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Articles by Colby Wilkerson
Shreveport police say current patrol boat falls short in emergencies
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - Shreveport police say their Cross Lake patrol boat handles routine patrols but falls short during emergencies. Sergeant Brian Michael, supervisor of the Cross Lake Patrol for the Shreveport Police Department, said that gap can cost time when a life is at stake. Boat overheated during storm rescue Michael described a storm with violent waves, lightning and thunder during which he was pulling four people to safety after their boat broke down.
Tre’Veon Jackson, formerly escaped inmate, pleads not guilty to federal carjacking charge
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - Tre’Veon Jackson appeared in federal court in Shreveport Thursday, facing one count of carjacking tied to his escape last month and a high-speed chase that topped 110 miles per hour. A formerly escaped Caddo Correctional inmate, Tre'veon Jackson, is now in federal custody at Bossier Parish Maximum Security Jail. Prosecutors say Jackson violently beat a man outside a Bossier City hotel and stole his car after escaping custody during a medical transport.
Caddo Parish leaders voice support for proposed $70 million sports complex
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - Caddo Parish leaders gathered Wednesday to show support for a proposed $70 million sports complex that will go before voters in November. The event was held at 11 a.m. at the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce. Caddo Parish leaders spoke in support of a proposed $70 million sports complex during an event at the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, Oct. 14.
Foster Campbell honored for 50 years of public service
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - Former state senator and current Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell was honored for 50 years of public service to the state of Louisiana. Campbell's career in public service began in 1976 when he was elected to the Louisiana Senate at 29 years old. He served in the Legislature for 26 years before becoming northwest Louisiana's public service commissioner.
Foster Campbell honored for 50 years of public service
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - Former state senator and current Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell was honored for 50 years of public service to the state of Louisiana. Campbell’s career in public service began in 1976 when he was elected to the Louisiana Senate at 29 years old. He served in the Legislature for 26 years before becoming northwest Louisiana’s public service commissioner.
New grant program aims to help small businesses in Caddo Parish
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - Small businesses in Caddo Parish could get a boost through a new grant program from the parish’s Industrial Development Board. Board members say while Caddo Parish has long invested in large industry, small businesses have been left out. Board Chairman William Bradford says that’s what the new grant program aims to fix. “One item that we identified as a gap in our parish is there’s not a lot of investment for the small businesses, right?
Shreveport Regional Airport plans new air traffic control tower, additional gates
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - Shreveport Regional Airport is building a new air traffic control tower elsewhere at the airport and tearing down the current tower. Marketing and Public Relations Manager Mark Crawford said the move opens the door for expansion. “By moving the tower, we'll be able to connect both concourses with a connecting corridor, a connecting concourse between what's now the American Gate and the Delta Gate.
Shreveport Regional Airport plans new air traffic control tower, additional gates
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - Shreveport Regional Airport is building a new air traffic control tower elsewhere at the airport and tearing down the current tower. Marketing and Public Relations Manager Mark Crawford said the move opens the door for expansion. “By moving the tower, we’ll be able to connect both concourses with a connecting corridor, a connecting concourse between what’s now the American Gate and the Delta Gate.
Diesel prices top $6 a gallon, straining truckers and farmers
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - Diesel prices have hit an all-time high, topping $6 a gallon. KSLA has learned from sources that some local businesses have completely run out of supply. Truckers feel the squeeze For truckers who live by the price at the pump, $6 diesel isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s a crisis. Chris Thornton, owner of Thornton Logistics, said the spike is impacting his business and his family at the same time.
Calvary Baptist football mourns loss of coach Virgil “Vee” Williams Original
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - Calvary Baptist School’s football program is mourning the loss of defensive backs coach Virgil “Vee” Williams, who died in a car crash this past week. A lasting impact To players and staff at Calvary Baptist, he was known as “Coach Vee.” Williams, a Southern University alumnus, spent two seasons on the Calvary coaching staff. Longtime friend and fellow coach Mark Miller said the mark Williams left will last far longer than that. “I was telling somebody; he was so kind.
Proposed sales tax would fund new Bossier City entertainment districts
BOSSIER CITY, La. (KSLA) - A proposed 2% sales tax would fund new entertainment districts planned for Bossier City. Economic development attorney Michael Busada said the money would come with built-in accountability. “You see every dollar that goes in. You can trace every single dollar where it goes, and you can literally drive over to the district to say, you promised me y’all were going to have additional security. Is it there or is it not there?
Data centers to fund Shreveport police pay raises, mayor says
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - Shreveport police officers could get another pay raise under a proposal from Mayor Tom Arceneaux that could push their total increase past 8%. City looks to data centers for funding Officers may soon get a pay increase, but one question is where the city will find the money to fund it. Arceneaux said the answer, for now, lies with Shreveport’s newly established data centers.
Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office plans suicide prevention event
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office is hosting a suicide prevention event next week at Safety Town. Sgt. Felisa Hollins, with the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, said the event will cover first responder and military suicide prevention along with general public safety. “So, we’re going to cover first responder, military suicide prevention, and we’re also covering general public safety as well,” Hollins said.
Shreveport works to fix trash pickup delays without raising costs
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux said the city’s garbage pickup problem starts early in the week, and once crews fall behind, the delay ripples through the entire schedule. Heaviest routes fall early in week Arceneaux said Monday and Tuesday routes are the heaviest, and that is where crews sometimes have trouble finishing the entire route on the scheduled day.
Rare brain-eating amoeba prompts warnings after Louisiana child’s death Original
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - A rare but dangerous amoeba has taken the life of 8-year-old Lillian Smart, prompting medical experts to speak out about the threat the organism poses and how families can stay safe. The organism, Naegleria fowleri, has sparked concern across the Ark-La-Tex following Smart’s death. Families now want to know how to spot the warning signs.
Caddo schools tackle bus driver shortage with new approach
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - As the school year begins, Caddo Parish Schools have been experiencing a bus driver shortage Caddo Parish Schools Superintendent Keith Burton said 12 bus routes still do not have a driver and that the district is now taking an all-hands-on-deck approach. “Caddo is going to now begin using every certified qualified person available,” Burton said.
Caddo schools tackle bus driver shortage with new approach
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - As the school year begins, Caddo Parish Schools have been experiencing a bus driver shortage. Caddo Parish Schools Superintendent Keith Burton said 12 bus routes still do not have a driver and that the district is now taking an all-hands-on-deck approach. “Caddo is going to now begin using every certified qualified person available,” Burton said.
Marshall church breaks ground on rebuild nearly 2 years after fire
MARSHALL, Texas (KSLA) - Nearly two years after a fire damaged Marshall First Methodist Church, the congregation is set to break ground on a rebuild on September 16. Pastor Troy Conrad was hired after the fire. He said seeing the damage in person led him to take the position.
Marshall church breaks ground on rebuild nearly 2 years after fire
MARSHALL, Texas (KSLA) - Nearly two years after a fire damaged Marshall First Methodist Church, the congregation is set to break ground on a rebuild on September 16. Pastor Troy Conrad was hired after the fire. He said seeing the damage in person led him to take the position.
Shreveport police add security drones to fight crime
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - Shreveport police could soon add security drones to help fight crime. The department is looking to add the drones, which would give officers a real-time view of a scene before they arrive. Drones could respond within seconds Public Information Officer Chris Bordelon said the moment a 911 call comes in, a drone could be in the air within seconds.
Shreveport police add security drones to fight crime
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - Shreveport police could soon add security drones to help fight crime. The department is looking to add the drones, which would give officers a real-time view of a scene before they arrive. Drones could respond within seconds Public Information Officer Chris Bordelon said the moment a 911 call comes in, a drone could be in the air within seconds.
Caddo Parish bus driver shortage leaves parents scrambling
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - Caddo Parish Schools is dealing with a bus driver shortage that is affecting families across the district. Some parents say they receive text messages just minutes before their child’s bus is scheduled to arrive. Parents describe last-minute scramble Yolanda Jackson, a Caddo Parish parent, said the district contacts parents shortly before pickup when a driver is not available.
Shreveport police offer bonuses to address officer shortage
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - The Shreveport Police Department is facing an officer shortage and is rolling out financial incentives aimed at recruiting new officers. Public Information Officer Chris Bordelon said the department's police academy numbers show the extent of the shortage. “We typically, you know, in years past would have 20 to 25 officers in a police academy, and after about 2022, that has changed,” Bordelon said.
Shreveport police offer bonuses to address officer shortage
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - The Shreveport Police Department is facing an officer shortage and is rolling out financial incentives aimed at recruiting new officers. Public Information Officer Chris Bordelon said the department’s police academy numbers show the extent of the shortage. “We typically, you know, in years past would have 20 to 25 officers in a police academy, and after about 2022, that has changed,” Bordelon said.
East Texas wildfire danger grows amid dry conditions
MARSHALL, Texas (KSLA) - Wildfires are spreading across East Texas, and with dry air and triple-digit heat, there is no sign of them slowing down. East Texas has seen a string of wildfires over the past couple of weeks, and the danger is far from over. Bone-dry conditions and triple-digit heat are turning small brush fires into full-blown wildfires quickly. Marshall Fire Marshal Scott Barmore said these fires don't just grow fast — some are coming back after being extinguished.
East Texas wildfire danger grows amid dry conditions
MARSHALL, Texas (KSLA) - Wildfires are spreading across East Texas, and with dry air and triple-digit heat, there is no sign of them slowing down. East Texas has seen a string of wildfires over the past couple of weeks, and the danger is far from over. Bone-dry conditions and triple-digit heat are turning small brush fires into full-blown wildfires quickly. Marshall Fire Marshal Scott Barmore said these fires don’t just grow fast — some are coming back after being extinguished.
Geek'd Con day 2: WWE legends, cosplayers and local businesses pack Shreveport Convention Center
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - Geek'd Con returned for its second day at the Shreveport Convention Center Saturday, August 15, drawing fans from across the region for celebrity meet-and-greets, cosplay and gaming. Fans travel from across the region Some attendees drove hours to be there. Keith Stanley, who traveled from near Beaumont, Texas, said the trip required planning but was worth it.
Geek’d Con Day 2: WWE legends, cosplayers and local businesses pack Shreveport Convention Center
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - Geek’d Con returned for its second day at the Shreveport Convention Center Saturday, August 15, drawing fans from across the region for celebrity meet-and-greets, cosplay and gaming. Fans travel from across the region Some attendees drove hours to be there. Keith Stanley, who traveled from near Beaumont, Texas, said the trip required planning but was worth it.
Parkway grad earns DAV scholarship after volunteering at Overton Brooks VA Medical Center
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - A Parkway High School graduate is receiving a $5,000 scholarship from the Disabled American Veterans after spending his summer volunteering at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport. Parkway High School graduate, Alexander Horne, receives a $5,000 DAV scholarship after volunteering at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center this summer Alexander Horne, a Bossier City native, gave his time to veterans at the hospital without expecting anything in return.
Business owners, city officials unveil 5-year action plan for downtown Shreveport
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - Business owners and city officials gathered Wednesday to present a five-year action plan aimed at reviving downtown Shreveport, with an emphasis on small, fast-moving projects designed to produce visible results. Plan centers on visible, incremental changes Downtown Strategies Community Development Specialist Jeremy Murdock said the changes do not need to be large-scale to make an impact.
Mother of hazing victim brings anti-hazing message to Shreveport
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - A mother who lost her son to hazing is bringing her message to the Ark-La-Tex, urging parents and students to know the dangers before it is too late. Rae Ann Gruver, founder of the Max Gruver Foundation, addressed the Shreveport Rotary Club on Tuesday, sharing her family’s story in hopes of preventing another family from living it. Her son, Max, died in 2017 after a hazing incident.
Shreveport Fire Station 20 reopens after three-year closure
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - Shreveport Fire Station 20 is back open after a three-year closure, following extensive testing that cleared the facility of health and safety concerns. Mayor Tom Arceneaux and Shreveport Fire Chief Clarence Reese Jr. joined firefighters Tuesday for a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the reopening. Chief cites importance to surrounding community For Chief Reese, the station’s return carries personal significance.
City of Marshall hosts ribbon-cutting for Smith Park upgrades
MARSHALL, Texas — The city of Marshall invited the public to a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday morning, August 10 to celebrate new amenities at Smith Park on Spring Street. Upgrades to the park include a new basketball court with fresh striping, as well as new pavement and concrete improvements to the walking trails. Residents were invited to attend.
Ark-La-Tex residents warned about scammers impersonating law enforcement
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - Scammers are calling local families across the ArkLaTex, impersonating law enforcement and demanding money to bail loved ones out of jail, according to authorities. DeSoto Parish Police Public Information Officer Mark Pierce said when these scams are traced overseas, local agencies have limited options.
Ark-La-Tex residents warned about scammers impersonating law enforcement
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - Residents across the Ark-La-Tex are being warned about scammers impersonating law enforcement officers and demanding money. How the scam works Scammers are calling local families and demanding payment to bail a loved one out of jail. Callers claim the target failed to report to jury duty, has a warrant, or is facing felony or criminal charges. DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Mark Pierce said his department is taking the threat seriously.
Bossier WINS event prepares new educators ahead of first day of school
BOSSIER PARISH, La. — Bossier Parish's newest teachers wrapped up their training with the Bossier W.I.N.S. (We Invest In New Staff) event Monday, August 3, a work session led by guest speaker Iantha Ussin, an academic consultant. With the first day of school this week, first-year instructors attended the session as students. Focus on classroom management Ussin said new teachers need to establish order, systems and routines from the start.
Bossier Wins event prepares new educators ahead of first day of school
BOSSIER PARISH, La. — Bossier Parish’s newest teachers wrapped up their training with the Bossier Wins event Monday, August 3, a work session led by guest speaker Iantha Ussin, an academic consultant. With the first day of school this week, first-year instructors attended the session as students. Focus on classroom management Ussin said new teachers need to establish order, systems and routines from the start.
What is personalized pricing, and how do I avoid it?
(The Conversation) – Recently, Delta Air Lines announced it would expand its use of artificial intelligence to provide individualized prices to customers. This move sparked concern among flyers and politicians. But Delta isn’t the only business interested in using AI this way. Personalized pricing has already spread across a range of industries, from finance to online gaming.
Centenary Alumni Seth Lugo signs $46M contract, stays with Kansas City Royals
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)— MLB All-Star Seth Lugo isn’t going anywhere, and that’s just how the Royals want it. Seth Lugo is a right-handed pitcher for the Kansas City Royals. This season, he has an 8-5 win/loss record with a 3.03 ERA (earned runs average), and 104 strikeouts. Being one of their most reliable arms, the Royals knew they had to keep the Centenary Alum. Lugo played his college career at Centenary College of Louisiana right here in Shreveport from 2009-2011.
50 Cent to star as Balrog in 'Street Fighter' reboot
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)— Get ready, fighting game fans, because 50 Cent is going to the big screen in the new “Street Fighter” movie. Curtis Jackson A.K.A 50 Cent, has made a name for himself not only in the music industry but in the acting world as well. He has played roles in films such as Get Rich or Die Tryin’, Righteous Kill, and Den of Thieves, as well as his prominent role as Kanan in the Power universe.
Shreve Library invites adventurers to try escape room challenge
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — Shreve Memorial Library is challenging adventurers to escape the elements in an all-new escape room experience. The Broadmoor Branch will host “Escape the Elements,” an interactive escape room experience based on the elements of earth, wind, fire, and water. Participation in the escape room challenge is free and open to the public, although registration is required.
Country star Zach Top gears up for Louisiana show in October
BOSSIER CITY, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — Country fans, get your dancing shoes ready because country artist Zach Top is headed to Bossier City! Zach Top is an American country artist from Sunnyside, Washington. He got his start in the music industry when he was a part of a bluegrass band with his siblings called Top String. Top then dropped out of college and went to Nashville, TN, to start his solo career.
Shreveport Fire Responds to Vacant House Fire on Darien Street
Shreveport, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — At approximately 2:46 PM on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, Caddo 911 Dispatch received a call about a residential structure fire in the 3000 block of Darien Street. The caller, identified as the property owner, reported that his one-story, wood-framed home, which was believed to be vacant, was engulfed in smoke and flames. Shreveport Fire Department (SFD) was able to arrive on the scene at 2:48 PM.
Independence Day festivities at Live! Casino Louisiana
BOSSIER CITY, La. (KTAL/KMSS)— Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana is turning up the heat and the hospitality this Independence Day with a weekend of unforgettable experiences! From an exclusive fine dining event at The Prime Rib to a high-energy country bash at PBR Cowboy Bar, plus a resort-style pool escape, there’s no better place to celebrate summer in the Ark-La-Tex. Courtesy of Live! Casino & Hotel Here are some events happening from July 3-5 at the Live! Casino & Hotel.
LSU Shreveport’s Brad Neffendorf named 2025 coach of the year
SHREVEPORT, La, (KTAL/KMSS)— Coach Brad Neffendorf has been named the 2025 Skip Bertman Coach of the Year by the College Baseball Foundation (CBF). The Skip Bertman Coach of the Year award was first presented in 2013. It honors the nation’s top coach from any level of college baseball. The award is named after legendary Louisiana State head coach and College Baseball Hall of Famer Skip Bertman. Neffendorf led the LSUS Pilots to a perfect and historic 59-0 season.
Aaron Watson to headline Hannah House Pasture Party in Marshall
MARSHALL, Tx. (KTAL/KMSS)— Aaron Watson is set to play at the 7th annual Hannah House Pasture Party. Aaron Watson is a country artist who began his career playing Honky-Tonk music in Texas in the early 2000s. He released his first album, “Shut Up and Dance”, in 2002, which gained him regional and some national recognition. Now he has reached the Billboard Top 10 of the Country Album chart five times. His album “The Underdog” reached number one on the Billboard Country Albums chart in 2015.
Cares Krewe Treats Golfers at Querbes' Centennial Celebration
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)— Cares Krewe invites golfers to cool off after a round of golf! Ya’Lisha Gatewood took over the Cares Krewe this week, and they were able to bring Kona Ice to Querbes’ 100 year anniversary. Ya’lisha got to talk to a frequent player.
Cares Krewe celebrates 100 years of golf at Querbes
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)— Cares Krewe invites golfers to cool off after a round of golf! More Cares Krewe Ya’Lisha Gatewood took over the Cares Krewe this week, and they were able to bring Kona Ice to Querbes’ 100 year anniversary. Ya’lisha got to talk to a frequent player.
Dress for Success hosts career fair at Margaritaville
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)— Dress for Success Shreveport-Bossier, in partnership with Margaritaville Resort Casino and Boomtown Casino, is excited to announce an upcoming Career Fair. The event will occur at Margaritaville Resort Casino and is open to the public. It will offer job seekers a valuable opportunity to connect directly with recruiters and hiring managers from various industries.
Runaway Juvenile: Shreveport Police Seek local teen
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)— The Shreveport police department is asking for the public’s help in locating a runaway juvenile. Elijah Henderson, a 16-year-old Black male, was last seen at a family member’s residence in the 1600 block of Dickinson Street after 4:00 p.m. on May 28, 2025. Elijah is around 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs around 145 pounds. He also has a tattoo on his right forearm that says “Elijah” in calligraphy.
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