NEED TO KNOW

• Jonis Warren Jr., 18, recently graduated from high school and died in a Bogue Chitto River accident in Louisiana on June 6.

• Following his death, his family and community are honoring his memory with a GoFundMe

• “He was my sunset,” his mother, Shaneika Spicer, said of her late son

Jonis Warren Jr.’s family is paying tribute to the recent high school graduate, days after he died in a Bogue Chitto River accident in Louisiana on June 6.

The 18-year-old was reported missing after he “went under the water and did not resurface” while he was tubing on the river, according to a statement by the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office (WPSO). Divers and sonar equipment were used to locate his remains, which were recovered and taken to the coroner on Monday, June 8.

“That was my sunrise, he was my sunset,” his mother, Shaneika Spicer, told WWL 4.

“When he told me he went under, all I could tell the detective was bring my baby home,” Spicer said. “My heart knew my baby wasn’t coming home the way he left.”

“We cannot compete in no form or fashion with nature,” she said.

The teenager recently graduated from Mandeville High School and had plans to become an aerospace engineer. The second-eldest of five was known for his affinity for anime and Icees.

“In his words, Jonis is a legend. He is a legend, that is my legend,” Spicer said of her caring and protective son.

“He wanted to make the world a better place,” Spicer told WWL 4, adding, “I said, ‘son– it’s just you.’ He said, ‘Yeah, mama– but it starts somewhere.’ “

Stacy Gernhauser, the mother of his girlfriend Scarlet’s friend, created a GoFundMe page to help Spicer with the funeral and memorial costs. Although she “never really met” Jonis, Gernhauser told WWL 4 that she felt creating the fund was “my way of contributing.”

The GoFundMe page described the high school football player as a teen who was “loved by so many people, friends, and family.”

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“His smile lit up every room he walked into, and he brought so many people together,” the donation page read. “Everyone loved Jonis deeply, especially his beloved girlfriend, Scarlett. Their love for each other was beyond words.”

A memorial for Jonis was created by the scene of the accident, with people leaving small objects reflecting who he was. Jonis’ funeral will take place on June 18.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (KNOE) – The University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) and the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) signed a memorandum of understanding agreement Friday in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The goal of the agreement is to establish a general framework for collaboration between the two universities with the intent of supporting academic cooperation, research engagement, student and faculty exchange, and other joint activities that advance the missions of both universities, a ULM news release said.

“We are honored to partner with the University of Puerto Rico for the advancement of both of our universities. Agreements like this broaden the cultural horizons for all of our students, faculty, and staff, while creating new learning and research opportunities. Thank you to Dr. Conde and her team for joining us in this collaborative vision. This is the beginning of a wonderful partnership,” said ULM President Dr. Carrie L. Castille.

The agreement comes after months of planning and cooperation between the universities, which began when President Castille and other ULM representatives visited Puerto Rico in November 2025 to explore opportunities for future partnerships, ULM said.

The two universities will explore opportunities to enhance academic programs through shared expertise, joint curriculum development, and exchange of academic resources. The agreement also lays the groundwork for students to participate in study-away programs and experiential learning opportunities, while faculty and staff may participate in collaborative research, teaching, and training, the news release said. Under the agreement, both schools may collaborate in pursuing funding opportunities from federal and state agencies, philanthropic organizations, and private foundations, with funding priorities focused on workforce development, cultural exchange, and community engagement. 

“This agreement reflects our shared commitment to expanding opportunities for students, faculty, and researchers while strengthening the ties between Puerto Rico and Louisiana,” said UPR President Dr. Zayira Jordán Conde. “The University of Puerto Rico is proud to partner with ULM to foster innovation, promote cultural exchange, and develop initiatives that will positively impact our communities. We look forward to building a lasting relationship founded on academic excellence, collaboration, and a common vision for preparing future generations to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.”  

Castille said both universities can learn a lot from each other. She noted Puerto Rico is home to eight of the ten major pharmaceutical manufacturers and ULM has Louisiana’s only publicly funded college of pharmacy. She said ULM’s forthcoming Bachelor of Science in Disaster Management program can potentially aid Puerto Rico in disaster response, readiness and recovery, since the island is vulnerable to hurricanes.

“This moment also reflects something larger—the importance of partnership. Institutions like the University of Puerto Rico and the University of Louisiana Monroe are united in a shared mission: to create opportunity, strengthen communities and prepare students to thrive in a complex and interconnected world. When we work together, we multiply that impact,” said Castille. “Just like Northeast Louisiana, Puerto Rico is working to build the human and physical infrastructure that strengthens its communities. After spending two days on the island and returning to Louisiana, I’m reminded of what a gift this region is and how our partnerships expand opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to learn with and from different culture.”

ULM and Louisiana State University at Alexandra signed a similar agreement in May.  

MONROE, La. (KNOE) – Early voting has begun for Louisiana voters as the state holds its first closed primary runoff.

Deborah Smith said the process has been stressful.

“It’s so confusing. It is so I don’t know. It’s very stressful. It is so stressful right now,” Smith said.

“If you chose Democrat or Republican the first time, then you have to vote Democrat or Republican the second time. You can’t change it now. But if you stay no party during the first party primary, then you have the option,” Isabella Butler, a certified elections registration administrator, said. “Only the people that have the option now are people who didn’t make a selection in the first party primary, they remained a no party voter, or they didn’t vote the first party primary, or they just registered to vote.”

Election officials said voters might be confused with new laws underway. This is Louisiana’s first year with closed primaries.

Early voting starts at 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. To learn about early voting and Election Day locations, click here.

Smith said she wanted to ensure her vote counted.

“I want to make sure that my vote counts. I wanted to make sure that no matter what I was able to cast my ballot,” Smith said.

Early voting will continue through June 20, except on June 14 and 19. Election Day is June 27.

To learn what is on the ballot, click here.