An extensive search that began in Claiborne Parish ended Monday morning when the body of a 64-year-old man who had been reported missing Friday was discovered off a Webster Parish roadway.

Searchers found the body of 64-year-old Bill Edwards, a resident of Angi Lane, just off Pistol Thomas Rd., Sarepta, Sheriff Jason Parker said.

Parker said Edwards’ electric bike apparently ran off the roadway and into a heavily brushed area, making the body difficult to find. A cause of death has not been determined, but foul play is not suspected. The body has been sent for autopsy.

Edwards reportedly had been to a Homer restaurant Friday and was reported missing Friday evening by family members.

Parker said deputies from both Claiborne Parish and Webster parishes participated in the search which began Friday night utilizing every means at their disposal.

“Sheriff Sam Dowies did a tremendous job of quickly organizing the search,” Parker said. “We assisted with personnel, drones and tracking dogs were brought in also.”

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Claiborne Parish Library has been recognized with the prestigious Education Award for its outstanding contributions to promoting the importance of historic preservation in Louisiana. The award, presented by the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation (LTHP), honors individuals and organizations whose educational efforts have broadened public appreciation for safeguarding the state’s cultural heritage.

Since 1999, the LTHP has been at the forefront of preservation advocacy through its Louisiana’s Most Endangered Places (MEP) program. This initiative highlights historic sites across the state that are at risk of being lost, bringing attention and resources to help save them. To date, more than 200 sites have been listed, with over 50 successfully saved and dozens more currently undergoing restoration and renovation.

The MEP list is driven by public nominations and serves as a call to action for creative solutions to preserve these landmarks. Sites remain on the list until the threat of loss is resolved, ensuring long-term attention and support.

“Historic buildings and sites are the fingerprints of our communities, and it takes creative measures to preserve and protect them for future generations,” said Brian Davis, Executive Director of the Louisiana Trust. “Strategic partnerships, tax credits, and programs like LTHP’s revolving fund can save buildings many people may consider too far gone.”

Selections for the Most Endangered Places list are based on a site’s historical significance, the urgency of its threat, and its potential to inspire positive preservation outcomes—both for itself and for similar sites.

For more information about the program and a complete list of endangered properties, visit lthp.org/properties/most-endangered/.

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Local non-profit organizations are being encouraged to become community partners for the upcoming 2025 Louisiana Legends Fest by participating as food vendors.

A special informational meeting will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at Homer City Hall. The session will provide guidance on how to sign up, review vendor guidelines, and highlight the fundraising opportunities available through this annual event.

Festival organizers say the program offers non-profits a chance to both raise funds and engage with the community during one of Claiborne Parish’s most anticipated celebrations.

For more information, organizations are encouraged to attend the meeting and explore how they can be part of the festival’s success.

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The survey was conducted from August 11, 2025 to August 15, 2025 at 7 p.m. Friday.

The survey aimed to gather feedback from our readers in North and Central Louisiana to the Parish Journals (Parish Journal of Louisiana) regarding their plans to purchase a vehicle in the next four (4) months

SURVEY: How likely are you to purchase a new or used vehicle in the next 4 months?

Total number of surveys submitted:	6,285
Less the number of surveys removed due to irregularities (See Below):	727
TOTAL SURVEYS COMPLETED USED IN THIS ANALYSIS:	5,558
Number of surveys stating they will buy a car or truck within the next 4 months:	993
Number of surveys stating they will pay cash:	270
Number of surveys stating they will need financing:	480
Number of surveys stating they have not decided:	243
Number of surveys stating they will buy a new car (gas)	165
Number of surveys stating they will buy a new truck/SUV (gas)	315
Number of surveys stating they will buy a used car (gas)	225
Number of surveys stating they will buy a used truck/SUV (gas)	288

Irregularities

Outside the State of Louisiana – Entries outside the State boundaries were excluded from the survey based on IP addresses.

Duplicate entries – Entries with the same IP address and MAC address were removed.

Masked/Hidden entries – Masked or hidden IP address entries were deleted.

Editor’s Note: Historically, some participants have attempted to influence our survey results. By removing irregularities, we attempt to ensure that uncaught entries with irregularities remain statistically insignificant. 

This survey provides an overview of Parish Journal readers in the State of Louisiana. It is not a scientific survey.

Parish Journals: Avoyelles, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, DeSoto, Grant, Jackson,  LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Red River, Sabine, Vernon, Webster and Winn

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Paid Editorial Feature – The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the Journal.

Last month, OnPath Federal Credit Union agreed to buy Heritage Bank of St. Tammany in Covington, Louisiana, a century-old institution with deep local roots. The deal was hailed by OnPath CEO Jared Freeman, who praised Heritage’s “unwavering commitment to the local community.” But what Freeman failed to mention is that the acquisition will rob that community of a critical source of revenue.

Because OnPath is a credit union and thus tax-exempt, the deal means that St. Tammany Parish will lose a reliable stream of tax payments. Those dollars help fund schools, pay essential public servants like police officers and firefighters, and support other vital public services across the parish. Once the acquisition is finalized, that revenue will disappear, and the burden of making up the difference will fall squarely on the shoulders of local taxpayers.

The example of OnPath in Louisiana illustrates a much bigger problem across the country: credit unions are no longer the small, member-focused institutions they were established to be. Many have grown into large financial operations, similar to banks, all while enjoying tax-exempt status. Lawmakers must investigate whether credit unions’ tax-exempt status is still necessary in light of their significant growth, which is ultimately leaching revenue from state and local governments and setting the stage for higher taxes on local communities.

The situation in Louisiana is not the first. Texas Dow Employees Credit Union (TDECU) had planned to acquire Sabine Bank and Trust, which is based in Many, Louisiana. Although TDECU ultimately backed away from the acquisition, it underscores the fact that credit unions have strayed far from the original mission Congress envisioned when it exempted them from most federal, state, and local taxes under the Federal Credit Union Act. It’s time for Congress to revisit whether the tax breaks are still justified.

Credit unions like TDECU have grown into large financial institutions by leveraging taxpayer subsidies. Far from its founding mission to serve the residents of Lake Jackson, Texas, TDECU now serves over 380,000 members across the state. Ending 2024 with $4.8 billion in total assets, TDECU’s services have widened to include wealth management investment products through its partnership with LPL Financial, which they even acknowledge as being a conflict of interest. The growth doesn’t stop there. Credit unions are buying community banks at a time when bank consolidation and burdensome regulations are putting extreme pressure on banks’ bottom lines. The current regulatory environment and credit union acquisitions are exacerbating bank consolidation. In fact, data from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) shows that the number of community banks dropped by 46% over the last two decades, falling from 7,620 in 2003 to 4,129 in 2023. Credit unions are thriving, and skirting taxes while community banks are getting squeezed.

One negative outcome of tax-exempt credit unions acquiring community banks is that local and state governments lose revenue. This essential tax revenue helps fund local schools, projects, and infrastructure. The state of Louisiana has a bank shares tax that funds local communities, but when a credit union acquires a bank, it eliminates that source of revenue and results in less funding for local services. The shortfall in revenue could compel a parish to raise taxes on households to maintain a balanced budget. According to the Tax Foundation, “since 2011, more than 100 credit union–bank acquisition deals have been announced across the country.” Credit unions get to grow and avoid paying taxes, while American households across the country are getting forced to foot the bill at the end of the day.

Americans expect transparency, safeguards, and a level playing field from banks. These same principles should apply to credit unions. This is not about eliminating credit unions; it is about accountability and ensuring the law matches credit unions’ behavior. In an era where credit unions operate more like large financial institutions and less like community-oriented lenders, Congress should conduct oversight hearings and reexamine whether their tax-exempt status still aligns with their actions today. Louisiana taxpayers, in towns like Many and Covington, and in parishes around the state, should not have to pay more taxes because the law, as currently written, allows credit unions to exploit their tax loophole.

Ken Hale is the President & Chief Executive Officer of BOM Bank

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Growing up there’ve been all kinds of jobs I’ve had; some I hated and a few I really enjoyed. As a teenager, I worked part time for a parcel shipping company, a lumber yard, summer baseball leagues, worked two summers for Brown & Root Construction and two summers for the Texas Highway Department.

Each of these jobs taught me different things that would benefit me later in life. So many lessons can be learned through working and holding down a job, especially at an early age.

Today, I want to recognize a group of people who deserve a lot more respect than what they are given — game wardens!

It takes a special person to be a game warden. These men and women who take on the job of policing our land and waterways are a special breed, and in many cases never get the credit they deserve.

Talk about a thankless job, these folks do what very few want to do. It’s their job to enforce the rules and regulations of the hunting and fishing world. They go through intense training and schooling to become a certified fish and wildlife official.

They are constantly dealing with the public, who in many cases are carrying weapons. They must have good people skills allowing them to deal with some of the toughest people on earth, hunters and fishermen.

Most of the time as they approach people on the water or in the woods, they are often met by disgruntled anglers or hunters aggravated about being checked.

They have to deal with people with attitudes, who give one excuse after another why they don’t have the necessary licenses, or decided not to follow the rules and regulations that are in place.

Game wardens too often deal with folks who would rather lie than tell the truth. Many times, the wardens must go above and beyond the call of duty, like being first responders to help and rescue people after a hurricane or any type of natural disaster.

They are the guys who must retrieve our loved ones who may have drowned while fishing or been shot in hunting accident. This is a job very few people would ever want.

Growing up in East Texas and now living in Louisiana, I’ve been blessed to get to hunt and fish all across this great country. Hunting and fishing are privileges, not rights, and these men and women we call game wardens do a great job at making sure we are safe.

Today, I want to salute those who carry the badge while patrolling our lakes and waterways making sure the rules and regulations of the hunting and fishing world are enforced.

The next time you see or have some kind of interaction with a game warden, make sure to tell them, “Thank you,” and share that you appreciate the job they do. They’re not the enemy and are not out there just to write tickets. They are out there to keep you safe and enforce the law.

‘Til next week, good luck and stay safe while hunting or fishing. Make sure to follow the rules and regulations set by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in your state.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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Three Claiborne Parish volunteer firefighters have achieved major professional milestones, earning advanced certifications through hundreds of hours of training and study—all while serving their community without pay.

Lieutenant/Chief of Training Brian “Cody” Knighton of the Homer Fire Department has obtained his Firefighter II Certification after completing 550 hours of specialized training. Claiborne Parish Fire District 5 Chief of Training/EMS Director Gavin Hall earned his Firefighter I Certification with 400 hours of study, and Captain Justin Marsalis achieved his Fire Officer II Certification, a 600-hour program focused on leadership and advanced fireground operations.

Despite the demanding requirements, all three firefighters serve on a volunteer basis, dedicating their own time to ensure Claiborne Parish residents receive professional emergency response and fire safety services.

“These men not only respond to emergencies, but they also dedicate countless hours to training and educating our community,” officials said. “If your child attends school in Claiborne Parish, they’ve likely seen them teaching fire prevention.”

Their achievements highlight the importance of continued education and community service in rural fire departments.

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If you’ve ever tried to order at a fast food drive-thru with a speaker that sounds like it was built during the Tower of Babel incident, you know the struggle. You pull up, hungry and hopeful, only to be greeted by a garbled voice that sounds like it’s speaking in tongues—but not the kind Paul was talking about.

“Whaaaat can Iiii get foooorrrr youuuuu todaaaay?”

You squint at the menu like it’s Leviticus, trying to decipher what’s actually available. You speak clearly, slowly, and with conviction: “I’d like a number three with no onions, a medium fry, and a Coke.”

There’s a pause. Then the voice replies, “So that’s a number two, extra onions, large fry, and a Diet Dr. Pepper?”

You sigh. “No, that’s not what I said.”

And suddenly, you realize this feels oddly familiar. Like prayer. Like trying to hear from God.

Let’s be honest—sometimes hearing from God feels like trying to decode a drive-thru speaker in a thunderstorm. You pray with all your heart, asking for guidance, clarity, maybe even a sign. And what you get back feels… fuzzy.

You ask, “Lord, should I take this job?”

And you hear, “Take the jog.”

Jog? Is this about exercise? Is this metaphorical? Is God telling me to run away from the job? Or toward it? Is this a Jonah moment or a Joshua moment?

You start Googling biblical references to jogging. You ask three friends, your pastor, and maybe even your dog. Still unclear.

Drive-thrus are designed for speed but rarely deliver clarity. Similarly, we often approach God like He’s a spiritual vending machine. We want fast answers, clear signs, and instant peace. But God’s not in the business of fast food theology.

He’s more like a slow-cooked brisket—rich, layered, and worth the wait.

Sometimes we get frustrated because we think we’re doing everything right. We’re praying, reading Scripture, even fasting (which, ironically, makes the drive-thru even more tempting). But God’s voice isn’t always loud or obvious. Remember Elijah? God wasn’t in the wind, the earthquake, or the fire. He was in the whisper.

And let’s be real: whispers don’t work well through drive-thru speakers.

The key difference? God’s not garbled. We are.

The static isn’t on His end—it’s on ours. We’ve got spiritual interference: anxiety, distractions, expectations, and sometimes, just plain hunger. We’re trying to hear divine direction while scrolling Instagram, binge-watching Netflix, and mentally calculating how many calories are in a Chick-fil-A milkshake.

But God’s voice requires quiet. Stillness. Intentional listening. It’s not about shouting into the speaker and hoping for the best—it’s about pulling forward, parking, and spending time in His presence.

So next time you’re in a drive-thru, waiting for your order and wondering if they got it right, take a moment to laugh—and reflect. Hearing from God isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. He’s not a fast food employee trying to rush you through. He’s a loving Father who wants relationship, not just requests.

And unlike the drive-thru, He never gets your order wrong.

So breathe. Listen. And maybe skip the onions. Just in case.

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Haynesville is preparing to welcome residents and visitors for the 27th Annual Celebration of Butterflies on Saturday, September 13, 2025. This long-standing tradition promises a day of family fun, education, and community pride.

Schedule of Events
8:00 a.m. – Nan McMullen Run for the Butterflies
10:00 a.m. – 26th Annual Butterfly Parade
10:00 a.m. – Festival Gates Open

Festivalgoers can enjoy:
Educational seminars
A butterfly conservatory
Sale of butterfly plants
Art contests and exhibits
Children’s activities
Craft and food vendors

Organizers invite families, friends, and visitors from across the region to take part in the celebration, which highlights the beauty of butterflies and the spirit of the Haynesville community.

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In 2006, 28-year-old Army Specialist Todd Shriver was just one of many soldiers fighting in Iraq against Saddam Hussein’s regime. Todd and other soldiers in his unit were tasked with clearing buildings of enemy insurgents in the city of Ramadi, but the work was slow. The soldiers listened for any movement in the room to be cleared. If they heard nothing, the soldiers took a quick peak into a room, with a mirror if one was available, to check for any signs of obvious danger such as enemy soldiers or explosives. They could be hiding anywhere. Then, the soldiers cautiously and slowly walked or crawled through the doorway with their weapons at the ready. Once a room was cleared, they repeated the process on a slow, seemingly endless cycle. If they failed to notice a tripwire, just one…BOOM!

Enemy soldiers had set booby traps in many of the buildings. The explosives were triggered by nearly invisible trip wires. The various branches of the military had spent an untold amount of money searching for a practical solution for finding these tripwires, but none of their ideas became standard-issue equipment. Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Garver, a U.S. military spokesman in Baghdad, explained that soldiers often have to improvise on the battlefield and that commanders are given money to purchase nonstandard supplies. During the war in Iraq, soldiers bolted scrap metal to vehicles in what they called “Hillbilly Armor.” Troops removed old bulletproof windshields from damaged vehicles and attached them to working military vehicles to provide extra protection to gunners. Medics used tampons to plug bullet holes until the wounded soldiers could be transported from the battlefield to medical facilities. Soldiers used condoms over the muzzles of their rifles to keep sand out.

With no clear solution to easily locating tripwires, Todd and his fellow soldiers continued the slow process of clearing buildings. One day in October 2006, Todd was assisting some Marines in clearing a building. It was pretty much the same process of listen and look. Then, the Marine did something Todd was not expecting. He pulled out an aerosol can and sprayed its contents through the doorway. Todd was curious about the Marine’s action, but the soldiers knew to keep quiet. After clearing a few rooms in the same manner, the Marine took out the aerosol can and sprayed it as he had through the other doorways. This time, something different happened. The contents that spewed from the can clung to a nearly invisible thread which spanned the doorway. With a quick push of the can’s nozzle, the soldiers located a practically invisible tripwire that could have been deadly.

Todd requested cans of the product, but none could be found in Iraq. The product was plentiful in the United States, so Todd turned to his mother, Marcelle Shriver. On a telephone call, Todd told her what the product was and how they could use it if they had it. Todd’s mother sprung into action. She sent her son a few cans of the spray, but they needed more. With the help of her church, Todd’s mother sent him a few more dozen cans. Word spread quickly about the need and manufacturers joined in the cause. Within a year, Todd’s mother had sent more than 80,000 cans of the spray to soldiers in Iraq. Todd’s mother was collecting the spray cans, not from hardware stores, but from party supply stores. You see, the product in the aerosol cans that has saved countless lives by making the invisible tripwires visible was a silly solution called Silly String.

Sources:

1. “A Serious Use For Silly String,” December 6, 2005, CBS News, accessed August 17, 2025, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/a-serious-use-for-silly-string/.

2. Mel Evans, “Silly String care packages sent to troops in Iraq,” October 15, 2007, NBC News, accessed August 17, 2025, https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna21309380.

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On August 27, fans and music historians alike pause to mark a milestone in rock history: the release of Pearl Jam’s debut album, Ten. Dropping on this date in 1991, Ten would prove foundational to the rise of grunge music, shaping the sound—and the spirit—of a generation.

Though Pearl Jam wasn’t the first grunge band to emerge from Seattle, Ten thrust them into the spotlight with raw emotion and powerful anthems. Tracks like “Alive,” “Even Flow,” and “Jeremy” weren’t just radio hits; they became rallying cries for disaffected youth across the country. “Jeremy” also earned Grammy nods for both Best Rock Song and Best Hard Rock Performance—signaling both commercial and critical acclaim.

The album’s impact was nothing short of seismic. Certified 13× Platinum by the RIAA, Ten remained on the Billboard 200 chart for nearly five years, giving it one of the longest chart runs for any rock record—a clear testament to its staying power in a volatile music landscape.

The timing of Ten’s release was crucial. The early ’90s were a turning point for rock, as the glossy excess of the ’80s gave way to grunge’s gritty realism. Pearl Jam’s sound—gritty yet melodic, emotional yet restrained—struck a chord in that transition. Ten anchored the grunge movement alongside albums like Nirvana’s Nevermind and Soundgarden’s Badmotorfinger, contributing to a musical paradigm shift that still influences artists today.

Beyond the music itself, Ten fostered a cultural ethos. Pearl Jam was staunchly anti–mainstream-rock commercialism, rejecting music videos and limiting single releases, yet they built an intense fanbase through raw authenticity and electrifying live performances. Their authenticity and activism—such as efforts to fight ticket-gouging—became part of the band’s legend, and Ten served as the cornerstone of that identity.

As Ten celebrates its 34th anniversary this August 27, it’s worth noting how the album’s themes of introspection, alienation, and resolve remain uncannily relevant. Teen angst has never really gone out of style—and few albums express it with the sincerity and sonic heft of Ten.

AllMusic calls Ten “one of the most important records of the ’90s,” while Rolling Stone repeatedly places it high in rankings of greatest albums. Indeed, its songs still appear in movie soundtracks, TV shows, and Spotify mixes, introducing new generations to its pensive power.

In short, August 27 isn’t just another date on the calendar—it’s a reminder of a defining moment in modern music. Pearl Jam’s Ten changed the course of rock with its explosive debut, and over three decades later, its echoes are still being felt.

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Vivian Louise Morris
January 5, 1963 – August 23, 2025
Visitation: Wednesday August 27 from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home – Cullen
Services: Thursday August 28 at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church – Cullen

Michael Wayne Hunter
July 3, 1965 – August 15, 2025
Visitation: Friday August 29 from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home – Homer
Services: Saturday August 30 at 10:30 AM at Memorial Funeral Home

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 Parish Sheriff’s Office has announced expanded communication services for incarcerated individuals, made possible through a partnership with Ally Telecom Group.

The prepaid calling service allows inmates to stay connected with family and friends. While incoming calls are not permitted, loved ones can leave voicemail messages for approved inmates. Telephone access is granted to each inmate following the completion of the booking process.

In addition to phone calls, the service now offers video visitation, messaging, and the ability to send approved pictures. Officials note these options are faster, easier, and more cost-effective than traditional mail.

Families can fund video visits and messaging by creating an NCIC Inmate Telephone account at http://www.NCIC.com.

For additional information, including pricing details, visit the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office website at https://www.claibornesheriff.org/facilities.php.

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The Claiborne Parish Library will host a special program titled “Gather and Grow” on Monday, August 25, 2025, focusing on how to incorporate drought-tolerant plants into landscaping.

The event will feature Mr. John Monzingo of the LSU AgCenter as the guest speaker. Monzingo will provide practical insights and strategies for homeowners and gardeners looking to create attractive landscapes that can withstand dry conditions.

The program will take place at the Claiborne Parish Library, 909 Edgewood Drive, Homer, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. It is open to the public, and no pre-registration is required.

Organizers encourage community members interested in sustainable gardening and water-wise landscaping to attend this free educational session.

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Exciting news! It’s time to gear up for an AMAZING year with 4-H, and we’re thrilled to
invite you to be a part of it for the 2026-2026 school year. Whether you’re a first-timer or
a returning member, there’s something fantastic in store for everyone!

Fees and Fun

The fee to join 4-H ranges from $15 to $20 depending on your school, and trust us, it’s worth every penny for the fun and learning that’s coming your way! Enrollment can be done through the QR Code in the attached form, or you may request a paper enrollment form from your school! Enrollment and fees should be completed by September 30th!

Parish Clubs: Livestock (Ages 9+), Outdoor Skills (Ages 9+), Junior Leaders (Grades 7-12)

Just a few of our fun events include:

For Our Fabulous Cloverbuds (2nd-3rd grade):
Mini Fall Fest: Dress up, dive into the fun, and don't forget your pumpkins!
4-H Pet Show: Bring your coolest and most unique pets to win ribbons!
Contests & Educational Lessons: Learn and play in the most engaging ways.
Club Meetings: Fun and interactive, right at your school.
Western Themed Valentine’s Dance: Groove to those rad tunes and rock that retro style!
Cloverbud Day Camp!

For Our Energetic Elementary Students (Grades 4-6):
Mini Fall Festival & Water Festival: Celebrate with a fun water education field day!
Contests & Educational Activities: Show off your skills and learn new ones.
Valentine’s Dance: Another chance to dance the night away!
Summer Camp: New friends and adventures await!
Fishing Workshops: Reel in some fun!

For Our Dynamic Junior High Students (Grades 7-8):
Jr. Leadership Club: Step up and take the lead.
Challenge Camp & LOST Camp: Adventures that challenge and inspire.
Quarterly Fishing Club: Reel in some fun!
Louisiana Legend’s Festival: Dive into cultural festivities and fun.

For Our Inspiring High Schoolers (Grades 9-12):
Jr. Leadership Club: Lead the way and make a difference.
4-H University: Expand your horizons with hands-on learning.
Camp Counselors: Mentor and guide younger members.
Service-Learning Projects: Make a meaningful impact.
 Fishing/Outdoors Workshops: Learn about outdoor survival and fishing skills.
Louisiana Legend’s Festival: Keep the fun going with these awesome events.
Trips and Much More: Expect the unexpected and get ready for new adventures!

Ready to join the fun? Sign up today and let’s make this year unforgettable together!

If you have any questions or need more details, just contact Destiny Hightower at
dhightower@agcenter.lsu.edu.

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As a guy that played baseball on all levels in the ‘70s and ‘80s from the age of 7 ‘til 27, I never thought I would see the day where robots would be calling balls and strikes. But fast forward to 2025 and that’s where baseball is headed as this year’s MLB All-Star Game showed.

This new technology for calling balls and strikes has been in the works for quite a while, but I feel it has no place in professional baseball! Call me a purist, or just an old fogie, but there are certain parts of the game of baseball where the human element is so important. Calling balls and strikes is one of those areas that does not need a technological update.

I like the fact that a human is making those calls and appreciate how each umpire is different on how they call the game. Pitchers and hitters have always had to adjust their perception of the strike zone depending on who is behind the plate. IT’S A PART OF THE GAME OF BASEBALL THAT MAKES IT INTRIGUING!

The human element of umpires calling balls and strikes, as well as safe or out, is what makes baseball so pure. I’m OKwith instant replay on whether a guy is safe or out or if a ball is fair or foul, but when it comes to calling balls and strikes, let the human umpires do their jobs.

Remember this, for all you hitters, prepare to strike out a lot more than you have previously! That’s right, the robotic strike zone is not forgiving at all. If the baseball just touches the outer edge of the rectangular square, it’s a strike.

Those inside or outside pitches, that used to go in the hitter’s favor by usually being called a ball, will no longer be such. Pitchers and hitters are already paranoid on how certain umpires call the game, and now with technology calling balls and strikes, there will be more challenges by both on questionable calls with regards to balls and strikes.

This is similar to how technology and forward-facing sonar is affecting professional bass fishing. Anglers no longer spend their days trying to figure out where the fish are. All they must do now is drop the trolling motor and turn on their forward-facing and look for fish on a screen.

Professional bass fishing has lost the integrity of the sport. Locating fish has always been the number one skill anglers had to develop. They do this with time on the water while understanding bass behavior based on the time of year, weather, and what they are feeding on.

But now with the flip of a switch, anglers can look at a screen in real time and see the exact location of where bass are set up. All the guess work and fishing skills have been eliminated. While seeing fish on a screen does not always equate to catching fish, locating the fish is 80 percent of being successful as an angler.

I’m not trying to be “Debbie Downer,” I just think there are certain elements with all sports where we need the human interaction. Technological advancements are great and can really simplify all our lives, but we must proceed with caution.

As a fan, this new technology sounds boring to me and if it’s implemented, it will discourage me from watching Major League Baseball. Next thing you know we’ll have robots as designated hitters with the ability to hit every kind of pitch man can throw while never striking out.

If you need proof of how technology can ruin a sport, look no further than professional bass fishing as its TV viewership has fallen off considerably due to new technology and forward-facing sonar. Fans have made it known they do not want to sit in their living rooms and watch as anglers stare at a 14 or 16-inch screen and catch bass.

Hopefully Major League Baseball will re-evaluate the thought of using this new technology.

‘Til next time, good luck, good fishing and make sure to use your sunscreen and wear good UV protective clothing during these hot summer days.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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This time 50 years ago, I was beginning my senior year of High School.

Ah, high school. That magical four-year stretch where hormones rage, cafeteria food defies science, and algebra ruins lives. But not all high schools are created equal—especially when separated by half a century. Let’s hop into our metaphorical DeLorean and compare high school in 1975 with its futuristic cousin in 2025.

In 1975, high school was a land of corded phones, disco balls, and chalk dust. Students roamed the halls in polyester glory, wielding Trapper Keepers and feathered hairlike weapons of mass distraction. The biggest tech innovation? Overhead projectors that required a PhD in transparency sheet alignment.
Teachers wrote on chalkboards with the intensity of Shakespeare composing sonnets. If you missed a class, you begged a friend for notes, which were handwritten in cursive so elaborate it could double as a ransom letter. Research papers involved actual books, and the Dewey Decimal System was your GPS.

Lunch was a mystery meat roulette. You didn’t ask questions. You just prayed it wasn’t Salisbury steak again. Gym class was a Darwinian experiment involving dodgeballs the size of beach balls and zero regard for dental safety.

Social life revolved around passing notes—actual paper notes—folded into origami triangles and delivered with the stealth of Cold War spies. If you wanted to ask someone out, you had to do it face-to-face, risking rejection and acne exposure simultaneously.

Fast forward to 2025, where high school resembles a tech startup with lockers. Students glide through hallways wearing smartwatches that track their hydration, mood, and whether they’ve blinked enough today. The dress code? A mix of athleisure, LED accessories, and whatever TikTok said was cool last week.

Teachers now wield touchscreens and AI assistants. Chalkboards are extinct, replaced by interactive whiteboards that occasionally glitch and show cat videos mid-lecture. Homework is submitted via cloud platforms, and plagiarism detection software is so advanced it can tell if you copied your own work from last semester.

Lunch menus are curated by nutritionists and include gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, joy-free options. There’s a salad bar, a smoothie station, and a robot named “Lunchatron” that dispenses quinoa with judgmental precision.

Gym class has evolved into “Mindful Movement,” featuring yoga, breathing exercises, and virtual dodgeball—because no one wants to risk a lawsuit over a bruised ego. There’s a wellness room with bean bags, aromatherapy, and a counselor who speaks fluent emoji.

Social life? It’s digital. Crushes are confessed via encrypted Snapchats, and drama unfolds in group chats with names like “TeaSpillers2025.” Asking someone out involves sending a meme, a GIF, and a poll to gauge interest.

So, which era wins? In 1975, high school was raw, analog, and gloriously awkward. In 2025, it’s sleek, sanitized, and algorithmically optimized. But one thing remains constant: teenagers still think adults don’t understand them, cafeteria food still tastes suspicious, and nobody knows what the mitochondria actually does.

Or as the writer of Ecclesiastes said, “There is nothing new under the sun.”

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Claiborne Parish is gearing up for a week of fun, food, and festivities as the annual Claiborne Parish Fair kicks off October 11–17. The event will feature a full lineup of activities celebrating community spirit, youth involvement, and hometown tradition. To start fair week off, on Saturday, October 11, we will have the Claiborne parish 4-H Pet Show at 10:00 a.m., where local 4-Hers will showcase their furry, feathered, and scaly friends.

On Monday, October 13, the excitement continues with fair check-in and the 4-H Fall Festival from 2:00–5:30 p.m. Families can enjoy games, snacks, and seasonal fun before the spotlight shifts to the stage for the Talent Show from 7:00–8:30 p.m. Anyone in the community may participate in the Fall Festival and Talent Show. Registration for the talent show will be due September 30 th along with 4-H Registration.

Livestock events will take center stage as the week progresses. 4-Hers must register for these events through the Claiborne Parish 4-H Office. The Junior Exhibitor Poultry and Rabbit Show will take place Tuesday, October 14 th at 10:00AM followed by the Lamb and Goat Show that is scheduled at 6:00 p.m. The Beef and Swine Show will take place on Wednesday, October 15, at 6:00 p.m., where the Fred and Mary Smith Premier Exhibitor Award will be given.

The week will wrap up with a special evening on Thursday, October 16, beginning with the Buyers Supper and Livestock Sale at 6:00 p.m. This event not only highlights the hard work of local youth but also supports their agricultural projects for the future.

The Claiborne Parish 4-H Staff and Claiborne Parish Fair Board members encourage the community to come out, enjoy the festivities, and support Claiborne Parish youth during this annual tradition. With activities for all ages, the 2025 Claiborne Parish Fair promises to be a week full of entertainment, learning, and lasting memories.

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Judy was still young when World War II broke out. When she went onboard, she became the only female among about 50 males on the Royal Navy’s insect-class ship HMS Gnat. She could not speak English, but she understood a few words after a while. The Gnat’s designation as an insect-class ship was misleading because the Gnat was a well-armed gunboat that the Germans wanted to eliminate. On October 21, 1941, German submarine U-79 located the Gnat and fired a torpedo. The torpedo struck its mark and did enough damage to the ship to put it out of service, but not to sink it. The survivors, including Judy, were transferred to the dragonfly-class river gunboat, HMS Grasshopper. Four months later, on February 14, 1942, Japanese dive bombers attacked the Grasshopper, and it slowly sank. The survivors made their way to land and began their daring trek to safety in enemy territory. On land, the men searched but were unable to find a source for drinkable water. Once Judy learned what they were looking for, she joined the search. It was she who found fresh water. For that, the men began referring to her as their “guardian angel.”

The survivors were eventually captured by Japanese soldiers and taken to a prison camp. The men became official prisoners of war under the Geneva Convention, but the Japanese guards refused to register Judy as an official P.O.W. The guards were unsure what to do with Judy, but they refused to provide food, water, or shelter for her. The men shared their meager rations of putrid water and maggot infested rice with Judy. When the guards were abusing the men, Judy intervened. It usually ended the beatings, but the guards often trained their hostilities onto her instead. Somehow, one of the prisoners convinced the camp commandant to register Judy as an official prisoner of war. This meant that they had to provide food, water, and shelter for Judy.

Judy was unbreakable. Her determination to survive brought hope to the other prisoners. Then, after being in the camp for more than two years, a Japanese captain arrived and ordered the men to move to a ship which would take them to another camp. Judy, he ordered, would be left behind to fend for herself. The prisoners knew better than to try to convince the captain to bring Judy, but they were not going to leave her behind to die alone. They quickly came up with a plan in which they could communicate by using hand signals and low whistles. The men rehearsed loading Judy in and out of rice sacks and taught her the different whistle signals, the most important one was the signal for her to be still and quiet. On June 25, 1944, the prisoners loaded the sacks of rice from their former prison onto a ship which was to take them to their new prison camp. Judy was hiding in one of those sacks and made it safely aboard. Just one day into the trip, their ship was sunk by a torpedo. Judy not only survived, but she pulled survivors from the water. Finally, after Victory over Japan on August 15, 1945, and after three years of captivity, the prisoners, including Judy, were rescued.

Many English soldiers owe their lives to Judy, their guardian angel. In May 1946, Judy was awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal for bravery which is commonly referred to as the Victoria Cross for animals. Judy, a pure-bred English Pointer and mascot for the Royal Navy, was the only dog in history to be officially registered as a prisoner of war.

Sources:

1. “PDSA Dickin Medal,” PDSA, accessed August 10, 2025, https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/animal-awards-programme/pdsa-dickin-medal.

2. “Meet Judy,” National Military Working Dogs Memorial UK, accessed August 10, 2025, https://nmwdm.org.uk/dogs/judy/.

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On August 20, 1983, the legendary Rolling Stones made headlines—and sent shockwaves through the music industry—by signing what was then the largest recording contract in history: a staggering $28 million deal with CBS Records.

At a time when record labels were cautiously measuring star power, this contract marked an extraordinary leap of faith—and a bold statement of confidence—in the enduring appeal of one of rock’s founding acts.

By the early 1980s, the Rolling Stones had already cemented their legacy over two decades of groundbreaking albums and electrifying performances. Yet even for artists of their stature, a contract of this magnitude was unheard of. It wasn’t simply about money—it was a symbol of the Stones’ ongoing relevance and market power in an increasingly competitive pop landscape.

Contemporaneous media coverage in Billboard and Rolling Stone framed the deal as a watershed moment: a validation that legacy acts could still command superstar-level investment, even amid the MTV-fueled rise of newer, flashier names.

For fans, it was a reminder that the Rolling Stones were no relic—they were still very much a force to be reckoned with, ready to shape the soundscape of the 1980s.

A Glimpse Back: What Else Happened on August 20?

In 1920, the precursor to the NFL, the American Professional Football Conference, was formed in Canton, Ohio.

In 1975, NASA launched the Viking 1 probe toward Mars, setting the stage for the first successful U.S. Mars landing a year later.

But for music lovers and long-time Rolling Stones fans, August 20, 1983, remains memorable as the day when the cost of rock and roll hit a record—literally.

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Otha Shine, Jr.
June 24, 1958 – August 13, 2025
Visitation: Friday, August 22 from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home
Services: Saturday, August 23 at 11:00 AM at Memorial Funeral Home

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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Deputies with the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) made two notable arrests last week in separate incidents at local convenience stores in Homer.

First Arrest – August 7, 2025

On the afternoon of August 7, deputies contacted Ricky Knowles at a convenience store in Homer.

Knowles was found to have three active arrest warrants through Claiborne Parish for:

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Aggravated assault with a firearm
Illegal discharge of a weapon

When approached, Knowles attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended. While taking him into custody, deputies discovered:

Schedule II CDS (methamphetamine)
Schedule I CDS (marijuana)
Drug paraphernalia

Knowles was transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center (CPDC), where he was booked on the above warrants as well as additional charges of:

Possession of Schedule II CDS – methamphetamine
Possession of Schedule I CDS – marijuana
Flight from an officer

Second Arrest – August 8, 2025

The following day, August 8, CPSO deputies arrested Corey Willis at another convenience store in Homer. Willis had an active arrest warrant through Claiborne Parish for: Second degree battery

Willis was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center for booking and incarceration.

The CPSO continues to urge residents to report suspicious activity in their neighborhoods. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the Sheriff’s Office tip line or online reporting system.

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