It was a heartfelt day of celebration at Haynesville Elementary School as faculty, staff, students, and community members came together to honor Mary Presley, a beloved educator who is retiring after 38 years of dedicated service.

Presley, known for her unwavering commitment and compassionate spirit, has been a cornerstone of the Haynesville Elementary family for nearly four decades. Over the years, she has impacted the lives of countless students, helping to shape not only their academic paths but also their character and confidence.

“Today we celebrated a very special lady,” school officials shared. “Mary Presley touched the lives of so many students who walked the halls of Haynesville Elementary. Her influence has been profound and lasting.”

Colleagues describe Presley as more than just a teacher—she has been a mentor, encourager, and friend to generations of children and fellow staff members alike. Her retirement leaves behind a legacy of compassion, excellence, and community spirit.

“Thank you, Mary, for everything you’ve done to mold the minds and hearts of our students. You will be missed in more ways than you realize,” the school’s statement read.

As she enters retirement, Presley leaves behind an indelible mark on the Haynesville community—a legacy that will continue to inspire for years to come.

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Claiborne Memorial Medical Center is alerting the public to a recent phone scam targeting local residents. The hospital has received multiple reports of fraudulent calls from individuals impersonating staff members and attempting to collect personal and financial information.

Hospital officials stress that Claiborne Memorial Medical Center and its affiliated clinics will never call patients to request credit card information or payment over the phone.

“This is a scam,” the hospital emphasized in a public notice. “We urge our community to stay vigilant and protect their personal information.”

The scammers are reportedly posing as clinic personnel, requesting sensitive data such as credit card numbers, banking details, and Social Security information. These calls are not legitimate and should be treated as suspicious.

What To Do If You Receive a Suspicious Call:

Do not provide any personal, financial, or insurance information.

Hang up immediately if someone claims to be from Claiborne Memorial and asks for payment over the phone.

Report the call to local law enforcement or the hospital if you suspect you’ve been targeted.

Claiborne Memorial Medical Center encourages residents to spread awareness of the scam, especially among vulnerable populations such as seniors, who are often frequent targets of such schemes.

For more information or to report a suspicious call, contact Claiborne Memorial Medical Center directly or your local sheriff’s department.

Be smart. Be safe. Never give out personal or financial details to unknown callers.

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By Doug de Graffenried

This is a nostalgic opinion quiz for you.

In the 1960’s, who was the worst law enforcement officer depicted by television?

That is an easy one, right? I’m wondering how many of you thought that must be Barney Fife. Barney was the deputy to the wise and calm Andy Taylor, the sheriff of Mayberry. If trouble could happen, it would happen to Barney. Barney was allowed only one bullet for his gun. The bullet was kept in this shirt pocket, not in his service revolver. One of the recurrent gags was Barney accidentally firing his revolver. If an episode had mayhem, somehow Barney was in the middle of the mess. Most of the mess-ups in Mayberry were resolved in the thirty minutes of the sit-com. Barney would learn his lesson and we would tune in next week.

But my candidate for worst law enforcement officer in the television world of the 1960’s was Lt. Tragg, the foil of Perry Mason. Because Perry never lost a case, we knew that the person Lt. Tragg arrested was innocent. This detective of the Los Angeles police department was proven wrong every week. There were times that I felt sympathy for Lt. Tragg. He was depicted as a decent, moral, hard-working detective. His deductions were always spot on. The Perry Mason episodes were produced before the advent of forensic investigations. If there were fingerprints on a weapon, that was the guilty party. Or if the gun was registered to someone, they were certainly a prime suspect. Lt. Tragg never won! He was a loser each week! Although, he always held is on as a witness for the prosecution!

I get that Barney and Lt. Tragg are fictional characters. I understand the formulas that are a part of successful television shows. But sometimes an idea pops out of the strangest place. A clown character (Barney) or a perpetual loser (Lt. Tragg) can become examples of exemplary attributes.

I think both characters illustrate for me the Biblical concept of perseverance. Barney and Lt. Tragg go to work every day. They do their jobs. They show up. (Yes, I know they are fictional characters.)

One of the overlooked dynamics of our faith journey is the idea of perseverance. We are called to stick it out and to stick with it. We are called to follow Jesus with our last step. That is never giving in or never giving out.

Jesus said, “By your perseverance you will gain your souls.” (Luke 21:19) That means keeping on! So, get out there and keep on living for Jesus.

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The LSU AgCenter is set to host its highly anticipated Hay Day event on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Dodson Ranch, located at 582 Riverfront Road in Coushatta. The event will bring together farmers, ranchers, ag professionals, and vendors for a full day of hands-on learning, expert presentations, and equipment demonstrations focused on forage and hay production.

The event kicks off at 8:00 a.m. with registration, coffee, and donuts, followed by a robust lineup of educational sessions and field demonstrations aimed at improving pasture management, pest control, and forage quality across the region.

Event Schedule Highlights:

8:00–9:00 AM: Registration, Coffee & Donuts

9:00 AM: Welcome

9:15 AM: Armyworm Control – Dr. James Villegas9:45 AM: Bermudagrass Varieties – Dr. Ed Twidwell

10:00 AM: Sprigging Bermudagrass – Mr. Loyd Dodson & Mr. Kennon Gaspard

10:30 AM: Break

10:45 AM: Herbicide Update – Dr. Ron Strahan

11:30 AM: Lunch & Vendor Visits

Following lunch, attendees will have the opportunity to see the latest in hay and forage equipment technology during equipment demonstrations from 1:00 to 5:00 PM, featuring a variety of manufacturers and dealers showcasing tools and techniques to maximize hay production efficiency.

This event is free to attend, but RSVPs are requested. To reserve your spot, please contact the Red River Parish Extension Office at (318) 932-4342.

Organizers encourage early registration and note that ADA accommodations are available upon request. Attendees requiring accommodations should contact the extension office no later than two weeks prior to the event.

Hay Day is part of the LSU AgCenter’s ongoing efforts to support Louisiana’s agricultural producers with the latest research, best practices, and community engagement. Whether you’re a seasoned hay producer or just beginning to manage forage crops, this event promises valuable insight and hands-on experience.

For more information, visit LSUAgCenter.com.

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Residents across Claiborne Parish can expect a mixed bag of weather conditions this week, with midweek showers and thunderstorms giving way to clearer skies and rising temperatures as the weekend approaches.

Wednesday, May 28

Clouds will dominate the sky on Wednesday, with a 50% chance of showers and possible thunderstorms after 4 p.m. The high will hover around 83°F, with calm winds shifting north at around 5 mph. Rainfall totals may reach up to half an inch in some areas.

Wednesday Night

The chance of storms continues into the evening, with a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms under mostly cloudy skies. Temperatures will dip to a low near 65°F, and winds will remain light.

Thursday, May 29
Thursday brings a higher likelihood of precipitation. A 60% chance of showers and possible thunderstorms is forecast, particularly in the afternoon. Expect partly sunny skies and a high near 82°F, with light southwest winds.

Thursday Night

Storm chances decrease slightly overnight with a 30% chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms. Skies will remain mostly cloudy, and lows will fall to around 63°F.

Friday, May 30

A 10% chance of light showers and thunderstorms will linger into Friday morning but should clear by midday. Mostly sunny skies are expected by afternoon, with a comfortable high near 81°F.

Friday Night

Clear skies return Friday evening, bringing a low of around 59°F.

Weekend Forecast

The weekend looks bright and warm:

Saturday: Sunny with a high near 85°F

Saturday Night: Mostly clear with a low near 63°F

Sunday: Mostly sunny skies and a high of 86°F

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, low near 64°F

Looking Ahead to Monday

The workweek kicks off with continued pleasant weather. Monday’s forecast calls for mostly sunny conditions and a high around 87°F.

Stay tuned to local forecasts for updates on potential storm developments, especially during the midweek period.

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By Steve Graf    

In today’s tournament bass fishing world, if you listen closely, you’ll hear the music to the popular soap opera TV series “The Young and the Restless” or maybe “The Bold and the Beautiful.” Today we’ll take a look at all the drama tournament bass fishing is going through that would make any soaps fan jealous.

If you noticed, I was not specific to professional bass fishing. That’s because there’s drama on all levels of tournament bass fishing. Whether it’s a local bass club event, BFL’s, ABA’s, Toyota Series or a benefit tournament, no event is immune to drama.

People have often asked why all the drama today? Well, I personally think a lot of this started when the Bassmaster Elite Series decided to split with over 80 anglers jumping over to the newly formed MLF, known as Major League Fishing.

Tensions were high during this split in 2018 as anglers made career decisions on whether to stay with B.A.S.S. or go to MLF. Friendships were lost and enemies created over these decisions.

This split was similar to what happened with professional golf as the PGA Tour and the LIV Tour created a lot of drama as golfers made decisions based on the opportunity to earn more guaranteed money.

Social media has thrived with controversy swirling around tournament anglers. Disqualifications for rules violations by highly-regarded anglers has had both of the professional organizations dealing with constant negativity.

The “no information” rule has also been a problem as anglers have been failing polygraph exams. There’s also been controversy with anglers cheating when catching bass outside the mouth when site fishing, which is a rules violation.

But in today’s world, bad behavior is rewarded with social media clicks. Anglers know that it’s all about how many “views” or “likes” they can gather on social media which draws more attention to them and their sponsors.

It goes back to the adage, “There’s no such thing as bad publicity.” Sponsors of both B.A.S.S. and MLF have learned to turn their heads when it comes to bad behavior with anglers not following the rules.

So, back to our original question — is social media good or bad for competitive bass fishing? It all depends on who you ask. As far as the sport of bass fishing goes, I think it has been both good and bad. The good part has been the amount of information anglers can get about a particular body of water. It can also be a great place to share fishing information and celebrate a recent victory or a high finish.

The bad side of social media is when people spread gossip; most of which is not true. They use it for what I call “feeding the beast.” It has also been known as a place where people vent their frustrations and express their feelings waiting on anyone to respond so they can engage in hate.

Like so many other things in today’s world, social media divides us and has become a landing spot for negativity. It’s up to us as individuals if we want to participate in the hostility or just keep on scrolling.

‘Til next time, good luck with your fishing and stay safe.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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By Brad Dison

Louise Ciccone was born in 1958 in Bay City, Michigan to Tony and Louise Ciccone. Because she shared the same name as her mother, her five siblings called her Little Nonnie. Little Nonnie was five years old when her mother died from breast cancer. Her father was a hard worker but struggled to provide for his large family. When one of the kids wanted something, Tony replied, “Get a job. I’m not paying for it.” Tony could barely afford the necessities.

In high school, Little Nonnie was intelligent, got straight A’s in school, but struggled to fit in. Little Nonnie felt like a country bumpkin around her rich classmates. They wore the finest and most fashionable clothing while she often wore the same inexpensive clothing for several days in a row. Little Nonnie’s home life was difficult. As the eldest daughter in a family without a mother, she was responsible for doing the laundry, cleaning the house, fixing meals, taking care of her younger siblings, and a myriad of other tasks required to keep a household running while her father was working. For these reasons, Little Nonnie did not associate with her classmates.

Little Nonnie graduated from high school early and attended the University of Michigan for a year as a dance major. She planned to become a professional dancer to escape from Michigan, and she was a natural. With the encouragement of one of her teachers, Little Nonnie decided to move to New York to fulfill her dream despite her father’s objections. Her first time in an airplane was her flight from Michigan to New York. From the airport, she took her first taxi ride. With no idea where to go, Little Nonnie told the taxi driver to take her to the center of the city. He dropped her off in Times Square. Little Nonnie immediately experienced the culture shock of coming from the suburbs of the Midwest into the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. She knew no one, had no place to stay, had about $35 in cash, and wore all of the clothing she brought with her. She quickly made friends with someone who asked why she was wearing a winter jacket in the middle of summer. He allowed her to sleep on his couch until she found a place to stay.

Little Nonnie began going to auditions. She knew her dancing career waited just around the corner, but getting around that corner proved harder than she had expected. In the meantime, Little Nonnie worked at whatever job she could find including a short stint as a hat check girl at the Russian Tea Room, a job she was fired from for wearing fishnet stockings although she was only visible from the waist up, and an even shorter stint at Dunkin’ Donuts, a job she was fired from for playfully squirting jelly on customers. While waiting for her big break, Little Nonnie’s apartment was burglarized repeatedly. She was mugged. She was raped.

Despite all the obstacles, Little Nonnie never gave up. She eventually became a dancer, but her talents led her to a blend of world renown and controversy. The highest selling musical artists of all time in order are Elvis, the Beatles, Michael Jackson, and then Little Nonnie. Although some members of her family still refer to her as Little Nonnie, the rest of the world knows Louise Ciccone by her first name, Madonna.

Source: “The Howard Stern Show 2015 Madonna,” Vincenzo Depalma, June 20, 2024, YouTube video, 1:15:35, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=El0crjdU2Nw

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On May 28, National Hamburger Day invites Americans to celebrate the iconic sandwich that has become a culinary canvas. In Louisiana, this day takes on a flavorful twist, showcasing the state’s unique spin on the classic burger.

While the traditional hamburger consists of a beef patty between two buns, Louisiana chefs infuse it with local flair. Think burgers topped with crawfish étouffée, fried green tomatoes, or spicy remoulade sauce. These creations reflect the state’s rich culinary heritage, blending Cajun and Creole influences.

Restaurants across the state are known for their inventive burgers. In Baton Rouge, “Bayou Burgers” offers patties infused with andouille sausage, while New Orleans’ “Creole Buns” serves up burgers with a side of jazz. These establishments not only provide delicious meals but also celebrate the state’s diverse culture.

To mark the occasion, many towns host burger cook-offs, inviting locals to showcase their grilling prowess. These events foster community spirit and friendly competition, with proceeds often supporting local charities.

National Hamburger Day in Louisiana is more than a nod to a beloved food—it’s a celebration of the state’s ability to take a classic and make it uniquely its own. It’s a day to indulge, innovate, and appreciate the flavors that define the region.

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Marie Gray
October 13, 1933 – May 24, 2025
Services to be announced

Keshia Cooper Anderson
June 22, 1973 – May 23, 2025
Visitation: Friday, May 30 from 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Memorial Funeral Home
Services: Saturday, May 31 at 2:30 PM at the Ebenezer Baptist Church

Lillie Mae Levingston
November 26, 1945 – May 21, 2025
Visitation: Friday, May 30 from 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home
Services: Saturday, May 31 at 11:00 AM United Zion Freewill Baptist Church

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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The Claiborne Aces capped off a remarkable season in dominant fashion, winning the Springhill Tournament to complete an undefeated run. The 9–10-year-old baseball team, composed of student-athletes from Claiborne Academy, ended their second year of competition with a flawless record and a championship trophy to show for it.

The team, made up primarily of 10-year-olds who played together as 9-year-olds last season, built on last year’s strong showing—where they secured second place in the season-ending tournament—to achieve perfection this year. Driven by determination and team spirit, the Aces steamrolled through regular season play and continued their momentum into the postseason.

Facing fierce competition from across the region, the Aces remained unfazed. Their hard work and preparation were evident as they overcame every challenge with confidence and cohesion, ultimately taking the title in commanding fashion.

“This team has worked so hard all season,” said a coach. “Every single player stepped up when it mattered most. It was a true team effort.”

The undefeated Aces roster includes Lane Hightower, Caimen Varnell, Ezra Teutsch, Rhett Ware, Owen Tanner, Jace Tanner, Braxton Ramsey, Luke Holloway, Tyler Goodson, Jeremiah Long, Brody Wyman, and Scott Cryer.

With an unblemished season and a championship title now under their belts, the future looks bright for this talented group of young athletes.

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Residents can expect a warm and mostly sunny stretch of weather leading into the Memorial Day weekend, with temperatures reaching the upper 80s to low 90s. While early week conditions remain dry and calm, a shift is expected by Sunday with increasing chances of rain and thunderstorms into Memorial Day.

Wednesday: Clear skies and calm winds will bring a high near 89°F. Winds will be light, becoming southerly around 5 mph by afternoon.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy conditions will settle in overnight, with temperatures dipping to around 61°F under calm winds.

Thursday: Another sunny day is in store with a high near 90°F. Winds will be calm in the morning, shifting to the north at around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Thursday Night: Skies remain partly cloudy with an overnight low around 63°F.

Friday: Expect continued sunshine and slightly cooler temperatures, with a high near 86°F.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy skies persist, and temperatures will bottom out around 67°F.

Saturday: Mostly sunny and warm, with the high climbing to around 91°F.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy with a mild low near 71°F.

Sunday: A slight shift in weather patterns brings a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Conditions will be partly sunny with a high near 90°F.

Sunday Night: Rain chances increase to 40%, with mostly cloudy skies and a low around 70°F.

Memorial Day (Monday): A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms is forecast, with mostly cloudy conditions and a high near 84°F.

Residents planning outdoor activities for the holiday weekend should monitor local forecasts for updates as rain and storms become more likely toward Sunday and Monday.

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By Doug de Graffenried

I am about to tell you a preacher secret. You must promise me that you will keep this secret between you and me. If this stuff ever got out it might change the face of Christianity as we know it.

Here is the big secret. It is ok when you say, “No.”

I’m not talking about saying “no” to sins and stuff, this is a radical use of the word “no.” You can say “no” to good stuff. We do stuff we really don’t want to do because it is the “right thing” to do. Or because we need to be seen doing this thing. When the preacher asks if you want to serve on the widget committee, no longer will you have to say, “Let me pray about it.” I give you permission to use the word “no” freely and without guilt or shame.

“No” is an underutilized word in our culture. Since we are politically correct, we find ourselves looking for “win-win” solutions in which we avoid using the word “no.” I know that we are to “Just say no to drugs.” I want you to keep going with that, there are good things out there that need a resounding “no” when asked.

I was reminded of this when I was changing my air conditioning filters. I went to my friendly discount store to purchase filters, since they are the only ones who carry my size. I was taking the wrap off the filters.

Just a minute, I need to digress. Why do we need to wrap everything in plastic? Wrapping an air conditioning filter, come on people; that is just dumb. Why do you need to put safety wrap on my chewing gum? See, we are surrounded by people who can’t say, “NO, wrapping an air conditioning filter in plastic is a dumb idea!”

Back to my story, as I unwrapped my filter, I noticed it contained paper over the filter, which was filled with information. Ah, the plastic wrap was holding the useless information papers to the filter! The back of the filter had a page entitled, “Getting to know your filter.” I’m sorry; I don’t want a personal relationship with my filter. I don’t want to read about what my filter filters. I don’t need to know about how many microns it filters. If you do, all I can say is “Get a life!” Someone right now is wasting precious time, “getting to know their filter.”

I said, “No!” I was not going to waste my time “getting to know my filter.”

How much better would your life be if you used the word, “No?” “No” creates margin and gives space to your life. We are all too busy, because we don’t understand the power of “no.” Jesus used it, why shouldn’t you?

You are hereby empowered to do so!

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Your Guide to Peach Festival Weekend

The 75th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival will take place on June 7, 2025, but the peach celebrations will be going all week long in Ruston, LA!  If you’re planning to spend a full weekend soaking in the sweet peachy charm of Ruston, let this guide help you make the most out of your adventure.

Friday, June 6

Eat:

From June 2-7, enjoy Peach Culinary Crawl, a weeklong tasting tour featuring over 20 local restaurants. Each participating location will offer special peach-inspired items. From peach BBQ and burgers to peach toast, cocktails, and desserts. There’s something to satisfy every craving. The full Culinary Crawl menu is available in late May on the Peach Fest website. 

See:

In celebration of the festival’s 75th anniversary, The Louisiana Peach Festival is collaborating with the Lincoln Parish Museum to present Peach Fest Through the Decades. This special exhibit will showcase memorabilia from the very first Peach Festival all the way through present day.

• Peach fest hack: After visiting the exhibit, explore downtown Ruston to scope out the festival grounds and snap a picture at one of the colorful murals!

Experience: There’s plenty to experience Friday before the festival. 

• Take a stroll through Downtown Ruston and browse the Peach Sidewalk Sale. Participating downtown shops will be offering peachy deals and special promotions from June 2-6. 

• • Peach Fest Hack: Grab a Peach Fest fit at the sidewalk sale to wear at the festival!

• The Peach Parade is a long loved and cherished tradition by festival attendees. The parade will take place in Downtown Ruston on Friday, June 6, at 6PM.
• After the parade, you can head over to the 36th Annual Peach Festival Rodeo for family entertainment, trick riders, and more. The rodeo starts at 8PM.

Saturday, June 7 – Festival Day

Festival activities start at 9:00AM and there’s plenty to eat, see, and experience—all located on the festival grounds.

Eat:
This year, enjoy bites from a variety of food vendors, offering everything from burgers, sandwiches, and pizza, to classic festival treats, refreshing drinks, and tasty snacks. You’ll also want to pay a visit to the Historic Fire Station for a scoop of frosty peach ice cream from the ladies of Beta Sigma Phi. 

• Peach Fest Hack: Ask vendors what their special peach item is! All food vendors create and offer a peachy item just for the Peach Festival.

The festival is also conveniently located in the heart of Downtown Ruston, so there’s plenty of local restaurants you can walk to. 

See:

• Festival Art Displays: Discover art boards and interactive displays by local artists that will be showcased throughout festival grounds.

• Ruston Antique Classic Car Show: Head over to Cadence Bank from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM for the Car Show. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just love vintage charm, this show is sure to impress with its lineup of beautifully restored classic vehicles.
• Drone Show: Stick around till the headliner performance for the Peach Festival’s first ever drone show at 8:45 PM! This transforming sky display will take place before the headlining act to kick off the grand finale to the festival.

Experience: 

• Live Music: Enjoy more than 12 hours of live performances at the Railroad Park stage. With an exciting lineup of artists, the festival’s musical energy will keep you dancing all day long. Don’t miss the headliner, The Band of Heathens, taking the stage after the drone show.
• Kids Alley: A family-friendly zone packed with interactive activities and entertainment to keep the little ones smiling.
• Curated market: The festival will have over 70 vendors, all selling their handmade arts, jewelry, clothing, mugs, decorations, candles, and lots more. Additionally, you can stop by the Peach Fest Sticker Wall in the market—perfect for a fun and unique photo op. 

• • Peach Fest Hack: arrive early to the Curated Market before your favorite vendor sells out. Visit www.lapeachfest.com/vendors to get a sneak peek at what vendors are offering. 

Sunday, June 8

After a Saturday full of adventures, take it slow on Sunday. Sleep in, relax, and savor your last day in town before heading home.

Eat: 

Start your day with a delicious Sunday brunch at Trio’s. Whether you choose a cozy table indoors or enjoy the sunshine on their patio, you’re in for a wonderful dining experience. Looking for a spot closer to downtown? Try Board & Bottle’s Sunday brunch and specialty brunch cocktails.

See: 

While you’re at the festival Saturday, you will likely spot a few of Ruston’s unique bulldog statues scattered throughout downtown. In total, there are 22 bulldogs placed around the city—each with its own charm. Stretch your visit a little longer and turn your Sunday into a scavenger hunt to track down the ones you missed.

Experience: 

Wind down with a peaceful visit to Lincoln Parish Park. This park offers mountain biking and walking trails, kayaking, fishing, and a playground for the kids. It’s the perfect way to soak in the natural beauty of Ruston and cap off your Peach Festival weekend.

From peachy treats to live tunes and everything in between, the Louisiana Peach Festival is the perfect way to kick off your summer. Soak up the fun, explore Ruston, and celebrate 75 years of sweet traditions and unforgettable memories! 

To learn the insider tips and tricks all seasoned festival goers know, read up on our How to Peach Fest blog.

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By Steve Graf    

 

 

I heard a song the other day that said, “Sometimes you’re the bug and sometimes you’re the windshield.” So far this fishing season I’ve been the bug.

 

My tournament success looks like I have no idea what I’m doing! I’ve been about as competitive as a high school kid fishing against a full-time professional angler. But for me, my confidence remains “hopeful” that I’ll turn this season around.

 

In 2024 in the ABA Texas Pro League, I was runner-up for the Angler of the Year. Oh, what a difference a year makes, as I’m not even close to being competitive, much less winning an event in 2025. My highest finish is a 12th place at Sam Rayburn. So why has this year been such a grind? Why am I not catching the quality bass I caught last season? I go to church, say my prayers, and do things the right way!

 

I’ve never cheated in a bass tournament and always want to represent myself and sponsors I’m affiliated with in the proper manner. I don’t ask other anglers for their waypoints or for any other help! One thing I came to the realization of a long time ago as a tournament angler is that it’s hard to go and catch another angler’s fish. Even if you have his waypoints, it’s still hard to catch them.

 

Is this a God thing? Is He trying to prove a point to me? Or is this just a phase all anglers go through? Whichever way, something must change quickly with only a few tournaments left on the schedule.

 

Tournament fishing is one of those sports that can bring even a great angler to his knees. It might be the most humbling sport there is. But one thing I like about the sport is the fact that there is no one else to blame for my failures or success than myself.

 

It’s truly you against the fish and Mother Nature! Excuses are a dime a dozen when things aren’t going an angler’s way. They range from maybe it’s a weather change to the lake is low or too high. It could be that maybe the water temperature is too hot or cold or maybe the spawn is taking place and fish just aren’t biting. Oh, wait a minute, it could be the phase of the moon we’re in, or the fact that there are too many anglers on the water! Ha!

 

One thing I will never do — quit! I still find bass fishing to be such a mental challenge and look forward to every day I get to spend on the water. But there are days that I wonder why I’m out there trying to catch bass that don’t want to cooperate.

 

So, I guess the best thing I can do for now is to put my favorite rod in my hand, shut up and keep fishing hard! If you see me on the lake or at a local boat ramp, make sure to stop me and say hello.

 

‘Til next time, good luck in all your fishing adventures.

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As Memorial Day approaches, communities across Louisiana are preparing to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday—a solemn day to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

While for many it marks the unofficial start of summer, with long weekends and backyard barbecues, Memorial Day is first and foremost a time to remember the fallen. From the battlefields of World War II and Korea to the deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan, Louisiana sons and daughters have long served with courage, and many have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Louisiana has a proud and deep-rooted military history. The state is home to Fort Johnson (formerly Fort Polk), the Louisiana National Guard, and thousands of veterans and active-duty service members. Families throughout the state can trace their heritage to generations of military service, with stories of sacrifice stretching from the Civil War to modern-day deployments overseas.

Memorial Day is our chance to honor those heroes who didn’t make it home—and to support the families they left behind.

Across parishes large and small, Memorial Day is a chance to pause and remember. Some will visit cemeteries, place flags on graves, or share stories of lost loved ones. Others may simply take a quiet moment to reflect on what it means to live in a country where others have laid down their lives for our freedom.

Whether your connection is personal or patriotic, the meaning of Memorial Day resonates in every corner of Louisiana.

In the hustle of modern life, it’s easy to let the deeper significance of Memorial Day fade into the background. But even if there are no formal ceremonies on your schedule, consider ways to honor the day in your own way:

Pause for a moment of silence at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day as part of the National Moment of Remembrance.

Fly an American flag at half-staff until noon.

Teach younger generations about the meaning of the holiday through stories, books, or a visit to a veteran’s memorial.

These small acts carry a powerful message: that we remember, and that we’re grateful.

Here in Louisiana, where tradition and community run deep, Memorial Day holds a special place. It’s a time to reflect not only on the nation’s loss, but on the individual lives and legacies that shaped our neighborhoods, schools, and parishes.

As Monday approaches, may we all take time to honor the fallen, support their families, and renew our commitment to the values they died defending.

Let this Memorial Day be one not just of rest, but of remembrance.

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By Brad Dison

Flying commercially in 1970 was a much more relaxed experience than it is today. The period from the 1950s to the 1970s is fondly considered “the golden age of travel.” Flying was more glamorous and luxurious. Many people dressed up to fly. Men often wore suits and women wore dresses. Their children were also dressed to impress. Smoking tobacco during flights was perfectly acceptable. Cocktails and other alcoholic beverages were often complimentary to passengers during flight. The food was comparable to that served in fine restaurants, often with multiple courses. The distance between the seats, the legroom, was normally between 36 to 40 inches. Today, legroom averages about 28 inches. There were no electronic devices, so airlines provided all sorts of entertainment to help passengers pass the time. At one point, American Airlines held in-flight fashion shows down the aisles. Airport security at the time was almost non-existent when compared to what it is today. There were no metal detectors, no scanners, and no drug-sniffing or bomb-sniffing dogs.

On Monday, September 21, 1970, William James drove to O’Hare International Airport in Chicago on what was his 20th birthday. He bought a ticket to fly to Denver, Colorado, and waited to board his plane. He passed the time by chatting with another passenger. William was jovial because he had left his teenage years behind and had entered his twenties. While William was waiting to board the airplane, he jokingly told another traveler that he had two bombs in his luggage. Even in the relaxed atmosphere of commercial flying in 1970, claiming to have a bomb on an airplane was nothing to joke about. The other passenger passed the information to the ticket agent who immediately called a nearby United States marshal.

Shortly thereafter, a marshal pulled William aside for questioning. William tried to explain that he was just joking, but the marshal found no humor in his claim. About that time, Chicago vice detectives stepped in though the airline had not called for outside police assistance. The detectives had been waiting to arrest William based on a different tip they had received about his luggage. The marshal and Chicago detectives carefully searched William’s luggage. The marshal was relieved that they found no bombs, but the detectives were delighted because they found what they were looking for. Inside William’s luggage, they found five bricks of marijuana which weighed two pounds each and had a street value of about $20,000. Adjusted for inflation, that would be just over $163,000 in today’s money. The detectives arrested William and transported him to jail.

On the following day, the judge in Chicago’s narcotics court saw no humor in William’s bomb claim but was lenient in his sentencing. Rather than jail time, William was sentenced to probation. In this incident, many people surely told William that he was not funny and to take life seriously. Luckily for us, William did not listen because he is known around the world for his humor. The man who was arrested for carrying 10 pounds of marijuana in his luggage after he jokingly claimed that he had two bombs on an airplane appeared in many films including “Caddyshack,” “Ghostbusters,” and “Groundhog Day.” The world knows William James Murray as Bill Murray.

Sources:

1. Jacopo Prisco, “What the ‘golden age’ of flying was really like,” CNN, August 5, 2022, accessed May 18, 2025, https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/golden-age-flying-really-like.

2. Chicago Tribune, September 22, 1970, p.3.

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On May 21, 1881, Clara Barton established the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C., laying the foundation for one of the nation’s most vital humanitarian organizations. Inspired by her experiences during the Civil War and the International Red Cross movement, Barton aimed to provide emergency assistance and disaster relief.

The organization has since played a crucial role in responding to natural disasters, wars, and health crises, embodying Barton’s legacy of compassion and service.

Other significant events on this date include:

1927: Charles Lindbergh completed the first solo nonstop transatlantic flight, landing in Paris after departing New York.

1932: Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, landing in Northern Ireland.

1955: Chuck Berry recorded his debut single “Maybellene,” influencing the future of rock and roll.

1979: The “White Night Riots” erupted in San Francisco following the lenient sentencing of Dan White for the killings of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk.

1991: Former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a suicide bomber during an election campaign.

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Emmett Reginald Atkins
August 7, 1933 — May 11, 2025
Service: May 25 at 2:00 p.m. at Wesley Chapel, Lake Claiborne

Raven Carper
November 17, 1992 – May 13, 2025
Visitation: May 24 from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church- Plain Dealing
Services: May 24 at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church- Plain Dealing

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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Claiborne Parish School District is proud to announce the top academic achievers for the Class of 2025. This year’s Valedictorian and Salutatorian have been officially named, representing the highest honors for their exceptional academic performance and dedication throughout high school.

These outstanding students will be formally recognized during the Class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony, scheduled for Tuesday, May 13 at 7:00 p.m. Family, friends, faculty, and community members are invited to attend and celebrate this important milestone.

More details about the graduates and the ceremony will be released in the coming days. Stay connected with the school’s official website and social media for updates.

Congratulations to the Valedictorian, Salutatorian, and the entire graduating class of 2025!

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The Claiborne Parish Police Jury was honored with the “Friend of Claiborne 4-H” award, presented by the Claiborne 4-H Foundation Board, during a meeting.

District 4 Juror Mary McDaniel accepted the award on behalf of the Police Jury from Parish Chair Lee Faulk of the LSU AgCenter. The recognition highlights the Jury’s continued support of Claiborne Parish 4-H programs and its impact on youth development across the parish.

“We’re proud to support the incredible work 4-H does for the young people in our community,” McDaniel said.

The Claiborne 4-H program, in partnership with the LSU AgCenter, provides hands-on learning experiences that build leadership, citizenship, and life skills for students throughout the parish.

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BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced Monday that 24 projects around the state received bids in April. Nineteen contractors presented apparent low bids totaling $150.3 million.

Webster Parish joins 28 other parishes, including Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne and Bienville in contingency contracts for disaster debris removal: $20,481,184.00

Webster, Bossier and Caddo are eligible for litter and debris collection and removal along state highways: $933,051.24

When bids for projects are received, an “apparent low bidder” is identified, although the process of actually finalizing and awarding the contract takes about 30 days. Bid prices deemed outside of a certain range or exceeding the project budget typically trigger a more extensive evaluation. DOTD will continue to monitor increases in bid prices related to supply chain and workforce issues. After a review, DOTD may opt to have the project re-bid.

Construction projects are prioritized by road/bridge condition, urgency of improvements, type/volume of traffic, crash records, unforeseeable emergencies that caused damage, and several other factors.

For more information about these projects, please visit http://www.dotd.la.gov.

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Willis Knighton Health has received initial accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) for its new Rural Family Medicine residency program, developed in partnership with Claiborne Memorial Medical Center.

The program, accredited in April 2025, is now recruiting its first class of residents. It joins a growing list of Willis Knighton graduate medical education (GME) programs aimed at addressing physician shortages and expanding access to care in underserved communities.

This milestone follows earlier successes: the Internal Medicine and Surgery residency programs were accredited in 2021, and the Psychiatry residency—launched with Brentwood Hospital—was accredited in 2024. An Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency is also offered through the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

Willis Knighton continues to develop additional training programs, including a Neuro-Endovascular Surgery fellowship. Residents train across various clinical sites in the Shreveport-Bossier area, gaining experience in a wide range of specialties.

“Our GME programs help prepare the next generation of physicians and strengthen care in our region,” a GME spokesperson said. “We’re proud to support this mission and look forward to continued growth.”

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