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Death of a legend: Haynesville’s Alton \

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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.”

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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.

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“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.

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Jimmy Watson covers Louisiana sports for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.



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How 2025 became a big year for tech in Louisiana

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The landmark announcement last November of Meta’s $10 billion investment to build a data center in Richland Parish, along with news two months later of Hut 8’s plans to build a $2.5 billion data center in West Feliciana Parish signaled that the AI juggernaut had spread to Louisiana, Business Report writes in its latest issue. 

In August, Alabama-based Radiance Technologies, which has offices in Baton Rouge, announced plans to invest $370 million in a new microchip packaging facility in Ruston, part of a national priority to reshore components of the microchip industry.

The business wins suggest Louisiana is positioned to respond to current tech trends, including soaring demand for large language model data centers—massive facilities that benefit from reasonably priced available land and access to energy. Meta’s planned hyperscale data center in north Louisiana is the largest of its more than 20 centers around the world, according to Louisiana Economic Development.

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But there’s more to the state’s tech strategy than just big announcements, officials say. Singular projects, while significant, are joined by a new economic development strategy that sees tech not just as its own vertical, but as a complement to existing legacy industries, including oil and gas, advanced manufacturing, health care and shipbuilding.

Read the full story and check out the full issue. Send comments to editor@businessreport.com

 

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Louisiana Outdoors Forever Technical Advisory and Project Selection Board to Meet November 10

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Louisiana Outdoors Forever Technical Advisory and Project Selection Board to Meet November 10


The Louisiana Outdoors Forever Technical Advisory and Project Selection Board will meet at 2:00 PM, November 10, at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries headquarters, located at 2000 Quail Drive in Baton Rouge.


AGENDA:

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  1. Call to Order – Bryan McClinton, Chair
  2. Roll Call – Angela Morejon
  3. Project Selection Board Approval of April 14, 2025 Meeting Minutes
  4. Technical Advisory Board Approval of October 21, 2025 Meeting Minutes
  5. Approval of November 10, 2025 Agenda
  6. Updates on 2023 Funded Projects – Angela Morejon
  7. Technical Advisory Board presents full application scores to the Project Selection Board
  8. Project Selection Board selects funding for projects for the 2025 Application cycle
  9. Receive Public Comments
  10. Adjournment

A live audio/video stream of this meeting will be available via Zoom.  To view via webinar, register at: https://wlf-la.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_keZmM260RO6Ch5WcRlqPaQ

The Louisiana Outdoors Forever Program provides funding for outdoor conservation projects in the state. For more information regarding Louisiana Outdoors Forever, visit https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/louisiana-outdoors-forever.

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10 must-attend Louisiana fall festivals you can still enjoy this year

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10 must-attend Louisiana fall festivals you can still enjoy this year


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Louisiana’s fall festival season is in full swing, and there’s still plenty of time to enjoy food, music, arts and culture across the region before the holidays arrive.  

From long-running community traditions to niche cultural celebrations, residents can expect a mix of live entertainment, family-friendly activities and regional cuisine as communities showcase the best of Louisiana. 

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Whether you love zydeco music, crave a plate straight off the pit or want to stock up on handmade gifts before the holidays, there’s a festival for every interest. Many events also highlight fundraisers for schools, churches and nonprofits, bringing families and community members together. 

Here are 10 festivals still ahead on the calendar this fall across Acadiana, with opportunities to dance, dine and discover the region’s heritage before the season winds down. 

10 Louisiana fall festivals you can still catch 

  1. Port Barre Cracklin Festival 

Nov. 13‐16, 2025. A festive four‑day event featuring cracklin’ cooking competitions, carnival rides, parades, and live music. Address: 129 Park St., Port Barre, LA 70577 

  1. Christmas on the Bayou Festival 

Nov. 7, 2025. A holiday‑themed fest with lights, vendors and seasonal treats. Address: Bryan Street, Cottonport, LA 71327 

  1. Bayou Teche Brewing Fall Fest Nov. 15 – Dec. 25. Craft beer, wood-fired pizza and local music set the mood for a relaxing autumn weekend. Address: 1002 North Ln., Arnaudville, LA 70512 
  1. Christmas in the Park 

Nov. 30, 2025. Holiday lights and community gatherings to wrap up the fall season. Address: Moncus Park, 2913 Johnston St., Lafayette, LA 70503 

  1. Holiday Lights at Baton Rouge General 

Nov. 20‑22, 2025Multi‑day celebration of lights and holiday activities (still within fall‑to‑holiday transition). Address: 8585 Picardy Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70809 

  1. Reindeer Trails  

Nov. 20‑22, 2025. A local holiday‑themed festival with family activities and trails of lights. Address: 629 Spring St., Shreveport, LA 7110 

  1. Holiday Light Safari 

Nov. 27‑28, 2025. A night‑time festival of lights, food vendors, and family fun. Address: Alexandria Zoo 3016 Masonic Dr., Alexandria, LA 71301 

  1. Logansport Christmas Festival 

Nov. 22, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026. An extended festival, including the tail end of fall and the start of the holiday season. Address: 192-198 Elm St., Logansport, LA 71049 

  1. Light Up the Lake Christmas Festival 

Nov. 28, 2025. A one‑night event with fireworks, lights and local vendors; still in the broader fall festival window. Address: 900 Lakeshore Dr., Lake Charles, LA 70601 

  1. Noël Acadien au Village 

Dec. 1 to Dec. 23, 2025. An evening market/festival celebrating Acadian heritage and holiday spirit. Address: 200 Greenleaf Dr., Lafayette, LA 70506 



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