The Elm Grove Lady Eagles remained on top of the Bossier Parish middle school girls basketball standings with a 28-14 victory over the Haughton Lady Bucs on Tuesday at Elm Grove.

Elm Grove improved to 7-0 in district. The Lady Eagles lead Cope by one game with three to play.

In another seventh-grade game, Rusheon downed Greenacres at Rusheon.

In eighth-grade games, Haughton defeated Elm Grove and Rusheon defeated Greenacres.

At Elm Grove, Mikayla Williams scored 17 points to lead the victorious Lady Eagles seventh-grade team.

Aniya Russell added six points.

At Rusheon, Katie Kent topped Greenacres with six points. Jacqueline Clem, Jakayla Brown and Catherine Dupree combined for five.

Kierra Nelson led the Greenacres eighth-grade team with seven points. Jina Baffuto and Janie Johnson combined for seven.

NOTE: The above report is based on information provided by coaches.

— Russell Hedges, rhedges@bossierpress.com

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The Airline Vikings won two matches in a tri-meet at Haughton on Tuesday.

Airline defeated Haughton 54-27 and Byrd 59-22.

Airline’s winners against Haughton were Memphis Brace (106), Dakota Brace (113), Tyler Eckman (120), Pyeton Bass (126), Josh Franklin (132), Thomas Barringer (138), Tucker Almond (145), Kevin McCarty (182) and Pearce Peairs (285).

Haughton’s winners were Nate Williams (152), Ryker St. John (160), Juan Flores (170), Garrett Timm (195) and DJ Monroe (220).

Airline’s winners against Byrd were Memphis Brace, Dakota Brace, Eckman, Bass, Franklin, Barringer, Almond, Michael Wright (160), McCarty (182) and Peairs.

— Feature photo of Airline’s Josh Franklin by Robert Summerlin/Special to the Press Tribune
— Russell Hedges, rhedges@bossierpress.com

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The Bossier Lady Kats, Benton Lady Tigers and Haughton Lady Bucs won high school girls basketball games Tuesday night.

Bossier defeated Airline 47-40 at Airline, Benton downed Parkway 54-31 at Benton and Haughton dropped North DeSoto 69-38 at North DeSoto.

At Airline, Destiny Thomas and Dranautika Thomas both had big games for Bossier.

Destiny Thomas led the Lady Bearkats (2-1) with 16 points. She also grabbed eight rebounds. Dranautika Thomas had 14 points and 19 rebounds.

The Lady Kats led by as many as 11 points in the fourth quarter before Airline (3-3) rallied within four with a little less than four minutes to play. Bossier then pulled away again.

At Benton, Emily Ward poured in 25 points to lead Benton. She scored 12 in the second quarter during a 23-7 Lady Tigers run.

Jada Anderson chipped in with 11 points, and Qua Chambers added eight.

Akiyra Jefferson topped Parkway (3-2) with 13 points.

At North DeSoto, Champage Dennis led three Haughton players in double figures with 21 points.

Takaiya Sweeney scored 14 points, and Taralyn Sweeney 12.

Haughton improved to 2-3.

The Haughton Jack Clayton Invtational and Bossier Lady Kats Invitational tournaments start Wednesday.

Haughton faces Calvary Baptist at 7 p.m. in the first round at Haughton Middle School. In other first-round games at Haughton Middle, North DeSoto plays West Ouachita at 4 and Lakeside takes on Montgomery at 5:30. In a first-round game Thursday at 4 at Haughton High, Northwood plays Minden.

In the Lady Kats Invitational Wednesday at Bossier, West Monroe plays Peabody at 5, Richwood faces Bossier at 6:15 and Booker T. Washington takes on Parkway at 7:30.

— Russell Hedges, rhedges@bossierpress.com

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The Bossier Bearkats, Parkway Panthers and Haughton Buccaneers won high school boys basketball games Tuesday night.

Bossier defeated Airline 59-44 at Airline, Parkway downed Benton 75-60 at Benton and Haughton topped North DeSoto 58-52 in overtime at North DeSoto.

Jacoby Decker led Bossier (6-1) with 17 points, including four 3-pointers. He hit two from long range in the first quarter as the Bearkats took control early.

Tim King added 12 points. Kaalas Roots and Landric Watson scored nine each. Dante Bell added eight.

Watson scored all of his points in the fourth quarter.

The Bearkats led 16-8 at the end of the first quarter and 33-16 at the half.

TJ Robinson topped Airline (3-1) with 11 points. He was the only Viking in double figures. KD Henderson and Jon Jenkins scored seven each.

At Benton, Ty Hubbard and Chase Turner led Parkway to the victory with 16 points each. Tyler Jewell added 12. Sheldon Dudley scored nine, all on 3-pointers. Jason Owens and Javoris White scored seven each.

Parkway led 38-33 at the half and 48-45 after three quarters. Turner pumped in nine points as the Panthers outscored the Tigers 27-15 in the final period.

Jalen Harding, who hit three 3-pointers, paced Benton with 21 points. Cameron Robinson added 16, Jontavious Johnson nine and Bubba Osby eight.

The game was the season opener for both teams.

At North DeSoto, Tevon Beavers and D’Marcus Hall scored 18 and 17 points, respectively, to lead Haughton to the victory in its season opener. D. Graham added 12.

The Bucs rallied from a 35-27 deficit after three quarters to send it into overtime. Beavers, who scored seven fourth-quarter points, hit a 3-pointer in the extra period.

The Haughton Jack Clayton Invitational begins Wednesday.

In first-round games at Haughton High, Benton faces Byrd at 4, Calvary Baptist plays West Ouachita at 5:30, North DeSoto takes on Minden at 7 and Haughton faces Montgomery at 8:30.

In a first-round game Thursday, defending champion Parkway plays Lakeside at 5:30.

— Russell Hedges, rhedges@bossierpress.com

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The Parkway Lady Panthers improved to 4-0 with a 5-0 victory over Natchitoches Central on Tuesday at Tinsley Park.

Parkway has outscored its opponents 24-0 this season.

Aubrey Burkhardt scored three goals and had one assist against Natchitoches Central. Peyton Pipes scored one goal and had one assist. JJ Craion scored one goal. Madison Ersoff had two saves.

The Lady Panthers are playing in the Captain Shreve Gator Cup on Thursday through Saturday at Lee Hedges Stadium. Parkway begins play against West Monroe at 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

In another girls game Tuesday, the Haughton Lady Bucs fell to North DeSoto 4-0.

In boys games, Benton tied Neville 1-1 in Monroe, Haughton fell to Caddo Magnet 1-0 and Parkway lost to Natchitoches Central 2-1.

Carter Parks scored Benton’s goal.

— Staff Reports, newsroom@bossierpress.com

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The Haughton boys, Benton boys and Haughton girls won first-round games in the Jack Clayton Haughton Invitational high school basketball tournament Wednesday.

The Buccaneers defeated Montgomery 37-20 and the Tigers dropped Byrd 55-49 at Haughton High. The Lady Bucs defeated Calvary Baptist 45-39 at Haughton Middle.

In other first-round boys games, Calvary edged West Ouachita 54-52 and Minden nipped Northwood 50-49. In other first-round girls games, West Ouachita topped North DeSoto 84-37 and Lakeside defeated Montgomery 43-40.

Haughton plays Minden at 8:30 p.m. Thursday in one boys semifinal at Haughton High. In a first-round game, Parkway faces Lakeside at 5:30.

The winner of the Parkway-Lakeside game plays Benton in the other boys semifinal at 7 Friday.

In a girls first-round game Thursday, Northwood faces Minden at 4 at Haughton High. The Minden-Northwood winner plays West Ouachita in one semifinal at 4 Friday at Haughton Middle. Haughton meets Lakeside at 7 in the other semifinal.

Clyde English, D’Marcus Hall and Keintrell Parker all scored nine points in the Haughton boys’ victory. The Bucs (2-0) led 19-2 at the half.

Jalen Harding poured in 25 points to lead the Benton boys. Harding scored 12 points in the fourth quarter and was eight-of-nine from the free-throw line.

Jontavious Johnson added nine as Benton improved to 1-1.

Taralyn Sweeney tossed in 16 points, including eight in the fourth quarter, to lead the Haughton girls to the victory. Takaiyah Sweeney added 12 and Champagne Dennis 11.

The Lady Bucs evened their record at 3-3.

In the Bossier Lady Kats tournament, Bossier topped Richwood 57-38, West Monroe defeated Peabody 68-35 and Parkway got past Booker T. Washington 57-52.

Bossier improved to 4-1 with its fourth straight victory. Parkway improved to 4-2.

In Thursday’s games, West Monroe plays Plain Dealing at 5, Richwood takes on Parkway at 6:15 and Green Oaks faces Huntington at 7:30.

In Friday’s games, Plain Dealing meets Booker T. Washington at 5, Peabody plays Huntington at 6:15 and Bossier takes on Green Oaks at 7:30.

In Saturday’s games, Peabody plays Booker T. Washington at 11 a.m., Green Oaks meets Plain Dealing at 12:15 p.m., Richwood takes on Huntington at 1:30 and Parkway plays Bossier at 2:45.

— Russell Hedges, rhedges@bossierpress.com

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HOUSTON — Guard Monette Bolden hit a three-pointer as time expired to lift the Bossier Parish Community College Lady Cavaliers to a 76-73 win over the San Jacinto College-North Gators here at Nichols Gymnasium Tuesday afternoon.

Bolden’s game winner was the only 3-pointer of the game for the freshman from Erath. She finished the night with nine points. Sophomore guard Ashlyn Jacobs led BPCC with 21 points, while sophomores Damilola Balogun and Tyra Kidd added 15 and 13, respectively. Kidd is a former Airline standout.

BPCC used another strong fourth quarter performance to register the win, their third straight, and all on the road. In the fourth quarter of the last three games, the Lady Cavs have outscored their opponents 87-41, which is an average of 29 to 14.

With the win, the Lady Cavs now own a 4-4 overall record and a 2-0 record in Region XIV play. BPCC will play its fourth straight road game on Saturday when the Lady Cavaliers battle the Blinn College Lady Buccaneers at 2 p.m. in Bryan, Texas.

— Staff Reports, newsroom@bossierpress.com

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The Bossier High soccer tournament starts Thursday at Tinsley Park.

Bossier, Haughton, Benton, Airline and Parkway are in the 16-team boys varsity field along with Barbe, North DeSoto, Southwood, Ouachita Christian, Sulphur, Minden, Ruston, Union Parish, Calvary Baptist, Comeaux and Red River.

The eight-team girls field includes Bossier, Haughton and Benton along with Ouachita Parish, North Caddo, Minden, Ruston and Southwood.

There is also a six-team boys JV field featuring Airline, Byrd, Bossier, Benton, Red River and Ruston.

Play begins at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday with the final games starting at 8. Play begins at 4:15 Friday with the final games at 8.

Play begins at 8 a.m. Saturday. The boys and girls semifinal games are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. with the championship games following at 4:30.

For a complete schedule go to http://www.nwlsra.com/highschool/BossierTourn.aspx

— Russell Hedges, rhedges@bossierpress.com

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Bossier Sheriff Julian Whittington warns residents about a phone scam with people claiming to be a Bossier Sheriff’s Office deputy and telling people to pay money to keep from going to jail.

The sheriff’s office has received more than half a dozen complaints from residents and businesses saying a Bossier deputy or police officer called and said they have an arrest warrant.  The caller then says the person can avoid going to jail by either putting money on a pre-paid card (like a Green Dot card) or pay by credit card. 

The callers have identified themselves with various names, such as Deputy James Marshall and Deputy Duane Davis. They even have used names of actual deputies employed at the Bossier Sheriff’s Office. The caller urges people not to go to the courthouse to pay the fine. That, Whittington said, should be a red flag to people.

“Folks, please do not fall for it,” Whittington said.  “Our deputies are not going to call you to say you owe money and tell you to send it in.” 

Calls have come from numbers such as (318) 723-70xx or (318) 935-98xx. Some of the calls have even used a voice mail message claiming to be someone from the Bossier Sheriff’s Office.

Here are few safety tips to avoid being a victim of a scam:

• If you receive a phone call from the Bossier Sheriff’s Office or other law enforcement officer and someone says you owe money to keep from going to jail, please ask for their name and where they are calling.  Then tell them you will call them back; instead, call the Bossier Sheriff’s Office at (318) 965-2203 or your local law enforcement agency and report the scam.
• Never pay anything over the phone…unless you initiated the phone call and you are confident in the transaction and business or person with whom you are dealing.
• Remember, like with other types of scams (someone calling to say you’ve won the sweepstakes or a new car… and all you have to do is pay a small processing fee), if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• If you are concerned about any outstanding fines, court fees, probation fees, or property taxes you might have, you can contact the Bossier Sheriff’s Office Civil Department at (318) 965-3400 with any questions or come by the Bossier Parish Courthouse or either of the substations.
• As always, you can report scams or any other types of crimes to the Bossier Sheriff’s Office at (318) 965-2203.

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There will be a lot of holiday cheer, as well as some friendly competition, Saturday as Bossier Parish Schools participates in its fourth annual Red Kettle Challenge versus Caddo Parish Schools.

Scores of employees, their families and students from Bossier Schools will be in front of six stores staffing the iconic red kettles, ringing bells and asking shoppers to donate to help The Salvation Army “Do the Most Good.” It is a fun event the district eagerly looks forward to each holiday season.

Caddo Schools will be doing the same. The school district collecting the most money during the Red Kettle Challenge will be revealed the following week by The Salvation Army. Last year, the combined one-day bell ringing competition raised more than $7,500.

Bossier Schools encourage the public to visit one of its six kettle sites and give generously as the district pays it forward in an effort to help others who are less fortunate experience the joy of Christmas.

Locations being staffed in Bossier from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. include:

• Walmart at 2536 Airline Dr. 
• Kroger at 1050 George Dement Blvd.
• Kroger at 4100 Barksdale Blvd.
• Walmart Neighborhood Market at 4000 Barksdale Blvd.
• Brookshire’s at 6280 LA 3 in Benton.
• Brookshire’s at 1125 Hwy 80 East, Haughton.

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The Elm Grove Eagles opened the middle school boys basketball season with a sweep of Elm Grove on Thursday at North DeSoto.

Elm Grove won the eighth-grade game 42-18 and the seventh-grade game 16-9.

Jalen Thornton had 12 points, two rebounds and three assists for the eighth-grade Eagles. James Jordan had eight points, three rebounds and six steals.

Michael Feaster scored six points and grabbed seven rebounds. He also had five steals.

Caleb Branch led the seventh-grade Eagles with six points. Wesley Garner and Isayah Caldwell combined for eight.

Branch and Garner also had four steals each. Caldwell had three steals and two assists. Kris Mesloh contributed with six rebounds.

The Elm Grove Holiday Classic Tournament sponsored by Barksdale Federal Credit Union is Thursday through Saturday of next week.

— Russell Hedges, rhedges@bossierpress.com

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The Cope Lady Cougars and Elm Grove Lady Eagles clinched shares of their respective district championships with victories on Thursday.

Cope improved to 8-0 in the eighth-grade district with a 46-22 victory over Elm Grove at Elm Grove. The Lady Eagles have a two-game lead over Benton with two to play. The Lady Tigers defeated Greenacres 21-12 at Greenacres.

In the other eighth-grade game, Haughton topped Rusheon 38-26 at Haughton.

Elm Grove improved to 8-0 in the seventh-grade district with a 42-24 over second-place Cope. The Lady Eagles have a two-game lead over the Lady Cougars with two to play.

In the other seventh-grade games, Rusheon downed Haughton 30-16 and Benton defeated Greenacres.

At Elm Grove, Kayla Hampton continued her outstanding season with 24 points in Cope’s eighth-grade victory.

Makenzee Perry, Kori Rice and Paris Endris all scored six points.

Caellen Burr led Elm Grove with eight points. Katelyn Konicki and Darnesha Bonner combined for eight.

The seventh-grade game was close early. It was tied after the first quarter and Elm Grove led by six at the half. The Lady Eagles pulled away in the second half.

Mikayla Williams, who has had an outstanding season, pumped in 32 points to lead Elm Grove. Aniya Russell added six.

Meaux Carroll paced Cope with nine points. Reagan Amos added six. Coach Angel Turnbow said the Lady Cougars played very good defense the entire game.

At Haughton, Brooklynn Bockhaus tossed in 13 points to lead the Lady Bucs eighth-grade squad to the victory.

Kaleigh Brown added seven. Nine Haughton players scored.

Sanaa Brown topped Rusheon with 16 points, including two 3-pointers.

Andrea Smallwood poured in 21 points to lead the Rusheon seventh-grade squad to the victory.

Zahria Shyne paced Haughton with six points. Traniece Johnson and Sara White combined for nine.

At Greenacres, Tahlor Walker and Riley Grace Stanford scored nine and eight points, respectively, to lead the Benton eighth-grade team to the win.

Walker and Laci Hedgepeth led the Lady Tigers in rebounding. Mckenzie Young, Molly Machen and Ella Kate Malley played were defensive standouts.

Walker, Kennedy Stevens and Kate Evans were cited for their all-around play.

Cha’Kendall Wyatt led Greenacres with seven points. Kierra Nelson added five.

Tate Sellers led the Benton seventh-grade team with nine points.

Rylie Tippett, Ryuka Roddy and Tyler Harris combined for 11.

Sellers and Tippett led the team in rebounding. Roddy, Jermirica Carper and Marissa Schoth were cited for their defensive play.

Sellers and Lauren Hall were standouts on both ends of the court.

Jacqueline Clemwith and Katie Kent scored for Greenacres.

NOTE: The above report is based on information received from coaches.

— Russell Hedges, rhedges@bossierpress.com

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The Airline Vikings and Haughton Buccaneers won boys division games on the first day of the 24th annual Bearkat Soccer Classic hosted by Bossier at Tinsley Park.

Airline defeated Minden 7-0 and Haughton downed Southwood 5-1. In other boys games involving Bossier Parish teams, Benton and Bossier played to a 1-1 tie and Haughton and North DeSoto played to a scoreless tie.

In other boys games, Ruston defeated Union Parish 1-0 and Sulphur downed Ouachita Christian 5-0.

In girls games involving Bossier Parish teams, Haughton topped Bossier 5-0, Benton downed Ruston 7-1 and North Caddo defeated Bossier 7-0.

In another girls game, Minden defeated Southwood 4-1.

In the Captain Shreve Gator Cup girls tournament, Parkway and West Monroe played to a 1-1 tie at Lee Hedges Stadium.

Keaton Love scored four goals and had two assists in the Airline boys’ victory. Adam Biehler and Jackson Tinkis scored each scored a goal and had two assists. Nick Jump scored a goal.

Ashton Morris had two assists. Tung Khai had one.

Hailey McGhee scored three goals in the Benton girls’ victory. Breanna Bundy scored two goals and had one assist.

Allison Risher and Annalee Ward scored one goal each. Georgia Carroway and Aidan McGhee had one assist each.

JJ Craion scored Parkway’s goals against West Monroe on an assist by Michelle Elias. Madison Ersoff had three saves.

Airline begins play in the Gator Cup against North DeSoto at 6:50 p.m. Friday at Lee Hedges Stadium. The tournament run through Saturday with the championship game at 8.

The Bossier tournament continues Friday at 4 p.m. with the final games starting at 8. Play begins at 8 a.m. Saturday. The boys and girls semifinals are at 2:30 p.m. with the championship games following at 4:30.

NOTE: The above report is based on information provided by coaches.

— Russell Hedges, rhedges@bossierpress.com

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The Benton Lady Tigers handed Zachary its first loss of the season 64-58 in the St. Michael the Archangel tournament Thursday in Baton Rouge.

Emily Ward led the Lady Tigers with 23 points. Qua Chambers added 18 and Jada Anderson 14.

Rayah Haynes paced Zachary with 21. The Lady Broncos (6-1) reached the second round of the Class 5A playoffs last season.

Chambers scored 10 points in the first quarter as Benton raced to a 26-10 lead. Ward scored 10 in the fourth quarter and hit three 3-pointers in the game.

Benton (3-0) faces Parkview Baptist at 5 p.m. Friday in the tournament.

In the South Beauregard tournament, Airline fell to defending Class 3A state champion South Beauregard 66-53. The game matched first-year Airline coach Lyndzee Greene McConathy against her father, longtime South Beauregard coach Chris Greene.

Airline, which faced Lake Charles Sam Houston on Friday, dropped to 3-4. South Beauregard improved to 9-0.

In the Haughton Jack Clayton Invitational, Minden improved to 7-0 with a 69-28 first-round victory over Northwood.

The Lady Tiders play West Ouachita at 4 Friday in one semifinal at Haughton Middle School. Haughton takes on Lakeside in the other semifinal at 7.

In the Lady Kats Invitational at Bossier, Plain Dealing fell to West Monroe 55-51 and Parkway lost to Richwood 48-43.

In Friday’s action, Plain Dealing plays Booker T. Washington at 5, Peabody takes on Huntington at 6:15 and Bossier faces Green Oaks at 7:30.

— Russell Hedges, rhedges@bossierpress.com

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Katie “Bug” Lynn Grantham

BENTON, LA – Our Katie Bug entered this world on April 12, 2013 at 9:04 am and transformed Kirk and Morgan Grantham into Daddy and Mommy. From that moment forward, she charmed the pants off everyone she met. She is her Daddy’s Katie Bugger and her Mommy’s little sidekick. She adored her brother Gavin and he will forever be her “baby.”

Katie was fearless and loved to hunt frogs, dig for worms, and chase bunnies. All while wearing a tutu dress with a super hero emblem, ruffle leggings, and mismatched socks and shoes. She loved her Montessori family (Ms. Sieck, Ms. Cheryl, Ms. Dawn, ALL her friends) and walked in with confidence each morning. Her Mommy would stand at the end of the hallway and watch her guide Gavin to his classroom gently speaking to him and encouraging him the whole way that he was going to a “GREAT day today!” It was a glorious thing to see and her Mommy got to see that each morning. She would return for her turn to be escorted and never failed to ask for “one more hug,” which she always received.

Katie Bug hugs were the BEST hugs. They were full body: arms around your neck, legs around your waist. Her Daddy got one every day when he returned from work and it would turn in to a dance or an airplane game, or just a hug that seemed to last forever that they both needed at that time. She gave the BEST kisses and we will forever miss those sweet lips on our cheeks.
Anyone who had the privilege of meeting Katie Bug could instantly see her humor.

She was funny and just looking at her facial expressions could get the whole dinner table rolling with laughter. Katie and Gavin would spend hours playing outside, playing in the bathtub, or pestering each other. She always wanted to teach her baby something and he was a willing student (most of the time). Kati e loved to share all of her love with Gavin and sometimes he! r fruit snacks. Her family’s heart aches to see them laughing, running, and playing again.

Katie Bug was surrounded by people that loved her. When Teta (Teresa White) and Gigi (Kay White) got to pick her up from school, she knew that a yogurt trip was in her future. The joy and love she had for Papa Greg (Greg Grantham), Mawmaw Karin (Karin Grantham), Bubbles (Susan Berney), and Pawpaw Bill (Bill Berney) was evident each time she got to see them. Oh how she loved. Katie loved seeing her Uncle Coop (Cooper White) and Aunt Emily (Emily Copia White) get married and had the best time dancing the night away. Aunt KK’s (Kristi Byargeon) house was THE place to get candy, play with her cousins (Sal & Sophia Byargeon, Landon Grantham), and get pretty much whatever she wanted. Waiting on her in Heaven is her Pawpaw (Marvin White), and they are now dancing, singing, and hunting critters together.

Let us speak to those who did not have a chance to meet her. To Dr. Nanda, Dr. Notarianni, Dr. Conrad and their entire staff for being able to guide us through this process with grace and understanding. To her PICU nurses: Christie, Tamara, Kristi, and the whole 5th floor for loving on her and us like we were your own. To everyone at University Health who loved on Morgan and Katie during this time: Chandra – 10th floor, Seth – SICU, and many others. We will forever be grateful for your kindness. We are thankful for LOPA and their people for allowing our precious baby to live on. To the thousands who prayed over our sweet baby, we can never thank you enough. We heard and felt your prayers even when we could say none of our own. Our baby knew Jesus Christ and her Mommy would ask her each night: “Katie Bug, who is the ONLY person who knows the plan for Katie Bug Grantham?” She would respond: “God Mommy! He’s our best helper.”

We have been lifted in this tragedy by a community! who came together for a very special little baby who was instantly healed on Sunday, November 26th. There is hope in that. This world is not divided or hateful. It is a wonderful place with kind people doing wonderful works in the name of God. Our prayer is that you will remember our Katie Bug, her kindness, her humor, her everything…and show that to others. Our prayer is also that you would look to Jesus during times of troubles because HE can heal, HE can hold you up, HE can give you peace.

Those left to rejoice in her memory are Kirk, Morgan, and Gavin Grantham, Teresa White & Richard Cox, Bill & Susan Berney, Greg & Karin Grantham, Kay White, Rose Copsey, Yevonne Pierce, Cooper & Emily White, Casey, Kristi, Sal & Sophia Byargeon, Scott and Landon Grantham, Dodd, Mary Kay, Ashlie, & Haley (Hammonds) Grantham, and many, many others. To our friends far and wide who loved our baby girl because you CHOSE to: there is no greater testament to love than loving those you don’t have to. She loved her friends, she loved our friends, she loved everyone and that love will live on in all of us.

If our baby girl touched you in some way, please let us know (PO Box 367, Benton, LA 71006). We will be celebrating her life at Asbury United Methodist Church, 3200 Airline Drive, Bossier City, LA 71111 on Saturday, December 2 at 1pm. Doors will open at 12 for any visitors who wish to see the family. In lieu of flowers, please take a new, unwrapped toy to a Toys for Tots drop-off to bring joy to a child in need.

Donations can be made to The Hub Ministry or The Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission to help in their ministry. Most of all, if you want to honor Katie Bug Grantham, be kind, love others, laugh a lot with those you love, and love God. Talk to Him. HE will answer. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

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Louis Johnson

BENTON, LOUISIANA – A Celebration of Life Service for Louis Johnson, age 78, of Benton, LA will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, December 3, 2017 at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Jim Benbrook will officiate the service.

Louis was born in Fitchburg, MA on December 15, 1938 to David Johnson and Barbara Hayes Johnson. He passed away on Tuesday November 28, 2017 in Minden, LA.
Lou was a man rich in character and spirited in nature. He retired from A.W. Chesterton Company after 42 years of dedicated service. He never met a stranger and he loved all with whom he came in contact. Lou was an avid outdoorsman, world traveler, and adventurer.

He had a big heart and brought his heart and soul to the football field, the lake where he rowed and waterskied, and to the wilderness at Camp Jeep. He enjoyed deep fried food, the dance floor, booze, guns, and fast cars. Lou will be fondly remembered by his family and friends for his outstanding sense of humor, culinary skills, dance moves, and athletic prowess. He worked hard and played harder….and that’s why he’s no longer with us. The Man, the Myth, the Legend…. Lou will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Lou is preceded in death by his father, David Johnson; mother, Barbara Johnson; and brother, Barry Johnson. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Rhonda Johnson of Benton, LA; daughters, Gudrun “Goodie” Johnson of Meriden, CT, and Erica Johnson of Dallas, TX; son, Kurt Johnson and wife Abigail of Los Angeles, CA; stepsons, Jason Grantham and wife Whitney of Haughton, LA, and Justin Grantham and wife Bre of Blanchard, LA; and stepdaughter, Michele Genusa and husband Bobby of Frisco, TX. He also leaves four granddaughters and one grandson along with a host of nieces, nephews, and special friends to cherish his memory.

The family would like to give special thanks and recognition to the staff at Meadowview Health and Rehab Center in Minden, LA.

You may offer condolences and sign the online guest book by visiting www.hillcrestmemorialfh.com.

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The Parkway Panthers advanced to the boys semifinals of the Haughton Jack Clayton Invitational with a 68-52 victory over Lakeside on Thursday.

The Panthers play Benton at 7 p.m. Friday in one semifinal. In the other semifinal, Minden faces Calvary Baptist at 8:30. Minden defeated Haughton 53-38 in a second-round game Thursday night.

The championship game is at 2:30 Saturday.

The Bossier Bearkats avenged last season’s quarterfinal playoff loss to A.J. Ellender with a 57-46 victory in the Hamilton Christian tournament in Lake Charles.

The Plain Dealing Lions evened their record at 2-2 under new coach Norm Picou with a 49-43 victory over Northwood in the Northwood tournament.

Sheldon Dudley scored 16 points and Derrick Mitchell 13 to lead Parkway (2-0) to the victory over Lakeside.

Sophomore post player Dante Bell had a big game in Bossier’s win, scoring 24 points. Jacoby Decker added 10 points, Tyron McCoy eight and Otis Smith seven. Decker hit two of Bossier’s five 3-pointers. Smith, Kaalas Roots and Tim King had one apiece.

The Bearkats improved to 7-1.

Frank Robinson and Kobe Hartman paced Ellender (1-4) with 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Ellender defeated Bossier 60-37 in the Class 4A quarterfinals last season en route to a state runner-up finish. The teams also faced off the 2016 quarterfinals with Bossier winning 63-61. The Bearkats went on to win the state title.

— Russell Hedges, rhedges@bossierpress.com

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The Bossier City Police Department and Bossier Crimes Stoppers are asking the public for assistance with identifying an armed man who attempted to rob a local pizza place last weekend.

The incident happened at the Papa John’s Pizza in the 1300 block of Airline Drive on Sunday night, Nov. 26.  A store security camera captured images of the suspect as he entered the store. The suspect pointed a handgun at two employees and demanded money.  However he left the scene a short time later without any cash after employees told him they were unable to access money from the business. There were no reported injuries.

Witnesses described the suspect to police as being a black male, about 5’8” and weighing about 175 pounds. He was wearing a dark colored hoodie, white shoes and white sweat pants that had what appeared to be a dark stain on the front left leg. The man’s face was also partially covered with a piece of fabric. 

Anyone who can help police identify the suspect in this case is asked to contact Bossier Crime Stoppers at (318) 424-4100. They can also submit a tip through the www.p3tips.com website or the P3tips mobile app. All tips submitted to Bossier Crimes Stoppers by phone or electronically are secure and anonymous. Persons who provide information that leads to an arrest are eligible for a cash reward.

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Joe David Williams
June 11, 1934 – Nov. 11, 2017

Bossier City, LA – Joe David Williams, 83, of Bossier City, La., died Nov. 11, 2017, at Willis-Knighton Pierremont Medical Center in Shreveport, La., after a brief illness.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, in the Faith Chapel at First Baptist Church of Bossier City, with the Rev. Robert Findley officiating. Visitation preceding the service will be from 2:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. in the Chapel.

Williams, a retired businessman, was an Army veteran and attended First Bossier. Born June 11, 1934, in Evergreen, La., he grew up in Springhill, La., and spent much of his life in Haynesville, La., and Dallas, Texas, before also living in Plain Dealing, La., and then Bossier City.

Survived by his wife Eva Lee Williams of Bossier City; children Ross Williams of Tempe, Ariz., Rebecca McCormick and husband Brian of Winona, Texas; Amy Sims and husband Sammy of Haynesville, Rex Williams and wife Rebecca of Covington, La., and Rickey Williams and wife Tammy of McKinney, Texas; former wife and mother of children Jill Williams of Kilgore, Texas; 10 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Preceded in death by parents Murrel and Tressie Williams; one son Phil Williams; and one grandson Brady Sims.

Cremation arrangements handled through Forest Park Funeral Home in Shreveport. Interment will be at a later date in the Plain Dealing Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Bossier, First United Methodist Church of Plain Dealing, the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.

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The Benton Lady Tigers picked up wins Friday and Saturday in the St. Michael the Archangel tournament in Baton Rouge.

The Lady Tigers defeated Parkview Baptist 73-52 Friday and McKinley 50-44 Saturday. Parkview Baptist is the defending Division II state champion. McKinley was the runner-up in Division I last season.

Freshman Jada Anderson led Benton against Parkview Baptist with 25 points. She scored nine in the first quarter as Benton raced to a 20-6 lead.

Emily Ward added 19 points. She was nine of 10 from the free throw line.

Qua Chambers scored 13 and Daina Wainwright 12.

Ward and Chambers paced Benton against McKinley with 19 and 17 points, respectively.

The Lady Tigers trailed 31-23 at the half and were down as many as 20 in the third quarter.

Benton rallied to within nine after three quarter and outscored the Lady Panthers 18-4 in the fourth. Chambers scored seven in the final period and Anderson six.

In the Bossier Lady Kats Invitational on Friday, Bossier (5-1) won its fifth straight, 48-38, over Green Oaks.

Haughton advanced to the championship game of the Haughton Jack Clayton Invitational with a 75-37 victory over Lakeside.

Taralyn Sweeney led the Lady Bucs with 32 points. Takaiyah Sweeney added 14 and Champagne Dennis 13.

Airline fell to Sam Houston 37-34 in the South Beauregard tournament.

— Russell Hedges, rhedges@bossierpress.com

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