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It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always

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Home Care In Keatchie, LA

Home Care Keatchie, LA

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Rebel State Historic Site gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Keatchie, LA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Keatchie, LA

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“Great Company”

Ella T.
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“Always Best Care feels like a family! We truly care for each of our clients and do everything possible to ensure the best care is provided. We have caregivers available 24/7 as well as a 24/7 phone line in case of emergencies.”

Erin R.
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“great company and does great things in Shreveport!”

Yan S.
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“I love working at Always Best Care! Everyone is so welcoming! I would recommend ABC to anyone who is in need of a great career choice or care for a loved one!!!”

Rae A.
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“Shifts are flexible and the office staff will answer your questions or get you answers. Both are a big plus for me.”

Connie. A.
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“Always Best Care is a Awesome, Excellent Company to work for .Awesome office workers .Some Caring and Awesome Caregivers .I love working for this Company!!”

Tracie M.
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“We love Always Best Care! They have helped a number of our friends and family with home health care. We couldn’t be more thankful to Keith, Kim, and their family, as well as the staff! Highly recommend this business to anyone living in or around Shreveport, Bossier, Minden, Natchitoches etc!”

A Y.
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“Caregivers truly care about the clients they assist daily. Office staff and caregivers work hand in hand to provide Great care for your loved ones.”

Amy S.
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“I work with a wonderful group of people in the office. Everyone tries to help each other and is there for one another. This is a rare thing to find in an office with different personalities. The caregivers and clients care about each other which makes them a joy to interact with and the relationships they form are great for the clients (and caregivers). We just finished our caregiver appreciation days where we had food, games, prizes and fun. We have raffles and a caregiver of the month. The company has been planning events and other things to show how much everyone's hard work mean to us. The client's and their families wellbeing and happiness is important to us all. The clients and their families are appreciated and are given personal attention when needed and the co always has the client's best interests at heart.”

Amanda S.
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“Wonderful In Home Care with certified caregivers. Guarantee the services”

MEDSOUTH K.
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“This is a wonderful company to work for and service! Our caregivers are full of compassion.”

Millen M.
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“Best. Staff... And .caregivers available.... Who work around the clock for you. A service that is 24 hours... Can always reach them. ...”

Benjamin &.
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“Best. Staff... And .caregivers available.... Who work around the clock for you. A service that is 24 hours... Can always reach them. ...”

Benjamin D.
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“24/7 hour services..... and the best staff. n caregivers..”

Amy C.
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“I recommend this place for anyone that would like to get services here or even just working for them is great! Very professional”

Shquilla K.
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“I love working for Always Best Care. The staff is always friendly and very welcoming. I’d recommend this company to anyone who’s looking for a job or to someone to care for their loved one’s.”

laretta W.
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“Absolutely love working here. To work with other peopps that share the same interest in helping people like i do is a blessing.”

princess A.
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“Top-notch care and facilities with friendly staff.”

Sammy G.
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“Professional, safe, & reliable. If you are looking for the perfect caregiver-client relationship then this is who you need to call. A+++++”

Lauren A.
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“I'd efinitely recommend Always Best Care”

Steven S.
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“ABC is the best! Their caregivers are very professional and caring. They are CPR certified and have training.”

Sarah M.
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“Compassionate, kind and wonderful people to care for loved ones. From the moment they answer the phone you know they listen and truly care about who they serve!! Thank you wonderful folks!”

Lupe R.
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“The,Best decision that I,made choosing Always Best Care Senior Staffing to take care of my Aunt.”

Chante P.
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“Always Best Care provider of exceptional care for your loved ones. Going above and beyond to assist with care and meeting family expectations.”

Robin L.
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“Excellent patient care ! management and staff were wonderful!”

Medsouth

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Keatchie, LA?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Keatchie, LA

Types of Elderly Care in Keatchie, LA

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Keatchie, LA
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Keatchie, LA
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Lake Bistineau State Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Keatchie, LA
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local River's Edge Restaurant or visit Caddo Lake Historic Drawbridge, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Keatchie, LA

Benefits of Home Care in Keatchie, LA

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Keatchie, LA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Keatchie, LA

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your LA's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Keatchie, LA

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Keatchie, LA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Keatchie, LA

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Keatchie, LA

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Happy Acres Retirement Home
  • Winkler Court
  • Assisted Living Shreveport LA
  • Happy Acres Personal Care
  • Leslie Lakes Retirement Center
  • The Blake at Bossier City
Home Care Keatchie, LA

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Keatchie, LA

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Keatchie, LA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Keatchie, LA

Latest News in Keatchie, LA

Fourth and final night of Buffalo Bill Rodeo takes place

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) -The fourth and final night of the Buffalo Bill Rodeo took place at Wild West Arena. Final times and score for events are below.Bareback riding – 2020 champion: Tilden Hooper, Carthage, Texas 1. Tilden Hooper, Carthage, Texas 892. Tim O’Connell, Zwingle, Iowa 86.53. Zach Hibler, Wheeler, Texas 84.54. Kaycee Feild, Genola, Utah 82.5Steer wrestling – 2020 champion: Cody Devers, Balko, Okla.1. Cody Devers, Balko, Oklahoma 3.6 second...

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) -

The fourth and final night of the Buffalo Bill Rodeo took place at Wild West Arena. Final times and score for events are below.

Bareback riding – 2020 champion: Tilden Hooper, Carthage, Texas

1. Tilden Hooper, Carthage, Texas 89

2. Tim O’Connell, Zwingle, Iowa 86.5

3. Zach Hibler, Wheeler, Texas 84.5

4. Kaycee Feild, Genola, Utah 82.5

Steer wrestling – 2020 champion: Cody Devers, Balko, Okla.

1. Cody Devers, Balko, Oklahoma 3.6 seconds

2. (tie) Cole Edge, Durant, Okla. and Tanner Milan, Cochrane, Alb. 3.8 each

4. Jace Melvin, Ft. Pierre, S.D. 4.0 each

Cade Staton, Jonesboro, Texas 4.1

Tie-down roping – 2020 champion: Macon Murphy, Keatchie, La.

1. Macon Murphy, Keatchie, La. 7.8 seconds

2. Cory Solomon, Prairie View, Texas 8.0

3. Will Howell, Stillwater, Okla. 8.4

4.. Ryan Jarrett, Comanche, Okla. 8.5

Saddle bronc riding – 2020 champion: Taos Muncy, Corona, N.M.

1. Taos Muncy, Corona, N.M. 89.5 on Beutler and Son Rodeo’s Nutrena’s Red Man

2. Jake Finlay, Goondiwindi, Australia 85.5

3. Jacob Kammerer, Philip, S.D. 85

4. (tie) Keene Justesen and Jesse Bail, Camp Crook, S.D., 84 each

Breakaway Roping -2020 champion: Syerra Christensen, Kennebec, S.D.

1. Syerra Christensen, Kennebec, S.D.2.3 seconds

2. Katie Mundorf, Mullen, Neb. 2.4

3. Alyssa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D. 2.6

4. (tie) Samantha Jorgenson, Watford City, N.D., Misti Brown, Valentine, Neb. and Erin Johnson, 2.7 each.

5. Bailey Brown, North Platte, Neb. 3.2.

Team roping – 2020 champions: Nelson Wyatt, Clanton, Ala./Levi Lord, Sturgis, S.D.

1. Nelson Wyatt, Clanton, Ala./Levi Lord, Sturgis, S.D. 3.8 seconds

2. Steven Duby, Hereford, Ore./Evan Arnold, Stephenville, Texas 4.6 seconds

3.(tie) Clint Summers, Lake City, Fla./Douglas Rich, Herrick, Ill. and Andrew Ward, Edmond, Okla./Buddy Hawkins II, Stephenville, Texas 5.0 each

5.(tie) Jake Orman, Prairie, Miss./Brye Crites,Welch, Okla.and Aaron Tsinigine, Tuba City, Ariz./Kyle Lockett, Visalia, Calif. 5.1 seconds each

7. (tie) Colby Lovell, Madisonville, Texas/Paul Eaves, Lonedell, Mo. and Tyler Wade, Terrell, Texas/Billie Jack Saebens, Nowata, Okla. 5.2 each

9. Reno Cash Stoebner, Stephenville, Texas/Colton Brittain, Rockwall, Texas 5.3; 10. (tie) Jake Cooper, Monument, Ariz./Caleb Anderson, Mocksville, N.C. and Clayton Van Aken, Yoder, Wyo./Levi Tyan, Wallace, Neb. 5.4 each.

Barrel racing – 2020 champion: Michelle Alley, Madisonville, Texas

1. Michelle Alley, Madisonville, Texas 17.20 seconds

2. (tie) Amanda Welsch, Gillette, Wyo. and Tiany Schuster, Krum, Texas 17.51 each

4. Destri Devenport, Escondido, Calif. 17.55

5. Megan Swint, Dunnellon, Fla. 17.57

6. Cindy Smith, Lovington, N.M.17.58

7. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas 17.60

8. Michelle Darling, Medford, Okla. 17.63; 9. Jimmie Smith, McDade, Texas 17.64; 10. Emily Miller, Weatherford, Okla. 17.65; 11. Stevi Hillman, Weatherford, Texas 17.66

12. (tie) Carly Taylor, Andersonville, Tenn. and Kathy Grimes, Medical Lake, Wash. 17.69 each.

Bull riding – 2020 champion: Denton Fugate, Niangua, Mo.

1. Denton Fugate, Niangua, Mo. 88 points on Beutler and Son Rodeo’s Roll Tide

2. (tie) Brody Yeary, Morgan Mill, Texas and Jesse Hopper, Mangum, Okla. 82 each

4. Jeston Mead, Holcomb, Kan. 78; 5. Ty Wallace, Colbran, Colo. 74; 6. Clayton Sellars, Fruitland Park, Fla. 72

7.Trey Kimzey, Strong City, Okla. 69.

** All results are unofficial.

Copyright 2020 KNOP. All rights reserved.

Longtime friends, competitors make NFR field for first time

Ask Macon Murphy or Kincade Henry about their time as team roping partners, and the laughs start to flow — followed by an abundance of lighthearted jabs.Henry called the pairing awful, quickly pointing out that Murphy was often to blame.“When you talk to him, he’s going to tell you how bad I was, but to be honest, his handles were absolute trash,” Henry joked. “He cannot handle a steer to save his life, and he’d get mad at me when I’d miss. I (said), ‘Well holy crap, just handle t...

Ask Macon Murphy or Kincade Henry about their time as team roping partners, and the laughs start to flow — followed by an abundance of lighthearted jabs.

Henry called the pairing awful, quickly pointing out that Murphy was often to blame.

“When you talk to him, he’s going to tell you how bad I was, but to be honest, his handles were absolute trash,” Henry joked. “He cannot handle a steer to save his life, and he’d get mad at me when I’d miss. I (said), ‘Well holy crap, just handle the dang steer.’”

Murphy’s retort centers around a two-minute compilation video of missed catches that he keeps handy on his phone, evidence he believes shows that his former partner was actually the problem.

“Don’t even let him tell you that. He’s the worst heeler you have ever laid eyes on. He can’t hit a duck in a barrel,” Murphy responded. “It’s unbelievable. It’ll make a guy want to quit. You can’t listen to nothing that sucker says.”

Those laughable performances back in their high school rodeo days built the bedrock of a friendship that continues to this day — all the way to this year’s Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Thanks to some success late in the season, the former Panola Junior College cowboys earned the 14th (Murphy) and 15th (Henry) spots in the tie-down roping world standings, each securing their places among the field of NFR competitors for the first time.

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The pair first met at junior rodeo events as teenagers. Before the start of his sophomore year in high school, Henry, a Texas native, told Murphy he wanted to try rodeoing with him in Louisiana and asked to be team roping partners.

While their work together wasn’t anything special, their friendship certainly turned out to be. When Murphy, about two years older, went off to Panola Junior College for school, he did everything he could to persuade Henry to join him on the college’s rodeo team. Henry had other intentions and was dead set on going elsewhere but obliged his buddy by coming to campus for a tour.

Thanks to some gentle nudging from his friend and sound advice from coach Jeffrey Collins, a former world bareback riding champion, the duo once again got back on the same team.

“As soon as the tour was over, I was like, ‘Yep. That’s where I’m headed,’” Henry said.

That decision certainly worked out well for both young men. In 2021, Murphy captured the College National Finals Rodeo tie-down championship. A year later, Henry followed suit with a tie-down championship of his own.

“I was in the box with him when he won his title the first year I was in college, and then he was in the box with me the year when I won mine. It’s pretty cool,” Henry said. “I was just as pumped whenever he won as I was whenever I won it, and I truly mean that.”

Those outings set the stage for 2022, when the pair started hitting the professional circuit hard. Murphy finished with just under $106,000 in earnings for the regular season, while Henry held off Cooper Martin by less than $600 to earn the final NFR qualifying spot, with just shy of $102,000 for the year.

Which brings the duo back together for a moment they once dreamed of — literally.

During those high school and junior competitions, Henry and Murphy would kill time by watching videos of other tie-down ropers making their runs, specifically previous NFR champions.

The image of the yellow chutes became ingrained in their minds and, though they’ve both been inside the Thomas & Mack Center before, this is the first time they’re on horseback on the arena floor.

“It’s something you can only dream about really. It’s something you can only think of in your head,” Murphy said. “We went from high school, to amateur, to college to pros together. It’s hard to put into words really, but it’s dang sure worth it.”

While they are competing for the same honors, the friends will still be there for each other no matter the outcomes.

Getting to Vegas was half the battle, and they did it together. Now, both young men are planning to savor the experience. But they’ve also come to prove they belong. Henry certainly did that in the fifth go-round of the Wrangler NFR on Monday night, tying for first with a 7.3-second clocking to pocket a $25,882 check. In fact, Henry is having a solid week in Vegas, vaulting up to No. 5 in the world standings with $188,194 in season earnings.

“It sounds cliche, but it’s a childhood dream come true to get to run 10 head in there this year,” Henry said. “But I’m not letting myself get satisfied with that thought. I’m going to smell the roses, but at the same time, I’m there to win. I’m ready to get out there and compete.”

Murphy pocketed a fifth-place check of $7,462 in the NFR’s third go-round, and he remains confident while aiming for more paychecks in the second half of this 10-day rodeo.

“To know that I can compete with the top competitors is pretty satisfying. I can’t name another way I’d rather make a living, that’s for sure,” Murphy said.

Heart of Louisiana: Mayor of Keachie

KEACHIE La. - It's a small Louisiana town that most of us have never heard of, tucked away in the woods of Desoto Parish. But a chance roadside stop by a Houston artist more than 40 years ago is giving the town and some of its elder citizens a place in history. FOX 8's Dave McNamara takes us to the town of Keachie in tonight's Heart of Louisiana.The town of Keachie was just a tiny spot on the map for Travis Whitfield, as he drove from Houston to visit his sister in Shreveport."I'm telling you it was a life-changing experie...

KEACHIE La. - It's a small Louisiana town that most of us have never heard of, tucked away in the woods of Desoto Parish. But a chance roadside stop by a Houston artist more than 40 years ago is giving the town and some of its elder citizens a place in history. FOX 8's Dave McNamara takes us to the town of Keachie in tonight's Heart of Louisiana.

The town of Keachie was just a tiny spot on the map for Travis Whitfield, as he drove from Houston to visit his sister in Shreveport.

"I'm telling you it was a life-changing experience when I rounded that curve and saw that old store and those guys sitting out there," Whitfield said.

The year was 1971. The old A.W. Wyatt grocery had closed nine years earlier.

"The building, that Greek revival, that huge temple style," he recalled. "I had never seen anything quite like that."

Whitfield was a young artist who wanted to paint landscapes. But there was something about this scene - a store built in 1848 and the old men with their weathered faces and the lively conversation - That Whitfield couldn't get out of his mind. He was hooked.

"It was like you just stepped back to that period, you know, of the 30s," he said. "They were still holding that."

The town of Keachie, population 300, was full of old, weathered buildings. Whitfield grabbed his camera and snapped hundreds of pictures. And he waited patiently for his "porch crew" to finally agree to pose for portraits.

"It took me two years," he said, "but I did paintings around their houses, you know, inside-out. Photographs - I photographed everything."

He also got a cassette recorder and began taping their porch conversations, like the one about Huey P. Long.

The recordings, photographs and paintings are part of an art show that Whitfield calls "Further on Down the Road."

"All I can say is that God sent me here," Whitfield said. "There was something that brought me here, and when I saw it - you know you've had that, kind of feel like the hair stand on the back of your neck or something like that, and chills."

The artist also became politician, sort of. He was urged to qualify for mayor when nobody else wanted the job.

"Basically I don't work that hard at it," he said. "I really enjoy it, but it's kind of a headache."

There was something more than the old men that made Keachie interesting. It was also the old buildings. A rare collection that has gained national recognition.

Whitfield has been part of effort to place 10 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. There's the Liberty Lodge, several houses, the Baptist church, the Methodist church and the Presbyterian church - all built in the mid-1800s; all still in use today.

"I believe this in my heart, that if there had been any money in Keachie after the Depression during that period, these buildings would've probably been torn down and little brick buildings would've been built," Whitfield said.

Sometimes you look at an old building and try to imagine the stories it could tell. Thanks to Travis Whitfield, we can hear some of those stories.

Mayor Whitfield says he has plans to add even more buildings in his tiny town to the National Register.

For more information on Keachi and Travis Whitfield's art, click here and here.

Main Street Homer, Keachi mayor recognized with preservation awards

BATON ROUGE, La. -- Main Street Homer and Keachi Mayor Travis Whitfield are among 11 recipients of the 2021 Louisiana Preservation Awards.The awards are given by the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation to those who make significant contributions to keeping the state's cultural assets alive. A formal awards ceremony will be held Sept. 30 in conjunction with the 41st annual Louisiana Preservation Conference in Monroe and West Monroe.Main Street AwardThe Main Street Award recognizes a Main Street comm...

BATON ROUGE, La. -- Main Street Homer and Keachi Mayor Travis Whitfield are among 11 recipients of the 2021 Louisiana Preservation Awards.

The awards are given by the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation to those who make significant contributions to keeping the state's cultural assets alive. A formal awards ceremony will be held Sept. 30 in conjunction with the 41st annual Louisiana Preservation Conference in Monroe and West Monroe.

Main Street Award

The Main Street Award recognizes a Main Street community that exemplifies the use of creativity, historic preservation and/or culture to build a climate for cultural expression, improve quality of life, enhance existing assets and strengthen economic opportunity while respecting the quality of the area.

Main Street Homer welcomed new businesses and supported historic preservation around the courthouse square. The organization is also taking an active role by transforming a formerly overgrown lot into a pocket park for the town and rehabilitating an adjacent building for use during events.

Main Street Homer nominated two buildings to the Louisiana’s Most Endangered Places List in 2020 and is in the process of redeveloping one, a former 1922 filling station, for use as a farmer’s market.

Winnie Byrd Preservationist Extraordinaire Award

The award recognizes an individual or individuals who have made a lasting impact to the historic resources of Louisiana through a body of work.

Whitfield had dedicated his life to historic preservation while serving as mayor of the town of Keachi and on the board of the Keachi Heritage Foundation for many years.

He is a native of Linden, Texas, where he started drawing from nature and later attended the University of Houston and later as an artist in residence in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

He settled in Keachi in 1977 where he established his studio and began chronicling the lives of older African American residents through his photography and audio-visual storytelling.

His most recent exhibit, “Further on Down the Road,” features a life-size shotgun house and most recently exhibited at the Five Points Museum of Contemporary Art in Victoria, Texas.

Other award winners are:

Education Award - 1811 Kid Ory House in LaPlace

Leadership Award - Louisette Scott of Mandeville

Organizational Excellence Award - A.P. Tureaud Cultural District in New Orleans

Stewardship Award - Sazarac Building/Ryan Gootee General Contractors in New Orleans

Diverse Heritage Award - Alex Da'Paul Lee Sr. of the Acadiana Region

Living Trades Award - The Crew of Architectural Preservation, LLC

Louisiana Heritage Media Award - "A Place Called Desire" by Leonard Smith III

Sue Turner Preservationist of the Year Award - Ray Scriber of Baton Rouge

Les Prix des Pommes Pourries Rotten Apple Award - city of Alexandria

Corvallis cowboy Caleb Bennett wins Cody Stampede

(Editor's note: Cody Stampede release)CODY, Wyo. - Corvallis cowboy Caleb Bennett earned his second bareback riding win at the Cody Stampede, with both arriving aboard the same horse.In 2019, he set an arena record on Gun Fire from Frontier Rodeo with a 94. They matched up at Stampede Park again July 2, and the result this time was a 91.5 point score. The win was worth $5,746 for the Montana resident.2018 world champion saddle bronc rider Wade Sundell from Boxholm, Iowa, played to the crowd after getting off of C5...

(Editor's note: Cody Stampede release)

CODY, Wyo. - Corvallis cowboy Caleb Bennett earned his second bareback riding win at the Cody Stampede, with both arriving aboard the same horse.

In 2019, he set an arena record on Gun Fire from Frontier Rodeo with a 94. They matched up at Stampede Park again July 2, and the result this time was a 91.5 point score. The win was worth $5,746 for the Montana resident.

2018 world champion saddle bronc rider Wade Sundell from Boxholm, Iowa, played to the crowd after getting off of C5 Rodeo’s horse named Kitty Whistle. The sold-out stands responded with a roar when his score of 90 points was announced.

That put Sundell in a tie for first place with Mitch Pollock from Winnemucca, Nevada. Pollock rode Frontier Rodeo’s Maple Leaf on July 3. Those scores earned each of them $4,907 which they needed badly. Both Pollock and Sundell are hoping to qualify for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in December and both of them are outside of the top 15, but among the top 25. With three months full of rodeos, their goals are definitely in reach.

In the steer wrestling, world standings leader Jacob Talley increased his lead when he added $6,269 to his earnings. Talley, from Keatchie, Louisiana, stopped the clock in 3.4 seconds for the win.

A year ago, Tuf Cooper left Cody with a championship in the tie-down roping. He competed during the final rodeo and again left with the championship. Cooper, from Decatur, Texas, stopped the clock in 8.3 seconds and was the big winner of the rodeo at $10,671.

The total payoff at the 102nd Cody Stampede was over $300,000. The dust hasn’t settled at Stampede Park as the Cody Nite Rodeo starts again July 5 and continues through Aug. 31.

102nd Cody Stampede Champions

Bareback Riding, Caleb Bennett, Corvallis, Mont., 91.5 points, $5,746

Steer Wrestling, Jacob Talley, Keatchie, La., 3.4 seconds, $6,269

Team Roping, Clay Tryan, Billings, Mont., and Jake Long, Coffeyville, Kan., 4.0 seconds, $7,640 each

Saddle Bronc Riding, Mitch Pollock, Winnemucca, Nev., and Wade Sundell, Boxholm, Iowa, 90 points and $4,907 each.

Breakaway Roping, Jayme Marcrum, Springtown, Texas, 2.0 seconds, $3,845

Tie-Down Roping, Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas, 8.3, $10,671

Barrel Racing, Emily Miller-Beisel, Weatherford, Okla., 17.03 seconds, $10,124

Bull Riding, Braden Richardson, Jasper, Texas, 93 points, $5,584

RESULTS: Fourth Performance ---

Bareback riding: 1, Clayton Biglow, Clements, Calif., 90 points on C5 Rodeo’s Black Feathers. 2, R.C. Landingham, Hat Creek, Calif., 86. 3, Seth Lee Hardwick, Ranchester, Wyo., 84.5. 4, Kody Lamb, Sherwood Park, Alberta, 81.

Steer wrestling: 1, Clayton Hass, Weatherford, Texas, 4.0 seconds. 2, Logan Wiseman, Paola, Kan., 5.5. 3, Connor Curtis McKell, Springville, Utah, 13.8. 4, Matt Watson, Springville, Utah, 16.2.

Team roping: (three times) 1, Clint Summers, Lake City Fla., and Ross Ashford, Lott, Texas, 4.2. 2, Nick Sartain, Bandera, Texas, and Reagan Ward, Edmond, Okla., 5.0. 3, Brandon Webb, Big Wells, Texas, and Kollin VonAhn, Blanchard, okla., 19.5.

Saddle bronc riding: 1, Wade Sundell, Boxholm, Iowa, 90 points on C5 Rodeo’s Kitty Whistle. 2, Ks Thomson, Lundbreck, Alberta, 88. 3, Jake Watson, Hudsons Hope, British Columbia, 86. 4, Lefty Holman, Visalia, calif., 84.5.

Breakaway roping: (three times) 1, Callie Hardwick, Fairfield, Texas, 2.5 seconds. 2, Katie Mundorf, Mullen, Neb., 3.3. 3, sequin Brewer, Canyon, Texas, 3.4. 4

Tie-down roping: 1, Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas, 8.3 seconds. 2, Taylor Santos, Creston, Calif., 8.5. 3, Cy Eames, Gooding, Idaho, 9.8. 4, Koleby Hughes, St. George, Utah, 10.3.

Barrel Racing: 1, Shali Lord, Lamar, Colo., 17.43 seconds. 2, Jackie Ganter, Abilene, Texas, 17.49. 3, Sue Smith, Blackfoot, Idaho, 17.68. 4, Randi Holliday, Chouteau, Okla., 17.77.

Bull Riding: (one ride) 1, Chase Dougherty, Decatur, Texas, 84 points on Frontier Rodeo’s Out Cold. .

Current Leaders ---

Bareback riding: 1, Caleb Bennett, Corvalis, Mont., 91.5 points on Frontier rodeo’s Gun Fire, $5,756. 2, Clayton Biglow, Clements, Calif., 90, $4,405. 3, Mason Clements, Spanish Fork, Utah, 86.5, $2,107. 5, Richmond Champion, Stevensville, Mont., 85, $1,341. 6, Seth Hardwick, Ranchester, Wyo., 84.5, $958. 7, Taylor Broussard, Estherwood, La., 84, $766. 6, Will Lowe, Amarillo, Texas, 83, $575.

Steer wrestling: 1, Jacob Talley, Keatchie, La., 3.4 seconds, $6,269. 2, (tie) Caden Camp, Belgrade, Mont., and Zack Jongbloed, Kinder, La., 3.6 and $5,279 each. 4, Gage Hesse, Keenesburg, Colo., 3.9, $4,289. 5, Eli Lord, Sturgis, S.D.; Joe Wilson, Martin, S.D.; and Clayton Hass, Weatherford, Texas; 4.0 and $2,989 each. 8, (tie) Tucker Allen, Oak View, Calif.; Tyler Pearson, Louisville, Miss.; Baxtor Roche, Tremonton, Utah; and Luke Branquinho, Los Alamos, Calif.; 4.2, $742.

Team roping: 1, Clay Tryan, Billings, Mont., and Jake Long, Coffeyville, Kan., 4.0 seconds, $7,640. 2, Dustin Egusquiza, Marianna, Fla., and Travis Graves, Jay, Okla., 4.1, $6,835. 3, (tie) Clint Summers, Lake City, Fla., and Ross Ashford, Lott, Texas; Erich Rogers, Round Rock, Ariz., and Paden Bray, Stephenville, Texas; and Cody Snow, Los Olivos, Calif., and Wesley Thorp, Throckmorton, Texas, 4.2 and $5,227 each. 6, Britt Smith and Jake Smith, Broken Bow, Okla., 4.3, $3,619. 76, Jake Clay, Spulpa, Okla., and Rance Doyal, Harshorn, Okla., 4.1, $2,815; 8, (tie) Jr. Dees, Aurora, S.D., and Matt Sherwood, Pima, Ariz.; Jaxson Tucker, Statesville, N.C., and Marty Yates, Stephenville, Texas; and Kaleb Driggers, Hoboken, Ga., and Junior Nogueira, Presidente Prude, Brazil; 4.5, $1,206.

Saddle bronc riding: 1, (tie) Mitch Pollock on Frontier Rodeo’s Maple Leaf and Wade Sundell, Boxholm, Iowa on C5 Rodeo;s Kitty Whistle, 90 points and $4,907 each. 3, (tie) Sage Newman, Melstone, Mont., and K’s Thomson, Lundbreck, Alberta, 88 and $2,593. 5, (tie) Brody Cress, Hillsdale, Wyo., and Shorty Garrett, Eagle Butte, S.D., 87.5, $1,111. 7, Jake Watson, Hudson’s Hope, British Columbia, 86, $741. 8, Ryder Wright, Milford, Utah, 85, $556.

Breakaway roping: 1, Jayme Marcrum, Springtown, Texas, 2.0 seconds, $3,845. 2, Cheyanne Guillory, Gainesville, Texas, 2.1, $3,076. 3, (tie) Sawyer Gilbert, Buffalo, S.D., and Hope Thompson, Abilene, Texas, 2.3 and $2,211 each. 7, Sloan Anderson, Whitehorse, S.D., 2.6, $961. 8, (tie) Kayelen Helton, Stephenville, Texas; Tracey Bolich, Belgrade, Mont., and Megan Burbidge, Tremonton, Utah,; 2.9, $769. 11, Sarah Verheist, Pryor, Mont., 3.0, $577. 12, (tie) lari Dee Guy, Abilene, Texas; Abbie Medlin, Tatum, N.M., and Anna Callaway, Billings, Mont., 3.1, $384. 15, Kelsie Chace, Dublin, Texas, 3.2, 4192.

Tie-down roping: 1, Tuf Case Cooper, Decatur, Texas, 8.3 seconds, $10,671. 2, Kyle Lucas, Carstairs, Alberta, and Blake Chauvin, Raceland, La., 8.4 seconds and $8,986 each. 4, (tie) Taylor Santos, Creston, Calif.; Cody McCartney, Ottowa Lake, Mich.; Michael Pederson, Hermiston, Ore.; and Andrew Burks, Kiln, Miss.; 8.5, $5,617. 8, J. Cody Jones, Ukiah, Calif., 8.6, $2,808. 9, Westyn Hughes, Caldwell, Texas; Ryan Thibodeaux, Stephenville, Texas; and Adam Gray, Seymour, Texas, 8.7, $749.

Barrel Racing: 1, Emily Miller-Beisel, Weatherford, Okla., 17.03 seconds, $10,124. 2, Hailey Kinsel, Cotulla, Texas, 17.05, $8,099. 3, Stevi Hillman, Weatherford, Texas, 17.24, $6,580. 4, Cheyenne Wimberley, Stephenville, Texas, 17.25, $5,062. 5, (tie) Sabra O’Quinn, Ocala, Fla., and Dona Kay Rule, Minco, Okla., 17.31, $3,543 each. 7, Wenda Johnson, Pawhuska, Okla., 17.32, $2,531. 8, Jessica Routier, Buffalo, S.D., 17.35, $2,278. 9, (tie0 Jill Wilson, Snyder, Texas, and Ericka Nelson, Lake City, Fla., 17.40, $1,898. 11, Nellie Miller, Cottonwood, Calif., 17.42, $1,519. 12, Shali Lord, Lamar, Colo., 17.43, $1,265. 13, Jordon Briggs, Chilton, Texas, 17.45, %1,012. 14, Meka Farr, Honeyville, Utah, 17.46, $759. 15, Jackie Ganter, Abilene, Texas, 17.46, $506.

Bull Riding: 1, Braden Richardson, Jasper, Texas, 93 points on Frontier Rodeo’s County Jail, $5,584. 2, Jordan Wacey Spears, Redding, Calif., 91, $4,281. 3, J.B. Mauney, Cotulla, Texas, 90.5, $3,164. 4, (tie) Josh Frost, Randlett, Utah, and Koby Radley, Montpelier, La., 88.5 points each., Ariz., 85, $1,675. 6, Creek Young, Fort Scott, Kan., 87, $931. 7, (tie) Parker Breding, Edgar, Mont., and Trey Kimzey, Strong City, Okla., 86, $651.

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