Louisiana
Death of a legend: Haynesville’s Alton \
One of the most respected and successful coaches in Louisiana sports history, Alton “Red” Franklin died Sunday morning, according to a family post on Facebook.
A Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame member, Franklin coached the Haynesville Golden Tornado to 11 LHSAA state championships and four runner-up campaigns during his storied 35-year career in Claiborne Parish.
“The Franklin family suffered a great earthly loss early this morning as coach Alton “Red” Franklin left his earthly home and transitioned to his heavenly home,” Jeff Franklin posted. “I’m quite sure there has already been great dancing as he entered the pearly gates and walked down the streets of gold to meet his Lord and Savior and all those that went on before him.”
Franklin posted a 366-76-8 overall record at Haynesville and was named district Coach of the Year 23 times. In a 7-season stretch from 1990-96, his football teams were 96-4 and among the most feared in the state.
“Coach Franklin’s legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of our community and the history of Haynesville High School’s football program,” the Town of Haynesville posted in a release. “Our hearts ache alongside the family during this time of deep sorrow, and we extend our heartfelt condolences and support.”
A Haynesville native, Franklin played one season at the University of Alabama before transferring to finish his collegiate career at Louisiana College, now Louisiana Christian University. He was inducted into the LCA Hall of Fame in 1992, the Louisiana High School Athletic Association and Louisiana High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1991.
“Coach Franklin’s influence went beyond the football field, serving as a mentor, a role model and a pillar of our community,” a Haynesville spokesperson said. “His legacy of leadership, integrity, and excellence will continue to inspire us for years to come.”
After taking over the Tors’ program in 1966, his teams were state champions in 1970, 1971, 1984, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 2000. He closed out his career in Haynesville with 33 consecutive winning seasons and 15 straight district titles.
He coached eight undefeated teams and 21 of his 35 teams advanced to the state playoffs.
Funeral services for Franklin are pending per the family.
Jimmy Watson covers Louisiana sports for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.
Louisiana
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Louisiana
Thinking of retiring in Louisiana? These are 5 best places to do so
Think tank proposes capping Social Security benefits at $100,000
A Washington think tank proposed capping annual Social Security benefits at $100,000 for couples as a way to shrink a looming deficit in the retirement trust fund.
When it comes to retiring, the best places to do so often are affordable, have a high quality of life and access to quality healthcare.
If you’re looking for a place to retire, Niche has identified the best places for retirees in Louisiana.
In its list, Niche has taken into account factors like weather, crime rates, housing costs and access to amenities.
The 5 best places to retire in Louisiana according to Niche
These are the top five best places to retire in Louisiana, according to Niche.
1. Oak Hills Place
Oak Hills Place is a suburb of Baton Rouge and is the overall best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb, located in East Baton Rouge Parish, has a population of 9,038 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. The area is highly rated for families, diversity, as well as health and fitness. Here, the median home value is $437,900 and the median rent is $1,422, according to Niche.
2. Westminster
Westminster is another suburb of Baton Rouge and is the second-best place to retire in Louisiana. Located in East Baton Rouge Parish, this suburb has a population of 2,559 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. This area is highly rated for nightlife, diversity, families, health and fitness, as well as commute. The median home value here is $266,100 and the median rent is $1,482, says Niche.
3. River Ridge
River Ridge is a suburb of New Orleans, located in Jefferson Parish, and is the third-best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb has a population of 13,312 and offers residents a dense suburban feel. The area is highly rated for public schools, family, nightlife and diversity. The median home value is $357,400 and the median rent is $1,127, according to Niche.
4. Westlake
Westlake is a town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. With a population of 4,743, this town offers residents a rural feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, jobs, cost of living, nightlife and weather. Here, the median home value is $166,100 and the median rent is $1,049, says Niche.
5. Prien
Prien is another town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. This town has a population of 7,119 and offers residents a suburban rural mix feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, nightlife and weather. The median home value here is $278,000 and the median rent is $1,292, according to Niche.
Presley Bo Tyler is the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team reporter for USA Today Network. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
Louisiana
Louisiana Tech seeks partnership with Lincoln Parish Library to help students
A motorcyclist is recovering after a West Monroe crash involving an 18-wheeler, while Chevron won a Louisiana Supreme Court ruling shifting a major coastal lawsuit back to lower courts. Ouachita deputies arrested a suspect and recovered more than a dozen guns, Mississippi passed a new school social-media safety requirement, and Louisiana’s House advanced a unanimous state budget. A new recovery center opened, and multiple weekend events are underway across northeast Louisiana, plus national updates include stock-market stress guidance, a Ford F-150 recall, Spirit Airlines uncertainty, and tax-refund tips.
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