May 29, 2026
Month: May 2026
Louisiana Legislature Passes New Congressional Map
The Louisiana Legislature passed SB 121 Thursday, sending a new congressional map to Governor Jeff Landry for his signature following months of debate prompted by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down the state’s previous district lines.
The Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais found that the previous map unconstitutionally prioritized race over traditional redistricting principles such as compactness and communities of interest. The new map was drawn without race as the predominant factor in determining district boundaries.
The legislation creates five Republican-leaning congressional districts statewide. A review of the enacted map shows that some parishes are split between congressional districts.
For Caddo and Bossier parishes, both remain unified within the Fourth Congressional District alongside De Soto, Red River, Natchitoches, Sabine, Webster, Claiborne, and Bienville parishes. Central Louisiana, including Rapides Parish, is kept whole within the Fifth Congressional District.
The map now heads to the Governor for signature. If signed, it will govern Louisiana’s congressional representation through the remainder of the decade.
The Shreveport-Bossier Journal will continue to monitor developments.
Parish Journals of Louisiana
Louisiana Congressional Districts
As established under SB 121 — HFA SB121-5695 (Beaullieu)
May 28, 2026
| District | Parishes |
|---|---|
| 1 | Assumption, Jefferson, Lafourche, Plaquemines, St. Charles, St. James, St. John, St. Mary, Terrebonne |
| 2 | Orleans, St. Bernard |
| 3 | Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Iberia, Jeff Davis, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, Vermilion, Vernon |
| 4 | Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, De Soto, Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine, Webster |
| 5 | Avoyelles, Caldwell, Carroll (East), Carroll (West), Catahoula, Concordia, Franklin, Grant, Jackson, La Salle, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Rapides, Richland, Tensas, Union, Winn |
| 6 | Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana |
Source: HFA SB121-5695 Congressional Map — Louisiana Legislature, May 28, 2026
Jury to consider Public Works director, pay study at special session
By JIM BUTLER
The Police Jury will hear a committee choice for parish public works director at a special meeting Monday.
It will also hear a consultant study of the parish civil service pay plan at the 1 p.m. session and consider a recommendation to implement revisions.
Ryan Elkins has been interim public works chief since jurors fired Cory Ashmore, without comment, in late February.
Today’s recommendation, according to the posted agenda, is from the Hiring Committee.
There is no such panel listed among the jury’s standing committees. There is a Personnel, Elections and Insurance.
Whether the two are one and the same could not be determined from information on the parish website.
No “Hiring Committee” meeting notice and agenda has been posted. Personnel, Elections and Insurance has not taken up the subject, according to public postings, March-May.
Information such as number of applicants, their names, who was interviewed when, is not reflected in any minutes on the jury site.
The pay study by SSG Consultants, an acclaimed firm headquartered in Baton Rouge, has not been discussed in Personnel, according to minutes.
Congressional map passes Louisiana House, advances to Senate for concurrence
A new congressional map passed overwhelmingly in the Louisiana House on May 28 and now moves to the Senate for concurrence.
State Representative Mike Johnson said the map complies with legal requirements following rulings from the United States Supreme Court. He noted that the revised plan keeps Rapides Parish whole and places it back within the Fifth Congressional District alongside much of Central Louisiana.
Supporters of the map say it is intended to keep communities of interest together, pointing to shared economic, educational, transportation, agricultural and cultural ties across Central Louisiana. They also say the changes better reflect long-standing regional connections while maintaining representation in Congress.
The proposal now heads to the state Senate for consideration.
Kiwanis Club hears presentation on emergency medical resources in Central Louisiana
Members of the Kiwanis Club of Alexandria recently heard a presentation from Christina Lord, medical director for LDH/OPH Region 6 in Alexandria, about emergency medical resources available throughout Central Louisiana and across the state.
One topic highlighted during the presentation was the emergency shelter near LSU Alexandria. According to the presentation, the facility can house up to 3,000 people and includes medical treatment capabilities for individuals with special medical needs, along with 250 beds.
Attendees also learned about emergency hotline resources available during disasters, including dialing 211 for medical help and 988 for additional disaster-related resources and support.
Ramp closure scheduled on I-49 Northbound at Exit 86 in Rapides Parish
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development is advising motorists that Ramp F-7 at Exit 86 on I-49 northbound in Rapides Parish will be closed Wednesday, June 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting.
The closure is necessary to allow routine bridge inspections on Bridge No. 084004550531537, located at the I-49 and U.S. 71/165 interchange. The ramp carries traffic from I-49 northbound to U.S. 71/165 southbound (MacArthur Drive).
During the closure, motorists will be detoured by continuing north on I-49 to Exit 90, then traveling west on LA 498 to LA 1 southbound before reconnecting with U.S. 71/165 (MacArthur Drive).
DOTD is reminding drivers to use caution near work zones and remain alert for crews and equipment in the area.
Cannon exhibit at LSHOF enthralls guests at opening reception
By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports
NATCHITOCHES – The Billy Cannon exhibit that opened a year-long stay Thursday night at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame celebrates the glory days of LSU’s 1959 Heisman Trophy winning running back.
But that’s just one aspect of a comprehensive collection of items from the Cannon Family Trust tracking his 80 years, ending when he died in his sleep in 2018. “Billy Cannon: They Called Him Legend” showcases his sports highlights and also shares his fall from glory that landed him in prison. He gradually weathered the aftermath and ultimately regained his status as a sports icon while he became a profoundly positive influence, widely admired in his later years.
It was hard to tell who was more delighted among the museum visitors Thursday evening, but it would be tough to top the smiles from his widow, Dot (who turns 88 next week), his three daughters (Gina McWilliams, Dara Kelsoe, and Bunnie Cannon) and Jay McWilliams, a son-in-law.
“He would be very thrilled that y’all are able to see this and learn from his story,” his youngest daughter, Bunnie, told those who got the first look at the exhibit that will remain in the Natchitoches museum for nearly a year. “It’s important that it stays up here for a while and people can see and know who he truly was.
“He loved the people here. Whenever he would come here, he would always stay for several hours and sign autographs and talk with people. He had a great respect for everybody here and was so proud to be in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame,” she said.
Thursday’s audience included retired Natchitoches dentist Dr. Jerry Ferguson, who was in dental school with Cannon (while he played pro football) at the University of Tennessee. Also among those attending: impending 2026 LSHOF inductee Mike McConathy, former state Sen. Louis Bernard, Northwestern State football coach Blaine McCorkle, an LSU center in the late 1990s, and former Demons coach Jay Thomas, who grew up in Baton Rouge.
It’s a memorabilia-packed extension of an even larger exhibit showcased for the past 14 months at the Capitol Park Museum in Baton Rouge, part of the Louisiana State Museum system. It provides a visual and auditory review of Cannon’s life with items from his days at Istrouma High School in Baton Rouge to his college and pro stardom – and of course, it includes a replay of his classic Halloween Night Run, a weaving fourth-quarter 89-yard punt return as he dodged seven defenders for the only touchdown in an Oct. 31, 1959 7-3 victory over No. 3-ranked Ole Miss in Tiger Stadium.
It also covers his impact during many years of service as the director of dentistry at Angola State Prison, beginning several years after he finished 30 months in a federal minimum security facility in Texarkana after pleading guilty to counterfeiting charges in 1983.
Shreveporter Teddy Allen, who is in the LSHOF as a sports journalist, became close to Dr. Cannon in Baton Rouge following that prison sentence, when Allen covered LSU for the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Cannon, said his daughter, “loved Teddy Allen.”
“Dr. Cannon was good at everything,” said Allen. “He went to dental school, for some time had a thriving practice. Obviously he won the Heisman. Got married to his high school sweetheart, was a wonderful husband for 62 years, had all these children (five) and grandkids.
“The only thing he wasn’t good at was counterfeiting. That was it, the only thing he didn’t master, and it’s good for us that he didn’t, that all of that worked out like it was supposed to.
“The Halloween run story is fascinating. He had a fabled life. But his best run was those last two decades of his life when he turned it around, accepted the love that people wanted to show him. He made them feel valued, and they made him feel back on top of the world.”
As Cannon restored his reputation, and joined LSU teammates for anniversary celebrations of the Tigers’ 1958 national championship, the mutual admiration blossomed.
At LSU’s 2003 homecoming game, he was recognized in an on-field ceremony between the first and second quarters. The crowd gave him an extended standing ovation and LSU players raised their helmets in salute, with LSU athletic director Skip Bertman remarking to a friend, “He’s still the icon, isn’t he?”
Cannon was forthright in his 2016 autobiography, “Billy Cannon, a Long, Long Run,” and people appreciated his frankness. In a book signing at the Hall of Fame museum, hundreds stood for hours in a line winding through the two-story building, out the front door and around the corner. It took so long because Cannon inscribed personal messages on each copy, engaged every fan in conversation and posed for photos during an eight-hour span.
“It didn’t matter where we were,” said Jay McWilliams, “somebody would recognize him, come over and shake his hand. Didn’t matter who it was, he would always take time to shake hands and visit. He appreciated people, had a heart of gold.”
Along with the exhibit, an upcoming Louisiana Public Broadcasting documentary spearheaded by former Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne will debut the week before LSU visits Ole Miss (Sept. 19) this fall, with hopes that it will be picked up by Netflix.
“He would absolutely love this,” said Bunnie Cannon. “He would want LPB to profit, because the support for public broadcasting is not what it used to be, and he was so Louisiana proud.”
“He was just a sweet, sweet man, as sweet a man as he was a ballplayer,” said Allen. “As a ballplayer, he was Herschel Walker 30 years before Herschel hit the field.
“This state was so blessed to have him, and his whole story. Somehow it was supposed to work out like it did,” said Allen. “He was as sorry as he could be for all that (trouble). It was incredible how he made amends for it.”
Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com
Arrest made in connection with September 2025 fatal crash in Pineville
The Pineville Police Department announced an arrest has been made in connection with a fatal head-on crash that occurred Sept. 11, 2025, in the 2200 block of Military Highway.
According to police, officers responded to the crash where one driver, Corrinne Jenkins, later died from her injuries. The second driver, identified as Lacey Miller, was injured and transported to a medical facility for treatment.
Due to the severity of the crash, a Pineville Police crash reconstruction investigator worked alongside a crash investigator from Louisiana State Police Troop E to conduct a detailed investigation.
Investigators later determined Miller was allegedly operating a vehicle under the influence of narcotics, violating multiple traffic laws and driving with a suspended license at the time of the collision.
Police said evidence was presented to a judge in the 9th Judicial District Court, where probable cause was found and an arrest warrant was issued.
On May 28, 2026, Miller turned herself in at the Rapides Parish Detention Center.
The department also thanked citizens who stopped to render aid before emergency responders arrived, calling their actions compassionate and impactful. Officers additionally expressed appreciation to Louisiana State Police for assisting throughout the investigation.
Remembering Carl Newton Allen Jr.
Carl Newton Allen Jr. born on June 28, 1962, in Pineville, Louisiana, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on May 20, 2026, in Forney, Texas. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories that will resonate with those who knew him. Carl, a devoted husband to Cindy Allen and a proud father to daughters Mindy Turner, Mallory Allen, Marcy Allen, and son-in-law Marshall Turner, was affectionately known as “the man of all men and dad of all dads.”
An avid outdoorsman, Carl took great joy in hunting and fishing, often sharing these activities with his family and friends. His passion for life extended beyond the outdoors, as he also had a remarkable talent for solving problems, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. A beloved member of his community, Carl was known for his unique achievement as the only deacon to receive a unanimous vote, showcasing the love and respect he garnered from everyone around him.
His warm spirit and engaging personality made every moment spent with him unforgettable, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed his path. Carl’s wife, and children will carry forward his memory in their hearts, celebrating the selfless man he was and the joy he brought to their lives.
A memorial service for Carl Allen will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026 at the First Baptist Church in Forney, TX.
Remembering Brenda Turnage
A memorial service celebrating the life of Ms. Brenda Turnage will be held at 2:00PM on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Lakeside Baptist Church, Pineville, with Bro. Tim Turnage and Bro. Brett Dupuy officiating.
Ms. Turnage, age 65 of Pineville, passed from this life into the loving arms of Jesus on Tuesday May 26, 2026.
Brenda was a loving mother who absolutely adored her grandchildren. She dedicated many years of service working in the cafeteria at Tioga Manor before beginning her work with the Rapides Parish School Board. During her time there, she served in the cafeterias at Brame Junior High and most recently, Caroline Dorman. Brenda was also a longtime, faithful member of Lakeside Baptist Church.
She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Helen Turnage; her nephews, Bill and Britt Wilson; her niece, Kathryn Wilson; and her longtime companion, Gary Rayner.
Brenda leaves behind her two daughters, Shannon Cox (Wayne) of Pollock, Crystal Floyd of Hineston; four beloved grandchildren, Alidya Smith, MacKenzie Cox, Jordon Floyd, and Callie Cox; five siblings, Mike Turnage, Tim Turnage (Stephanie), Raymond Turnage, Kevin Turnage, and Patricia Wilson (Kenneth).
May her memory be cherished by all who knew and loved her.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Fall Creek Funeral Home, Pineville, Randy Chenevert, Director.
Word of the Day: Catercorner
Phonetic: /KAT-ee-kor-ner/
Part of Speech: Adverb
Definition
- Catercorner is used to describe two things that are located across from each other on opposite corners. It is a less common variant of kitty-corner.
The store is catercorner from the park, making it the perfect location to grab snacks for our picnic.
Your Daily Crossword/Daily Sudoku
Notice of Death – May 28, 2026
Mary Derbonne Hastings
November 9, 1946 – May 28, 2026
Service: Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 10am at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville.
Eugene Harper Bryant
April 16, 1939 – May 27, 2026
Service: Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 10am at Philadelphia Baptist Church, Deville.
Frances Edwina Carson Jameson
March 6, 1939 – May 27, 2026
Service: Saturday, May 30, 2026, 11am at Esler Baptist Church, Pineville.
Janice Marie Wilcox
September 21, 1944 – May 26, 2026
Service: Monday, June 1, 2026, 12pm at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball.
Margaret DiStefano LaCombe
December 3, 1953 – May 24, 2026
Service: Saturday, May 30, 2026, 10am at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria.
Betty Louise Garner Roshto
May 7, 1949 – May 24, 2026
Service: Friday, May 29, 2026, 10am at Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.
Joyce Lynn Verzywvelt DeKeyzer
January 10, 1936 – May 23, 2026
Service: Friday, May 29, 2026, 10am at St. Margaret Catholic Church, Boyce.
Dashton Lux Poole
January 10, 2021 – May 23, 2026
Service: Friday, May 29, 2026, 1pm at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville.
Mary “Beth” Williams
July 25, 1954 – May 23, 2026
Service: Saturday, May 30, 2026, 10am at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball.
Norma Seidl Reed
July 22, 1940 – May 14, 2026
Service: Saturday, June 6, 2026, 10am at Pineville Christian Church, Pineville.
Virginia “Jenny” McCartney
January 31, 1951 – May 13, 2026
Service: Saturday, June 20, 2026, 10am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Alexandria.
Nina Myrtis Huffman
October 10, 1933 – May 6, 2026
Service: Friday, May 29, 2026, 10am at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Ball.
The Rapides Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or RPJNewsla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication.
May 28, 2026
Data center not on England agenda
By JIM BUTLER
Project Lightning is not on the agenda posted Wednesday afternoon for today’s England Authority meeting.
Though likely just a formality, Authority commissioners have not yet signed off on the incentive package designed to land a $3.6 billion data center in a newly created Authority sub-district, making Lightning a reality.
The agenda does include economic development discussion as a general topic.
With Governor Jeff Landry leading the choir, a number of personages hailed the center at a press conference Tuesday as a done deal.
Given all that was said, it seems a cinch Deep Forge 1, as it is coded by the parties involved, will locate near Boyce.
The last time it went before the Authority, commissioners noted a detailed incentive package would eventually be presented to it for consideration and approval.
Such a package would include details regarding payments In Lieu of Taxes, additional payments covering various facets, employment guarantees and the like.
Community complaints lead to fentanyl arrest, seizure
In late April 2026, agents with the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Unit began receiving multiple community complaints regarding alleged narcotics activity at a residence in the 1700 block of Thornton Court in Alexandria.
According to RADE, agents were already familiar with the address due to multiple prior investigations and search warrants executed there in recent years. Authorities said previous investigations connected to the residence resulted in the seizure of more than 8 pounds of fentanyl, more than 4 pounds of methamphetamine, marijuana, firearms, and drug paraphernalia. Officials also noted that Craig Brown, previously arrested in connection with the residence, is currently serving time for drug trafficking offenses.
Agents launched an investigation into the latest complaints and identified Diante Brown as the primary suspect through surveillance and investigative efforts. Authorities obtained an arrest warrant charging Brown with distribution of fentanyl, along with a search warrant for the residence at 1735 Thornton Court.
On May 20, 2026, RADE agents, assisted by the Alexandria Police Department Special Response Team, executed the search warrant. Brown was taken into custody without incident.
During the search, agents reportedly discovered 11 plastic bags containing suspected fentanyl, along with digital scales and other drug paraphernalia. Authorities said the suspected fentanyl weighed approximately 1.5 pounds. Investigators also seized more than $2,000 in U.S. currency.
Brown was arrested and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center-1 on charges including possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of drug paraphernalia, and a probation violation. Authorities said civil asset forfeiture paperwork was issued for the seized cash.
At the time of the release, Brown remained in custody on a $1,000,500 bond.
Sheriff Mark Wood said investigators will continue pursuing community complaints and working to combat narcotics trafficking in Central Louisiana. Authorities also stated the investigation remains ongoing and additional arrests are possible.
The RADE Unit is a multi-jurisdictional task force comprised of local, parish, state, and federal law enforcement agencies across Central Louisiana.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law or administrative proceeding.
Bridge lane closure: LA 1 over Bayou Jean de Jean on Friday
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), advises the public that on Friday, May 29, 2026 from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, weather permitting, Bridge #084000000080622 on LA 1 over BAYOU JEAN DE JEAN will be reduced to one lane for routine bridge inspection. The bridge is located 0.25 MI. NORTH OF LA 121.
Permit/Detour section
No detour will be needed as one lane will be open at all times.
Safety Reminder
DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution around the construction sites and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.
Permit/Detour section
No detour will be needed as one lane will be open at all times.
Safety Reminder
DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution around the construction sites and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.
Louisiana House Resolution opposes transfer of Kisatchie National Forest lands
The Louisiana House is advancing a resolution opposing any effort to transfer, privatize or remove the Kisatchie National Forest from federal ownership and management.
House Resolution 343, authored by Gabe Firment, memorializes Congress to reject proposals that would transfer, divest or otherwise dispose of lands within Louisiana’s only national forest.
The measure was read by title and advanced to third reading in the Louisiana House on May 27. Floor debate is scheduled for May 28.
The resolution comes amid growing public concern over discussions involving possible federal land transfers tied to restoration and economic development proposals in central Louisiana. Conservation organizations, outdoor recreation advocates and local officials have recently voiced opposition to any reduction of federal oversight of the forest.
The approximately 604,000-acre Kisatchie National Forest spans several central and north Louisiana parishes and supports timber management, hunting, fishing, hiking, wildlife habitat and tourism activity. It is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
In the resolution, lawmakers argue the forest provides economic, environmental and recreational benefits to Louisiana residents and visitors and should remain accessible to the public under federal management.
The measure does not carry the force of law but serves as an official statement of the Louisiana House’s position to Congress and federal policymakers.
HR 343 places the Louisiana House formally on record opposing any effort to transfer or privatize portions of Kisatchie National Forest, signaling bipartisan concern over preserving public access and federal stewardship of Louisiana’s only national forest.
FUMC – Alex: Live Music, Mindful Art, and Chill Fellowship – Tonight
This summer, First United Methodist Church of Alexandria is offering a variety of seasonal events focused on music, creativity, wellness, and fellowship for individuals and families throughout the summer months.
Tonight: Final Be Kind Concert Series Event – May 28
The spring season of the Be Kind Community Concert Series concludes on Thursday, May 28 from 6–7PM with a special outdoor performance by Christian recording artist Octavia in the church courtyard located in the heart of Alexandria’s Garden District.
Known for her strong vocals, passionate worship style, and uplifting message, Octavia brings more than 20 years of musical experience rooted in faith, hope, and encouragement. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks for this relaxed, family-friendly evening outdoors. Admission is free, and a love offering will be received to support the artist.
The Be Kind Concert Series exists to create space for kindness, fellowship, and community connection throughout Central Louisiana.
The series is sponsored by the Nell Sheehee Foundation and Operation Kindness.
Next Week: Pop-Up Art Party – “Draw Yourself Calm” – June 4
As part of Wellness Month at First United Methodist Church, the church will host a Pop-Up Art Party titled “Draw Yourself Calm” on Thursday, June 4 from 5–7PM in The Studio.
Led by Rev. Jean, this meditative drawing experience will use the book Draw Yourself Calm by Amy Maricle to explore creativity as a pathway toward relaxation and mindfulness. No drawing experience is necessary, and all supplies will be provided.
The event is designed to help participants slow down, de-stress, and enjoy the calming benefits of creative expression in a welcoming environment. Registration information available at www.fumca.org/art.
Rapides Parish educators attend statewide teacher leader summit in New Orleans
A group of Rapides Parish teachers and school leaders is participating this week in the Louisiana Department of Education’s Teacher Leader Summit in New Orleans.
According to the Rapides Parish School Board, educators attending the summit are taking part in professional development sessions, networking opportunities, and collaborative discussions with teachers and administrators from across the state.
District officials said participants are focusing on new instructional strategies, leadership development, classroom best practices, and innovative approaches that can be implemented during the upcoming school year.
The annual summit brings together educators from throughout Louisiana to share ideas and strengthen educational practices aimed at improving student learning outcomes.
Rapides Parish School Board officials expressed appreciation for the educators who are spending part of their summer continuing their professional growth and leadership development ahead of the next academic year.
NSU’s Rodeo Team is back and currently signing competitors
Northwestern State University’s Rodeo Team signed its first two members for the coming academic year.
Sydnie Romero of Welsh, a graduate of Jeff Davis Homeschool, is transferring to NSU from Texas A&M Commerce as a psychology major. Romero is a specialist in the breakaway roping event and represent NSU in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association – Southern Region.
Alyssa Culpepper, a graduate of Lakeside High School, is also signed. She competes in barrel racing, goat tying and breakaway roping events. She will major in veterinary technology.
Cody DeMoss, a 14-time NFR bronc rider, will be coaching the Rodeo Team, which is open to all full-time NSU students with a minimum 2.0 grade point average. Male competition events will include saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding, tie down roping, steer wrestling and team roping. Female competitions will include barrel racing, breakaway roping, goat tying and team roping.
The team will compete through the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA), representing NSU against top programs across the Southern Region and the United States. The Rodeo Team will provide an opportunity for students to continue their rodeo careers while earning a degree, gaining experience and representing NSU at a competitive level.
Cannon exhibit opens this evening at free reception in LSHOF museum
By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports
Some of the best things are, indeed, free.
That’s certainly true for sports fans and especially LSU fans this evening in Natchitoches, at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum.
An extraordinary exhibit showcasing an expansive array of material from the life of one of Louisiana’s best known and most accomplished sports figures has its opening reception from 6-8 p.m. Admission is free. Attire is casual, with light finger food and refreshments available.
“Billy Cannon – They Called Him Legend” shares the life story of LSU’s first football superstar, the 1959 Heisman Trophy winner.
The display debuted with a 14-month run at the Capitol Park Museum in Baton Rouge. The Louisiana State Museum curatorial staff has brought nearly all of that expansive exhibit to Natchitoches. The Cannons – Billy’s parents, then his wife Dot – kept everything of any significance from his Istrouma High School days forward. Example: the telephone that fielded a phone call from coach Paul Dietzel offering young Billy a football scholarship at LSU.
There’s much more, from every stage of Cannon’s 80 years: the early days, his LSU career including his pivotal role in the Tigers’ 1958 national championship, his 11-year pro career, family life, and yes, his tumble from grace — and redemption in his later years.
Cannon is remembered for his fabled 1959 Halloween night punt return that beat No. 1-ranked Ole Miss, counterbalanced by a brief in federal prison in the early 1980s for his involvement in a counterfeiting scheme.
What is less known is how Cannon, a dentist who had a successful practice in Baton Rouge, shunned in his hometown upon his release. He eventually channeled that isolation into a deeply impactful role as a dentist and counselor for inmates at Angola State Prison.
Reluctant to accept acclaim for his football accomplishments lest it overshadow the team’s glory, Cannon shied away from the spotlight even before his arrest and guilty plea. But as he entered his later years, friends helped him ease into the role of an LSU football statesman who represented the most celebrated days of the program – just as Nick Saban arrived to fuel the rise of the Tigers into one of the nation’s premier teams.
Cannon engaged fans and reunited with LSU in this century, to mutual delight.
All of the ups and downs of his life are reflected in the exhibit in Natchitoches.
Following this evening’s free reception, the exhibit will be in Natchitoches until next April along with over 23,000 square feet of permanent exhibits in the world-renowned two-story structure.
The most expensive ticket to the museum at 800 Front Street (at the traffic circle) is just $6, with discounts for senior citizens, military and students. The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday weekly from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com