed, and he spoke. Albeit, he spoke “out of school.”

A short time later, the same angel goes to the virgin Mary, with her birth announcement. She certainly knows about biological impossibilities, but she says nothing. She ponders the angel’s words in her heart.
She is filled with wonder and awe by this news. Her wonder and awe kept her silent.

Wonder and awe are the biblical antithesis to amazement.

It is the difference between taking your breath away and taking your words away.

Are wonder and awe a part of your daily experience? When you listen to the voice of creation as the sun is setting? When do you hear divine music? When are you touched by the love of another? Are there moments that are so divine for you, that you can’t speak?

Where do you find wonder and awe? What takes your words away?

Doug de Graffenried is Pastor of Trinity Methodist Church in Ruston.

You can contact Doug at dougsponderings@gmail.com

These arrests were made by DeSoto Sheriff, Mansfield Police, and Louisiana State Police.

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

Bonner, Ben Leggio
B M 35
Probation violation
Mansfield

Jones, Debrandon Cortez
B M 34
Contempt of court
Mansfield

West, Michael Glenn
B M 31
Stalking
Mansfield

Williams-Daniel, Janice Marie
B F 46
Possession of CDS II
Shreveport

Parker, Riley
W M 27
Probation violation
Keithville

Horton, Leo Thomas
B M 44
Probation Violation
Pelican

Walker, Jerry Jr.
B M 64
Public intimidation and retaliation
Resisting a police officer with force or violence
Pelican

Davis, Charles Onasies
B M 32
Violation of protective order
Mansfield

Griffin, Jimmie Lee
B M 54
Reckless operation of a vehicle
Mansfield

Shandle, Mykendrick Detrez
B M 26
Possession of Firearm by convicted felon
Warrant DeSoto Parish
Mansfield

Freeman, Kokkie
B M 28
Warrant DeSoto Parish
Switched license plate
Resisting an officer
Grand Cane

The Pelican Library will host Back to School Family Movie Night Friday, July 26 at 8pm. The movie, Kung Fu Panda 4, will be shown Under the Stars. For more information contact the library 318.755.2353. 

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office will hosting a Testing Date Saturday, July 27 at 9am for those seeking a career with  DPSO. Before attending, be sure that you visit their website at http://www.dpso.org/careers to sign up and start your hiring process. 

Back to School is just around the corner but students and families in DeSoto Parish don’t have to worry about school supplies. Families are only responsible for purchasing school uniforms and a mesh/clear backpack. All other supplies are provided by the district. Get other back to school information at the link: https://www.desotopsb.com/page/back-to-school

The DeSoto Parish Library Board of Control is considering changing the library’s operational hours. The proposed change would shift closing time from 6:00 PM to 5:00 PM at all locations. The new operating hours would be Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Your opinion matters. Please share your valuable feedback at the following link: https://forms.gle/NHNpe8cAYrs7AYsE8

Community HealthWays and LSU Ag Center will sponsor an Indoor Health & Resource Fair Thursday, August 1 from 10am until 2pm at the 4-H Building in Grand Cane. Along with health screenings, there will be door prizes, food and school supply giveaways. This event is free to the community. For more information contact Maria Bourgeois at 318.658.6409 or Erin Stockton at 318.872.0533.

Louisa Elizabeth “Beth” Valentine Adams
July 30, 1955 — July 21, 2024
Service: Wednesday, July 24, 2024at 10am at Christ Memorial Episcopal Church – Mansfield

Mildred Norwood Gentry
July 30, 1955 — July 21, 2024
Service: Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 11am at Rose Neath Funeral Homes – Mansfield

I have good news. After a very productive and successful meeting with the Debris Removal Contractor and the Debris Monitoring company today, I am happy to announce that we have a date set for them to begin. That day is July 29, 2024.

As a reminder, residents in need of debris removal should consider two things prior to the pickup date. First, the debris must be related to the recent severe storms. No other junk, trash, or unrelated materials will be picked up. Second, debris that remains on private property cannot be moved by the debris contractor. They will not pick up debris unless it is in the rights-of-way. Residents are encouraged to move debris to the rights-of-way.

Contractors will be in large trucks hauling for at least 10 days. They will also have some heavy equipment cutting large trees and hanging limbs that may cause issues for the roads. They will provide flagging to properly maintain the flow of traffic.

There is no need for any resident to contact anyone to assure debris in their area is picked up. The debris contractor has been provided a very detailed map with a list of all roads and areas affected. Undoubtedly some debris may be missed as this parish has over 780 miles of parish roads, not including state highways and state roads, the police jury must maintain. Once this round of debris removal is completed, the jury will reassess how much debris is left. Thank you all and may God Bless.

Michael Norton
Parish Administrator
DeSoto Parish Police Jury

As the warm rays of summer shine brightly upon us, I am delighted to welcome you to another season of exploration, learning, and community engagement at our beloved library.

Summer at the library is a time of vibrant activity and exciting opportunities for patrons of all ages. Whether you are looking to escape the heat with a good book, engage in stimulating programs, or discover new hobbies, our library has something special for everyone.

Our Summer Reading Program just ended and it was nothing short of spectacular! Our Children Librarians designed an array of activities and reading challenges to ignite the imaginations of both children and adults. Those who participated earned rewards for reaching their reading goals, but more importantly; increased the value of their reading skills. We had an impressive lineup of events, including author visits, storytelling sessions, and creative workshops. I may be from another timeframe, but I still believe that summer reading is a gateway to lifelong learning and a fantastic way to keep young minds active during the school break. My hat comes off for the Children Librarians and their summer interns for the hard work
and the extraordinary effort they put into making the SPR once of the best.

But the good news is this, the summer in just getting started. We will be hosting a series of events and workshops tailored to a variety of interests. From crafting and DIY projects to technology tutorials and cultural experiences, there is something for everyone. Highlights include:
     Author Talks and Book Signings: Meet your favorite authors and discover new ones as they share     
      insights into their writing process and latest works.
     STEM Workshops for Kids: Engaging hands-on activities that inspire curiosity and problem-solving
       skills in science, technology, engineering, and math.
     Movie Times: Need a cool place to relax, each location will have movie times for all ages.

Expanded Resources and Services
We are continuously expanding our resources to meet the evolving needs of our patrons. This summer, we are pleased to introduce new digital offerings, including e-books, audio-books, and online databases accessible from the comfort of your home. Additionally, our library has upgraded its technology with new computers and improved Wi-Fi to ensure that you have the best possible experience when visiting us.

Community Connections
Our library is more than just a place to borrow books; it is a cornerstone of our community. We encourage you to take advantage of our meeting spaces, join a book club, or volunteer for one of our community outreach programs. Together, we can create a stronger, more connected community.

As we embrace the joys of summer, I invite you to explore all that our library has to offer. Whether you are a long-time member or a new visitor, there is always something new to discover. Thank you for being a part of our library family, and I look forward to seeing you at our summer events.

Warm Regards,
Delbert R. Terry
Library Director

Shreveport, LA – It is with deep sadness that the Red River Revel mourns the passing of our former Executive Director, Kip Holloway. He passed away on Saturday, July 13, 2024, after a brief illness.

Kip Holloway was a key member of the team that founded the Red River Revel Arts Festival in 1976 and then became the Executive Director in 1987, where he served in that role for over 25 years. During his tenure, he made significant contributions to the organization and played a pivotal role in advancing the mission of arts education in the region. Holloway was a visionary leader who dedicated his life to creating a more beautiful and vibrant community through his work at the Red River Revel Arts Festival. Under his guidance, the Red River Revel achieved several milestones including receiving the 1988 President’s Volunteer Action Award from President Ronald Regan, being an integral part of the creation of Festival Plaza and being honored with dozens of regional and national awards. He was an inspiration to all who had the privilege of working with him. His passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment will be greatly missed.

“There is almost not a single day that goes by where Kip Holloway’s influence and legacy are felt, or a story shared from his time as Executive Director. The impacts that he had on the Red River Revel and the Ark-La-Tex are still being realized today and we were lucky to have him. I am very appreciative of the example he set while leading the Revel,” said Logan Lewis, Executive Director of the Red River Revel.

The Red River Revel extends its deepest condolences to Kip Holloway’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they navigate through this loss.

The Red River Revel is in the process of planning a special celebration to honor Kip Holloway’s legacy during the 48th Annual Red River Revel Arts Festival. More information to be announced in the upcoming weeks.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact the Director of Marketing,
marketing@redriverrevel.com.

Kathy Babers, representative from Speaker of the House Mike Johnson’s Office, attended the Webster Parish Police Jury meeting this month to give an update on recent happenings and upcoming outreach programs offered by the congressional office.

“We are starting a new school outreach. We have a lot of things, that no matter who’s in office, that congress offers to students,” said Babers. “That would include art competitions, an app challenge – where they can create an app and get recognized nationally for it.”

They also have nominations open for this years’ service academy.

“Which is obviously now even more of a big deal for the Speaker because you must have a congressional nomination to get into a service academy and so that is going to be a big deal this year,” she said.

Babers explained that upon Johnson’s election to Speaker of the House, there was some confusion because many were not aware that Johnson still attended to his congressional duties, as well.

“We are trying to let everybody know we still do the same things, he just has a Speaker side and his regular congressional side now,” said Babers. “So, we will be doing a lot of that coming up in the next few months.”

Members of congress are responsible for nominating candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA, Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination.

If nominated, participants must commit to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. Johnson may nominate up to ten individuals for each vacant academy slot allotted to our district.

For those interested in applying for consideration, contact Babers at 318-840-0309 or Kathy.Babers@mail.house.gov. You may also find an application form on their website at

https://mikejohnson.house.gov/services/service-academy-nominations.htm

The 2024 application should be submitted no later than Wednesday, November 6, 2024, by email to Babers or mailed to Speaker Mike Johnson’s district office in Bossier City, Louisiana at 2250 Hospital Drive Suite 248 Bossier City, LA 71111.

We’ve all heard the stories about how people claim to have been saved by a guardian angel. For years I never really bought into this notion that someone is actually watching over us, that we all have an angel making sure we don’t die before our time is up here on earth. There’ve been several movies depicting the idea of guardian angels like, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Preachers Wife, Heart and Soul, Always, and The Family Man. 

It’s a Wonderful Life is my all-time favorite and a must watch every Christmas Eve. The plot is based off the idea that a guardian angel (Clarence) is trying to earn his wings by showing George Bailey how fortunate he has been during the course of his lifetime and how important George has been to so many people within the town of Bedford Falls, NY. 

Like George, so many of us take for granted the impact we have on family and friends. We forget that each of us leaves a lasting impression of both good and bad.  We don’t realize how much we help shape the lives of those around us.  

But occasionally God shows us through a life experience that maybe there really is someone (an angel) watching over and protecting us in ways we might not recognize at the time. 

This happened to me one evening in the mid 1990’s while working for a company called Holloway Sportswear. My job at this time required me to travel daily to six different factories all across Louisiana. Travel time averaged about two to four hours per day depending on the location I was going to on a particular day. The daily drives were the worst part about the job, but the good far outweighed the bad when it came to the  job overall. 

One evening as I was leaving one of the factories, I hit the road for what was only about a forty-minute drive home. About halfway home, something told me to buckle up. Now this (the mid 90’s) was at a time when there was a push nationwide to always buckle up. Well, me being in my mid-thirties and bullet proof, I resisted this movement with a passion. I hated someone trying to mandate that everyone must buckle up! 

But it was during the driving home that day that I heard the words, “Buckle up!” Normally these words would have been met with resistance. But on this particular day, there was something different about this voice and without hesitation I grabbed the seat belt and buckled up. For some weird reason it wasn’t even an afterthought. One minute later I was involved in a head on collision and rolled my car four times off into the woods. I remember the initial collision but  was knocked unconscious upon impact. I was awake again as the car came to a rest upside down. 

Fortunately, no one was seriously injured which was a miracle in itself! One witness, who had a front row seat to this accident, said he did not want to come to my car because he knew I was dead. After being check over and released from the local hospital, I went home where it hit me just how lucky I was to survive such a crash. 

Then I began to break everything down and analyze what had happened. I asked myself, “What made me buckle up? Why and who was that voice telling me to grab the seat belt and buckle up?”  this was intriguing, especially since I was THAT GUY who never liked to buckle up, who literally hated someone telling me what was best for me!

This is when I knew that there was something of a higher power at work here. It was my guardian angel who made sure that my time here on earth was not up yet, that there was a bigger plan for me than what I had realized. 

Sometimes it takes a life experience to confirm that there really is someone out there looking over our shoulders and making sure we are taken care of. Even when we think we are in control, we’re not!

So, the next time you hear that little voice in your head telling you to do something that might be in your best interest….listen!

Steve Graf

SHREVEPORT – The Career Services office on any campus is best known for resume building, job hunting, and interview prepping aimed at students nearing the end of their college careers.

But LSUS’s Jennie Flynn-McKevitt is getting ahead of the curve, inviting incoming freshmen to explore how their choice of major aligns with their career goals and personal values.

Career Services is hosting its second Finding Your Fit session this Friday after assisting five incoming freshmen in their June session.

“Finding Your Fit is an interactive exercise where we’re helping them use a particular framework to understand themselves in the context of the world of work,” said Flynn-McKevitt, director of Career Services at LSUS. “We want students to understand their interests in a particular framework and use that framework to understand options that are compatible to them.

“It also gives them permission to ignore things that are incompatible with them, which is one of my favorite features.”

Flynn-McKevitt said four of the five freshmen in the first session were reaffirmed in their major and what a career might look like in their chosen fields.

But one student walked away from the session looking for a new direction, which Flynn-McKevitt said is also a valuable outcome.

“We want students to think through this stuff, to make thoughtful choices about what they want to do inside and outside of the classroom,” Flynn-McKevitt said. “This framework gives them language to talk about themselves and to understand the feel of a major and its career paths.

“This gets into what the culture of a particular profession might feel like, and students can talk through that and reflect on that with the group.”

Based on student input and opinions, Finding Your Fit generates codes that relate to specific interests or skill sets.

“We use a cupcake metaphor in that your primary number is the cake – that’s the primary taste experience and the primary skills or tasks that are used in a particular career,” Flynn-McKevitt said. “Then you have your icing, which complements the cake and adds complexity.

“And then there’s the sprinkles, something you may have to do occasionally in your major or career. The point is to have a platform for students to explore themselves and how they might fit in a particular career or major.”

The sessions also serve to establish a relationship with students and Career Services, hopefully encouraging students to interact with the office and explore their resources throughout their college journey.

If incoming freshmen can’t attend Friday’s session, Career Services is hosting another session Aug. 13.
For more information about registering for these events or Career Services in general, email career@lsus.edu.

CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System will celebrate its 40th annual Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Reunion on Sunday, July 21.

The event, themed “Adventure Awaits,” will take over the West Wing Conference Room from 2-4 p.m. to recognize NICU graduates at CHRISTUS Highland Medical Center.

“More than anything it’s just a time to reconnect. When our babies are here, they really do become a part of our family and we become a part of their family,” said Christy Bailey, NICU clinical director with CHRISTUS Highland Medical Center. “Whether they are with us for a couple of weeks or months, we know what they look like and their struggle here and we know what they look like when they leave here. But we don’t always know how their adventure moves forward.”

The reunion is a special time for reconnecting with other NICU graduates, nurses, physicians and staff who helped families during their time in the unit.

“Some of our nurses have been here for 40 years,” Bailey said. “We have some graduates who have had babies and now those same nurses are taking care of their babies.”

Shreveport, LA – LifeShare Blood Center is proud to announce its partnership with the All of Us Research Program, an initiative of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This collaboration provides community members and blood donors in the Shreveport, Louisiana area with a unique opportunity to positively impact health outcomes for generations of Americans.

The All of Us Research Program aims to recruit over one million people who reflect the diversity of the United States and its territories. The program is building one of the most expansive health information databases of its kind that will help researchers learn more about how biology, lifestyle, and environment influence health.

“LifeShare is excited to be part of this effort by the NIH to accelerate health research,” said Dr. Chad A. Douglas, President and CEO at LifeShare Blood Center. “By joining the All of Us Research Program, our blood donors and community members can play a crucial role in creating a comprehensive health database that may drive future medical breakthroughs.”

Established in 1942 in Shreveport, Louisiana, LifeShare Blood Center is a nonprofit blood collection agency dedicated to saving lives. With centers and blood drives across Louisiana, East Texas, and South Arkansas, LifeShare plays an integral role in the healthcare of these regions. Their mission is to connect donors and the lives they impact.

For more information about participating in the All of Us Research Program through LifeShare Blood Center, please visit JoinAllofUs.org/LifeShare or call 318.632.7940. The All of Us team at LifeShare is ready to answer any questions and assist with the enrollment process.

SHREVEPORT – The accreditation of LSU Shreveport’s College of Business has been extended by the most prestigious business accreditation body, The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
LSUS is part of an exclusive worldwide group with less than six percent of colleges and business schools earning AACSB accreditation.

“The LSUS College of Business is proud to have more than three decades of continuous accreditation by AACSB,” said Dr. Mary Lois White, dean of the LSUS College of Business. “This achievement reflects the commitment of our College of Business faculty and staff to providing a high-quality educational experience for our students.”

Achieving AACSB accreditation is a rigorous process that includes an in-depth assessment of internal activities, mentorship with an AACSB advisor, and a peer-reviewed evaluation focused on continuous improvement.

During this multiyear path, schools focus on developing and implementing a plan to achieve their mission and align with AACSB’s accreditation standards. These principles-based standards require excellence in areas relating to strategic management and innovation, research, and teaching and learning.

“The commitment to earning accreditation is a true reflection of each school’s dedication—not only to its students, alumni network, and greater business community— but to society as a whole.” said Stephanie Bryant, executive vice president and global chief accreditation officer at AACSB.

Each business school is evaluated for accreditation extension every five years with the cycle lengthening to six years starting in 2026.

This accreditation extension recognizes the impact of the College of Business’s mission to educate, engage, and empower its students through an accessible and challenging curriculum and curricular and cocurricular activities.

Through its on-campus undergraduate and online undergraduate and graduate programs, the College of Business has been a key driver in LSUS’s record growth.

The university smashed its enrollment record (10,214 in Spring 2024) despite national financial headwinds that negatively impacted most colleges.

More than just an increase in numbers, LSUS is providing access to educational opportunities that are changing the trajectories for its students and their families.

LSUS ranked the best in Louisiana and top 20 percent nationally in the second annual Economic Mobility Index, which measures how effectively institutions assist low-income students to improve their socioeconomic level upon graduation. National think tank Third Way released its report this past September.

“Empowering students to pursue their goals through high-quality, affordable educational opportunities focused on career preparation is a primary driver of our strategic efforts,” White said. “We’re grateful for recognition of our positive impact on students in Shreveport-Bossier and throughout Louisiana.”

To learn more about LSUS’s academic offerings in the College of Business, visit the program’s website.

On August 12, 2003, J.L. Hunter “Red” Rountree parked his car and walked into the First American Bank in Abilene, Texas.  Red carried two envelopes, one of which had the word “Robbery” written on it.  Red walked up to the counter and handed the bank clerk both envelopes.  The bank clerk read the writing on the envelope and thought it was some sort of joke.  Red assured the bank clerk that it was no joke.  The bank clerk asked again if he was joking.  Red demanded the bank clerk put money in the envelopes.  The bank clerk realized Red was serious and stuffed the envelopes with $1,999.00 in cash.  Red calmly walked back to his car and drove away.  Another bank employee took down the license plate number of Red’s car and called the Abilene Police Department.

The police department certainly took the bank robbery seriously.  Within seconds, dispatchers broadcast a statewide bulletin about the bank robbery over the police radio.  Patrol officers were given a description of Red, his automobile, and its license plate number.  About 30 minutes after the robbery, a West Central Texas Interlocal Crime Task Force agent saw a car which fit the description driving about 20 miles south of Abilene.  The agent initiated a traffic stop.  Red remained as calm as ever as the agent placed him in handcuffs.  Inside the car, the agent found the envelopes containing $1,999.00.   

While trying to determine a motive, Red told detectives, “A Corpus Christi bank that I’d done business with had forced me into bankruptcy.  I have never liked banks since.  I decided I would get even.  And I have.  Banks are the easiest things in the world to rob.”

In the 1980s, Red had been a successful Houston businessman who built a company that designed and built industrial-sized winches to hold offshore drilling rigs in place.  Following his wife’s death in 1986, Red became involved with another woman he eventually married.  We can only speculate whether Red knew of his new wife’s addiction to drugs prior to their marriage.  Red told police that he had spent half a million dollars on drug rehabilitation for his second wife, but she was unable to shake the habit.  Red and his second wife eventually divorced.  Due to the money he had spent on drug rehabilitation, Red was forced to file for bankruptcy. 

Investigators learned that Red had a record.  The First American Bank in Abilene was not Red’s first bank robbery.  In 1998, Red attempted to rob a bank in Biloxi, Mississippi.  Red was caught and sentenced to three years’ probation.  In the following year, he robbed a Nations Bank in Pensacola, Florida.  Red was ultimately convicted and spent three years in a Florida prison.  Shortly after his release, Red robbed the First American Bank in Abilene in the manner mentioned above.  On January 23, 2004, Red was sentenced to 12 and a half years in federal prison. 

Red certainly had a record, but he set a new one.  Red said, “I rob banks for the money.  Social Security is all I have, and I like to live good.”  Red also told a newspaper that prison food was better than what was served at some nursing homes.  While most bank robbers typically range in ages from their 20s to their 40s when they rob banks, when Red robbed the First American Bank of Abilene, he was 91 years old.  He was 92 years old when convicted.  Less than ten months after being convicted, Red died in prison from natural causes.  According to Guinness World Records, Red was the world’s oldest convicted bank robber. 

Sources:

1.      Abilene Reporter-News, August 13, 2003, p.37.

2.     San Angelo Standard-Times, August 13, 2003, p.4.

3.     Guinness World Records, 2024. Guinnessworldrecords.com,  https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/oldest-convicted-bank-robber.

Every day can feel like a scorcher during the summer months. That is why it is important to take the heat seriously since overheating can pose a risk to your health.

Here are a few ways to prevent heat exhaustion when it’s really hot outside:

1. Avoid becoming dehydrated – Staying properly hydrated can help your body regulate its temperature.
2. Dress for the heat (and humidity) – It’s important to dress light when it’s hot. Humidity also affects your ability to sweat, so if it’s hot and humid, consider wearing moisture-wicking fabrics.
3. Seek A/C or shade as often as possible – After being cooped up inside all day, getting outdoors can be a great reprieve. But, when it’s really hot, you may consider staying indoors during the hottest parts of the day.
4. Exercise indoors or early in the morning – Strenuous activity can make it even easier to overheat on a hot, humid day. Consider switching to workouts you can do indoors. If your workout requires being outside, plan for an early morning workout.
5. Know the signs of heat exhaustion and when to seek emergency care – According to the CDC, heat exhaustion can involve symptoms such as:
6. Weakness
7. Cramps
8. Nausea and vomiting
9. Headache
10. Fainting

If steps aren’t taken to reduce overheating, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke — the most severe form of heat illness. Heat stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment in an emergency room. 

Source: Office of Group Benefits newsletter

Fish Fry Fundraiser for Captain Brian Walker is today, Friday, July 19 at 11am at the Fire District 8 Training facility, 13011 Hwy 175. Plates of fish, fries, hushpuppies and a bottle of water will cost $15. All proceeds will go to Walker and his family. 

Mark your calendars for the DPS 2nd Annual Back to School Blast-Off. Learn about community programs, IEPs, 504 Plans, and more Saturday, July 20 from 10-1 at the DeSoto Parish Schools Administration Building at 399 Jenkins Street in Mansfield. There will also be a uniform drive, prizes and backpack giveaway. Free snow cones will be available to the first 150 children that attend.

Community HealthWays and LSU Ag Center will sponsor an Indoor Health & Resource Fair Thursday, August 1 from 10am until 2pm at the 4-H Building in Grand Cane. Along with health screenings, there will be door prizes, food and school supply giveaways. This event is free to the community. For more information contact Maria Bourgeois at 318.658.6409 or Erin Stockton at 318.872.0533.

The Friends of the Mansfield Female College presents “A Bridal Vendor Fair” at the Clista Calhoun Event Center in Mansfield on August 25 from 2-5pm. Vendors interested in taking part should call Hannah Gamble-Gramm at 318.401.3661.

The Stonewall Library will host a Plastic Canvas craft class Monday, August 5 at 2pm. If you are interested in joining in call Mrs. Karen at 318.925.9191.

Thomas Bell
March 18, 1945 — July 11, 2024
Service: Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 2pm at Mt. Mariah Baptist Church – Kingston

Nora Santifer
January 11, 1944 — July 14, 2024
Service: Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 3pm at Jenkins Funeral Home – Mansfield

Damien Ray Williams
December 19, 1985 — July 15, 2024
Service: Monday, July 22, 2024 at 10am at Rose Neath Funeral Homes – Mansfield

What started as a bad cup of hot chocolate between friends will soon be a premier destination for Stonewall, LA.

Lumiere is the vision of these friends who wanted to create an immersive Christmas experience for north Louisiana. The 32-acre park will offer a ½ mile walk through a trail of lights, synthetic snow tubing, an interactive light maze, a local artisan village for crafts and gifts, and culinary offerings from local partnerships. To top it all off, there is the Tallest Christmas Tree in Louisiana that will light the way for everyone.

At the media event Tuesday in Stonewall, Perry Thompson addressed the crowd of reporters and
dignitaries to formally announce the November 2024 opening of the park. Thompson invites everyone to “Be Our Guest” for the opening.

More information will be provided by the Journal in the months to come.

Your DeSoto Parish Journal gained a new team member this week. Jackie Carroll joins the Journal as the new media sales representative. Her job will be to work with businesses and the public to produce the best advertising experience for their needs.

Hailing from Marthaville, Louisiana, Jackie has been in sales for over 25 years. When she is not working, Jackie loves to play piano and sing in the church choir.

The Journal is excited to have Jackie on our team. If you want to reach out to her for your advertising needs and to say hello:

Jackie L. Carroll:  Email Jackie Now 

On July 16, 2024, Sheriff Jayson Richardson recognized Patrol Division Dy. Tristan Reed and Sgt. Angela Jordan for their exceptional service in responding to an active shooting that took place in DeSoto Parish on July 6, 2024.

Both Dy. Reed and Sgt. Jordan responded without hesitation, thereby offering life-saving techniques in triage of a shooting victim, caring for wounds using combat gauze to pack two (2) bullet wounds, and continued treatment of the victim until EMS arrived to take over the scene. In keeping the victim and the crowd of civilians calm, Dy. Reed and Sgt. Jordan both showed exemplary action and leadership, preventing further panic and/or injury to the nearby civilians.

Sheriff Richardson expressed his appreciation and gratitude for both Dy. Reed and Sgt. Jordan and their outstanding service to our community.

Matt Vines

NATCHITOCHES – Transitions from high school to college athletics can be tricky, and playing time for freshmen is never guaranteed.

But for North DeSoto products Cameron Curtis and Aly Delafield, they were fresh faces that broke through on a senior-laden Northwestern State softball team.

Curtis and Delafield both started more than 30 games and saw the field as early as the opening weekend.
Curtis primarily played in the outfield and as a pinch runner, and Delafield a designated hitter and pitcher.
Delafield picked up a win in the circle against Southern Illinois in the opening weekend, throwing four shutout innings. She ended the season with a 1-1 record and a save in 10 appearances, primarily as a reliever.

At the plate, Delafield scored 11 runs and drove in five more runs with a team-high nine stolen bases.
Curtis picked up steam in Southland Conference play with 10 of her 14 RBIs coming against league opponents. Those 10 RBIs in league play ranked second on the team.

Nine of her 18 hits went for extra bases, including her first three career hits (doubles) and a home run against McNeese.

The season certainly wasn’t without its challenges as the Lady Demons finished 19-31, but the two North DeSoto freshmen forced their way on the field with their play.

Curtis and Delafield will be the old heads this coming season as NSU’s roster consists of just one senior and five sophomores with freshmen making up the rest of the roster.

The North DeSoto pair proved themselves to first-year coach Lacy Prejean, and they’ll prepare to do so again with a new coaching staff after Prejean resigned earlier this month.

Catching Up is a series in which we update readers on athletes who are playing collegiately. Have a suggestion for a Catching Up subject? Email Matt Vines at matt.vines@lsus.edu.

PHOTO CREDIT: The photos used in this graphic are from Chris Reich/Northwestern State.