Bossier City celebrates the 90th birthday of Chick-fil-A's 'Mr. Jim'
Plus — Bossier City man dies in wreck on Jimmie Davis Bridge.
Bossier City weather — Today: Mostly sunny. Hot with highs in the upper 90s. Light and variable winds, becoming southeast around 5 mph this afternoon. Tonight: Mostly clear. Lows in the mid-70s. Southeast winds around 5 mph in the evening, becoming light and variable. Friday: Mostly sunny. Hot with highs in the mid-90s. Southeast winds around 5 mph. Heat index values up to 105.
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Bossier City celebrates 'Mr. Jim's' 90th birthday
A true ambassador for the 'Eat Mor Chikin' movement was honored Wednesday. An appreciative crowd celebrated the 90th birthday of "Mr. Jim" at Airline Drive's Chick-fil-A.
"We are so excited to celebrate a true treasure in our community — Mr. Jim — as he turns 90 years old!" Chick-fil-A's Hannah Easter told BossierNow.
"Mr. Jim has been a cherished part of our Chick-fil-A I-220 and Airline Drive family for the past 18 years. As our dining room host, he’s known for his warm smile, friendly conversations, and the way he makes everyone who walks through our doors feel seen and valued," Easter said.
"His kindness, consistency, and joyful spirit have touched thousands of lives — both our guests and our team members," she added. "Even at 90, Mr. Jim continues to show up with the same energy and heart he’s brought since day one. We are beyond grateful for his presence, his wisdom, and the love he pours into everything he does."
Stephanie Faulk, Executive Director of the Bossier City Chick-fil-A, also praised Mr. Jim.
"Mr. Jim is more than a team member — he’s a friend, a mentor, and a shining light in our restaurant. His positive spirit, unwavering dedication, and signature duck noises have brightened countless days and brought smiles to so many faces — guests and team members alike.
“For nearly two decades, Mr. Jim has shown us that joy is contagious, laughter is a gift, and purpose has no age limit. Whether he’s sharing stories, offering encouragement, or making everyone laugh with his unforgettable quacks, he reminds us daily of what it means to live fully and love deeply.”
Bossier City man dies in wreck on Jimmie Davis Bridge
A two-vehicle accident involving an 18-wheeler on the Jimmie Davis Bridge claimed the life of a Bossier City man Wednesday.
On August 6, 2025, at approximately 11:09 am, Shreveport Police patrol units were dispatched to the 3200 block of East 70th Street, on the Jimmy Davis Bridge, in reference to a major crash involving a passenger vehicle and an 18-wheeler.
Upon arrival, officers located the driver of a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze unresponsive. Personnel from the Shreveport Fire Department and Bossier Fire Department responded and attempted life-saving measures; however, the driver was pronounced deceased on scene.
The Shreveport Police Department’s Crash Investigation Unit responded to conduct a detailed investigation. Preliminary findings indicate the Chevrolet Cruze was traveling westbound on the Jimmy Davis Bridge when, for unknown reasons, it veered into the eastbound lane and collided head-on with a 2020 Kenworth semi-truck/tanker.
A witness driving behind the Chevrolet Cruze reported observing the vehicle exhibiting erratic driving behavior, possibly due to a medical issue. The witness’s dashcam captured the crash as it occurred and has been turned over to investigators.
The driver of the semi-truck was transported to Ochsner LSU Health, where he voluntarily submitted a blood sample for testing. At this time, no signs of impairment are suspected.
The driver of the Chevrolet Cruze was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
The Caddo Parish Coroner's office identified the deceased as Wayland Bearden, 71, of Bossier City.
The death remains under investigation by the Shreveport Police Department.
Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office seeks your help to identify burglary suspects
The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying two individuals wanted in connection with recent criminal activity.
The suspects, a white male and a black female, are believed to have committed trespassing and burglary inside a building located on West Viking Drive in Bossier City. This alleged activity occurred late at night on August 2, 2025, and continued into the early morning hours of August 3, 2025.
The individuals were seen driving what appears to be an early to mid-2000s white, four-door Dodge Ram pickup truck with a grill guard on the front.
Anyone with information regarding the identity or whereabouts of these individuals is urged to contact Bossier Sheriff’s Detectives at (318) 965-3418 or contact the Bossier Sheriff’s Office Dispatch at (318) 965-2203.
Naaman's, a popular Texarkana barbecue eatery, is opening a Bossier City location
This article appeared in the July 31, 2025, BossierNow morning email. We offer free and paid subscription plans.
Inside Barksdale AFB: building relationships behind the badge
At Barksdale Air Force Base, the dedicated Airmen of the 2nd Security Forces Squadron and other first responder units came together during a neighborhood event to build and strengthen bonds with the community they serve and protect.
In partnership with local leaders and Hunt Housing, Airmen hosted National Night Out on Monday, August 4, a nationwide community-building campaign. Barksdale’s event featured demonstrations from the fire department, ambulance services, and the K-9 unit, as well as food and games for residents.
“National Night Out is an opportunity for law enforcement and other first responders to engage with the community to build relationships, making our operations more effective so we can better serve the community,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Scott Jakubowski, 2nd Security Forces Squadron police services noncommissioned officer in charge.
“National Night Out brings law enforcement and residents together under positive circumstances, helping to build a positive relationship with the service members and the civilians who live on the east side,” said Master Sgt. Tommy Duncan, 2nd SFS operations and training superintendent. “We had other first responder units out as well, like the fire department, giving demonstrations and allowing Airmen and their families the opportunity to interact with us and get a look into what our job fully entails.”
While residents may see patrol cars or military working dogs during their daily routines, National Night Out offered a closer look.
“I hope by seeing that we’re people too, doing our best to ensure that they’re in a safe environment, residents will see us as more approachable and when they know something is wrong, they’ll call us and trust us to come out and take care of it,” said Duncan.
The event also introduced a new Security Forces initiative: the Community Oriented Policing Services section, or COPS. Recently launched in the Liberty Heights neighborhood, COPS was created to provide a more approachable and responsive law enforcement presence.
“COPS is a collaborative effort between law enforcement and community leaders designed to foster a safe and resilient community,” said Jakubowski. “When law enforcement engages with residents, they gain insight into community dynamics, historical tensions and local priorities that allow for more informed and effective policing strategies.”
Strong community policing, however, depends on support from the people it serves.
“My message to the community would be to feel free to come up and talk to us about your experience and let us know if you have a recommendation on how things could be handled better or if there are things that we need to shift our attention to,” said Duncan. “Your feedback will get routed up so we can take care of the issue because our priority is making sure residents are in a safe environment.”
“I want to thank our Defenders, firefighters, 2nd Medical Group, our Chaplain and COPS team and community partners for their support,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Chris Cain, 2nd Bomb Wing commander. “National Night Out is about building trust, creating connections and making our neighborhoods safer together and that’s exactly what you see here tonight.”
– By Senior Airman Hailey Farrell/2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Bossier Business Briefs: BPSO adds new Deputies and members of the Support Division
The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office welcomes four new members to the department.
Carsha Maple and Nick Stephenson were officially sworn in as Deputies. Rachel Hauser and Stephanie Shilling will be joining the clerical team in the BPSO Support Division at the Bossier Parish Courthouse.
"We’re proud to have each of you on board and look forward to the great work you’ll do," Sheriff Julian Whittington said.
If you are interested in a career that offers a competitive salary and benefits, and allows you to make a difference in the community, then the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office welcomes your application. To apply to be a Deputy, applicants must be 21 years of age. However, the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office offers a Corrections Officer position that requires the applicant to be at least 18 years of age.
To start the process of becoming a member of the Bossier Sheriff’s Office, call the recruiting section of the Human Resources Department to schedule a conference. You can reach them by calling Sgt. Forrest Collins at (318) 935-2146.
BCPD offers back-to-school safety tips
Daniel Haugen, Chief of the Bossier City Police Department, reminds drivers to prioritize safety in school zones as students return to school today.
Drivers are urged to slow down, pay attention, and be extra cautious of pedestrians and school buses, especially during drop-off and pick-up times. Drivers must stop for school buses with flashing red lights and extended stop arms.
Key safety reminders:
Slow down: Be mindful of school zone speed limits from 6 am to 8am and 2 pm. to 4 pm during school days.
Be alert: Pay close attention to crossing guards, children, and pedestrians, especially during drop-off and pick-up times.
No cell phone use: Louisiana law prohibits handheld devices while operating a motor vehicle.
School bus safety: When a school bus has its red lights flashing and stop arm extended, all traffic must stop at least 30 feet away.
Crossing guards: Respect the authority of crossing guards.
Bossier City events calendar
Live music in Bossier City and other notable events in the area for your free time consideration. If you would like to add an event to the Bossier City free time calendar, send the details to email@bossiernow.com.
August 9: Sheila and the Caddo Kats at Louisiana Downs Casino & Racetrack
August 16: Anxious at the Louisiana Downs Casino
August 15: KC and the Sunshine Band will bring their classic funk and disco sound to the Riverdome at Horseshoe Casino & Hotel. 8 pm.
August 22: The Marshall Tucker Band at Margaritaville Resort Casino
August 31: The 14th Annual Shreveport Blues & Southern Soul Pre-Labor Day Fest at Festival Plaza
September 12: Hudson Westbrook and the Texas Forever Fall Tour. Shreveport Municipal Auditorium.
September 13: Lainey Wilson at the Brookshire Grocery Arena
October 3: Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters at Margaritaville
October 17: Zach Top and his Cold Beer and Country Music tour at the Brookshire Grocery Arena.
October 18: Wanda Sykes and her Please and Thank You tour at the Horseshoe Bossier City.
October 24: Styx at the Live Casino & Hotel Louisiana. 8:00 pm. Tickets start at $59.99. Must be 21+
November 20: ZZ Top at Shreveport Municipal Auditorium
December 12: Jiaoying Summers at the Live! Casino and Hotel. Get ready for a night of fearless, dark, and laugh-out-loud comedy from a global sensation with over 1 billion views online! You’ve seen her viral “Uber Karen” sketch and hilarious English name roasts — now catch her live on her “What Specie Are You?” tour!
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