A group of local businesses has come together to spread some holiday cheer with a free outdoor screening of “Elf.”

Foster Orthodontics is hosting Christmas on Airline at 4 p.m. Friday at 3011 Airline Dr. Landers Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram also is sponsoring the event. Rhino Coffee will have hot chocolate and Christmas cookies. Twisted Root Burger Co. will have food available.

Santa Claus will be on hand for photos, courtesy of Shreveport Bossier Family Dental Care. It will be a winter wonderland, complete with “snow.” Families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the festivities.

“We are always looking for fun ways to engage families in our communities, and we just love watching ‘Elf’ at Christmas time,” said Dr. Ben Foster of Foster Orthodontics. “We can’t wait to share that with our patients, friends, and community.”

“It is important for local businesses to bring culture and value to the communities we conduct business in, and Christmas on Airline is a chance to do just that in Bossier City,”  said Matt Snyder of PinPoint Local Marketing.

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Airline swept Haughton in boys and girls soccer games Tuesday night at Tinsley Park.

The Vikings won 4-1, and the Lady Vikings won 3-0.

The Benton boys and girls teams also won games at Tinsley.

The Tigers downed Union Parish 4-1, and the Lady Tigers defeated Bossier 9-0.

Ashton Morris, Tung Khai and Keaton Love scored goals in the Airline boys’ victory. Adam Biehler had an assist. The Vikings also scored on a penalty kick.

Lindsey Donlan, Addie Mosura and Katelyn Watts scored goals in the Airline girls’ victory.

Carter Parks led the Benton boys with two goals. Max Kenyan and Dylan Garrett had one goal and one assist each. Jacob Garrett had one assist.

Reece Brooks, Cade Foster and Zach Haegele all play great defensive games, coach Bryan George said.

Hailey McGhee led the Benton girls with three goals, and Georgia Carroway scored two. Breanna Bundy had one goal and one assist.

Emma Chamberlain, Bailey Coleman and Annalee Ward all scored one goal. Baylee Cortez had an assist.

NOTE: The above report is based on information provided by coaches or on teams’ official Twitter accounts.

— Russell Hedges, rhedges@bossierpress.com

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The Bossier Lady Kats extended their winning streak to seven with a 44-25 victory over Peabody on Tuesday night in Alexandria.

Bossier (7-1) got 18 points from Destiny Williams and 17 from Chloe Walker.

Elsewhere, the Haughton Lady Bucs routed Northwood 72-46 at Northwood, the Benton Lady Tigers dropped a 73-71 overtime decision to West Monroe on the road, the Parkway Panthers defeated Booker T. Washington 50-44 at home and Airline lost to undefeated Minden 77-46 at Airline.

Benton (5-2) led West Monroe by two late in regulation, but a foul was called on the Lady Tigers with 1 second left. The Lady Rebels made both free throws to send it into overtime.

Zahria Lloyd led Airline (3-7) against Minden with 15 points. Taaliyah Johnson added 10.

Bre Rodgers and Strawberry Batton paced Minden (10-0) with 15 and 14 points, respectively.

Freshman Taralyn Sweeney continued her outstanding start to the season with 25 points in Haughton’s victory. She sank three 3-pointers.

Peaches Landry and Champagne Dennis scored 14 each. Champagne Dennis chipped in with 13.

Haughton improved to 5-4.

Parkway raised its record to 5-4 with its victory.

— Russell Hedges, rhedges@bossierpress.com

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The Airline Vikings, Parkway Panthers and Benton Tigers posted boys basketball victories Tuesday night.

Airline routed Minden 73-41 at Airline, Parkway defeated Booker T. Washington 61-50 at Parkway and Benton downed Lakeside 67-63 at Benton.

Elsewhere, Bossier fell to Peabody 50-39 in Alexandria, and Plain Dealing lost to Lakeview 61-48 at Lakeview.

At Airline, the Vikings snapped a four-game losing streak and evened their record at 4-4.

Every Airline player scored. Jon Jenkins led the way with 13 points. Nick Kidd added nine and TJ Robinson eight.

Airline jumped out to a 20-12 lead after one quarter and led 41-19 at the half.

At Parkway, the Panthers trailed the Lions 34-27 at the half and then outscored BTW 16-1 in the third quarter.

Jason Owens topped Parkway (3-1) with 24 points. He was 11-of-14 from the free throw line, all in the second half. He was 6-of-6 in the third quarter.

Sheldon Dudley added 12 points, all on 3-pointers. He and Tyler Jewell both hit one 3 in the third quarter.

Letreveon Jones led BTW with 18 points, including four 3-pointers.

At Peabody, Jacoby Decker was the only Bearkat in double figures with 12 points.

Bossier (8-3) trailed 28-23 at the half. The Bearkats held the Warhorses to five points in the third quarter but they only scored seven.

Peabody (6-2) avenged a 68-61 loss to Bossier in the Natchitoches Central tournament on Nov. 21.

Benton improved to 3-2 with its victory over Lakeside.

Plain Dealing dropped to 2-5 with its loss to Lakeview.

— Russell Hedges, rhedges@bossierpress.com

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From Staff Reports:

An F-18 Hornet fighter aircraft made an emergency landing earlier today at Bossier City’s Barksdale AFB. BAFB officials further confirm that the late morning incident resulted in the plane landing safely. No further information is available at this time.
BPT will bring you further details as they are made available.

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A GoFundMe account has been set up to help defray expenses for Nnamdi Nwoha, a Ruston High School soccer player who collapsed during a game against Airline in the Bossier tournament at Tinsley Park on Saturday.

The account “One Team, One Goal” was set up by Craig and Christy Edwards after several area teams contacted Craig Edwards about raising funds to help with Nwoha’s expenses.

Edwards asked the teams to fund raise as they see fit and then contribute them to the “One Team, One Goal” account.

Anyone who would like to contribute can go to www.gofundme.com/9qmpv-one-team-one-goal.

Nwoha underwent sudden cardiac arrest during the game, according to the information on the “One Team, One Goal” account.

He was revived in an ambulance en route to a local hospital but remained unresponsive. He was stabilized and moved to a pediatric ICU.

Nwoha was subsequently flown to Children’s Hospital in Dallas where he remained in critical condition on a ventilator.

He woke up on Monday and his prognosis is good. But he is expected to require some rehabilitation and follow-up care. He could also face surgery.

— Staff Reports, newsroom@bossierpress.com
— Featured photo of Airline players kneeling in prayer Saturday by Tara Love

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Gov. John Bel Edwards cut the ribbon to open the Louisiana Tech Academic Success Center at the National Cyber Research Park.

“It is a great day to be here with you,” Edwards said. “Education is synonymous with opportunity. It truly always has been, but it never has been more the case than it is today. Ensuring that more people are successful is critically important.”

The Academic Success Center features a Cyber Training Center designed to promote education, research, training and discovery in a broad range of cyber technologies, techniques and procedures. The goal is to prepare students, veterans and active-duty military for four-year degrees and career advancement. It is a partnership between La Tech, Bossier Parrish Community College, the Cyber Innovation Center and CSRA.

The center was made possible, in part, by at $1 million gift from the American Electric Power Foundation and Nick Akins, president, chairman and CEO of AEP and a Tech alumnus.

“This newest reality for Tech and Shreveport-Bossier will not only increase opportunities for students to pursue cyber careers and strengthen the future workforce, but it also builds upon a public-private partnership that is critical to the region’s future growth,” Akins said in a news release.

The building that houses the Academic Success Centered is shared with BPCC. Edwards also cut the ribbon to dedicated three parking spaces at BPCC for combat veterans.

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The Benton Tigers advanced to the semifinals of the Barksdale Federal Credit Union Parkway Tournament with a 44-37 victory over Evangel Christian on Wednesday night at Parkway.

In other first-round games, the Haughton Bucs fell to Calvary Baptist 50-37 and the Parkway Panthers dropped a tough 67-66 decision to Ringgold.

Airline (4-4) faces Rayville (4-0), last season’s Class 2A runner-up, in the final first-round game at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

Ringgold (4-5) plays Calvary (6-1) in the semifinals at 8. Parkway (3-2) faces Haughton (2-3) at 5 in a consolation semifinal.

Jalen Harding scored 24 points to lead Benton to its victory.

The Tigers trailed 22-17 at the half and then outscored the Eagles 12-5 in the third for a 29-27 lead.

Harding scored 11 points in the fourth quarter. He was 9-of-10 from the free throw line.

Bubba Osby added 12 points.

Benton (4-2) plays the Airline-Rayville winner in the semifinals at 7:30 Friday.

Sheldon Dudley hit four 3-pointers in the first half, including three in the second quarter, to help Parkway build a 41-33 halftime lead against Ringgold.

Parkway led 54-49 going into the fourth, but Ringgold rallied for the victory.

Dudley finished with five 3-pointers and led the Panthers with 20 points. Chase Turner added 14.

Ty Hubbard and Tyler Jewell scored 10 each.

Dasiuan Reed paced Ringgold with 21 points, including 10 in the second quarter.

D’Marcus Hall led Haughton against Calvary with 12 points.

Troy Davis Jr. and Clifton Mosley topped Calvary with 10 each.

— Russell Hedges, rhedges@bossierpress.com

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The Shreveport Mudbugs will host a blood drive from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13 at George’s Pond inside Hirsch Coliseum. Donors giving blood at the drive will have access to special rink-side seats and be provided hot chocolate, Southern Maid Donuts, and a “Give Blood Play Hockey” T-shirt.

“Mudbugs Hockey prides itself on playing an active role in Northwest Louisiana,” said Bailey Balthrop of the Mudbugs. “As part of this community, we want to support the local blood supply and thank those blood donors who give to others.”

For more information, go to www.lifeshare.org or call (318) 222-7770.

For more information about the Shreveport Mudbugs, visit www.mudbugshockey.com

LifeShare Blood Centers regularly supplies blood components to more than 100 medical facilities throughout Louisiana, East Texas and South Arkansas. Founded in Shreveport in 1942, it is a nonprofit community service provider governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees.  LifeShare is a member of America’s Blood Centers and the American Rare Donor Program, is licensed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and accredited by AABB.

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The 26th Judicial District of Bossier and Webster Parishes has a new judge. Minden native Lane Pittard was sworn in during a mid Thursday afternoon ceremony by 26th Judicial District Court Judge Charles Jacobs of Springhill. For the past 14 years,  Pittard has served as the lead prosecutor at the Bossier-Webster District Attorney’s office. He was considered one of the most successful prosecutors in the DA’s office. During his time in the DA’s office, he served as first assistant to Bossier-Webster District Attorney Schuyler Marvin.

With his hand on his mother’s Bible and his wife Adelise looking on (along with other family members, Pittard took the ceremonial oath in front of a standing room only crowd in the Police Jury Room at the Bossier Parish Court House in Benton.

Officially, Judge Pittard was sworn in mid November – as he had to be officially sworn in and begin his duties as judge within 30 days of his October 14, 2017 election victory over opponent Cynthia Carroll-Bridges. However, even though today’s swearing in ceremony was not officially necessary, Judge Pittard said his wife told him that he had to do it. In Pittard’s own words, ” this one is for my family and my campaign supporters.”

Judge Pittard replaces longtime Judge Jeff Cox on the 26th Judicial District bench. Judge Cox is now on the Louisiana Circuit Court of Appeal for the Second Circuit.

Randy Brown, Bossier Press-Tribune

Photos By: Randy Brown

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Margaret Laree Martin Kumpf

Plain Dealing, LA – Margaret Laree Martin Kumpf was born June 24, 1933 to Carrie Bell Bundy Martin and Joe Martin, from Plain Dealing, Louisiana where she spent her childhood. She passed from this world on December 3, 2017 in Round Rock, Texas. We rejoice in the confident knowledge of her continuing eternal life in the presence of God.

Laree was married to Thomas Charles Kumpf for 29 years until his death in 1982. They spent more than 20 years moving around as an Air Force family to Texas, Guam and North Dakota prior to retiring in San Antonio. They later moved to Bossier City, Louisiana were she resided for 34 years and was a member of the Airline Church of Christ.

Margaret, as she was known professionally, worked as a registered nurse for more than 45 years and was a member of the American Nurses Association, retiring as a head nurse from Overton Brooks VA Hospital in Shreveport, La. She was an active member of the retired nurses association. Laree served her community making quilts for Bossier Kids, and as a long-time worker in the Shared Harvest Kitchen ministry in Bossier City.

Laree is survived by her Sister Betty Jo Barnett, three children and their spouses; Lora Schneider (John), Don Kumpf (Penny), Alice Batte (Greg); grandchildren Chris Schneider, Justin Schneider, Eric Kumpf, Ben Kumpf, Kyle Batte, Casey Batte Overturf, Kelly Batte; and 6 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 pm, Friday, December 8, 2017 at the Bailey Funeral Home in Plain Dealing, Louisiana. The funeral service will be at 2:00 pm, Saturday, December 9, 2017 at Plain Dealing Church of Christ followed by a brief graveside service at Plain Dealing Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Bossier Kids Foster Care or Shared Harvest Kitchen.

Bailey Funeral Home
Plain Dealing, LA
318-326-4258

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Cheryl Ann Ferrell

Benton, LA – In remembrance of CHERYL ANN FERRELL aka “CECILE”, born April 15,1957, Peacefully departed November 26, 2017,at the age of 60, after a long battle with COPD.
She was married to Troy Ferrell on December 16, 1988. She was a Mother to Aaron Mittelstaedt, Dara Kuntz, Katie Rojas, Cody Ferrell and Megan Ferrell. She was a much loved Daughter of James and Roberta Maloney, Big sister to Barbie Prudhome and Susan McGowan. She loved the peace of ocean waves and cool sand between her toes. She now walks with her savior, Jesus Christ, in heaven. She will be missed by everyone that knew her. She had a special place in her heart for 11 grandchildren and many rescue dogs. A special day of remembrance of her life will be held on Saturday, December 16 2017 at 109 Preston Bay Circle, Benton, Louisiana 71006 at 2 PM.

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Myrna Ketchens

ELM GROVE, LA – Myrna Loy Dumas Ketchens was born January 11, 1933, in Walkerville, Arkansas, to Ernest F. Dumas and Carmen Ercell Daily Dumas. She joined her parents; her husband of nearly 60 years, William F. Ketchens; her brother, Delbert Dumas and his wife, Jessie Dumas; and her brother Danny Dumas in Heaven on December 4, 2017. Her family will accept visitors from 12 p.m. until service time on Thursday, December 7, 2017, with funeral and graveside services to follow at 2 p.m., officiated by Ed Phillips. All will be held at Hillcrest Memorial in Haughton, Louisiana.

Myrna, Mom, was also lovingly called “Mammaw” by most. She did things her own way in life, as we have seen. Nothing was textbook. As her niece, Gwen, said, “She’s writing her own book.” She loved flowers and had the most beautiful flower gardens. She also loved playing cards with her family and friends. She was an Eastern Star, a believer in Jesus Christ, and was baptized in a creek many, many years ago.

Her happiest times were with her children, grandchildren, and great granddaughters. She said she had “the prettiest great granddaughters in the world.”And she loved being in the middle of it all, whether it was watching them play sports, win pageants or play baby dolls, doctor and vet. She loved us all, and she will live in our hearts forever.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Michael D. Ketchens of Shreveport; daughter and favorite son-in-law, Janet and Joe Walker of Elm Grove; her granddaughter, Dawn Brossette of Bossier City; grandson, Dustin Walker, and wife, Piathip, of Bossier City; grandsons, Daniel Walker and Dalton Walker, both of Elm Grove; and great granddaughters, Isabelle Stevens and Sophia Walker, both of Bossier City; as well as two nieces and five nephews.
Pallbearers will be Mike Ketchens, Joe Walker, Dustin Walker, Daniel Walker, Dalton Walker and Richard Dumas.

We would like to thank everyone in the medical profession who gave continued care for our Mom, especially the Willis Knighton Hospice Team, who will forever hold a special place in our hearts for all of the love and care they have given to our Mom and our entire family.

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A Bossier City woman was killed Thursday evening after being struck by a truck in the parking lot of Great Raft Brewing located at 1251 Dalzell St. in Shreveport.

The victim has been identified by the Caddo Parish Coroner’s office as 72 year old Jeanelle Berger of Bossier City. According to investigators, Berger suffered fatal injuries just after 8 p.m. when she was struck in the parking lot by a vehicle driven by her husband. She was transported to nearby University Health hospital where she was pronounced deceased. At this time, the incident remains under investigation.

Berger was fingerprinted by Shreveport Police investigators. However, positive identification is still pending.

BPT will bring you updates on this developing story as more information is made available.

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Amanda Simmons/Press-Tribune
amanda@bossierpress.com

Santa Claus is getting a little extra help this year.
The Airline High School Blue Angels recently shopped, bought and wrapped the perfect gifts for some very special kids. It’s part of a community service project the team decided to do this year.

Blue Angels sponsor Afton Johnston wanted the team to pay it forward and it didn’t take much convincing to get the girls onboard. Senior team captain Caroline Cooper was immediately in love with the idea. “We’re so fortunate and blessed throughout the year,” Cooper said. “The thought of giving back really excited me.”

The team chose names from an Angel Tree and got to work. The girls donated their own money to buy gifts and shopped in groups for their child. “We had a one-year-old girl,” Cooper said. “We got her a stuffed animal, a pink outfit and some socks. I hope she knows she’s loved and that there’s someone looking out for her.” Cooper said it was really fun to see the team get into it and be so excited about giving back to the community.

It’s something junior Caroline Clayton enjoys doing with her family every year.
“The more lives we can touch, the better,” Clayton said. “It’s important to think about others rather than ourselves. Making an impact on our community is what makes me feel good.”

Clayton’s group shopped for a 14-year-old boy, who had a pretty simple wish list.
“He wanted some books and a Bible,” Clayton said. “The whole time we were shopping, I kept thinking that this is going to make him so happy and bring so much joy to his life.”
She, too, hopes he will feel extra loved this Christmas.

“I think we sometimes forget how special it feels to get gifts and how blessed we are to have all these things in our lives,” Clayton said. “We’re not giving him a lot, but we’ve giving him all the love that we have. I hope he knows that when he opens it.”
Johnston is proud of her team for not only using their money for this project, but for seeing the value in helping others.

“It’s wonderful. It just warms my heart,” she said. “These girls get to experience a wonderful Christmas, but to have them make someone else’s Christmas special is something I know I’ll always remember and I hope they will too. I hope this is something they will carry with them year after year and into their adulthood.”
Johnston added that she hopes to make this a yearly tradition for the team.

Photos by Amanda Simmons: 

Members of the Airline High School Blue Angels recently shopped for Christmas gifts for some special kids. Their community service project this month was to pick names from an Angel Tree and find them the perfect gifts, which they bought with their own money.

The Airline High School Blue Angels recently shopped for Christmas gifts for some special kids. Their community service project this month was to pick names from an Angel Tree and find them the perfect gifts, which they bought with their own money. Sponsor Afton Johnston hopes to make this a yearly tradition.

Sophomore Sydni Ellen Littleton (left) and junior Caroline Clayton (right) wrap a gift for one of the children they selected from an Angel Tree. That child will receive the gifts through a local ministry just in time for Christmas.

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Barksdale Air Force Base’s importance to the United States military and the Bossier City community have led the Northwest Louisiana Council of Governments Metropolitan Planning Organization to name modifications to the Barksdale Gate access road and the Interstate 20/Interstate 220 interchange its highest priority among mega projects for Bossier and Caddo parishes.

The project would extend the roadway from I-220 to the proposed new Barksdale Gate. It also includes improvements to the existing I-20/I-220 interchange. The goals for this project include enhancing national security and defense by ensuring unimpeded arrivals at Barksdale, as well as alleviating traffic congestion and delays, according to an NLCOG report.

“There are several factors that go with that,” said Kent Rogers, executive director of NLCOG. “One is the big immediate need because of all of the other stuff going on at the base and all of the incoming missions of the base. Currently all of the other gates have some inhabitants to them. Basically, this will give them some inhibited entrance and exit without having to deal with railroad tracks or things like that.”

Chris Petro, MPO deputy direct, said the general public should see reduced traffic in the area around the North Gate and West Gate of Barksdale. He also said the changes would benefit military and civilian personnel coming and going from the base.

“It gives off-base personnel living in North Bossier an easier way to access the base from that direction, rather than going down to North Gate or around to West Gate,” Petro said.

He also said the new access road would be a benefit for military families living on base, particularly when it comes to taking their children to school. Currently, the Bodcau Gate to the base is open a few hours in the morning and in the afternoon to allow buses access to the base.

“It really compliments Bossier Parish School Board’s endeavor with Barksdale when it comes to education choices and opportunities,” Petro said. “For the kids who live on base, they can get out of this new gate easier and quicker.”

Bossier Parish Schools Superintendent Scott Smith agreed.

“Bossier Schools is certainly supportive of the interchange, which will pave the way for better access into and out of Barksdale Air Force Base,” Smith said. “Not only will it be a benefit in terms of providing school bus transportation and improved routing, but it will also offer families a more direct outlet to schools in Bossier Parish, now that School of Choice is offered to students living on base.”

Rogers added that making this project the top priority was, in part, a show of support from the community for Barksdale.

“It’s a lot of goodwill for the community working with the base,” Rogers said. “There will be another BRAC at some point in time. Probably sooner than we really want. The more local support a base has, the better off they are going to be.”

Rogers said that this project is being timed to coincide with Barksdale’s work on a new weapons storage area, sometime in 2020 or 2021. The estimated cost for the project is between $50 million and $80 million. The final cost will depend on how much of the original engineering work still can be used, Rogers said. Once the projects begins, it is expected to take 18 months to 2 years to complete.

Other projects on the NLCOG’s list of priorities include the Jimmie Davis Bridge, the extension of 3132, the I-49 Inner City Connector, I-20 improvements and maintenance, and North Louisiana passenger rail service.

While the I-20/I-220 interchange and Barksdale access road are the NLCOG’s top priority, Rogers emphasized that it might not the the first project to get under way.

“It all depends on getting through the environmental process, getting the engineering work done, getting right-of-way acquired, getting under construction, all those things,” he said. “So there is this huge matrix of things that get involved that ultimately determine when a project goes out for bid for construction.”

By Scott Anderson

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The town of Benton invites you to “Mingle, Jingle and be Merry” at their annual holiday festival this weekend.

The 18th annual Christmas festival and parade will be held Saturday, Dec. 9, in the historic Heritage Village Square. Events will be held rain or shine and includes free activities for children, shopping booths, arts and crafts, food vendors, demonstrations, an afternoon parade through the streets of Benton and much more.

Volunteers work hard each year to bring in a variety of vendors and activities that will appeal to all audiences. This year’s event is sure to be a treat.

Opening ceremonies begin at 10 a.m. followed by the Dash around the Square 5k and one mile fun run. Registration fee is $20 until December 8th and $25 on race day. Kids 1 mile Fun Run (kids 10 under!) is $15 until December 8th and $20 on race day. Online registration can be completed at www.sportspectrumusa.com.

The children’s area, which is full on free activities, will be open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. with crowd favorites like the cow train. There will also be horse rides, bounce houses, rides and more.

Live entertainment, arts and craft vendors as well as a gift marketplace will fill the historic Heritage Village square. There’s also a student art contest, a classic car show, and photos with Santa.

Vendors from near and far will be set up on festival day, offering a variety of handmade items and home cooked goods.

Another highlight of any festival is the food. Everything from prepackaged dip mixes to main course items will be for sale.

Crowds will line the streets, hoping to grab some candy and throws as the floats pass by, during the 3 p.m. parade. Marching and riding units include local performance groups, churches, marching bands and public officials.

The parade starts at Simpson Street and Sibley Street, travels south on Sibley before crossing over on Old Bellevue Road. The parade will then travel north on Lee Street up to Simpson, make a right turn and continue down Simpson to unload near Montgomery. 

There will be a “NO THROW ZONE” through the vendor area on Sibley Street.

Parking is limited at the festival site. Free parking and a shuttle to the festival is available at the Bossier Parish Court House. Simply park at the courthouse on Burt Boulevard, hop on a bus and ride to a designated drop-off location near the festival site. Buses begin running at 9:30 a.m. and the last bus leaves the festival site at 5:00 p.m.

For more information, visit www.bentonchristmasonthesquare.com or check out their Facebook page.

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It hasn’t been a good year for pecans.

Excessive rain during the summer caused major problems for this year’s crops. Local farmer Donnie Leflett said the 10-15 inches of rain that fell in August is to blame.

“They really needed sunshine,” he said. “Seemed like it rained every other day in August, which is good for the grass and cattle but the pecans suffered.”

Leflett Pecans, located at 5698 Highway 3 in Benton, is a thriving business this time of year. In 2016, they sold over 50,000 pounds of fresh pecans.

This year, however, they were lucky to sell just 15,000 pounds.

A normal 30 day harvest operation at Leflett’s farm was reduced down to just a week. Thousand pound sacks sit empty in the workroom and the machines are quiet.

It’s certainly an usual sight around there.

“This is the worst year I’ve ever experienced,” Leflett said. “Last year it was such a good crop, as far as volume and price, that it was the best year ever.”

It’s not an isolated incident though. Pecan farmers in other states, including Texas and Georgia, are suffering.

Leflett said a good year generally gives them enough product to sell until closer to Christmas. That’s not the case this year. They’ve already sold out, according to the banner displayed across their website.

“We were lucky enough to have 3,000 pounds of our best seller and they were as good as they’ve ever been,” Leflett said.

Even though there was a shortage, Leflett did not raise his prices.

So how do you spot a bad pecan? Leflett said they’ll have dark spots and no weight to them.

“If it’s really light when you pick it up, that means it’s no good,” he said.

A good pecan, however, will be heavy and have a good exterior color.

Despite the unusual season, Leflett remains optimistic.

“There’s always next year,” he said. “It’s just part of farming. You take the good with the bad and keep on kicking.”

Leflett Pecans has been family owned and operated since 1945. There are more than 1,300 papershell pecan trees on their property.

For more information, visit their website at www.leflettpecans.com.

By Amanda Simmons

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The Cope Lady Cougars and Elm Grove Lady Eagles completed the Bossier Parish middle school girls basketball season with perfect district records Thursday.

Cope defeated Haughton 42-23 at Cope to finish 10-0 in the eighth-grade district. Benton, which defeated Rusheon 30-13 at Benton, finished runner-up at 8-2.

In the other eighth-grade game, Elm Grove edged Greenacres 21-19 at Greenacres.

Elm Grove downed Greenacres 34-13 to finish 10-0 in the seventh-grade district. Cope, which defeated Haughton 20-14, finished runner-up at 8-2.

In the other seventh-grade game, Benton nipped Rusheon 22-20.

At Cope, Kayla Hampton completed an outstanding season by scoring 22 points in the Lady Cougars’ eighth-grade victory.

Makenzee Perry added six.

Reagan Amos and Catherine Jurkovich scored eight and seven points, respectively, to lead the victorious Cope seventh-grade team.

At Greenacres, Mikayla Williams scored 18 points to lead the Elm Grove seventh-grade team to the win.

Williams was one of the top performers this season.

Aniya Russell added six points.

Katie Kent hit a 3-pointer and scored 11 to lead Greenacres. Catherine Dupree and Destini Jackson also scored.

Darensha Bonner and Katelyn Konicki led the victorious Elm Grove eighth-grade team with eight and six points, respectively.

Cha’Kendall Wyatt poured in 12 points to lead Greenacres. Kierra Nelson, Zandranaya Jeter and Jina Baffuto also scored.

At Benton, Ella Kate Malley pumped in 11 points to lead the Benton eighth-grade squad to the victory.

Tahlor Walker added eight and Mckenzie Young five.

Riley Grace Stanford and Walker led the rebounding effort.

Molly Machen and Laci Hedgepeth were defensive standouts.

Malley, Young and Walker played well on both ends of the court.

Ryuka Roddy scored five points and Rylie Tippett and Paris Salley had four each to lead the victorious Lady Tigers seventh-grade team.

Roddy, Tate Sellers and Marissa Schoth led the team in rebounding.

Jermerica Carper played outstanding defense. Schoth was cited for her all-around play.

The Lady Tigers finished 9-4 overall and 6-4 in district.

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

— Russell Hedges, rhedges@bossierpress.com

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The Benton Lady Tigers rallied from an 11-point deficit in the second half to defeated the Loyola College Prep Flyers 48-46 in the semifinals of the Trak1 Background Screening Lady Tigers Tournament on Friday at Benton.

After Benton forced a turnover under Loyola’s basket, the Lady Tigers called a time out with 37 seconds left. They held the ball in the front court until about 10 seconds remained. Freshman Jada Anderson drove down the center of the lane and scored the winning basket with 3 seconds left.

Benton (7-2) faces the winner of Saturday afternoon’s semifinal between North Caddo and Evangel for the championship at 7:30 Saturday night.

Airline plays Saturday’s Southwood-Parkway winner in the consolation finals at 5.

The Lady Vikings defeated West Ouachita 67-61 in the semifinals Friday.

In other games Saturday, the Southwood-Parkway loser faces West Ouachita at 3:30 in the seventh-place game. The Evangel-North Caddo loser plays Loyola in the third-place game at 6:15.

Benton was behind most of the game against Loyola, including 32-23 at the half. The Lady Flyers took advantage of their superior height inside in the first half.

In the second half, the Lady Tigers put pressure on the Loyola guards in the front court, preventing them from getting the ball inside.

After falling behind by 11 early in the third quarter, Benton stormed back. Qua Chambers scored eight points and Emily Ward seven. The Lady Tigers held the Lady Flyers to five points in the third quarter.

Benton took a 38-37 lead on into the fourth on Qua Chambers’ three-point play with 6 seconds left, but Loyola came back to take a four-point lead. Again the Lady Tigers rallied.

Wade scored 13 of her 17 points in the second half. Chambers led Benton with 21 points, including four 3-pointers. She hit three of those in the first quarter.

Anderson added 10 points. Her only basket of the second half was the game-winner.

Loyola dropped to 10-2.

Kierra McCoy and Zahria Lloyd scored 18 and 17 points, respectively, in Airline’s win over West Ouachita. Taaliyah Johnson added 10.

McCoy sank three 3-pointers.

On Thursday night, Bossier defeated East Central (Tulsa, Okla.), the No. 1 ranked Class 5A team in Oklahoma, in the Tournament of Champions in Fort Smith, Ark.

Dranautika Thomas led the Lady Kats with 14 points and Destiny Thomas added 12.

Bossier improved to 8-1 with its eighth straight victory.

— Russell Hedges, rhedges@bossierpress.com

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