Claiborne Unite Foundation, Inc, the non-profit organization that produces the annual Louisiana Legends Festival reported the 2024 Festival grant and made grant presentations on February 10, 2025. The CUF Board of Directors approved a LLF Community Partner Grant amount of $10,000. This grant amount represented over 56% of the operating profit of the 2024 Louisiana Legends Festival.

CUF Vice President and Volunteer Coordinator, Beverly Hightower announced that a record number of 135 volunteers registered and logged activity throughout the planning and production of the Louisiana Legends Fest. The volunteers accumulated 1,594.5 total points, resulting in each volunteer point value of $6.27. Seventeen Claiborne Parish organizations, registered as LLF Community Partners and had volunteer hours designated to their grant. “Over the first four years the unique LLF Community Partners Program has allowed Claiborne Parish organizations to share in a total of $48,000 in earned grants. “CUF Treasurer, Mary Hamil explained. “This is money in addition to the Community Organization earnings through the Community Food Court, Special Events, and Vendor sales. Based on self-reporting of those activities, the Legends Fest has generated nearly $120,000 for CP non-profits.”

Eric Shivley, CUF Board Member reminded the attendees that promoting Claiborne Parish to visitors, honoring our history, and raising money for Parish organizations is the fulfillment of the CUF mission. Board member, Tina Kendrick reminded all that the Louisiana Legends Fest is a Sponsor driven event and wanted to remind all to visit http://www.legendfest.us and make certain everyone thanks our sponsors for their continued support.

The organizations that received grant checks included: Athens Fireman’s Fund, Boys and Girls Club of Timber Ridge, Claiborne Parish 4H, Claiborne Academy, Claiborne Healthcare Foundation, Claiborne Parish Daughters of the American Revolution, Claiborne Unite Foundation, Community Coordinating Council, CW Outreach, Haynesville Celebration of Butterflies, Homer Garden Club, Homer High FBLA, Main Street Homer, Legacy Family Church, Summerfield High School, and the Hebert S. Ford Museum.

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by Wesley Harris

Claiborne Parish Library Historian

The parish seat—thus the courthouse—was first housed in John Murrell’s home before it moved to Russellville, then Overton, then to Athens, and finally to Homer.

The Claiborne Parish courthouse, then located in Athens, was destroyed by fire on November 7, 1849. The fire, the suspected work of an arsonist, destroyed all the parish records.

The first courthouse built in Homer in 1855 lasted only three years before it became so dilapidated that it was condemned in 1858. Its replacement, the current building, has been in continuous use for 162 years.

The current courthouse was completed on September 3, 1861, at a cost of $12,304.36. It was constructed of red brick made from local clay fired in a kiln and lumber cut from Bayou D’arbonne’s middlefork bottomland.

The original lawn extended 45 feet from each side of the courthouse. Ground was eventually lost to the widening of the surrounding streets.

Several cisterns were built into the courthouse lawn. Piping carried rainwater from the roof into the cisterns. It is unknown how many cisterns remain underground.

The red brick exterior of the courthouse was covered in plaster sometime in the early decades of the 20th century.

At one time, restrooms were added underneath the courthouse. They were accessed by descending steps outside the building. They have since been sealed.

A historical marker was placed on the courthouse grounds in 1957.

On December 5, 1962, the Claiborne Parish Police Jury passed a resolution to call for a tax election to tear down the courthouse and build a new one. The vote came just six months after a ceremony commemorating the 100th anniversary of the building and its “excellent state of repair.” Five days after the first vote, the Police Jury met again to rescind that action and ask for a millage increase to make improvements to the building.

In 1964, renovations to the building cost $123,162.93.

At one time, political rallies were common occurrences on the courthouse lawn.

The courthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981, signifying its importance to Homer and Claiborne Parish history.

A Confederate soldier memorial weighing 8,000 pounds was added to the lawn in 1940. The statue was paid for by private donations and was removed in 2020. It is displayed elsewhere in Claiborne Parish.

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Residents can expect a mix of sunshine, mild temperatures, and occasional rain chances in the coming days as early morning fog gives way to mostly clear skies.

Wednesday: Patchy dense fog is expected before 9 a.m., followed by mostly sunny skies and a high near 75°F. Winds will remain calm, shifting south at around 5 mph. Overnight, conditions turn mostly cloudy with lows around 51°F and calm winds.

Thursday: A slight 20% chance of showers before noon, with clouds gradually clearing to sunny skies. The high will reach near 67°F with a light north wind at 5 mph. The night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to around 40°F.

Friday and Saturday: Both days will be sunny, with highs of 71°F on Friday and warming up to 76°F on Saturday. Nighttime temperatures will remain mild, with lows in the mid-40s.

Sunday: Mostly sunny with a 20% chance of showers in the afternoon and a high near 70°F. Rain chances increase Sunday night, with a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms and a low around 49°F.

Monday and Tuesday: Rain chances persist at the start of the workweek, with a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms on Monday and highs near 67°F. Monday night remains mostly cloudy with a 30% chance of showers and a low around 52°F. By Tuesday, rain chances increase to 50%, with partly sunny skies and highs near 73°F.

Residents should be prepared for patchy morning fog midweek and keep an eye on developing rain chances later in the week.

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Thick morning fog has blanketed the region this week, creating hazardous driving conditions for commuters. To help ensure safety on the roads, the National Weather Service has provided key tips for navigating foggy conditions.

Motorists are advised to take the following precautions:

Reduce Speed – Allow extra travel time and drive cautiously.

Use Low-Beam Headlights – Low beams improve visibility while also ensuring your taillights remain on.

Fog lights can be used if available.

Avoid High Beams – High-beam lights cause glare, making it harder to see ahead.

Increase Following Distance – Leave extra space between vehicles to allow for sudden stops.

Follow Road Markings – Use the painted lines on the road as a guide to stay in the correct lane.

Pull Over in Extreme Fog – If visibility is near zero, turn on hazard lights and pull into a safe location, such as a parking lot, until conditions improve.

Stopping on the Roadside – If no parking lot is available, pull as far off the road as possible. Once stopped, turn off all lights except hazard flashers to prevent other drivers from mistaking your vehicle for one still in motion.

With foggy conditions expected to continue, drivers are urged to remain vigilant and prioritize safety. Stay cautious and allow extra time for travel until visibility improves.

By Doug De Graffenried

Right now, I have a laptop where it belongs. I am composing this wonderful tome for you sitting in my recliner. To the right of my keyboard is a numeric keypad. I rarely use the calculator function. It seems I only use the numbers for my passwords. Next to my laptop on the arm of the chair is my cell phone. Of course, on the table next to the cell phone is the remote for the TV. I have a laptop, cell phone, and an iPad all within reach. I think for Lent I need to give up being connected or maybe go on a digital diet.

Do you remember when phones were attached to the wall, had chords, and rotary dials? If you had to make the rare long-distance phone call, it took quite a while with that rotary dial phone. Yes, I do remember party lines. A party line was a vast treasure trove of information for the community, not that anyone ever listened to a party line call.

Cell phones are everywhere now. You can’t escape them. It seems they are always going off in church, at weddings, and even at funerals. Yes, we are all secretly laughing at that dumb ring tone you have set as your default for your phone. There are some things that can’t be unheard over the hushed crowd at the funeral.

So, I am looking at the numbers on my phone. One, two and three are across the top line of the phone. On the computer keypads one, two, and three are across the bottom. I have noticed this same phenomenon at ATM’s and gas pump numeric pads. I’m wondering why. Why can’t all the numeric keypads have the same arrangement?

Whoever oversees numbers, could you get together so there will be only one pattern on these number pads? It is very confusing to those of us who use both.

As a minister people often ask me “why?” I will tell you that ministers mostly can’t answer why questions. Those are management questions. We minister types are pretty good at answering “how” questions. So, if you are dealing with some “why” event in your life, I invite you to church we can talk about “how” you can live through your “why.”

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By Steve Graf

Times sure have changed here on Walton’s Mountain as bass tournaments have become a magnet for anglers looking to cash a check and make some money — illegally. In a few cases, it’s just about fulfilling their ego by being the so-called “best” angler on their designated lake. These are anglers who want you to think that they are the best fisherman on the planet! Let’s look at why cheating has become the preferred technique when it comes to tournament bass fishing.

If I had to speculate on why this has become a problem nationwide, I would first look at the money involved. Bass tournaments today are offering some big money and prize packages. For example, the Bob Sealy Big Bass Splash Series offers a prize package valued at over $100,000 for the biggest bass caught in their event. THAT’S $100,000 FOR JUST ONE FISH!

Numerous trails with both team and individual formats are offering anywhere from $10,000 up to $75,000 for first place. But the cheaters aren’t just showing up at these major tournaments, they’re also backing their boats in the water at your local Thursday night three-hour shootouts, which is really sad!

If it’s not for money, then what other reason would someone have to cheat? For guys that like to race, it’s the need for speed that’s the addiction, but for bass anglers fishing for a couple of hundred dollars on a three-hour event in the middle of the week, I’m still trying to wrap my brain around the reason for cheating.

Once you’ve been labeled a cheater in the bass tournament world, your reputation is gone, and everyone knows the kind of person you really are. It’s just not worth losing your pride and dignity.

Are the anglers who cheat just a sign of the times and the world we are living in? A lot of people today are looking for a shortcut and don’t want to earn their keep. Not many people want to work for what they have! They either want it given to them or they will cheat to get what they think they deserve.

I’ve even witnessed, first-hand, guys who thought it was OK to cheat in a golf tournament by turning in a score that wasn’t a true reflection of their actual score. This was all for a $200 gift card to the local pro shop! This seems to be especially prevalent with the younger generation, which is very disturbing to me.

Where have we gone wrong with raising kids that think it’s OK to cheat or stretch the truth, or is it a “social media” thing? Now we just might be onto something here, as both young and old people love to post their accomplishments on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok. I guess they think it gives them instant fame and credibility on their ability to achieve success.

All I know is this — IT HAS TO STOP! People who fall into the “cheaters” category need to be taken out behind the woodshed and taught a lesson. I’m wondering when the day will come where tournament anglers take a page from the NASCAR guys and hold kangaroo courts in the parking lot.

The next thing that must happen is when these guys get caught cheating and committing fraud: judges need to come down harder on them with automatic jail time and a lifetime ban from fishing tournaments. All fishing tackle including rods and reels, their bass boat and any other equipment needs to be forfeited.

I’m personally tired of going to tournaments and asking the question, “did they cheat or was their catch legitimate?” The problem is that no event is immune from someone cheating. Even the Fishers of Men Tournament Trail, a Christian anglers tournament trail, has delt with this issue lately. How sad is it that someone thinks it’s OK to cheat in a Fishers of Men event!

Besides the issues with forward facing sonar, cheating is just another reason honest anglers are walking away from bass tournaments and refusing to pony up entry fees. They’re tired of worrying about that two percent of anglers out there that don’t want to play by the rules. Both issues are having a negative effect on tournament organizations trying to provide a reputable bass fishing trail.

Here’s my concern. One day something bad is going to happen to one of these low-life cheaters when they show up at an event and anglers decide to take matters into their own hands. I just hope they have good medical insurance!

‘Til next time, keep your boots dry and your hooks wet. And remember, if you must cheat to win, you’re really a loser!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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On this day in history, February 26, 1932, one of America’s most iconic musicians was born—Johnny Cash. Known as “The Man in Black,” Cash’s music transcended genres, blending country, rock, blues, and gospel into a sound that resonated with generations of fans.

A Life in Music

Born in Kingsland, Arkansas, Cash grew up during the Great Depression, an experience that deeply influenced his storytelling style. His breakthrough came in the 1950s with hits like I Walk the Line and Folsom Prison Blues, which showcased his deep voice and signature boom-chicka-boom rhythm.

Over his decades-long career, Cash recorded over 1,500 songs, won 13 Grammy Awards, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame—a rare and prestigious honor.

His Legacy Lives On

Even after his passing in 2003, Cash’s influence remains strong. His music continues to inspire artists across multiple genres, and his story is immortalized in the 2005 film Walk the Line. On this special anniversary of his birth, fans around the world are revisiting his greatest hits and reflecting on the legacy of one of music’s greatest storytellers.

By Brad Dison

During World War II, Leslie Townes was a civilian working with the United States military. Leslie was so skilled at his job that he led a group of sometimes as many as 30 other male and female civilians who also worked with the military. Leslie and his team went wherever they were needed, usually on short notice, and performed their jobs to perfection.

On April 30, 1945, when Soviet soldiers surrounded Hitler’s command bunker in Berlin and Hitler realized that Germany would lose the Battle of Berlin, he and several others in his bunker committed suicide. On May 2, the Berlin garrison surrendered to the Soviet army and the war in Europe was over. Leslie and his team had been working in Germany at the time the Soviets overran Berlin. Because of Leslie’s work, the Russians provided him with a pass and transportation to get into Berlin to see Hitler’s bunker. Remember, Russia was our ally during World War II. Leslie could not pass up the opportunity. Several Air Force men who had just returned from flying President Harry Truman to the Potsdam Conference accompanied Leslie to the bunker. Leslie said, “They drove me in a big car past all the rubble that used to be Berlin… There were all these Russian sentries guarding a big concrete dome sticking up out of the ground, covered by grass and mud, surrounded by huge bomb craters.” Leslie was shocked by what he saw inside. He said, “The place was a shambles, furniture scattered all around,” then added, “as if the last tenant had just gotten a divorce and his ex-wife had tried to take the rugs with her.”

Leslie and his Air Force escorts began collecting some of the smaller items from the bunker. The Russian guards made no attempt to stop them. The Russians had already rummaged through and collected what they considered valuable. Some of the items Leslie collected from Hitler’s bunker included stationary with Adolph Hitler’s initials and the handle from Hitler’s toilet. While the Air Force men collected other items, one of them noticed Leslie staring at a large swastika flag which covered one whole wall. As Leslie contemplated what that flag represented as he stood just feet from where the dictator met his demise by his own hand, one of the airmen said, “would you like to have that?” Leslie was a little doubtful. He did not want to leave the swastika flag flying as Hitler had left it, but he was unsure how they would get it out of the bunker. Finally, the airmen rolled it up from the floor to the ceiling and removed it from its fasteners. They folded it as well as they could. The guard, who had paid little attention to them until now, was watching their every move. The airmen gave the guard a couple packs of American cigarettes. In return, the guard gave them an iron cross that he had found in the bunker. Leslie referred to this as the first post-war Russian-American trade pact. As the guard lit a cigarette, Leslie and the airmen left Hitler’s bunker with Leslie’s large swastika flag. Leslie’s plan was to display the items in a museum.

Following the war, Leslie’s work with the U.S. military continued until his retirement in 1991. He had worked with the military for 50 years. In 1997, Congress passed a bill that made him an honorary veteran of the Armed Forces. Leslie was the first American to be so honored by Congress. During the presentation at the Capitol Rotunda, Senator Strom Thurmond presented a resolution which referred to Leslie as, “a great man, a great American, a great entertainer.” The man who took Hitler’s flag from his bunker, who led his troupe of performers around the world entertaining the soldiers for 50 years, was Leslie Townes “Bob” Hope.

Sources:

1. Bob Hope with Melville Shavelson, Don’t Shoot, It’s Only Me (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, New York, 1990), 48.

2. The Times and Democrat (Orangeburg, South Carolina), October 30, 1997, p.3.

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Gov. Jeff Landry visited Northwestern State University on Feb. 25 to meet with community officials, legislators and leaders in business, industry, education and economic development to address the pending closure of the International Paper mill in Campti and its projected negative impact for Natchitoches Parish. 

“There is no one who understands the economic impact of the loss of these jobs more than me,” Landry said, referencing the closure of multiple Fruit of the Loom facilities in south Louisiana in the 1990s and early 2000s. “It’s not only the jobs that are leaving the Campti facility, but the downstream effect of what it does to the small businesses that are attached. While I don’t have all the answers today, I can tell you that we will continue to work towards building economic opportunities throughout central and north Louisiana.”

“I think that the greatest opportunity that we have for economic development is actually central and northern Louisiana,” he said, referencing the selection of Richland Parish as the site of Meta’s $10 billion artificial intelligence data center.

The governor said a proposed constitutional amendment on the March 29 ballot to reform the state’s tax code could open new opportunities to bring jobs to north and central Louisiana. He has also tasked higher education administrators with shaping Louisiana’s universities and community college systems to support jobs and industry.

“I think it’s evident from the governor’s remarks that his intention is clearly to bring the full force of the government to do whatever we can do to mitigate the reality of this decision by IP,” said Susan Bourgeois, secretary of the Department of Louisiana Economic Development. “One of the things I started out talking about in my role was that we really had to take the whole of government approach to economic development. It’s not just a government solution to the challenges or the opportunities that we face. It really does have to be the private sector, the education sector, the public sector, all of us pulling on the same rope.”

Bourgeois said her office is currently working with five active wood-related projects in north Louisiana.

“We’ve announced 21 wood-related projects in the last seven years that our team is now going to focus on seeing about placement of employees, placement of product and how we can redeploy some of the Louisiana resources that were used at the Campti facility in those projects,” Bourgeois said.

Susie Schowen, secretary of the Louisiana Workforce Commission, said she has engaged a rapid response team, the team that responds to layoffs, who can offer services specifically for IP workers.

“The IP workers are getting services in career counseling, envisioning where their career could go and how to connect with training. We can help offset the cost of that training with the focus of getting people jobs right here in this area.”

“We want to do as much as we can to backfill, to give back, what the closure is going to cause,” Landry said. “We will work as hard as we can and the good news is you’ve got other areas of the state that are performing, and a high tide has a tendency to lift all boats. We are focused on this area, not only Natchitoches but the central and north Louisiana area. We are hyper focused on opportunity because I think that there are opportunities out there.”

Landry said there are companies around the country and around the world are looking for investments in the U.S., which aligns with President Donald Trump’s agenda to boost American manufacturing.

“Right now, that is being driven primarily by the president’s agenda and we want to be able to capture as much of that as we can. You see this great team and we have worked hard and I don’t know anyone who isn’t trying to soften the impact,” he said.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission has resources available at laworks.net/. Information on the Louisiana office of Economic Development is available at opportunitylouisiana.gov/.

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Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry announced new voter list maintenance data sharing agreements with Texas, Mississippi, and Arkansas. These agreements will help ensure the further accuracy of Louisiana’s voter rolls by detecting duplicate registrations within neighboring states.

“I am thankful to Secretary Nelson of Texas, Secretary Watson of Mississippi, former Secretary Thurston and current Secretary Jester of Arkansas for working with our office to help keep our voter list accurate and up-to-date,” Secretary Landry said. “Election integrity is my highest priority as Louisiana’s Secretary of State. These agreements underscore how focused my office is on maintaining safe and secure elections, while also safeguarding voters’ sensitive data.”

Secretary Landry previously announced a similar agreement with Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen in July 2024.

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Bettye Lee Lathan Duggs
April 11, 1940 – February 15, 2025
Visitation: Friday, February 28, 2025 from 2-6 PM Memorial Funeral Home Arcadia
Services: Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 11 AM Springfield Baptist Church Gibsland

Rickey Talley, Sr.
June 1, 1961 – February 18, 2025
Visitation: Saturday, March 1, 2025 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Liberty Hill Cemetery B. C. – Coushatta
Services: Saturday, March 1, 2025 11:00 AM at Liberty Hill Baptist Church – Coushatta

Willie Mae Sims
December 14, 1931 – February 21, 2025
Visitation: Friday, February 28, 2025 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM Memorial Funeral Home – Homer
Services: Saturday, March 1, 2025 3:00 PM First Baptist Church Cordell El Dorado, AR

Claiborne Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or billvance.erg@gmail.com. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to billvance.erg@gmail.com

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A routine booking at the Claiborne Parish Detention Center (CPDC) led to additional felony charges for a Haynesville woman after authorities discovered illegal narcotics in her possession.

On Feb. 12 a Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) deputy responded to the detention center to investigate a complaint regarding the introduction of contraband into a penal facility.

Upon arrival, deputies learned that India Walker, of 1080 McDonald Street, Haynesville, was being booked into CPDC on outstanding arrest warrants. However, during the booking process, CPDC employees found Walker in possession of illegal narcotics, including:

Powder cocaine
Methamphetamine
Acetaminophen with Hydrocodone

Field tests conducted by a CPSO deputy confirmed positive results for the controlled substances.

In addition to her outstanding warrants—which included careless operation, failure to report an accident, no-liability insurance, and driving under suspension—Walker now faces multiple drug-related offenses, including:

Introduction of contraband into a penal facility
Possession of a Schedule III controlled dangerous substance (CDS)
Three counts of possession of a Schedule II CDS
Walker remains in custody as the investigation continues.

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Residents can expect chilly temperatures and clear skies over the next several days, with gradual warming by the start of next week.

On Wednesday, cloudy skies will give way to mostly sunny conditions, but temperatures will remain cold, with a high near 37°F. Wind chill values could drop as low as 12°F, with north winds at 10 mph and gusts reaching up to 25 mph.

By Wednesday night, temperatures will dip even further, with a low around 16°F and wind chills as low as 8°F. Winds will decrease slightly to around 5 mph.

Thursday will bring sunny skies but continued cold weather, with a high near 35°F and a light north wind. The night will be mostly clear, with a low around 18°F.

A slight warming trend begins on Friday, with partly sunny skies and a high near 41°F. Cloud cover increases overnight, with a low around 27°F.

Heading into the weekend, Saturday will be partly sunny, with a 20% chance of showers in the afternoon and a high near 45°F. Saturday night could bring a few more isolated showers, with partly cloudy skies and a low near 31°F.

By Sunday, temperatures will start to rise, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 59°F. Sunday night remains mostly clear, with a low of 39°F.

Looking ahead to Monday, a significant warm-up is expected, with sunny skies and a high near 70°F.

Residents should bundle up for the next few days but can look forward to milder temperatures as the week progresses.

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Red Bird Auction Company, located in Arcadia, is gearing up for its next live auction on Thursday, March 13th, at 10 a.m. Specializing in Industrial Machinery Auctions, Red Bird Auction brings together a wide selection of high-quality equipment ready to find a new home!

Join us at 392 Gap Farms Lane in Arcadia for an onsite auction experience, or participate remotely from anywhere by visiting bidredbird.com to place your bids online. The auction will feature a range of Heavy Machinery and Construction Equipment, including but not limited to Trucks, Cars, Tractors, Big Trucks, Trailers of all kinds and Construction Equipment Implements.

Are you looking to turn your equipment into cash? Red Bird Auction is currently accepting consignments! Contact Burkes Brown today at 601-502-5084 or email burkes@bidredbird.com to consign your items.

Be sure to follow Red Bird Auction Company on Facebook and Instagram for updates and sneak peeks leading up to the event!

Red Bird Auction— License Number LA AB-556.

Paid Content

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Honoring a Louisiana Legend is the centerpiece of the annual Louisiana Legends Festival. Past Legends included Grammy Award winning Blues artist, Bobby Rush, internationally recognized orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. James R. Andrews, Hall of Fame Haynesville High School football coach, Alton “Red” Franklin, the 1957 Homer High “Iron Men” and the first honored Legacy Legend, internationally recognized fashion designer, Geoffrey Beene.

Nominations for the 2025 Louisiana Legend and Legacy Legend Honorees open Feb. 1. The Louisiana Legend honoree is to be a living, distinguished citizen and the Legacy Legend is to recognize a deceased citizen that has had a positive impact on the Parish, State, and/or Nation. This is a unique opportunity to recognize some of the very deserving people of Louisiana.

The nominee can be of any genre of work or activity. The nominee does not have to have a connection to Claiborne Parish, but the Legends Council identifies that as a positive.

Anyone is eligible to submit a candidate for nomination. Nominations will close on Feb. 28. All nominations will be submitted using the designated nominating platform. Previous year nominations that were not selected, remain in nomination for five years after nomination. Finalists will be determined by the initial vote of the LLF Legends Council. Finalists will be subject to historical review and presentation to the LLF Legends Council. LLF Legends Council will vote on 2024 honoree.

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By Doug De Graffenried

This winter has been a great season for the dogs digging holes in the yard. They are unencumbered by grass or other plants. They dig with abandon. They discovered a corner of the yard where fences meet. The corner is a natural low place in the yard, thus aiding their digging.

Their corner digging has become a game. They dig and I fill. The hole is amazing. They have actually dug under the fencepost in the corner. The hole takes me a while to fill in each day. I know, from looking at them, that I have two dogs working on the digging project.

The other day I was filling the hole, and I noticed that it seemed to go a good distance out into the yard behind the house. It was rather strange, and I tried to imagine the position the dog must have been in to dig out on the other side of the fence.

Since I was curious, I walked around the fence to the other side and found out that the dogs were digging on the other side of the fence as well. They were working on a “two-sided hole.” Most of the dogs I have owned dug under the fence to get out of the yard. It appears as though I have a couple of dogs who dig for the joy of digging.

They could have escaped and explored another world for most of the day, but they did not. My dogs are focused on digging the best hole ever dug in that backyard!

The dogs are on a perfect hole digging mission.

What about your life? Do you have that kind of focus and that kind of tenacity as you strive to live out your purpose? That raises another question, doesn’t it, what is your purpose in life? To refer to last week’s article, I pose an alternative query, Which path are you on? There is a place called the church and on Sunday mornings we help you answer that very question.

We can also help you escape from that hole you have dug for yourself!

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These days, emotions are running high. One minute, I’m in my truck thinking about our restaurants or the travel business, and the next, a song comes on, and I’m blinking back tears. Not over business, not over projects—over something much bigger, and way more important.

My daughter is getting married in 18 days.

I’ve catered dozens—maybe hundreds—of weddings over the years. Big ones, small ones, grand affairs, intimate gatherings. I’ve seen it all. I’ve been behind the scenes making sure the food is hot, the drinks are cold, and everything runs smoothly. I even catered a massive event when my daughter was Queen of Mardi Gras—a production of epic proportions. But this?

This is different.

This is her wedding.

For the past eighteen months, wedding planning has been a constant drumbeat in my house. I’ve learned more about venues, floral arrangements, dress fittings, and guest lists than I ever cared to know. At this point, I could probably take the exam and qualify as a certified wedding planner. But truthfully, I’ve just been a pair of ears in the room as the discussions evolved. Other than setting the budget, and working on the menu, I’ve had almost no involvement.

And in all matters of the budget, I held the line. For a solid year, I was a preacher in the pulpit, shuckin’ the corn, and delivering the same sermon: Stick to the budget. I told them our restaurants will handle the food, the bar, and the service. We’ve got a wholesale floral license and a designer on staff. “Here’s the number. No more. Stick to it,” I said. “Here is the account. You two are signatories. You two are in charge.”

For months, every conversation about the wedding that came my way circled back to that budget. Anytime they brought me a price, I had the same response: “If it’s within your budget, go for it. If it’s not, find another way.” At some point, my wife pulled me aside and said, “I am sick of hearing about the budget.” She was sick of hearing about it, but I wasn’t sick of preaching it.

Then, over lunch three weeks ago, the three of us had the first budget discussion in months.

Turns out, my grand plan didn’t just fail—it got obliterated.

The budget was blown to hell and back. My friends, who had laughed when I told them I would stand firm, were right. 

I threw in the towel.

But here’s the thing—I don’t care. Not one bit.

This is my daughter. My only daughter. And I love her more than life itself. If this is what she wants, and I’m able to make it happen for her, then I’m happy to do it.

And the truth is, it’s not just about her. My wife has put her heart and soul into this wedding.

My wife is handling a thousand things at once—balancing schedules, making decisions, coordinating details I don’t even have the capacity to understand. She has always loved planning a party. But this? This is the mother of all parties. From the moment wedding planning started, she was all in—every detail, every late-night conversation about centerpieces and seating charts. She poured her heart into this because that’s what she does. That’s who she is. She is dedicated. She is tireless. And when it comes to making something beautiful and unforgettable, she’s in her element.

Our family friend, Justin, has been right there with her, working his magic behind the scenes. If there’s a puzzle piece missing, he finds it. If something doesn’t fit, he fixes it. He’s been there for every decision, helping turn ideas into reality.

And my daughter—well, she was originally just focused on three things: the dress, the band, and a tent.

The dress? I get it. Every bride wants the perfect dress.

The band? Makes sense. We both love music.

But the tent?

We have the most beautiful church in town, and she wants to get married in a tent. I couldn’t wrap my head around it. But at some point, I stopped questioning it. It’s her wedding. That’s what she wants. That’s what she’ll have.

And if I’ve learned anything in this process, it’s that I’ve been in the wrong business for the last 38 years. I should have been in the tent-renting business. My Lord.

Friends laughed when I told them I was sticking to the budget. “Good luck,” they said. “You’ll cave.” I was resolute. I told them I wouldn’t spend a penny more.

They knew better.

At this point, my wife is handling 1,000 things, my daughter and Justin are, too. My restaurant team is handling their end, making sure the food and drinks will be perfect. The only thing I’m worried about now is whether I’m going to be able to hold it together walking her down the aisle.

Or during the father-daughter dance.

I get emotional thinking about it.

My daughter is sweet, loyal, funny, quick-witted, smart, and kind—the type of friend everyone wishes they had, and the daughter of every father’s dreams. Beautiful inside and out, with a heart as big as they come.

The man she’s marrying? We couldn’t ask for better. He’s exactly the kind of person you hope and pray your daughter finds. We love him. We love his family. That’s a blessing I don’t take for granted.

I am blessed.

Not just with a wonderful daughter. Not just with a son who fills me with pride. Not just with a wife who is the glue that holds it all together. But also with more than 425 hardworking people in the food and bar business—people who have worked dozens of weddings, who know what it means to create an unforgettable experience. Ultimately, it’s their hard work and dedication that make this wedding possible.

My daughter is as far from a bridezilla as one could possibly be. She takes most of this in stride. But if she wants the wedding of her dreams, I am going to do everything I can to make it happen.

Because this only happens once.

Because I want her to look back on that day and know—with absolute certainty—how deeply she is loved.

Because I want her to have memories that will last a lifetime.

I want her to remember the moment before she walks down the aisle, when the world is still and full of promise. I want her to remember the faces of the people who love her, gathered in one place, celebrating her. I want her to remember dancing with her husband, laughing with her friends, and soaking in the joy of a night made just for her.

And I want to remember her hand looped inside my arm as we take those first steps down the aisle.

I want to remember the moment she steps into this new chapter of her life, knowing she is exactly where she is meant to be.

I want to remember the look in her eyes when we reach the altar. And in that moment, as she lets go, I’ll do what every father must do at some point—I’ll let go, too.

Less than three weeks away, and I’m a little bit of an emotional wreck. Life has these passages, these moments where you watch your child step into a new season, and all you can do is stand there, hold back tears, and hope you can keep it together.

I’m happy for her. I’m happy for him.

But when that moment comes, when the doors open and we walk down that aisle, I just pray I can make it through.

Onward.

Sugar Cookies

1 cup               Butter

1 /2cup            Sugar

1 large             Egg

1 Tbl.              Vanilla

3 cups              Flour

1 /2 tsp.           Baking powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

Cream butter and sugar; beat in egg and vanilla. Sift flour and baking powder together, stir into mixture. Refrigerate about 1 hour, or until dough is firm enough to roll. On a floured surface, roll to 1 /8-inch thickness and cut with cookie cutters. Sprinkle the tops with granulated sugar. Bake 10-12 minutes at. Yield: 8 dozen small cookies.

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By Brad Dison

On January 30, 1882, Franklin D. Roosevelt was born into a wealthy family at Hyde Park, New York. In 1887, when Franklin was just five years old, his father took him to meet President Grover Cleveland. During the meeting, Grover looked down at little Franklin and said in a disgruntled voice, “My little man, I am making a strange wish for you. It is that you may never be President of the United States.” Grover Cleveland’s wish did not come true. Franklin Roosevelt served as the 32nd President of the United States. He is the only U.S. president in history to serve more than two terms. Most of us associate Franklin as being wheelchair bound because of polio, but as a young man Franklin competed in sports such as polo, tennis, golf, and sailing. In 1900, Franklin entered Harvard College where he participated in various sports.

On October 14, 1890, David Dwight Eisenhower was born in Denison, Texas. Shortly after his birth, Dwight’s mother reversed his first and middle names to avoid him being confused with his father who was also named David. In high school, Dwight excelled in his coursework and in sports. Dwight was such a good student and athlete that he earned an appointment at the United States Military Academy, more commonly known as West Point. As he had done in high school, Dwight excelled in the military and quickly rose through the ranks. In December 1943, President Franklin Roosevelt selected him as the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe. In 1953, Dwight began his tenure as the 34th President of the United States.

On February 6, 1911, Ronald Reagan was born in an apartment in Tampico, Illinois. At Dixon High School, Reagan was mostly interested in drama and football. In 1928, Reagan worked his way through Eureka College as a lifeguard. Reagan played on the college football team and acted in school plays. After college, he worked as a sports announcer until a screen test enabled him to become a Hollywood actor. He became president of the Screen Actors Guild, and then governor of California. In January 1981, he became the 40th President of the United States. His vice-president was George Herbert Walker Bush.

On July 6, 1946, while attending Yale, George and Barbara Bush had a son whom they named George Walker Bush. George W. participated in sports in high school and attended Phillips Academy before transferring to his father’s alma mater, Yale. George W. played on the college rugby team. In January 2001, he became the 43rd President of the United States.

The aforementioned Presidents of the United States certainly loved sports, especially in college. During their college years, each of them participated in a sport which until 1923 was only available to men. During World War II, women were accepted in the sport only because of the large number of collegiate men who were being drafted into the military. Franklin Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, and George W. Bush were all college cheerleaders.

Sources:

1. “Franklin D. Roosevelt,” The White House Historical Association, accessed February 16, 2025, https://www.whitehousehistory.org/bios/franklin-roosevelt.

2. “Dwight D. Eisenhower,” The White House Historical Association, accessed February 16, 2025, https://www.whitehousehistory.org/bios/dwight-eisenhower.

3. “Ronald Reagan,” The White House Historical Association, accessed February 16, 2025, https://www.whitehousehistory.org/bios/ronald-reagan.

4. “George W. Bush,” The White House Historical Association, accessed February 16, 2025, https://www.whitehousehistory.org/bios/george-w-bush.

5. “A New Deal,” Thirteen PBS, accessed February 16, 2025, https://www.thirteen.org/wnet/historyofus/web12/segment3.html.

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By Steve Graf

After much soul searching and really being appreciative of the life I’ve had, I thought it would be a good time ask the question — “what if?” With today’s article I’ll throw out a few scenarios as to what might have been “if” certain things had not happened in my life.

First, what if my real mom and dad would have stayed together and never divorced? For sure my brother (Mike Comer) and I would have grown up together and probably would have been lifelong buds who both shared a passion for sports and fishing. Mike would have been a brother who could have led the way for me and given me direction. I would also have had a relationship with my real dad, who I never met, which is something every boy wants and needs.

What if my aunt and uncle never came to my rescue during my early struggles in school and life itself? I’m pretty sure I would have ended up in some juvenile detention center. At some point, I would have gotten caught sneaking into people’s houses, which over time, I’m sure would have lit my fuse for theft of items other than food.

What if I had never moved to Mt. Pleasant, Texas? I would have missed out on being raised on a ranch and the lessons I learned from that experience. I would have never met my best friend growing up, Kevin Owsley, who I still miss today. I would have not had guidance from some of the best coaches and teachers a young boy could want.

I would have missed out on all the camping trips to Daingerfield State Park with my buddy Kevin. I would have missed out on the awesome summers of playing baseball and going to Park Recreation with coach Sam Parker.

What if I had never moved to Mt. Pleasant? I would have missed the best four years of my life at MPHS! What a great place to go to high school, a place with so much school spirit and pride, a school with the best sounding band from Tiger Land and an athletic program second to none. So much I would have missed out on, like being a member of a state championship baseball team.

What if I had chosen to go to a different college other than Northwestern State? Would I have met the love of my life and raised three awesome kids in a family-oriented community like Natchitoches? Would I have had the same success at another university? Would I have gotten the opportunity to play professional baseball?

What if I had never taken up tournament bass fishing? Well, with regards to this question, I would definitely have more money in the bank and I would have missed out on so many of the friends I’ve made through tournament fishing, friends for life and people I can count in a time of need!

What if I had never started the Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show, which has become one of the best outdoor programs on radio. The people I have met through this program during 18 years is endless. The two co-hosts that I share a mic with each week, Mike Echols and Gary McCoy, have given me so much more pleasure and happiness than any one man deserves.

Gary and Mike, with their wit, humor, and outdoor expertise, make it worth my drive to Shreveport each week. Love these two more than you can imagine! Hook’N Up & Track’N Down would not be the same without them.

We can “what if” our lives all we want, but what’s important is that we don’t look back at what might have been, but look forward and be proud of the life we have led.

So, I think it’s obvious my life has been full of joy, sadness, disappointment and success which I guess can be summed up as a journey. Everyone has a journey with some having more than their fair share of ups and downs, but that’s what life is all about — the journey. It’s like one of my favorite Christmas movies of all time, “It’s A Wonderful Life.” That’s exactly what mine has been — a wonderful life!

‘Til next week, see you at the boat ramp! Good luck, good fishing and if you’re not sure it’s a bite, set the hook! If you see me on a lake near you, make sure to stop and say hello.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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On February 19, 1945, one of the most significant battles of World War II began as U.S. Marines launched an assault on the heavily fortified island of Iwo Jima. The battle, which lasted for 36 days, saw more than 70,000 Marines fight against 21,000 Japanese soldiers, resulting in one of the most intense conflicts of the Pacific Theater.

The famous photograph of Marines raising the American flag on Mount Suribachi, taken by Joe Rosenthal, became an enduring symbol of American resilience and sacrifice. The battle was a turning point in the war, providing the U.S. with a crucial strategic position closer to the Japanese mainland.

Today, veterans and historians continue to reflect on the bravery of those who fought, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten.

The Claiborne Parish School Board, alongside Superintendent Brooks, honored outstanding educators, students, and staff during its Thursday meeting, celebrating those who represent the district at the state level. These individuals will compete against their peers from across Louisiana, with hopes of advancing to the next stage of competition.

The honorees included:

District Students of the Year
Caston Ware – 5th Grade
Kyndal Adams – 8th Grade
Ella Adkins – 12th Grade (not pictured)

District Outstanding Support Staff of the Year
Lisa Adams – Homer High
Brenda Giddens – Haynesville Jr./Sr.
Tammisha Dupree – KARE Coordinator

District Teachers of the Year
Amanda Sanders – Haynesville Early Childhood
Anjanette Bailey – Homer Elementary (not pictured)
Deaquanita Jackson – Homer Junior High
Monica Beene – Haynesville Jr./Sr.

District New Teachers of the Year
Faith Earnhardt – Summerfield (not pictured)
Generra Wesley – Homer High

District Principal of the Year
Dr. Alexandria Feaster – Homer High

The School Board commended these individuals for their hard work and dedication, recognizing their impact on students and the school community. Their achievements highlight the excellence within Claiborne Parish Schools, and the district is hopeful for their continued success at the state level.

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Driving a vehicle with license plates that had been expired nearly eight months has resulted in a legal headache for two men who have been tagged on drug distribution charges.

Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver said 34-year-old Ramon C. Henderson of Homer has been arrested for possession of CDS Sch. I (marijuana) with intent to distribute and three traffic charges.

His companion, 28-year-old Antonio Dejuan Thornton, is charged with possession of CDS Sch. I (marijuana) with intent to distribute. Thornton gave an address in the 200 block of Roy St. in Minden.

Both reportedly are being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center where Henderson faces a total bond of $25,500 while Thornton’s bond is set at $25,000.

MPD officer Branthony Brown reportedly stopped Henderson’s vehicle around 3:45 p.m. Friday at the intersection of East and Talton streets when he observed the vehicle’s expired tags. After approaching the vehicle, officer Brown reportedly noticed a strong odor of suspected marijuana inside. Thornton, a
passenger in the vehicle, was questioned about the possible presence of marijuana, and reportedly retrieved a bag containing marijuana from his right boot which he handed to Brown and
officer Cody James.

Officers said Thornton also pulled a jar containing marijuana from a space beside the passenger seat. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered approximately two pounds of marijuana
in a bag located in the trunk.

An additional roughly 2.8 grams of marijuana reportedly was removed from Henderson’s shoe after he was taken to Minden police headquarters.

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