Let’s talk about the most overconfident, underperforming button in modern technology: the “Close Door” button on an Otis elevator. A button so bold, so brimming with promise, that you can’t help but press it like your entire timeline depends on it. Yet, more often than not, it sits there, mocking your urgency with silent defiance—like a cat watching you call it from across the room.

Imagine this: you’re running late, Starbucks in hand, nerves frayed, and you finally reach the elevator. Someone’s trailing 20 feet behind you, clearly aiming for the same vertical destination. You eye the “Close Door” button with steely determination, channeling all your willpower into one righteous jab. And… nothing. The doors pause, dramatically, as if considering your plea… before staying open long enough to let your trailing co-rider slip in with a smug nod. You didn’t close the door—you just sent a polite request to the elevator gods, who promptly ignored it.

Why does Otis even have a “Close Door” button? Well, turns out, it’s largely placebo. For many elevators, especially in buildings built post-1990—the button is deactivated or overridden by a timer, reserved for emergencies or maintenance personnel with magical keys. For the rest of us mortals? It’s basically an adult version of a toy steering wheel. We press it to feel in control, because pushing buttons is what we do when we don’t actually have time for real solutions.

Scientific studies (conducted primarily in crowded office lobbies and hotels at 8:58 a.m.) have shown that humans are 73% more likely to hit the “Close Door” button repeatedly than just wait patiently. This behavior stems from our deep distrust of time and other people. Pressing the button repeatedly creates the illusion of productivity, much like reloading your inbox when you’re waiting for that one important email—or opening the fridge for the sixth time hoping chocolate has materialized.
There’s also social strategy involved. The way you press the “Close Door” button says everything about you.

The tap and glance: You’re pretending not to notice the other person running toward the elevator.
The full press with body shield: You’ve decided to betray basic human decency for your own schedule.
The fake press: You press it while smiling warmly, signaling, “I tried,” while fully aware it does nothing.
Otis elevators have essentially turned us into actors in a moral drama performed 50 times a day.
In many ways, the Otis “Close Door” button is a symbol of adulthood itself. Full of buttons that seem to do something but don’t. Mortgage refinancing, printer troubleshooting, dieting after 5 p.m.—all have the same energy. The illusion of control is the lifeblood of modern living. We love the illusion of control, don’t we?

And yet, even as we know its futility, we still press it. Every single time. Because hope, however unscientific, beats standing next to a stranger who insists on loud phone calls or eye contact.
So next time you find yourself jabbing that shiny, unyielding button—hold your head high. You are a dreamer. A doer. A hero in an elevator shaft. You know it may be a lie, but you press it anyway.
After all, your hurry is more important than the other guy’s hurry. I wonder, what do we impatient people do with the invitation Jesus issued to the disciples, “Hey guys, let’s get away from the crowds and rest.”

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Claiborne Parish 4-H had a record-breaking summer at 4-H Camp Grant Walker, with 21 youth attending the week-long experience — a 133% increase from last year’s 9 campers.

Camp Grant Walker is a time-honored tradition for 4th–6th grade 4-H’ers from across the state. The camp offers hands-on learning, leadership development, and unforgettable fun in a safe, supportive environment. Claiborne Parish youth jumped in with full enthusiasm, making memories that will last a lifetime.

Throughout the week, campers participated in a wide variety of educational tracks and outdoor adventures. Activities included:

Wetlands
Archery and Riflery with trained instructors
Outdoor Adventures like hiking, nature study, and wildlife education
STEM workshops, where campers explored science and technology through hands-on experiments
Arts and Crafts, where creativity took center stage
Food and Fitness focused on nutrition and fitness
Evening Swimming and Dances, building friendships and team spirit across parish lines

“My favorite part about Camp Grant Walker is getting to watch these youth become their own person and learn how to be independent while being safe and having fun,” said Destiny Hightower, the Claiborne Parish 4-H Agent. With record participation and renewed energy, Claiborne Parish 4-H is proud to continue offering engaging opportunities like 4-H Camp to help youth thrive.

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By Steve Graf    

Today, I’m going to hop on my soap box. There aren’t many things that I truly hate, but summer bass tournaments would be at the top of the list!

Now why would this be? For several reasons that I’ll get into later, but the most obvious one –IT’S BLAZING HOT! It’s a time of year when anglers become babysitters, trying to keep their 5-fish limit breathing for eight hours in a live well.

Summer bass tournaments in the South are a grind for both anglers and the bass. The fishing is good the first hour, but can be horrendous the rest of the day. With daytime temperatures reaching the mid to upper 90s and humidity levels over 90 percent, it takes all the fun out of fishing, especially during the months of July and August.

A few tournament trails have or will drop their daily fish limit down from five to three which really helps in so many ways. For one, it allows for better survival rate, as there are less fish to manage in your live well and it means less bass being handled at the weigh-in.

Some anglers hate the three-fish limit tournaments as they think it levels the playing field too much. They feel anyone can get lucky and catch three good fish. But if you go back and look at three-fish tournament results over the years, it turns out that the same guys who win with a five-fish limit are still at the top of the tournament standings with three fish.

My personal reasons for hating summer tournaments would begin with the exhaustion you feel at the end of the day fishing in high temperatures. Fishing in 95 degree-plus temperatures drains the life out of an angler.

Next gripe — I hate it when sweat is dripping off my nose or running down my butt! The heat just makes fishing difficult and unenjoyable.

But what I really look forward to the most is nighttime cramps that occur after fishing in the hot sun all day. There’s nothing more fun than waking up in the middle of the night as your calf muscles or hamstrings decide to tighten up like a guitar string. Thank the Lord above for pickle juice, as there’s pretty much nothing better for eliminating cramps!

Another gripe — everything in your boat is blazing hot and will leave a mark on your butt if you sit on one of those latches that’s a part of the storage lockers. If you’re not careful, you’ll end up being branded like cattle at a stockyard.

Then there’s the wear and tear on your electronics which are large investments, as these units can cost up to $5,000 each. It’s also hard on your rods and reels and the fishing line spooled on each reel. Nothing is harder on your equipment than the hot sun!

As anglers, we must take precautions to protect ourselves from the sun’s harmful UV rays. As a Melanoma survivor, I can attest to all the things I have to do in order to fish in high temperatures. These days, I always wear long sleeve UV protective shirts, a wide brim hat, long pants (most of the time) and plenty of sunscreen.

But my main reason for hating summer bass tournaments — it’s just not fun! It’s a miserable way to spend your day sweating to the oldies on the front deck of a bass boat! ZERO FUN!

The next issue (as if I need anymore) would be dealing with all the crazy recreational boaters like pontoon boats, jet skis and those awesome stupid wake boats that put out four-foot-high waves and disrupt everyone and everything on the lake! Sorry wake boaters, but there should be a limit to the size of the waves you all put out!

One rule I would like to see implemented strictly for wake boaters would be that they are not allowed on the lake until after 2 p.m. This way there would be no conflict with bass boaters and wake boats being on the lake at the same time, as most summer bass tournaments are over by 2 in the afternoon.

Now I know I’ll get some good fan mail over my wake boater comments, but at least I’ll know they read my article! Just kidding wake boaters, hope y’all have fun as well, but keep your wakes down please!

‘Til next time, enjoy your hot summer days on the lake as I hope and pray you won’t see me out there very often.

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Louisiana workers who rely on tips will see meaningful tax relief starting this year, thanks to a newly enacted federal law that exempts a portion of their tip income from taxation. The “No Tax on Tips” provision, part of the broader One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law on July 4, officially became federal law as Public Law 119-21—and Louisiana is among the states embracing it without additional legislative hurdles.

The new law allows employees and self-employed individuals in tip-based occupations to deduct up to $25,000 annually in qualified tips from their taxable income. The deduction applies to voluntary tips received in cash, by card, or through tip-sharing arrangements, and must be reported through standard IRS channels such as Form W-2, Form 1099, or Form 4137 for unreported tips.

Waitstaff, bartenders, hair stylists, delivery drivers, casino workers, and others in traditionally tipped professions stand to benefit the most. To qualify, the occupation must have been recognized by the IRS as regularly receiving tips by the end of 2024.

Self-employed individuals can also take the deduction, though it is capped at their net income from the relevant trade or business, before accounting for the tip deduction.

The full deduction is available to individuals earning less than $150,000 in modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), or $300,000 for married couples filing jointly. Above these thresholds, the deduction phases out.

Because Louisiana’s income tax system largely conforms to federal adjusted gross income, most workers in the state will automatically see the benefit of this deduction reflected on their state returns as well—without needing to complete separate calculations or forms. That’s welcome news in a state where service industries play a major role in the economy, particularly in hospitality hubs like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Natchitoches.

The deduction takes effect for tax year 2025 and will remain in place through 2028, barring further congressional action. The IRS is expected to release updated instructions and guidance before the end of the year.

In the meantime, tip earners are encouraged to continue accurate recordkeeping and reporting. The deduction doesn’t eliminate reporting requirements—only the tax burden on qualifying amounts.

For service workers across Louisiana, especially those juggling fluctuating incomes and long shifts, the “No Tax on Tips” provision offers more than just savings—it’s a nod to the essential roles they play in the state’s economy.

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Gary Mark Gilmore’s life of crime began when he was in his early teens. It started with petty theft and soon evolved into Gary leading a car theft ring. Gary was in a seemingly endless rotation of crime and prison. After his father died of lung cancer, news which he received from a prison guard, the speed of Gary’s downward spiral increased exponentially. When Gary was released from prison, he became more erratic and became an alcoholic. In his mid-twenties, Gary was convicted of assault and armed robbery and sent back to prison. Eight years later, he was released on a conditional parole. Within a month, he was arrested for armed robbery. After his conditional parole from prison in 1976, 35-year-old Gary moved to Provo, Utah, to live with a distant relative.

At about 11 p.m. on the night of July 19, 1976, three months after his release from prison, Gary robbed 25-year-old Max David Jensen, the night attendant at a service station in Orem, Utah. Max was a graduate of Utah State University and was working at the gas station to pay his way through Brigham Young University Law School. Max had married 14 months earlier and had an infant daughter. At the end of the robbery, Gary told Max to lie down on the floor. Then, Gary shot Max twice in the head with a .22 caliber pistol. Max lost his life for $150.

Just before 11 p.m. on the following night, Gary robbed 26-year-old Bennie Jewkes Bushnell, the night clerk of the City Center Hotel in Provo, Utah. Like Max, Bennie had been married a short time, had an infant child, and was working his way through Brigham Young University. Gary forced Bennie to lie down on the floor and killed him in the same manner as he had Max. Bennie lost his life for $125.

Gary had parked his truck at a nearby service station and walked to the motel. Following the robbery, an attendant at the service station saw Gary return to his car, noticed he was bleeding, heard about the shooting at the motel, and called police. The service station attendant knew Gary and told police where he was living. With that information, officers arrested Gary without incident within three hours.

On October 7, 1976, after a two-day trial, a jury found Gary guilty of murdering Bennie and sentenced him to death. After hearing the verdict, Judge J. Robert Bullock asked Gary if he preferred to be hung or shot. Gary replied, “I prefer to be shot.” On January 17, 1977, as he stood before the six-man firing squad, Gary told the warden his last words. At 8:07 a.m., Gary’s sentence was carried out.

In 1988, Dan Wieden, co-founder of the advertising company Wieden and Kennedy, was hired to come up with a catchy slogan for a struggling company. Dan remembered Gary Gilmore’s last words and tweaked it slightly. A killer’s last words, “let’s do it,” which Dan tweaked to “just do it,” became one of the most successful slogans in advertising history and transformed the fortunes of a struggling shoe company called Nike.

Sources:

1. The Daily Herald (Provo, Utah), July 21, 1976, p.1,4.

2. The Daily Herald, July 23, 1976, p.2.

3. The Daily Herald, October 6, 1976, p.3.

4. The Daily Herald, October 8, 1976, p.1.

5. The Daily Herald, January 17, 1977, p.1.

6. The Miami Herald, August 22, 2009, p. 91.

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It was on July 16, 1969, at 9:32 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time that NASA’s Apollo 11 mission lifted off from Cape Kennedy, Florida, beginning humanity’s most audacious journey yet: reaching the Moon. Almost 56 years later, the launch remains one of the most iconic moments of the 20th century, reshaping the trajectory of science, culture, and global ambition.

The Saturn V rocket, roaring to life against a clear summer sky, carried astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins. Their mission would etch their names—and Armstrong’s first steps—into history, fulfilling President John F. Kennedy’s bold pledge to land a man on the Moon and return him safely by the end of the decade.

More than just a technological marvel, Apollo 11 symbolized a powerful achievement in human collaboration and resolve. Countless scientists, engineers, technicians, and support personnel across the nation pulled together to make the lunar landing possible. The mission also served as a dramatic turning point during a time marked by Cold War tensions and questions of global leadership.

On launch day, millions watched breathlessly as Apollo 11 cleared the tower and vanished into the heavens. Days later, on July 20, Armstrong stepped onto the lunar surface declaring, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” a phrase forever etched into the collective memory.

In the aftermath of the mission, public fascination soared. Televisions replayed the grainy images of lunar descent and Earthrise over and over. The success reaffirmed faith in scientific exploration and offered a unifying narrative of human achievement during a turbulent era.

The Apollo 11 launch also accelerated technological spin-offs: advances in materials science, telecommunications, computing, and more emerged from the mission’s rigorous demands. It served as the spark for future space exploration—from Skylab and the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station and plans for Mars missions.

What makes the anniversary of the 1969 launch especially resonant in July 2025 is its enduring legacy. Despite shifting priorities and challenges to space funding over the decades, the launch still represents a benchmark of inspiration. For many, it reminds us that bold vision combined with hard work can achieve what once seemed impossible.

On this day in history, the world also commemorates several other memorable firsts. July 16, 1945, saw the first successful test of an atomic bomb at Alamogordo, New Mexico, marking the dawn of the nuclear age. And in 1790, Washington, D.C. was designated as the capital of the United States, setting a foundation for the nation’s seat of government.

But it is Apollo 11 that captures the imagination in a timeless way—an emblem not only of space exploration, but of the enduring human spirit. Four decades later, the Earthbound crowd of July 1969 may have dispersed, but the ripple effects of that launch continue to shape aerospace, innovation, and cultural identity.

Today, as space agencies plan new missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, the legacy of Apollo 11 remains a lodestar. The mission proved that frontiers once thought unreachable exist merely to be explored, as long as curiosity, courage, and cooperation prevail.

So as July 16 unfolds in 2025, the world pauses to honor that pivotal moment when Apollo 11 vaulted skyward—and forever opened the door to the stars.

Photo Credit: NASA

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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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In support of Operation Dry Water and in partnership with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and Louisiana State Police (LSP), the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division arrested 19 boaters statewide for alleged driving or operating a vessel while intoxicated (DWI) from July 4 to July 6 as part of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrator’s Operation Dry Water campaign.

“We are proud of the hard work our agents put forth during Operation Dry Water weekend. Our Enforcement Division will continue to focus on the safety of our boaters by removing impaired drivers from the water,” said LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth. “We are also thankful for USCG and LSP for their continued support for boating safety in Louisiana.”

On July 4, agents arrested the following for DWI:

Michael H. Mclendon, 35, of Homer, on Lake Claiborne in Claiborne Parish.

On July 5, agents arrested the following for DWI:

Peyton Wafer, 22, of Dubberly, on Lake Bisteneau in Webster Parish.

On July 6, agents arrested the following for DWI:

Tristan M. Guidry, 29, of Coral Springs, Florida, in Henderson Bay in St. Martin Parish.

In Ouachita Parish on July 4, a boat was heading up river on the Ouachita River with six people on board when they struck a fixed object in the water that punctured the hull of the vessel. One person needed medical treatment following this incident.

In Jackson Parish on July 5, a bay boat accidentally backed into a parked pontoon boat at the Ebenezer Boat Launch on Caney Lake. No injuries were reported for this incident.

Anyone cited for a DWI on the water or on the road will lose his or her driver’s license and boating privileges for the specified time ordered by the judge in the case. Also, each offense of operating a vehicle or vessel while intoxicated counts toward the total number of DWI crimes whether they happened on the water or road.

In Louisiana a DWI can be issued to anyone operating a moving vessel or vehicle while impaired. First offense DWI carries a $300 to $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail.

Hit and run without fatalities or serious injuries carries up to a $500 fine and 10 days to six months in jail. Reckless operation of a vessel brings up to a $200 fine and 90 days in jail.

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Road or Lane Status

ROAD CLOSURE: LA 146 over Caney Creek near Homer, Claiborne Parish

Tuesday, July 08, 2025 1:16 PM

ROAD CLOSURE: LA 146 over Caney Creek near Homer, Claiborne Parish

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises motorists that beginning on Monday, July 14, 2025, LA 146 over Caney Creek near Homer in Claiborne Parish will be closed.
This road closure is necessary to allow DOTD crews to install permanent cross drain pipes at this location, with the roadway anticipated to be reopened by Friday, July 18, 2025.
Temporary pipes were previously installed in order to be able to reopen the roadway while the permanent materials were being ordered. The installation of these permanent pipes will ensure continued seamless travel and maintain reliable connectivity along this route.

Asphalt paving operations will also take place in the coming weeks in order to re-pave the roadway at this location.

As always, DOTD appreciates the patience and understanding of the community.

This work will be performed WEATHER PERMITTING.

Safety reminder:

DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment. Remember to leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Area residents should exercise caution when driving, walking, or biking near an active construction zone.

Additional information:

Call 511, visit http://www.511la.org, or download the Louisiana 511 mobile app for additional travel information. Out-of-state travelers may call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website at http://www.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MyDOTD, or by visiting the DOTD Facebook and X (Twitter) pages.

Contact Information:
Erin Buchanan
Public Information Officer
Shreveport-Bossier District
(318) 549-8402
erin.buchanan@la.gov

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By Steve Graf    

In August of 1979, I loaded my ’71 Buick LeSabre and headed from east Texas to Louisiana and Northwestern State University. The opportunity to continue my athletic career was a scholarship offer to play both football and baseball at NSU. To say I was nervous would be an understatement. I was also excited and scared all at the same time.

Back then, the NSU football staff would send a workout program at the beginning of the summer that you needed to follow in order to show up in shape for two-a-days. Being an incoming freshman and not knowing what to expect, I showed up in the best shape of my life.

That summer I held down three jobs. One was working from 5-7:30 each morning for a company called Tex Pac, which was similar on a smaller scale to today’s FedEx. Then I would head for the Texas Highway Department from 8-5. My evening job was working for Dixie Youth from 6-9:30 keeping score and doing general field maintenance. Then I would do my NSU workout in the dark from 10-11:30 at the high school track and football field.

Let’s just say that sleeping was not a problem for me during this time. I will also admit that a Tex Pac co-worker who was a close friend of mine (Bill Curry) had to knock on my door a few times to make sure I got up. But everything considered, I was fairly responsible at making sure I was on time for all my summer jobs.

The day finally came to load the car and head for Louisiana. Little did I know at the time that this would be the greatest journey of my life. It would alter my future in ways I could never imagine.

It was a three-hour drive from Mt. Pleasant, Texas, to Natchitoches and NSU. I can still remember asking myself, “Am I good enough to play on the Division 1 level? Will I be able to compete with these guys? Will my teammates accept me for the person I am, and will I fit in?”

These are questions every athlete asks when making that jump from high school to college. But as I arrived in the parking lot at the football dorm on NSU campus, I was immediately greeted by a couple of Demon football players — offering me a solo cup of cold beer that was being iced down in three horse troughs.

Being from east Texas and growing up in a dry town, I was raised on Kool-Aid and sweet tea, along with a daily glass of milk. The thought of a beer just did not sit well. Even over time, I never developed a taste for beer.

It did not take me long to realize that I was no longer in east Texas anymore! Coming to Louisiana was a culture shock for me, to say the least, but one that I would embrace. All the guys (teammates) were so welcoming and supporting that it helped to make the transition easier.

Leaving home for the first time in 1979 and being on my own really helped me to grow up. We all thought that when we turned 18, we knew everything, and our parents knew nothing. We thought we were ready to tackle the world, and while most of us were, we still made dumb decisions. But this is all a part of the maturation process that each of us goes through, and hopefully survives, coming out a better person on the other side.

Looking back, my college experience was awesome as I played football and baseball with some of the greatest athletes that ever played at Northwestern. It was an experience that changed my life forever. I met my wife (Sherrie) of 44 years, and we raised three beautiful children and continue to live in Natchitoches to this day.

When we’re young, we don’t always recognize how great an opportunity is until it’s all over. To every athlete out there that gets the opportunity to play on the collegiate level, don’t waste it!

Take advantage and make the most of your time in college. Additionally, make sure to show appreciation to those who granted you that chance to extend your athletic career. But more importantly, thank them for the opportunity to get a college degree!

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How is your hope holding up?

We are sliding down the other side of 2025. The year is half over plus a couple of days. How has this year worked out for you and for those you love? Has it been a good year thus far?

I know some folks who are struggling with hanging on to their hope. There are hopeless situations being lived by folks we see and know. They might not say anything about it, but on the inside hopelessness is like a darkness extinguishing any light coming into their life. Perhaps you are overwhelmed with a sense of hopelessness.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” And hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Romans 5: 3-5)

This story will help.

In an art gallery, a tour group stood before a painting titled “Checkmate” by Friedrich Moritz August Retzsch. The scene depicts a young man playing chess with the devil. The devil wears a smug grin, convinced he’s won. The young man looks defeated—his soul seemingly lost in this symbolic match.

The story goes that one man stood and stared at the painting as his tour group moved into a different room. After counting heads, the tour guide noted a missing guest. He backtracked and found the man intensely staring at the work of art. The man told the tour guide, “They need to rename this painting.”

The man viewing the painting was a chess master.

He said, “It’s not checkmate. The king has one more move!”

In every situation in your life, in the life of a loved one, King Jesus has one more move!

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By John Monzingo, Assistant County Agent

Each summer, many homeowners unintentionally damage their lawns by cutting the
grass too short—a practice known as scalping. This weakens the turf, making it more
susceptible to heat stress, drought, and disease. To maintain a healthy, green lawn, it’s
essential to mow at the correct height and water at the right time.

Mowing: Follow the One-Third Rule

When mowing your lawn, you should only remove the top one-third of the grass
blade. Cutting more than that can shock the plant and hinder its growth. Each type of
turfgrass has an ideal mowing height that promotes optimal health and appearance.

Step 1: Identify Your Grass Type

Knowing what type of grass, you have is the first step in proper lawn care. Different
grasses thrive at different mowing heights.

Step 2: Mow at the Recommended Height

Here are the recommended mowing heights after cutting for common grass types in

North Louisiana:

Common Bermuda: 1¼ to 1½ inches

Hybrid Bermuda: ¾ to 1 inch

St. Augustine: 2 to 3 inches

Centipede: 1 to 2 inches

Bahia: 3 inches

Note: Bahia grass is not typical turfgrass, but it is common in North Louisiana. Always
make small adjustments to your mower height to avoid removing too much at once.

How to Measure Grass and Mower Height

To determine your grass height:

Place a ruler vertically on the soil and measure to the tip of the grass blade.
To set your mower height:

 Place the mower on a flat, level surface (such as a concrete porch).

Measure from the ground to the cutting edge of the blade.

Watering: Timing and Amount Matter

Watering your lawn properly is just as important as mowing. Some grass requires more
water than others, so it’s important to understand your lawn’s needs.

Best time to water: Between 4:00 AM and 9:00 AM

Why morning? Watering early allows moisture to soak in before the heat of the
day, reducing evaporation and helping prevent fungal diseases that can occur
with nighttime watering.

If you have any questions about lawn care, please contact the Louisiana Cooperative
Extension Service at 318-927-3110.

It is the policy of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service that no person shall be
subject to discrimination on the grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, religion,
age, or disability.

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Residents of Claiborne Parish can expect unsettled weather through the middle of the week, followed by a return to hot and mostly sunny conditions as the weekend approaches, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday:
Showers and thunderstorms are likely throughout the day. A few showers may begin before 7 a.m., with increased activity between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m., and continuing into the afternoon. Skies will remain mostly cloudy, with a high near 87°F. Winds will be calm early, becoming light from the southwest around 5 mph. There is a 70% chance of rain, with expected rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch.

Wednesday Night:
A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms lingers through early evening, mainly before 1 a.m. Patchy fog is possible between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. The night will be mostly cloudy with a low around 71°F and calm winds.

Thursday:
Scattered showers and thunderstorms continue, with a 50% chance of precipitation. The day will be partly sunny with a high near 91°F. Winds will be calm in the morning, becoming southwest at around 5 mph by the afternoon.

Thursday Night:
Skies will clear, bringing a mostly clear night with a low around 73°F.

Friday Through Sunday:
Hot and mostly sunny conditions will dominate the weekend, with only slight chances of afternoon thunderstorms.

Friday: A 20% chance of storms after 1 p.m., otherwise sunny and hot, with a high near 95°F.

Friday Night: Mostly clear with a low around 73°F.

Saturday: Another 20% chance of storms after 1 p.m., with sunny skies and a high near 95°F.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear and warm, low around 73°F.

Sunday: A slightly higher 30% chance of storms under mostly sunny and hot conditions. High near 95°F.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear with a low around 74°F.

Looking Ahead to Monday:
The workweek begins with more heat and a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Expect mostly sunny skies and a high near 96°F.

Reminder: Afternoon thunderstorms this time of year can bring brief heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds. Stay weather-aware and hydrated during the heat.

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Mike was nervous. He was among many guests including Steven Spielberg and Bob Zemeckis who flew to England to meet Princess Diana at a film premier. While they waited in the reception area, the chief of royal protocol prepped the group for their formal introduction. Mike, a Canadian, grew more nervous with each passing minute because he was going to meet his future Queen. This was years before Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s divorce. Mike felt out of place in his starched, rented tuxedo, but he was excited to meet the princess. He began to sweat. While he waited, he quickly downed some beers to calm his nerves. Mike did not get drunk, but drunkenness is not the only consequence of poorly timed beer intake.

Mike stood in the receiving line and watched as Princess Diana spoke briefly with those ahead of him. He kept going over the dos and don’ts in his head as the chief of royal protocol had instructed. He planned to follow the protocols to a tee. He thought the princess looked stunning in her blue silk gown and pearl and diamond jewelry. When it was his turn, Mike spoke briefly with Princess Diana. He had planned to compliment her on her outfit, but in the moment, it slipped his mind. They spoke briefly and she moved on.

Mike was relieved that the receiving line was done. The next task was to sit back, relax, and watch the film. The ushers escorted the royal party to their seats, then came back for the others. Mike had expected to sit at least a row or two behind the royal party. He almost went into cardiac arrest when the usher led him to his seat right beside Princess Diana. Mike thought to himself, “except for the fact that she’s married and is the Princess of Wales, this is practically a date.” Mike could not believe his luck, then he began to sweat again. Before the film began, Princess Diana made small talk with Mike. According to the rules set forth by the chief of royal protocol, Mike could not initiate conversation with the princess, but he could respond; Mike could not rise from his seat until she did; and he could never, ever turn his back toward her. Those rules kept going through his mind.

Finally, the film began. Mike thought he could finally relax, well, as much as one could sitting next to Princess Diana. Just as the film’s opening credits appeared on screen, it hit him. Mike felt the sudden and unmistakable pressure of a full bladder brought on by the beers he drank to calm his anxiety at meeting Princess Diana. “I was a hostage to etiquette,” he said later. He knew Princess Diana would be too polite to speak during the film. What would he say if she did? He could not stand before the princess, and there was no reason for her to stand. Even if she did rise, Mike would have to back away from Princess Diana down the crowded row of royals and other guests. That would not work, either. Mike considered the one other alternative but thought that would have been worse than breaking all the other protocols combined. Mike had no choice but to hold it. He recalled that his “fantasy date with a princess turned into two of the most excruciating hours of my life.” Princess Diana never knew about the dilemma as she watched the premier of “Back to the Future” while sitting beside Mike…Michael J. Fox.

Source: Michael J. Fox, Luck Man: a Memoir, (Hyperion, 2002),99-100.

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On this day in 1979, NASA’s Voyager 2 spacecraft made its closest approach to Jupiter, beaming back the first detailed images of the gas giant and its moons—revolutionizing our understanding of the outer solar system.

Launched in August 1977, Voyager 2 was the second of two spacecraft sent to take advantage of a rare planetary alignment that would allow them to visit multiple outer planets using gravitational assists. While its twin, Voyager 1, would later make headlines for its dramatic flybys of Jupiter and Saturn, Voyager 2 was the first to visit all four of the outer planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

Voyager 2’s encounter with Jupiter on July 9, 1979, was its first major planetary flyby. The spacecraft passed just 400,000 miles from the planet’s cloud tops, capturing high-resolution photos of its turbulent atmosphere, iconic Great Red Spot, and faint ring system—an unexpected discovery at the time. Even more astonishing were the images of Jupiter’s moons.

Scientists were stunned by what they saw. Instead of lifeless, cratered rocks, Jupiter’s four largest moons—Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto—emerged as complex and dynamic worlds. Most notably, Voyager 2 revealed that Io, one of Jupiter’s innermost moons, was dotted with active volcanoes, making it the most geologically active body in the solar system.

The discovery of volcanic activity on Io was groundbreaking. It was the first time active volcanism had ever been observed on a celestial body beyond Earth. This single finding reshaped scientific theories about moon formation and planetary geology and sparked new interest in studying planetary systems beyond our own.

Voyager 2 also helped confirm that Europa, another of Jupiter’s moons, had a smooth, icy surface—hinting at the possibility of a subsurface ocean. Today, that hint has become a driving focus in the search for extraterrestrial life, with upcoming missions like NASA’s Europa Clipper designed to explore that very possibility.

The success of the Voyager flyby wasn’t just scientific—it was deeply human. For many watching in 1979, the images transmitted across nearly half a billion miles of space were a powerful reminder of what humanity could achieve. The flyby was broadcast on television, published in newspapers worldwide, and discussed in classrooms, inspiring a new generation of scientists, engineers, and dreamers.

Since that day, Voyager 2 has continued its journey outward. It went on to visit Saturn in 1981, Uranus in 1986, and Neptune in 1989—becoming the only spacecraft to have visited the latter two planets. In 2018, more than 40 years after its launch, Voyager 2 exited the heliosphere and entered interstellar space. It continues to send back data to Earth, powered by a small nuclear generator and guided by technology developed in the 1970s.

Today, on July 9, we celebrate not only a milestone in space exploration but also the curiosity, collaboration, and courage that made it possible. Voyager 2’s flyby of Jupiter forever changed the way we see our solar system—not just as a collection of distant orbs, but as a vibrant, dynamic neighborhood filled with wonder.

As NASA prepares for the next era of planetary exploration, including missions to the outer planets’ moons and the continued search for life, the legacy of Voyager 2 lives on—still flying, still exploring, and still inspiring.

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Welton Capers
July 22, 1939 – July 6, 2025
Visitation: Thursday, July 10 from 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home
Services: Friday, July 11, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the funeral home

Perry D. “Donnie” Smith
October 22, 1962 – July 3, 2025
Visitation: Friday, July 11, 2025 from 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home
Services: Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Mt. Pleasant 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 Roy Griggs 50 Under 50 Awards have named Philana Maxie-Banks, principal of Homer Elementary School, as one of this year’s distinguished honorees, recognizing her exceptional contributions to education, leadership, and community service.

A proud Shreveport native, Maxie-Banks brings more than 20 years of experience in education to her current role, holding credentials as an Elementary Level Teacher and Level 3 Educational Leader. As principal of Homer Elementary, she is celebrated for her transformational leadership and deep commitment to student success. Her approach to education is rooted in compassion, structure, and a drive to help every child reach their full potential.

Beyond her professional achievements, Maxie-Banks is equally committed to service outside the classroom. She is the Youth Director at Embrace Me Ministries, where she leads with faith and purpose, mentoring and ministering to children with spiritual guidance and care. She is also a proud mother of three and grandmother of five, roles she embraces with devotion and love.

Known throughout Claiborne Parish and beyond for her heart-centered leadership and steadfast dedication to youth, Maxie-Banks exemplifies the spirit of the 50 Under 50 recognition — honoring young leaders making lasting impacts in their fields and communities.

Philana Maxie-Banks will be honored at the Roy Griggs 50 Under 50 Awards Gala on Thursday, Aug. 21 at 6 PM at the Bossier Civic Center.

The community joins in offering heartfelt congratulations to Principal Maxie-Banks — a trailblazer, mentor, and beacon of hope for the next generation.

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By Randy Rogers

It all started back in 2024 when the residents of Dubach woke up one morning to find a newly restored ballpark, a new children’s park, the Lewis Pavillion on James Lake had been repaired and turned into an outdoor music venue, a new fountain, a one-mile-long nature (birding) trail, a new fishing and kayaking dock, and finally – a new boat ramp.

So, it made sense, with Independence Day just around the corner, to have several events held on that day: ribbon cuttings at the Lewis Pavillion, the new ballpark, and the Children’s Park. We’d start it off with a softball tournament, have live music at the Pavilion leading up to a fireworks show launched from the levee at dark.

We needed a name for this event. We thought about bringing back Dubach Day but decided we really wanted to celebrate, not the days gone by, but the rebirth of our little town.

Dubach now has restored amenities that would bring people into town—to play ball, fish, canoe or kayak, bird watch, take the kids to the park, or just hang out on the pavilion, listen to the fountain, and maybe think, hey, I might like to live here in Dubach.

Dubach is not the town it was back in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. Few small towns are. Back then, merchants filled almost every downtown store. We had a high school with award-winning baseball and basketball programs. Yes, Dubach thrived, mainly because almost every man, and some women, were employed by the local gasoline plant.

Now we try to be realistic and pitch Dubach as a beautiful, quiet, safe, little country town only 13 minutes from our Big Southern Sister—Ruston—down a 65-mph four-lane highway.

Growing up, we all went to “town” (Ruston) to shop, buy clothes, dine, and go to college. So, nothing, in that regard, has changed much.

Our properties aren’t as costly as Ruston’s and we’re steadily working to get rid of some of the eyesores that convey a poor first impression. Once that’s done, look out!

That brings us to Celebrate Dubach 2.0 to be held Saturday, July 5. This year’s softball tournament will be played on our restored baseball field, and, for the very first time, under brand new LED lights. Food trucks scattered all over. And for the first time, we’ll have a cross-country run utilizing the ballpark and the nature trail, then a fishing tournament, then live music that afternoon starring Nashville recording artist and platinum-selling songwriter Chancie Neal. Chancie and her band will perform right up until time we light the fireworks show off the levee and help us all celebrate our country’s birthday!

Now, hopefully you can see why we chose to call it “Celebrate Dubach.”

It was simply time to throw a party and rejoice in the hard work by so many volunteers and donors who pulled off this small-town miracle. Now it’s time to do it again!

And there’s more big news! Eric Hanna, of the Dubach Hanna’s, recently purchased the old downtown Gem Theater and plans to turn it into a venue for weekend movie goers and to host catered corporate events.

Eric’s going to open the Gem’s doors from 10:00 to noon during Celebrate Dubach Saturday to allow a brief walk-through prior to the start of reconstruction. Once finished, we hope you’ll bring your family and take in a show.

The Bach is Back!

Randy Rogers

For more information, see the “Dubach Legends” Facebook page.

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By Pat Culverhouse

Future sites for solar farms are also under consideration by Birch Creek in neighboring parishes including Bienville and Claiborne, Zimmerman said.

Webster Parish could be home to an 86-acre solar farm depending on future action of the parish police jury on a permit request from a Missouri independent power production company.

Michelle Zimmerman, Director of Development for Birch Creek, a company involved in utility scale solar development with headquarters in St. Louis, gave jury members a look Tuesday at what the company is proposing to develop on land south of Sarepta.

Her presentation came during the police jury’s road committee meeting prior to the regular session.

Zimmerman said the project would be located on CVOC Rd. and is estimated to cost roughly $20 million. Generation lines would connect to Entergy power lines at the site. Construction would take approximately seven to nine months, she said.

Discussions with Entergy are underway and could be completed by August, she told jury members. In response to a question from Parish Attorney Patrick Jackson, Zimmerman said Tuesday’s presentation was to provide information for a potential vote in August.

Neighboring property owners have received letters of the company’s intentions, she said.

Benefits of the proposed solar farm include enough generation to provide power for approximately 2,000 residential homes. During the construction phase, 74 full-time jobs would be generated and the company would be contributing to Webster Parish property taxes.

Zimmerman told jurors that parish roads would not be negatively impacted by trucks during the construction phase, pointing out that loads would be considerably under load limits.

“We will review all the roadways before and after construction, and we will make any repairs that might be necessary,” she said.

According to its website, Birch Creek was founded in 2019 by a group of solar industry executives. Since its inception, the company reportedly has developed 36 utility scale solar projects throughout the nation.

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BATON ROUGE- As fireworks stands open across Louisiana for the 2025 Fourth of July season, the State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFM) is reminding residents to stay safe and informed when celebrating with fireworks.

More than 600 retail fireworks stands are permitted statewide, with sales allowed through 11:59 p.m. on July 5th. Louisiana law requires all wholesale and retail fireworks sellers to be properly licensed by the SFM and to operate only in areas where fireworks are legally allowed.

While public fireworks shows remain the safest option, if you choose to purchase fireworks, make sure you’re buying from a licensed and permitted vendor. Don’t hesitate to ask to see their permit. Suspicious or illegal sales can be reported to the SFM at 1-800-256-5452 or online at http://www.lasfm.org.

Fireworks Safety Tips:

• Keep fireworks at least 200 feet from buildings, vehicles, and flammable debris
• Never let children handle fireworks; offer safe alternatives like glow sticks
• Avoid using fireworks if impaired by alcohol or drugs
• Light one firework at a time and monitor with a hose or bucket of water nearby
• Soak used fireworks before disposal—never toss them dry into the trash
• Check for local burn bans or dry conditions before using fireworks. Always choose a safe, open space for detonation.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 200 people per day are treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries around Independence Day. Don’t become a statistic—celebrate safely!

For more information or to report concerns, visit http://www.lasfm.org.

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A suspect in the April shooting on Stone St. in Minden where more than 50 shots were fired by four individuals into a group of persons attending a barbecue has been arrested.

Chief of Police Jared McIver said 23-year-old Jayshun Damarcus Miller of Homer was arrested Wednesday by Claiborne Parish officers on a warrant, then transported to Minden today (Thursday) where he was officially booked. He is the first to be arrested in connection with the shooting.

Miller is charged with four counts of attempted second degree murder, illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities, two counts of aggravated criminal damage to property and four counts of simple criminal damage to property.

He is being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center where his bond has been set at $1,175,000.

McIver said Miller was interviewed Thursday by Det. Matthew Hicks, who has been investigating the case, in connection with his part in the shooting that left one person slightly wounded when he was grazed by a bullet.

In the April shooting, four individuals were caught on security cameras in the area entering the area in a vehicle, exiting the vehicle and opening fire. Investigators said the car’s license plate was covered by what appeared to be an article of clothing. Miller is believed to have been the driver.

Det. Hicks said the investigation into the shooting is continuing.

 

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Miller is from Homer and is suspected to be in the Claiborne Parish area.

Minden Police are seeking information for the whereabouts of Jayshun Miller, a 23-year-old black male. Miller is wanted for 4 counts of Attempted Second Degree Murder; 1 count of illegal use of weapons; 2 counts of Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property; and 4 counts of Simple Criminal Damage to Property regarding an April 2025 shooting incident on Stone Street in Minden. Miller and three other suspects fired at least 53 rounds into a group of people having a barbecue.

Through police investigation it was learned the shooting was gang related and Miller is suspected of being a member of a Homer gang.

Anyone with information on Jayshun Miller is encouraged to contact MPD Detective Lt. Jason Smith at 318-371-4226 (office), 318-268-1441 (cell) or email at  jksmith@mindenusa.com.

All information will be confidential.

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The Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) has successfully solved a copper wire theft case that led to the arrest of a Haynesville man and the recovery of stolen property.

The investigation began on June 22, when the CPSO was contacted by an employee of a local utility company reporting the theft of approximately 1,000 feet of copper wire from a utility pole. The incident caused a temporary power outage in the area, prompting immediate concern and response.

The following day, June 23, CPSO detectives officially opened an investigation and responded to the reported theft location. Evidence gathered at the scene enabled detectives to identify a person of interest and begin narrowing their search.

Later that same day, CPSO detectives and a patrol deputy arrived at a nearby residence in Haynesville. There, authorities observed copper wire consistent with the description of the stolen material.

Johnathan Mack DeLoach, a Haynesville resident, was taken into custody at the residence without incident. The utility company was subsequently contacted and reclaimed the stolen wire.

DeLoach was transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center, where he was booked and charged with felony theft. He was also booked as a fugitive from Union County, Arkansas, in connection with an unrelated matter.

The Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office credited swift investigative work and cooperation between patrol and detective divisions in resolving the case.

Anyone with further information related to this or similar cases is encouraged to contact the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office.

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