By Wesley Harris
Claiborne Parish Library Historian

During World War II Americans were asked to salvage a long list of materials for the war effort. Japan’s control of the south Pacific region limited access to rubber and tin. The increase in manufacturing of battleships, tanks, and other weapons required more iron.

Scrap drives were encouraged across the nation to collect paper, tin, iron and steel, rubber, and even animal fat. The fats from cooking meat could be used to make explosives.

Seeking a way to support the troops overseas and display their patriotism, millions of Americans participated in the drives. The effort improved civilian morale even though the contribution to the war effort had limited impact.

The Claiborne Parish campaign to develop a scrap program began in March 1942, with Joe LeSage serving as chairman. Monday was designated as Scrap Day in Homer. Residents were encouraged to place iron, rubber, and paper at the curb for the city to pick up. “Remember Pearl Harbor and Bataan,” Mayor Fred Jackson said, “and let it not be said that we did not do our part.”

A May news article reported manufacturing plants producing war materials were being shut down because of the lack of iron and encouraged citizens to collect the scrap in their back yards.

The collected materials were sold to a Shreveport scrap dealer to get the iron into the manufacturing pipeline. Jackson informed readers, “It is quicker to build tanks or a gun out of scrap iron than to mine and smelter the iron and go through the process of making steel.”

The proceeds were then donated to the Red Cross, Salvation Army, civilian defense training, and the USO. Residents who could not afford to donate to these causes were told their scrap contribution was a way to support relief agencies when they could not do so with cash.

The Lions Club, Young Men’s Business Club, and civic, youth and social organizations, and many parish schools participated. The Lisbon Boy Scout troop alone collected 60 tons of scrap iron.

The Claiborne Parish Police Jury used its heavy equipment to retrieve old cars that had been dumped in a ravine on the western side of Homer. After the big equipment was finished, Cub Scouts moved in with shovels, digging out three steam radiators and other scrap. The old dump yielded 400 tons of scrap metal.

The Louisiana & North West Railroad donated two defunct locomotives dating from 1912-1913. In addition to dismantling the locomotives, the railroad contributed obsolete shop equipment and a large amount of miscellaneous scrap.

A pile of scrap was started on the courthouse square but soon grew so large that some acreage on West Main Street north of the square was loaned to contain the collection.

Melton Oakes, president of Homer National Bank, undertook a public speaking crusade, talking to civic groups, churches, and individuals, urging them to join the effort.

Within a week of starting the campaign, Claiborne Parish had collected 1,000 tons—two million pounds—of scrap metal to support the national defense.

Even after the 1942 spring scrap drive, the collections continued in the fall. The Shreveport Journal reported Claiborne Parish led the nation in per capita collection of scrap with more than three million pounds contributed to the war effort. Convinced even more scrap metal remained, the community designated September 24 as a “Scrap for Victory Holiday,” with a goal to collect another 2,000 pounds.

The Police Jury issued a proclamation declaring the holiday and urging citizens to spend the day gathering up scrap metal around their homes and farms. The mayors of Athens, Haynesville, and Homer issued similar proclamations.

Homer’s Civilian Defense Council set a goal of a ton of scrap for each man in military service from Claiborne Parish.

Schools were given the day off and Homer businesses closed at noon. An iron fence around the yard of C. W. Peeples in Athens was torn down and added to the scrap pile.

Employees on the Maritzky-Bibby oil lease gathered scrap metal on the property in the Homer oil field after their shifts. On September 28, they dug up eleven tons of discarded metal. In three months, the crew had salvaged 202 tons of iron, including old pipelines, drilling equipment, and even cook stoves. Some of the metal was buried three feet below ground.

By October, state and national officials were encouraging communities to continue their scrap drives.

“Don’t be fooled by a full junk yard, warned Parrish Fuller, Louisiana salvage chairman. “Every pound is going to be used. There’s a long winter ahead, and we must keep pouring scrap metal into the blast furnaces of the steel mills. Right now the mills have not enough scrap to last even 30 days longer.”

A Memorial Service will be held for Nelda Ann Thomas Dean, age 74, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 405 East 5th Street in Homer, LA, on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 3:00 p.m., with Kelcey Kleinman, officiating. Visitation 2:00 – 3:00 P.M. preceding service. 

Nelda was born May 20, 1950, in Union Parish, LA, to Ed and Kathryn Jones Thomas. She entered into rest on July 26, 2024, in Homer, LA. Nelda spent her adult life working in the public, developing many close friendships. She had a degree in nursing; however, she spent many years at First Guaranty Bank as a teller and other positions. She was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Nov. 1971 and since enjoyed sharing her faith with others. Nelda bravely battled cancer for over 20 years. “I have fought the fine fight. I have run the race to the finish, I have observed the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7. 

She is preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Jennifer; brother, Eddie Wanye Thomas; first husband, Lee Warren; and  stepson, Jonathan Dean. 

 She is survived by her loving husband of over 26 years, Perry Dean; son, Jefferey Warren and wife Christina; grandson, Justin Warren; granddaughter, Abby McLendon; stepchildren, Rachael Covey and husband Larry, Matthew Dean and Samuel Dean; special grands, Hayden, Zachary, Camren, Conner, Aaliyah, and Isabella; sisters, Kathy Gray and husband Bill, Stephanie Mott and husband Jeff, and Angie Goodwin; brother, Ken Thomas and partner Geoff Graybo; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

Nelda’s family would like to express their gratitude to Dr.Salmon, Dr. Tyler, Camille Wise PN, Dr. Lash, CMMC nurses and staff as well as Passages Hospice for the care and compassion shown her during her final days. 

Est. in 1992

THE HENDRIX TRIO has reached a significant milestone as they celebrate 30+ years in the ministry of music. Hailing from Texarkana, TX, this dynamic Southern/Country Gospel trio has made their mark as a group that ministers through song in the genre. Traveling in their trusty motorcoach, THE HENDRIX TRIO frequently performs in the vibrant four states area during weekends, captivating audiences with their soul-stirring music.

Throughout their illustrious ministry, they have had the esteemed privilege of sharing the stage with numerous national recording artists, including renowned acts such as THE HOPPERS, GOLD CITY, MIKE BOWLING FAMILY, THE NELONS, JEFF & SHERRI EASTER, GREATER VISION, KAREN PECK AND NEW RIVER, THE STAMPS QUARTET, RUSS TAFF, 11th HOUR, LEFEVRE QUARTET, TRIBUTE QUARTET, and many others. This impressive roster of collaborations speaks volumes about the respect and admiration they have garnered through the years with Southern Gospel’s National Industry Leaders.

THE HENDRIX TRIO not only embarks on captivating musical journeys, but they also take on the noble task of promoting gospel music in the Texarkana region. Their unwavering dedication to the genre has solidified their status as ‘promotors’ of gospel music.

With a discography boasting 12 outstanding recordings, including their latest release, “TELL IT LIKE IT WAS,” THE HENDRIX TRIO consistently delivers exceptional music that resonates with their devoted fan base. Furthermore, their personal expertise as event organizers is evident in the success of the 8 Gospel Music Cruises they have hosted. They are also esteemed founding members of RDH PROMOTIONS, a testament to their influential role in shaping the gospel music landscape in the 4 States and surrounding areas.

As THE HENDRIX TRIO commemorates their three-decade journey, their legacy as a harmonious force in Southern/Country Gospel remains unshakable. Their timeless melodies and tireless dedication continue to encourage, pray for and uplift audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the world of southern gospel music.

Frédéric “Auguste” Bartholdi was born in Comar, France in 1791 to parents Jean Charles Bartholdi and Augusta Charlotte Bartholdi.  When Auguste was just two years old, his father died.  Soon thereafter, Auguste, along with his mother and older brother, moved to Paris to be closer to another branch of the Bartholdi family. 

Auguste was a student of the arts.  He studied drawing, painting, sculpting, and architecture.  He was most impressed with and often visited the workshops of noted sculptors Antoine Etex and Jean-François Soitoux.  Auguste’s interests were in the creation of monuments to historical figures and patriotic celebrations.  In 1854, Auguste began drawing what became his first real monument to honor a French Army officer during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars.  He completed the bronze statue of General Rapp in 1855 and presented it at the Universal Exhibition of Parish.  In the following year, it was placed atop a pedestal in Auguste and General Rapp’s hometown of Colmar.  Auguste created a handful of other bronze sculptures of notable French patriots.

The viceroy of Egypt learned of Auguste’s talent and hired him to design a statue of a robed female Saeid Misr or “Upper Egyptian,” to be built at the entryway of the Suez Canal in Port Said, Egypt.  It was to be called Egypt Carrying the Light to Asia.  Auguste got to work right away.  He took inspiration from the giant ancient Egyptian statues at Abu Simbel, Egypt.  He researched the Colossus of Rhodes which was built at the entrance to the island’s main port in 280 B.C.  The Colossus was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and stood for almost a thousand years until, according to some sources, an Arab force conquered Rhodes and completely destroyed the statue. 

Auguste complete sketches and even a watercolor painting of Egypt Carrying the Light to Asia.  He designed the 86-foot-tall female statue to sit atop a 48-foot-tall pedestal.  Auguste knew that this statue on such a grand scale would certainly be his masterpiece.  Auguste met with the viceroy and displayed his sketches, paintings, and architectural drawings of the statue.  The viceroy was certainly impressed, but the cost to construct the statue was just too great.  The viceroy had no choice but to discontinue work on Egypt Carrying the Light to Asia.  In 1869, the Port Said Lighthouse was built where Auguste’s statue would have stood.  Auguste was understandably disappointed.

In the following year, 1870, France was embroiled in the Franco-Prussian War.  Auguste served as a squadron leader of the National Guard and liaison officer during the war.  He took part in the unsuccessful defense of Colmar from Germany.  When the war ended in 1871, Auguste began constructing numerous monuments in honor of French heroism in the region.  All the while, he kept thinking about the statue that would have been his masterpiece.  He was determined to build it, but who would pay the enormous price to construct it?  He ultimately convinced the French government to help in the form of public fees.  They held various forms of fundraisers such as theatrical events, art exhibits, auctions, and a lottery.  In 1883, poet Emma Lazarus wrote her famous sonnet entitled “The New Colossus” to be auctioned for the statue’s construction. 

Finally, Auguste had the funds to build his masterpiece.  He recycled and modified his original female “Upper Egyptian” design along with the statue’s original title Egypt Carrying the Light to Asia to better fit the statue’s intended placement.  In July 1884, Auguste completed his 151-foot masterpiece, and the statue stood tall above the rooftops of Paris for two years.  Then, the statue was disassembled, packed up, shipped to what was then called Bedloe’s Island, and reassembled where it remains to this day.  Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi recycled the look of Egypt Carrying the Light to Asia and renamed the statue Liberty Enlightening the World.  You and I know Auguste’s recycled masterpiece as the Statue of Liberty.  

Sources:

1.     The Statue of Liberty: Overview + History, Ellis Island Foundation, https://www.statueofliberty.org/statue-of-liberty/overview-history/

2.     Auguste Bertholdi – Father of the Statue of Liberty, Colmar et sa region, L’Alsace essentielle, https://www.tourisme-colmar.com/en/visit/presentation/history/famous-people-from-colmar/176-auguste-bartholdi-father-of-the-statue-of-liberty#:~:text=Fr%C3%A9d%C3%A9ric%20Auguste%20Bartholdi%2C%20the%20most,to%20go%20live%20in%20Paris.

3.     Gabriela Hammond, “The Woman Behind the Statue of Liberty: Who is Lady Liberty,” February 15, 2021, https://www.statueoflibertytour.com/blog/the-woman-behind-the-statue-of-liberty-who-is-lady-liberty/

Tomorrow, August 1, will mark a change of ownership but not a change of convenient downtown service of Pharmacy Services when Steve Shelton, a pharmacist here for 47 years who has operated out of his 100 W. Main Street location for nearly a quarter century, turns the keys over to not-for-profit Trinity Community Health Center of Louisiana.

“The board at Trinity wasn’t looking at getting into the retail pharmacy business,” said CEO Deano Thornton. “Steve approached us as he looked to step back from the full responsibilities of the business at Pharmacy Services. We didn’t want to see the doors closed on another business with 20 employees on Main Street.”

Shelton has certainly witnessed that trend in hometown pharmacies. When he took over his father Leo Shelton’s pharmacy opposite the post office in January 1978, pharmacies abounded: Flurry’s Pharmacy, New Winnfield Drugs, Winn Pharmacy, Courthouse Pharmacy, Emerson’s Pharmacy, Shirley’s Pharmacy, Medicine Shoppe, Scott’s Pharmacy.

Shelton told the Journal that he worked in his dad’s pharmacy beginning in 1971 as he attended Louisiana Tech and was attracted to the profession. After receiving his pre-pharmacy degree at Tech, he went on to study and received his degree at NLU in Monroe. “I guess the word I’d use is ‘service’ to describe my work through these years,” he said. “I’m proud of serving the people, being available, talking and visiting individually with them.”

Thornton expressed the same desire by Trinity in maintaining their service level to customers. “I go back to my days as a student, maybe eighth grade, when Leo Shelton, a longtime coach and educator at Atlanta, opened his first pharmacy near the Baptist Church. They have a rich tradition of taking care of people here in Winnfield, a tradition we plan to maintain.”

The CEO explained that Pharmacy Services as a division of Trinity CHC will keep on as many of the present staff as possible as well as additional pharmacists and staff to fill scripts in a timely fashion. Upgraded pharmacy equipment and software is upcoming. They’ve signed contracts with two local pharmacists, April Boyett who will be pharmacist in charge and Yasmeen Davis. Familiar faces such as pharmacist Sharon Barnett, pharmacy technician Tiffany Hemphill and yes, even Steve Shelton will continue at Pharmacy Service.

“We’re happy that Steve wants to continue working as a pharmacist but only with the reduced hours that he wants to work,” said Thornton. “He’ll be able to do the work he enjoys without the pressures of the day to day business. After all these years, he’s earned that. In his tradition, we’ll have expanded hours and home deliveries as folks need.”

Shelton said that since the COVID years when peoples’ attitudes altered, he’s been eyeing the possibility of stepping back. “I’ve been talking and visiting with Trinity for some time and am happy with the arrangement. I’d like to thank God for giving me this ability to serve people, thank my family for their patience and support and thank the people of Winnfield and Winn Parish for their confidence and respect.”

On April 1, the ownership may change but Trinity aims to preserve the warm, customer-friendly atmosphere that folks have come to expect.

Being from the great state of Texas, it was instilled in me from day one how important it was to follow the laws of the land, especially when it came to hunting and fishing. The last thing you wanted was a Texas Game Warden knocking on your door because you violated a wild game law. Today I’m going to reveal an incident that took place over 30 years ago that will illustrate that not all states have the same respect for the law as others…. even the guys enforcing the laws!

Growing up in my neck of the woods, there was one particular game warden that had a nasty reputation like that of Buford Pusser from the movie Walking Tall. To protect the innocent, we’ll call him Billy Ray. As like Buford, he walked tall and carried a big stick. He was the game warden who took great pride enforcing the laws of East Texas great outdoors. 

Billy Ray had the reputation for getting a little rough with those who decided to try and skirt the rules. There were many stories about him that were legendary with how he caught those who did not follow the laws of hunting or fishing. You might think you were going to get away with breaking a law, but Billy Ray would eventually track you down. 

Upon my arrival to Louisiana back in 1979 as a tall skinny teenager looking to continue my athletic career/education at Northwestern State, I found out quickly that Louisiana laws were pretty loose when it came to hunting and fishing. During this time, Louisiana had what was known as an open range law which meant you did not need permission to hunt on another person’s property as long as it was not posted. 

Being from Texas, this was shocking to me that I could walk onto another man’s property and hunt. Because where I’m from, this would never even cross your mind to set foot on another man’s property without permission, unless you wanted to answer to Billy Ray later on.  

But on one particular dove hunt I was invited on, I realized that some Louisiana game wardens were above the law. Now a good friend of mine owned a big track of land that had a great amount of dove waiting on someone to take a few shots. My buddy called the night before the hunt with the invite. I asked him if the field was baited because he had the reputation for also skirting the laws on dove hunting. He assured me that all was legal and that I had nothing to worry about. 

So, the next day as I and another buddy drove up on the field and began to spread out, I once again asked about baiting. The property owner said, “Well there might be some scattered seed out in the middle, but he felt we were good to go.” Now that I was nervous and anxious, my buddy decided to let us know that if we see a green truck with a red light on top come over the levy, run into the woods and hide. 

Well sure as shoot’n, thirty minutes into the hunt the green truck with the red light rolled over the levy and onto the property. Heart racing, my  friend and I hit the woods on a dead sprint hoping to evade the game warden. Then the game warden emerged from the truck and shouted out for our buddy who invited us on this outlaw hunt. He wanted to know who else was hunting with him that day. My buddy promptly cranked the bus and ran over us by replying that me and my friend had run into the woods. 

The game warden called for us to come out and announced that it was okay to hunt. He also pulled out his shotgun and began to hunt with us….over a baited field!!!  Only in Louisiana! 

Now we all know that there will always be good cops and bad cops, but today I feel things are different in Louisiana. Personally knowing several Louisiana game wardens, I don’t think this would happen today…..or at least I hope not! 

Till next time, good luck, good hunting and the next time you’re invited on a dove hunt, do what you’re supposed to do….inspect the field yourself. 

Steve Graf

Angler’s Perspective

Gimme an “E!” for “excitement!”

Go team!

It’s ‘that’ time of year, and the password is “excited!”

We can talk volleyball or soccer, and “certainly there is reason for excitement!” as most any coach would say, about the upcoming prospects on the court and on the pitch.

But the Kingpin of Autumn is football, so …

Pigskin Excitement!

Of all your excitements, the best and most contagious kind has got to be Pigskin Excitement! Optimism is rampant, hyperbole is free and easy.

And so — here we are. With August and the first days of (legal) practice knocking at the door, the only way to get in is to say you’re “excited,” or one of its cousins.

You can be “Eager!” or “Fired up!” or “Stoked!” or “Juiced!” or even, if you are light-headed due to excitement, “in a tizzy!”

It does not matter if you’re a Rhodes Scholar pulling guard or a quarterback with a rocket arm and chicken lo mein for brains, if you are not “EXCITED!” then buddy you’d better GET excited or get your butt OUT of this locker room and OFF this field!

These are exciting times!

But … what about the teams that SAY they’re excited but are NOT excited? What about the teams that are just flat-out depressed? Don’t they deserve some love too? 

We’ve been around and can testify: there’s not always a lot of exciting joy in Mudville.

There is what you will read in the newspapers and hear on film clips — “After an inspired offseason, we’re excited about getting on the field and sending these seniors out as champions!” — and there is what you will hear when the depressed coach walks back to the training room and pours his soul out, sweaty hat in hand, to the equipment manager. 

“We’re not worth donating to the homeless store. It depresses me to think that State U. is going to come in here in about eight weeks, right about the time we’re 2-5, and beat us like a rented mule.

“And ol’ Frankie Junior, he could be the best tight end in the league but I swear, if he was any dumber, we’d have to water that boy twice a day.

“We tried to put in a new system in the off-season and, Moses and Enoch themselves as my witness, it’s not going to be any better than the OLD system because we have the SAME players! We don’t need a new system; we need new players. Preferably ones with IQ’s higher than their shoe sizes. 

“On top of that, our mascot is getting neutered Tuesday. Did you know that? Doesn’t even have a vote. We’ve got more problems than a little bit. 

“And jock itch has infected the whole team. I’m telling you I’m so unlucky, I could reach in a barrel of silver dollars and pull out a penny.

“Only thing that can save us now is the NC Double A fining us and putting us on permanent suspension so we don’t have to play, but we’re too poor to have broken any rules. We couldn’t buy the toot off a whistle if they were selling for a nickel a pop. Boy if heartaches were commercials, I’d be all over everybody’s television sets…

“Meanwhile I’m having to tell the press and fans we’re ‘excited!’ Yesterday I even threw out a ‘SUPER-excited!’ Think they bought it?

“You know what excites me? That the season won’t last forever. 

“But it’s sure gonna seem that way.”

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

Please send all non-profit calendar events to cpjnewsla@gmail.com

August 1 (2 – 5 p.m.)

Haynesville Jr./Sr. High School’s Meet the Teacher Night

(6th Grade Orientation will take place from 4 to 5 p.m.)

August 3 (at dark)

Back to School Bash – First Annual Glow Float – Pleasure Point Marina

August 5 (4 -6 p.m.)

Homer Jr. High’s Meet the Teacher Night

August 5 (4 – 6 p.m.)

Summerfield High School Back to School Event

October 7 – 11 

Claiborne Parish Livestock Show 

October 12 (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.)

Car Show with Raffles, Prizes, Cake Auction and Food Trucks benefiting CASA

1952 N. Railroad Ave, Arcadia, La. 

October 19 

Louisiana Legends Fest – Vendor Registration is now open 

http://www.LegendsFest.us

The following arrests were made by local law enforcement agencies.

07/23/24

Shandeka Jackson of Haynesville was arrested by the Haynesville Police Department for domestic abuse battery. 

July 27

Prentis R. Washington of Athens was arrested by the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office on outstanding warrants for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm in presence of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of Schedule I (marijuana) with intent to distribute, possession of Legend drug without prescription, possession of Schedule IV, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting an officer and traffic offenses. 

July 28

Asuni D’Mara Pickings of Haynesville was arrested by the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office on outstanding warrant. 

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Notice of Death – July 30, 2024

James Reginald Blewer

Visitation: Tuesday, July 30, 2024, 5 – 7 p.m., Edmonds Funeral Home, Jonesboro, La.

Funeral service: Wednesday, July 31, 2024, 2 p.m., Southern-Edmonds F.W. Chapel, Jonesboro, La. 

Burial to follow at Friendship Cemetery, Bienville, La. 

Apryl Diskill Betteridge

Visitation: Friday, August 02, 2024, 5 – 7 p.m., Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Arcadia, La. 

Funeral service: Saturday, August 03, 2024, 10 – 11 a.m., Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Arcadia, La.

Burial to follow at Driskill Cemetery, Arcadia, La. 

Nelda Thomas Dean

Visitation: Saturday, August 03, 2024, 2 – 3 p.m., Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Homer, La. 

Memorial service will be held following visitation from 3 – 4 p.m.

Joyce Moreland Rawls

Visitation: Saturday, August 10, 2024, 2 – 3 p.m., Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Homer, La. 

Memorial service will be held following visitation from 3 – 4 p.m.

Claiborne Parish Journal publishes paid complete obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $80. Contact your funeral provider or cpjnewsla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Above death notices are no charge.)

By Paige Gurgainers

Greg Lawson of Ringgold finally had his day in court on Thursday, July 18, after District Judge Rick Warren denied a motion for a new trial the previous Monday. Lawson has now been sentenced to 45 years in prison without the possibility of parole for attempted second-degree murder. 

Lawson spent more than 30 years on the run facing charges of second-degree murder following an altercation that turned violent outside of a Ringgold grocery store in 1990. The victim, Seth Garlington, suffered four gunshot wounds, including one to the hand and two other superficial wounds. He was transported to Schumpert Medical Center’s intensive-care unit and later released. 

Lawson was booked on a charge of attempted second-degree murder, but was soon released on a bond of $50,000. He was later indicted on 12 charges in 1990 by a Bienville Parish Grand Jury, including aggravated assault, aggravated criminal damage, attempted second-degree murder, criminal damage to motor vehicles, attempted manslaughter, battery with a dangerous weapon, illegal use of a firearm and disturbing the peace. Lawson pleaded innocent and was released on a bond of $175,000. 

The trial was moved to Claiborne District Court in Homer due to pretrial publicity in Bienville Parish.

It only took the 12-person jury half an hour to find Greg Max Lawson guilty, but Lawson was nowhere to be found. According to reports, while the jury was deliberating, Lawson who was free on bond simply walked out of the courtroom.

In September 2023 a tip received by the FBI – New Orleans division eventually led to the arrest of Lawson in Mexico. Deputies with the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office traveled to Houston, Texas to pick him up and book him into the Claiborne Parish Detention Center.

Garlington, the victim, was present at Thursday’s hearing. He provided a written statement but chose not to read it himself. In this statement he mentioned that he did forgive Lawson. 

Lawson also made a statement, as well as his brother, both urging for leniency. 

The judge only considered the charge of second-degree murder while sentencing and made the decision not to include Lawson’s 3 decades as a wanted fugitive as a factor. 

At this time Lawson will remain at the Claiborne Parish Detention Center and will be transferred at a later date. 

Graveside Services will be held for Mrs. Margaret Elizabeth Ware Coleman, age 80, at Arlington Cemetery, in Homer, LA, on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., with Rev. Tim Pruitt, officiating. 

Mrs. Margaret was born January 19, 1944, in Pascagoula, MS, to Milton S. and Mildred E. Anderson Ware. She entered into rest on July 21, 2024, in Minden, LA. Mrs. Margaret served the Lord she loved in church and family. She would tell others of her Lord’s free gift of Salvation. Speaking her mind was expect from her if anything was asked of her. Reading her Bible and listening to gospel music was done daily in her home. Mrs. Margaret enjoyed her coffee so much that she had a coffee percolator going throughout the day. She worked from home to help her husband with Coleman Exterminating Business in Greenville, MS. Mrs. Margaret was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother and will be greatly missed

 She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charlie S. Coleman; daughter, Margery Coleman; sister, Dorothy Jean Davis; and brother, Johnny Phillips.

 She is survived by her three sons, Charles Coleman and wife Tanya of Tupelo, MS, Joseph Coleman and wife Ruth of Homer, LA, and Ben Coleman and wife Merry of Minden, LA; a daughter, Angie Coleman and fiance Xavier Alsape of Clio, MI; four sisters, Sharon Fletcher, Marie Duke, Barbara Winters, Jeanette Blake, Cindy Phillips and Debbie Weaver; five grandchildren that she was affectionally known as “MaMaw” to Angel, Katherine, Morgan, Nathaniel and wife Haley, and Zackary; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Margaret’s family would like to express their gratitude to Town and Country Nursing Home and Rehab and Passages Hospice along with their staffs for the care and compassion shown her.

Pallbearers will be Phillip Roncali, Tim Winters, Nathaniel Coleman, Zackary Coleman, Jimbo Morgan, and Matthew Simonelli.

Re-certification and/or first-time sign-ups for the “Food for Seniors” program, sponsored by the Claiborne Parish Police Jury – Office of Community Services, will begin Wednesday, July 24 through Friday, July 26.

This is a commodity box program. To qualify you must be 60 years of age or older and must meet income guidelines. Participants cannot be on both the Office of Community Service list and the Claiborne Parish Council on Aging list. The Council on Aging will also be holding sign-ups, as well. Reach out to their office if you are already a part of their program and have questions.

From July 24 to 26, bring a Louisiana photo ID and proof of income (Social Security award letter, Disability award letter, pay stubs, bank statements, etc.) to Claiborne Community Services located at 621 South Main Street in Homer, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Louisiana Supreme Court Justice James T. “Jimmy” Genovese was introduced Tuesday in Natchitoches as the 21st president of Northwestern State University. The event is archived on the university website, nsula.edu, and the Facebook/NorthwesternStateUniversity page.

Since the retirement of longtime President Dr. Randall J. Webb in 2014, in each of the following presidential searches, the NSU Alumni Association has endorsed a candidate. After the recent semi finalist interviews, the Association’s board of directors called a special meeting to discuss and voted to endorse the finalist.

Traditionally, the Alumni Association president participates on the search committee which gives us a line of sight into the entire search process. Current Alumni Association President Leah Sherman Middlebrook of Bossier City served in that role in this search.

“The following resolution shows our strong support for the new president. We are excited about his vision and leadership,” she said.

A Resolution of Endorsement by the Northwestern State University Alumni Association of The Honorable James Genovese, J.D., for the Position of President of Northwestern State University;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Northwestern State University Alumni Association has reviewed and evaluated the finalists selected by the ULS NSU Presidential Search Committee for the position of President of Northwestern State University in connection with the search for this position which is being conducted by the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Northwestern State University Alumni Association believe that the qualifications and credentials possessed by the Honorable James Genovese, J.D., place him in a position to be the best choice to serve as the next President of Northwestern State University, for reasons to include:

1.That the Honorable James Genovese, J.D., has a distinguished record of accomplishment and demonstrated leadership skills at all of his levels of public service for over four decades, including his current tenure as Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court;

2.That the Honorable James Genovese, J.D., has a leadership style that is collaborative, consultative, open, and transparent, balanced by a record of strong leadership and a willingness to make tough decisions;

3.That the Honorable James Genovese, J.D., has an appreciation and understanding that the interests of the students are paramount;

4.That the Honorable James Genovese, J.D., possesses impeccable integrity;

5.That the Honorable James Genovese, J.D., has an appreciation of the values and objectives of our alma mater which includes a dedication to quality teaching and scholarship, as well as a commitment to enhance the academic profile and reputation of the university;

6.That the Honorable James Genovese, J.D., recognizes the importance of attracting, recruiting, and developing excellent administrators, and a commitment to building a strong, collaborative leadership team;
 
7.That the Honorable James Genovese, J.D., has a commitment to recruit and retain a highly qualified faculty;

8.That the Honorable James Genovese, J.D., has an appreciation and understanding of the unique quality of life issues for a Northwestern student, including an appreciation for the arts, history, and unique culture of the area;

9.That the Honorable James Genovese, J.D., has a commitment to supporting and embracing the unique characteristics of our university and university community;

10.That the Honorable James Genovese, J.D., will work effectively with the Board of Supervisors and implement the board’s policies;

11.That the Honorable James Genovese, J.D., has a proven ability to communicate effectively at all levels, to include faculty, staff, students, families, alumni, legislators, community leaders and other external constituents, as well as to maintain strong professional relations with elected officials and higher educational leadership;

12.That the Honorable James Genovese, J.D., has a strong commitment to athletics, and it is specifically noted that he was a Demon athlete and letter winner as a member and leader of the Northwestern tennis team;

13.That the Honorable James Genovese, J.D., will take a prominent and sustained role in fund raising to expand the university’s resource base, additions to endowments, gifts for facilities, scholarships and financial support for our faculty and staff; and

14.That the Honorable James Genovese, J.D., will foster an environment of optimism, creativity, and innovation.

WHEREAS, after considering the applicants for the position of President of Northwestern State University, the Board of Directors of the Northwestern State University Alumni Association has elected to endorse the Honorable James Genovese, J.D., as the next President of Northwestern State University

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Directors of the Northwestern State University Alumni Board hereby endorse the Honorable James Genovese, J.D., as the next President of Northwestern State University, and respectfully request the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System to select the Honorable James Genovese, J.D., as the next President of Northwestern State University.
After consideration of this Resolution at a special meeting of the Board of Directors of the Northwestern State University Alumni Board of Directors held on the 17th day of July, 2024, on the motion by Joseph B. Stamey, and seconded by Dr. Hayward Hargrove, Jr., and John R. Evans, to adopt the Resolution, a record vote was taken and the following result was had:

The Board of Directors voted unanimously in favor of the Resolution to endorse The Honorable James Genovese, J.D. as President of Northwestern State University.

THUS, UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED at a special meeting of the Board of Directors of the Northwestern State University Alumni Board of Directors held on the 17th day of July, 2024.

ATTEST:  Leah Sherman Middlebrook NSU Alumni President.


(This article is a paid message on behalf of the NSU Alumni Association)

As the upcoming school year is approaching, it is important to have plenty of healthy snack options available. A significant portion of kids daily calories come from snacks, so it is important to make sure nutrient rich foods are always available. For healthy growth and development, make fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat/fat-free dairy products the primary choices.

Do not forget, in addition to nourishing bodies, snacks provide an opportunity to practice healthy eating habits. Here are some simple 100 calorie or less ideas below.

Fruits

1 small banana
1 medium apple
¼ cup raisins
1 cup whole strawberries
½ cup canned fruit cocktail in juice (not syrup)
½ cup orange juice

Vegetables

1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes
2 cups raw mixed veggies with 2 tablespoons fat-free dressing
12 baby carrots
18 small celery sticks
1 cup raw cauliflower
1 cup low-sodium vegetable juice

Breads, Cereals, Rice, and Pasta

½ cup oat circles cereal
2 graham cracker squares
3 cups air-popped popcorn
½ whole-wheat English muffin with jelly
4 whole-wheat crackers, unsalted
2 brown rice and multigrain rice cakes

Fat-free or Low-fat Milk, Cheese, and Yogurt

6 ounces cup fat-free plain yogurt
½ cup low-fat cottage cheese 1 cup fat-free milk
½ cup fat-free pudding
½ cup fat-free frozen yogurt
1-ounce low-fat cheddar cheese

Other Snacks

1 large hardboiled egg
8 baked tortilla chips with salsa
10 almonds

Shakera Williams, DrHSc, MPH Assistant Extension Agent Nutrition and Community Health, (Flavors of Health, SNAP-Ed, CDC-HOP) Webster and Claiborne parishes Parish Chair Webster Parish

Olympics News hot of the press: 

There was a danger that our world-class American athletes competing in the 2024 Summer Games from Paris might not have air-conditioning.

No one loves the “good ol’ days” more than me. AM radio and Tammy Wynette. Screen doors. Front porches. Movies with dialogue. The only travel ball was in the major leagues.

Old days were the best — EXCEPT for automatic banking, streaming channels, and air-conditioning. And the leadoff hitter of those three is AC.

Has to be. Game-changer. 

So why no AC in Paris at the Olympics?

If you are an American who enjoys, even celebrates, seeing our country win at anything, and if you are an American who is spoiled rotten when it comes to air-conditioning, this less-than-thrilling and less-than-chilling news that our athletes might have to sleep in a France toaster is enough to make you break out in a cold sweat. 

Or a hot sweat. (Sometimes I get my sweats confused.)

The Games open today with football (we call it soccer), rugby sevens (no idea), handball (some idea but not really), archery (some idea: cowboy movies when I was little), shooting (pretty good idea, unfortunately, since I can read a newspaper), and Friday, FINALLY, the Opening Ceremony and badminton (some idea: church camp) and rowing (some idea: fishing).

If you miss the start, not an issue. We still have two wonderful weeks of swimming, diving, fencing, gymnasticsing, boxing, taekwondoing, cycling, weightlifting, pentathloning, “modern” pentathloning, basketballing, canoe sprinting (what the …?), sport climbing, running, jumping, and watching Coca-Cola and Visa commercials.

And, if the Americans are lucky, sleeping between winning golds.

Sleeping during a period of competition is no side chick or fling. Sleeping is part of who brought you to the party. Sleeping is your Main Thang. Gotta sleep.

This notion escaped the French.

They’d decided years ago that these Games would be the most eco-friendly and “greenest” ever, which is fine. Their plan to cut in half the carbon footprint of a “normal” Olympics was admirable — right up until the architects insisted that their non-AC, “energy-efficient geothermal cooling system” of water and pipes and wishes would keep the athletes’ rooms no warmer than 26 Celsius — which is a sultry 79 Fahrenheit in Indoor America.

To which the American coaches and athletes said, “NEG!”

The high temp in Paris during July and August averages 78. Child’s play for the American southerner, for sure. BUT …

We are a habit-driven people. I grew up in a two-story that had a window unit downstairs and a window that opened upstairs. Slept great. But once the world introduced us to central air, nighttime became a different ballgame. 

In rural America, we got used to AC. Really fast.

Expand that rationale for the world-class athlete who has slept at a certain temperature nearly their whole lives in preparation for the Olympics, the most important “athletic days” of their lives. The “optimal bedroom sleep micro-environment” for the Team USA competitor, one of our team physiologists told yahoo!/sports, is 61-65 degrees.

So when the Paris mayor insisted Olympic Village athletes would be “very comfortable” at “no warmer than 79,” athletes from the USA, Canada, Italy, Brazil, Greece, Japan, Australia and the like said, “Comfortable compared to WHAT?”

So those countries have either brought their own portable air-conditioners or are renting ones the French organizers have made available. No one wanted to come off as a spoiled or ungrateful visitor: they just didn’t want to be sweating in their PJs on the eve of running the 100. 

Many countries — Germany, Tonga, Samoa, plus the Swiss and French come to mind — don’t need or aren’t used to AC. They’re chill without it.

To each his own.

And that’s the point. We really are creatures of habit. Hey, the French gave us chocolate and perfume and the beret and fries. They meant no harm with the AC thing. But if the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre were in Kansas or Richmond or Shreveport, you can bet your last shred of Brie or Roquefort that they’d be air-conditioned. Set around 68, at the highest.

Have a great (and cool) Olympics!

(PS — the diff between the “pentathlon” and the “modern pentathlon”?; the modern one is air-conditioned.)

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

Now in the latter years of my life, I’ve developed a hatred for summers and the high temperatures that come with it. No longer do I look forward those hot summer days the same way I did as a youth.

But today we’re going to turn back the clock on what was one of the  best time periods of my life.

Growing up in my house, there was no such thing as “sleeping in.” Pretty much every day of my life the light switch was turned on in my room no later than 6:30 in the morning. Growing up on a ranch in East Texas was a great privilege of mine and it taught me so much about hard work and responsibility. 

But it was also my playground for hunting and fishing and is where my passion for the outdoors started. I literally spent hours and days transversing the woods and stock ponds of our ranch. This is where I learned to hunt squirrels and deer while our stock ponds were loaded with bass and catfish and was my training ground for fishing.   

But directly across the street from our house a few miles out of town, was the property of Mr. Rayford Jones who was a cattle rancher with a couple of really good catfish ponds. This is where a good friend of mine (Malcolm Jones, Rayford’s grandson) and I spent the majority of those hot summer days fishing for catfish.

Since we did not have cell phones back in those days, we would make arrangements the night before to meet at the one of those catfish ponds just after daylight. We tried to beat the heat by getting out there early but most often we were there until around noon or until we got tired of catching fish. 

Now the worst part about catching catfish was that someone had to clean them, and it didn’t take long for us to make the decision to just enjoy catching and releasing the catfish back into the pond so we could catch them again on another day or you could say, we were just lazy.

One thing about fishing for catfish, it requires much patience but is a fun way to fish. In order to catch catfish, you need bait. Now bait can be in the form of several different things as catfish will eat just about anything including the kitchen sink…. but that’s hard to get on a hook. Some people use what is known as blood bait, which is not only nasty, but stinks to high heaven as well. Frozen shrimp also make great catfish bait along with hotdogs and earthworms. 

But we liked to double our fun by using what is known as cut bait. This is where you first catch a few small bream with crickets or earthworms and then cut the tails off and use that for bait. Every now and then, we had so much fun catching the bream, we would just forget about the catfish. 

I’ve often wondered is it hotter today than when were kids? Probably not but we were just acclimated to the heat better since we spent every waking hour outdoors and not inside an airconditioned house. Our parents insisted you stay outside even if you were thirsty. Thank the Lord for whoever invented the garden hose because this was a survival tool for kids of my generation. 

Shade trees were not just a part of our front yard, they were a gathering spot to get some relief from the summer sun. The only thing better than a shade tree, was a fruit tree. There were several pear and apple trees in the area along with a couple of fig trees that were all used for survival. A lot of people back during the 60’s and 70’s planted fruit trees; something you don’t see much anymore.  

I miss these days and really enjoyed growing up the way I did. If we weren’t fishing, we were playing baseball on a sandlot or any backyard we could find. Yes, there were a few broken windows, but our sandlot games were fun and a great training ground for developing our baseball skills. If was too hot to play baseball, we went to the local swimming pool in order to beat the heat. 

I know it was a different time, but back then we had freedom and the ability to go wherever our bikes could takes us. We did not need or have much favor towards babysitters. We also never complained about it being too hot, we beat it with a Wham-O Water Wiggle or a Slip-N-Slide. 

Till next time, good luck, good fishing and make sure to wear your sunscreen. Melanoma is the number one killer of all cancers so take the time to protect yourself.

Steve Graf

Angler’s Perspective

Please send all non-profit calendar events to cpjnewsla@gmail.com

July 26-27 (8 p.m. nightly)

Mt. Olive Christian School Rodeo

August 1 (2 – 5 p.m.)

Haynesville Jr./Sr. High School’s Meet the Teacher Night

(6th Grade Orientation will take place from 4 to 5 p.m.)

August 3 (at dark)

Back to School Bash – First Annual Glow Float – Pleasure Point Marina

August 5 (4 -6 p.m.)

Homer Jr. High’s Meet the Teacher Night

August 5 (4 – 6 p.m.)

Summerfield High School Back to School Event

October 7 – 11 

Claiborne Parish Livestock Show 

October 12 (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.)

Car Show with Raffles, Prizes, Cake Auction and Food Trucks benefiting CASA

1952 N. Railroad Ave, Arcadia, La. 

October 19 

Louisiana Legends Fest – Vendor Registration is now open 

http://www.LegendsFest.us