The Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Sam Dowies have announced the return of the 6th Annual Youth Hunt Contest, set for Saturday, Oct. 11 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The event invites young hunters from across the parish to showcase their skills and enjoy a day of outdoor fun.

Participants may compete in three categories: Biggest Buck, Heaviest Doe, and Biggest Hog. The contest is open to hunters 17 years of age or younger, with participants 15 and under required to be accompanied by an adult.

All entries must be properly tagged and will be weighed and measured at the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office, 300 Highway 146 in Homer. In addition to the contest, attendees can enjoy food, door prizes, and community fellowship throughout the day.

Sheriff Dowies said the annual event is designed to encourage youth participation in outdoor sports and responsible hunting.

For more information about the contest, residents are encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at (318) 927-4807.

Motorists traveling along Highway 9 between Homer and Summerfield should be aware of Claiborne Electric’s right-of-way maintenance crews working in the area over the coming weeks.

Crews will be trimming and mulching vegetation beneath and around power lines as part of ongoing efforts to reduce outages and improve service reliability. Drivers are urged to use caution, slow down near work zones, and be alert for workers and equipment, especially with hunting season approaching.

This maintenance is an essential part of Claiborne Electric’s reliability program and is aimed at keeping the electrical system safe and efficient for all members.

Students in Claiborne Parish will soon have access to enhanced career training opportunities thanks to a $240,000 investment secured by State Representative Rashid Young, a Homer High School alumnus.

The funding, announced this week, will be used to strengthen vocational and technical education programs across Claiborne Parish Schools, providing students with more hands-on training, expanded career preparation, and the skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce.

Local leaders say the investment will help better align high school programs with the needs of local employers and industry partners, giving students a clearer path from the classroom to a career.

“Representative Young’s efforts will open new doors for our students, giving them the tools to compete in a changing job market,” the Claiborne Parish School Board said in a statement.

The Claiborne Parish Police Jury also partnered on the initiative, reflecting a parish-wide commitment to improving education and economic opportunity.

District officials praised the collaboration, calling it a “major step forward” in preparing Claiborne Parish students for the future.

Every Sunday morning, as families shuffle into the sanctuary with coffee in one hand and a diaper bag in the other, a sacred ritual begins—not the liturgy, not the sermon, but the parental chant of the two great commandments for children in church: “Be quiet” and “Don’t run.” These are not found in Exodus or Deuteronomy, but they are etched into the hearts of every parent who has ever tried to keep a toddler from turning the aisle into a NASCAR track.

Let’s be honest: church with kids is a spiritual workout. You arrive with the best intentions—maybe even dressed in matching outfits—and within five minutes, someone is loudly asking why Jesus doesn’t have a pet dinosaur. Another is crawling under pews like a Navy SEAL. And you, dear parent, are whisper-yelling, “BE QUIET!” with the intensity of a Broadway performer who’s just missed their cue.

The second commandment, “Don’t run,” is equally vital. It’s not just about safety—it’s about dignity. Nothing tests your humility like chasing your child down the center aisle during the offertory. There’s something about polished church floors that turns every child into Usain Bolt. And while the pastor is preaching about grace, your child is demonstrating velocity.

But here’s the thing: these little rule-breakers are exactly who Jesus was talking about when He said, “Let the little children come to me.” He didn’t say, “Let the well-behaved, silent, non-running children come to me.” He welcomed the squirmy, the curious, the loud, and the sticky-fingered. He knew that children bring life, energy, and a kind of holy chaos that reminds us all what it means to be fully present.
So to the parents who feel like they’re herding cats in the sanctuary—take heart. You are not failing. You are forming. Every whispered correction, every goldfish cracker offered as communion, every coloring book passed down the pew is a seed of faith. You are teaching your children that church is a place they belong, even before they understand why.

And to the church—thank you. Thank you for being a place where children are not just tolerated but treasured. Thank you for the volunteers who smile through crayon murals on hymnals and the ushers who dodge sprinting toddlers with grace. Thank you for understanding that a little noise is a sign of life, not a disruption.

Yes, we’ll keep whispering the commandments: “Be quiet” and “Don’t run.” But we’ll also keep showing up, sticky fingers and all, because we believe that faith is caught more than taught. And sometimes, catching it looks like a child singing off-key, dropping Cheerios in the offering plate, or asking loudly if God likes dinosaurs.

So let the children come. Let them come with their noise, their energy, their questions, and their joy. Let them come running—yes, even down the aisle—because in their chaos, we find a glimpse of heaven. And in their laughter, we hear the echo of a Savior who said, “Do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Claiborne Parish High School Football Week 4 – September 26, 2025

Claiborne at DeSoto
Haynesville at Plain Dealing
Homer at North Webster

When you say the words “Red River” to most tournament anglers, the majority will instantly start telling you how much they hate this body of water. BUT NOT ME! Yes, the Red River is a challenging river system and not just with fishing, but navigation as well. But I love the Red River for several reasons.

First is the fact that it’s such a diverse fishery. You have two choices on where to fish. It’s either the shallow backwaters or the jetties and cuts on the main river, which pretty much narrows down where you’re going to attack this body of water.

The fishing can be really good, especially when it comes to catching numbers of bass. Quality, on the other hand, can be a little tougher to come by. When fishing the Red, you must lower expectations in terms of size and quality. A 13-to-15-pound bag with five fish will be in the running to win. However, the Red River is on its way back to providing catches of good solid five-fish bags of 15 to 18 pounds.

The improvement in fishing is thanks to the Red River Waterway Commission which has implemented an annual restocking program for black bass ever since the flood of 2016.

My latest adventure on the Red was one of regret and one of joy as I participated in the recent American Bass Anglers Louisiana Pro League make-up tournaments. Two of the three regular season LA Pro League events were canceled back in April and May due to various reasons.

While I’ve been fishing the Texas division since its inception, I decided to jump into the Louisiana circuit when ABA rescheduled both make-up events on back-to-back days on my favorite body of water — the Red River.

Over my tournament fishing career, the Red has been the site of some of my most successful tournament experiences with a few wins and several Top 10 finishes. For some strange reason it seems to fit my style of fishing. I’ve always been a shallow water angler since I was a kid growing up on small ponds. And the river is conducive to my throwing a crankbait, spinnerbait and flipping a creature bait in thick cover.

Tournament 1 was on Saturday, August 23 and the results were average for me with a sixth-place finish, weighing a little over 11 pounds. But tournament 2 on Sunday was much better as I finished second with 13 pounds. Former FLW pro Jim Dillard won the event on Day 2 with 15.03 pounds.

On Day 2, I pretty much followed the same game plan as Day 1 but with a couple of adjustments. Instead of starting on the main river, I went straight into the backwater areas. This turned out to be a good move as I had a five-fish limit by 8 a.m. I still caught two good keepers on the main river later that day, which allowed me to cull up in weight.

Turns out, one specific spot I had found in Pool 4 during practice was the key to my success on Day 2. Over a two-day period, I caught over 22 bass off this one spot about the size of a pickup truck. I caught 15 fish off it on Day 1 with only two keepers. Day 2, I caught seven fish off this same spot and three fish were 3 pounds each or better. As they say, “What a difference a day makes!”

Again, I’ve never been able to say exactly why I seem to do so well on the Red River. It’s just a place I feel so confident and comfortable on that no matter how big the event, I seem to do very well.

Every angler who has ever fished tournaments will tell you that there are certain bodies of water where they just feel right at home. For me, that would be the Red River.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

Jimmie Bodard and Ronnie Peterson of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, suffered from continual wanderlust. Jimmie wanted to go to New Mexico, and Ronnie wanted to go to Shamrock, Texas, but they disagreed on how they were going to get to their destinations. Ronnie wanted to hitchhike, but Jimmie wanted to fly. Neither had enough money for a plane ticket, but Jimmie had another idea. Once before, when they were overcome by wanderlust, Ronnie had talked Jimmie out of borrowing an airplane, but Jimmie was more convincing this time. As most thieves do to minimize their actions, Jimmie called it borrowing rather than stealing. That evening in May 1948, Jimmie and Ronnie walked to Oklahoma City’s downtown airpark which was open to the public. They agreed that they would wait until the following day to steal an airplane and spent the night in one of the many airplanes in the airpark’s hangar. Rather than getting an early start on their trip, they spent most of the day deciding which plane to take. While browsing, they stole a pair of headsets and microphones which they needed for their flight.

Finally, a little after 5 p.m., Jimmie and Ronnie pushed their plane of choice out of the hangar and onto the runway. In the cockpit, Jimmie started the engine and opened the throttle. The airplane gained speed, Jimmie pulled back on the yoke, and the airplane lifted off. It was a textbook takeoff. Just after the plane got off the ground, the engine sputtered. Jimmie reassured Ronnie that airplanes always did that on takeoff. Ronnie was unconvinced until, just as Jimmie had said, the engine smoothed out. Jimmie aimed the plane westward toward their destinations. Their plan was for Jimmie to drop Ronnie off near Shamrock and then continue to his destination in New Mexico. Jimmie and Ronnie took turns flying the plane until Ronnie decided he had had enough. He told Ronnie to land so he could get out. They found a large field and landed just northwest of Cheyenne, Oklahoma, about 40 miles from Ronnie’s intended destination. Just after touchdown, the front wheel of the plane got stuck in the field. They had no choice but to abandon the airplane.

Undeterred, Jimmie and Ronnie stole a saddle horse from the farmer in whose field they had landed and rode toward Cheyenne. At the Washita River, the horse refused to cross, so they abandoned the horse, swam across the river, and continued on foot. Soaked to the bone, Jimmie and Ronnie drew so much attention in Cheyenne that someone notified the sheriff. The sheriff questioned Jimmie and Ronnie, but they told the sheriff they had hitchhiked into town. The sheriff arrested them after he learned that they were wanted by the highway patrol, but not for stealing the airplane. A confused farmer located the airplane in his field the following day and called the police. Investigators traced the airplane back to the airport, but no one at the airport had realized the airplane was missing. Finally, after some tough questioning, Jimmie and Ronnie confessed everything to the shocked sheriff. You see, Jimmie and Ronnie, the airplane and horse thieves, had run away from home. They were fifth graders; Jimmie was 11 years old, and Ronnie was 12. They had learned how to fly an airplane by reading comic books.

Sources:

Pawhuska Journal-Capital, May 21, 1948, p.1.
The Daily Oklahoman, May 22, 1948, p.30.

Choosing a college can feel overwhelming for students and families. With so many questions about
programs, admissions, campus life, and cost, the search often begins online. But if a university website
feels dated or confusing, that first impression can create more stress than clarity.

Northwestern State University in Natchitoches has recognized this challenge and responded with a bold
solution: a redesigned website that puts students and families first.

Unveiled this month, the new nsula.edu is built to guide prospective students, parents, and the
community through a clear, engaging digital experience.

“Our enhanced site is dynamic, mobile-friendly, and designed with users in mind,” said Cole Gentry, Chief
Marketing Officer. “Whether you’re a high school student exploring majors, a parent reviewing financial
aid, or a faculty member sharing research, the website is your first step into NSU.”

The redesign highlights admissions, academic programs, and campus life while showing the long-term
value of an NSU degree.

“The website is more than just a facelift,” Gentry explained. “It’s a living, adaptable platform that will
continue to grow alongside our students, faculty, alumni, and the broader Natchitoches community.”

Features include:

Simple admissions navigation

Interactive views of academic offerings

Mobile-first design for families on the go

Accessibility to ensure every visitor has a seamless experience

For President James T. Genovese, the project signals NSU’s forward momentum.

“This new digital front door reflects who we are today and the bright future we’re building,” Genovese
said. “It shows students across Louisiana and beyond that NSU is a place where they can belong, grow,
and succeed.”

While prospective students are the primary audience, the refreshed website also serves alumni, current
students, faculty, staff, and the local community. From campus events to academic updates, nsula.edu is
designed to be a central hub for all who are part of the NSU family.

“Our goal is for everyone who visits the site to feel connected,” said Gentry. “For prospective students
especially, we want them to see themselves at NSU from the very first click.”

As students and families look ahead to the next chapter of education, a strong first step can make all the
difference. Northwestern State University’s new website is designed to open doors, answer questions,
and showcase the opportunities waiting in Natchitoches.

Discover the redesigned experience today at www.nsula.edu.

On September 24, 1908, history shifted gears when the first factory-built Ford Model T rolled off the assembly line. It wasn’t just a new automobile—it was the beginning of mass mobility for millions, setting in motion transformations in work, culture, cities, and even leisure.

Henry Ford had spent years tinkering with designs, experimentation, and small-scale production. But by 1908 he refined the process enough to introduce a car that was affordable, simple, and rugged. The Model T would soon be dubbed the “Tin Lizzie,” acknowledging its utilitarian charm more than anything to do with luxury.

What made the 1908 date especially noteworthy was that this was the first time factory-built Model Ts were produced—not custom or semi-custom units, but vehicles coming straight off (or down) the assembly line, with parts standardized, labor specialized, and production going into full swing.

What makes the Model T’s debut weird in retrospect is how foreign the idea seems now: a car built not for the ultra-wealthy, but for average people. It flew in the face of automotive thought at the time, where cars were often custom-built, expensive, and labor-intensive. The Model T forced a rethinking of what cars could be.

Additionally, the manufacturing methods used began to reshape entire economies: assembly lines, standardized parts, and cost-cutting without sacrificing reliability (though with plenty of compromises by later standards). Ford’s innovations laid groundwork not just for the auto industry, but for industrial production in many sectors.

By making cars accessible, Ford changed how people lived: where they could work, how far they could travel, what jobs were possible, and how communities were structured. Roads, gas stations, suburbs, road trips—all owe something to that moment when the Model T became a real possibility for millions.

Culturally, too, the Model T became a symbol: of progress, but also of questions about the trade-offs of mass production—environmental, social, and economic. Critics at the time and since have noted both the benefits (mobility, jobs, growth) and the costs (pollution, urban sprawl, car dependency).

The debut of the Model T wasn’t just about a car—it was a turning point in how societies move, work, and think about technology as a tool for everyday life. On this day, over a century ago, something ordinary and revolutionary began rolling off a factory line in Michigan that would change the world for anyone with a roadside.

Liza M. Armstrong
August 16, 1930 – August 20, 2025
Services: Thursday September 25 at4:00 PM at St. John Cemetery

James Edward “Jr.” Robinson
February 26, 1958 – September 19, 2025
Visitation: Friday September 26 from6:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home
Services: Saturday September 27 at 2:30 PM 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

Town leaders are calling on residents to take an active role in maintaining Haynesville’s reputation as a clean, safe, and welcoming community for both locals and visitors.

Officials said the appearance of the town reflects the pride its residents have in their community, and every property owner plays a vital part in upholding that standard.

Residents are encouraged to keep their properties well-maintained by trimming grass, clearing lots of debris, and ensuring the overall upkeep of their land. According to town officials, a cleaner Haynesville not only enhances its beauty but also improves property values, attracts new opportunities, and fosters a stronger sense of unity and pride among neighbors.

“Working together, we can make a tremendous difference in how our town looks and feels,” the statement read. “Your cooperation and commitment are greatly appreciated as we strive to make Haynesville a town we can all be proud to call home.”

The town expressed thanks to all residents who are doing their part to keep Haynesville clean and beautiful.

Homer Junior High School hosted its “A Seat at the Table” meeting on Sept. 13, bringing parents and educators together in a collaborative effort to enhance student success.

The event served as a forum for parents to share their hopes and ideas for their children’s education in a welcoming and positive atmosphere. School leaders said the meeting was a meaningful opportunity to build stronger connections between home and school.

During the discussion, parents expressed a desire for:

More regular homework to reinforce classroom learning and establish home routines.

Consistent communication from teachers to stay connected to their child’s progress.

Simple, accessible resources to support foundational skills such as reading, spelling, math, and handwriting.

“It’s clear that everyone wants to work together to ensure our students have everything they need to succeed,” school officials noted.

The school extended its gratitude to all parents who attended and contributed their insights, emphasizing that their engagement plays a vital role in the school’s success.

Homer Junior High plans to continue these conversations to further strengthen partnerships between families and educators.

Claiborne Parish native Bonnie Ferguson has been named the winner of the 2025 Louisiana Legends Fest Poster Contest. Her winning design will serve as the official poster for this year’s festival, set for Saturday, October 18, in downtown Homer.

Ferguson’s entry was selected for its creativity and ability to capture the spirit of the Louisiana Legends Fest. Signed and numbered prints of the poster will be available for purchase during the event.

A professional artist with more than 20 years of experience, Ferguson has dedicated her career to her craft while inspiring future artists as an art teacher at Mt. Olive Christian School in Athens.

“Bonnie’s work uniquely embodies the essence of the festival with artistic flair and creativity,” festival organizers said. “We are thrilled to showcase her talent.”

The Louisiana Legends Fest is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, live entertainment, and celebration of Louisiana culture. The festival also supports local businesses and organizations while bringing the community together for a day of fun, food, and music.

Tickets are now on sale for the October 18 event. Organizers encourage residents and visitors alike to attend and be part of a celebration “guaranteed to create memories that will last a lifetime.”

Today we are going to throw a few spitballs and see what sticks. This article is going to cover what’s going in our world today and what needs to be talked about.

In the bass fishing world, congratulations to Team USA for winning the World Championship., topping teams from Japan, Germany, Canada, Italy, Portugal and Serbia to name a few. Bass fishing truly has become a global sport that may become an Olympic sport one day.

One of the members of Team USA was fishing pro Jacob Wheeler, who just won his fourth Major League Fishing (MLF) Angler of the Year title. This guy continues to set the bar for all anglers with incredible consistency and his total domination of the sport.

Speaking of domination, there’s a young man in East Texas who has made a name for himself as a consistent winner. Longview’s Zach Fogle is someone we’ll remember. He has been the American Bass Anglers (ABA) Angler of the Year the past two seasons.

Zach will be taking his fishing to the next level next year with the Toyota Series and the BFL’S. All of us are glad to see Zach move up in the world as we’re all tired of donating to his future fishing endeavors!

Next, let’s talk about one of the legends of bass fishing announcing his retirement. For 30 years California’s Skeet Reece has set the standard for what it means to be a professional angler. Other than Kevin Van Dam, no one has capitalized on their fishing success better than Skeet.

He’s an angler known for his business prowess and bright yellow fishing rods, truck and shoes. He’s a master at branding and taking advantage of the worldwide bass fishing market. I would like to wish Skeet happy days in his retirement.

Nothing is more exciting than the start of football season and nothing goes by faster as we are already into Week 3 or 4 depending on what state you’re in (Texas high schools kick off a week earlier than on this side of the Sabine River and Toledo Bend). The Dallas Cowboys have been a pleasant surprise as they opened playing very competitively with their conference rival, the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. In Week 2 the ‘Boys defeated the New York Giants in an overtime thriller, 40-37.

With football well underway, it means that hunting season is here, starting with dove season. A dove hunt is nothing more than a social gathering that gets hunters excited to pull the trigger. A passing cold front, days getting shorter, and fall foliage puts everything in motion for all hunters.

To all those who will be hitting the woods and waterways this fall for both bucks and ducks, we would like to wish each of you success in whatever game you’re pursuing. ‘Til next time, happy hunting!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

Residents can expect warm, mostly sunny conditions across Claiborne Parish this week with occasional chances of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny with a high near 93°F. A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Winds calm.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear with a low around 68°F. Calm wind.

Thursday: Mostly sunny with a high near 92°F. A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Winds calm.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy with a low near 68°F.

Friday: Mostly sunny with a high near 89°F. A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy with a low near 67°F.

Saturday: Mostly sunny with a high near 90°F. A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy with a low near 68°F.

Sunday: Mostly sunny with a high near 90°F.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy with a low near 69°F.

Monday: Partly sunny with a high near 86°F. A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Local residents are encouraged to stay hydrated and take precautions during peak afternoon heat. Keep an umbrella handy for the spotty rain chances later in the week.

The Kingdom Chronicle

“No Plan B: Heaven’s Bold Strategy to Rely Entirely on Us”

By Ima Disciple | Staff Writer

In a shocking revelation that has theologians, churchgoers, and coffee shop philosophers buzzing, it appears that Jesus Christ—Son of God, Savior of the World, and occasional foot-washer—has absolutely no backup plan for spreading the Gospel, healing the broken, or ushering in the Kingdom of God.

Sources close to the Trinity confirm: “It’s us. Just us. That’s the whole strategy.”

Straight from Scripture

According to 1 Peter 2:9-10, believers are described as “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession.” Which sounds lovely until you realize it’s not just a compliment—it’s a job description. “You were chosen to declare His praises,” the verse continues, which theologians now interpret as divine shorthand for: ‘Tag—you’re it.’

Heaven’s HR Department Speaks Out

When asked why the Creator of the Universe would entrust His mission to a group of people who routinely forget where they put their keys, Heaven’s spokesperson replied: “Look, we tried outsourcing to angels once. They’re great at singing and smiting, but they just don’t get nuance. Humans, though? They’ve got stories. They’ve got scars. They’ve got TikTok. That’s how the message spreads.”

No Contingency Plan Found

A recent audit of Heaven’s strategic documents revealed no alternate plan, no celestial task force, and not even a divine intern waiting in the wings. The folder labeled “Plan B” was completely empty except for a sticky note that read: “See Plan A.”

So What Now?

If you’re wondering who’s supposed to feed the hungry, comfort the lonely, challenge injustice, and share the good news—it’s you. Yes, you. The one reading this while procrastinating on laundry.

Jesus didn’t say, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel unless you’re tired or it’s raining.” He said, “Go.” Period.

Local Pastor Reacts

Pastor Linda of Grace Fellowship Church responded to the news with a sigh and a shrug:
“Well, I guess we better get to work. Apparently, if we don’t do it, it doesn’t get done. And Jesus isn’t sending in the reserves. We are the reserves.”

So next time you feel unqualified, overwhelmed, or tempted to wait for someone holier to step up—remember: Heaven’s counting on you. There’s no Plan B.

And if you’re still unsure, just reread 1 Peter 2:9-10. Then grab a coffee, say a prayer, and get moving. The Kingdom won’t build itself.

Peggy Lou Snyder was born in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1909. Peggy Lou’s adventures in the entertainment industry began when she was just six weeks old and her parents brought her onstage in a play in which they were performing. Peggy Lou’s father, Roy Hilliard Snyder, was an actor and director at the Princess Theater in Des Moines. Her mother, Hazel, was a musical comedy actress. Roy and Hazel adopted Roy’s middle name, Hilliard, as their professional last name. At three years old, Peggy Lou got her first speaking role in a comedic play called “Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch.” When not in school, Peggy Lou was working on the stage with and, as she got older, without her parents.

In 1930, Peggy Lou and her parents moved to New York City for more acting opportunities. In August of that year, she began a brief and troubled marriage with comedian Roy Sedley. In 1931, Peggy Lou appeared in her first film entitled “Musical Justice,” in which she fittingly played the wife in a divorce hearing. It was her first of many films. In 1932, Oswald, an attorney who decided he enjoyed playing his saxophone and singing with his band more than practicing law, met Peggy Lou when she was the mistress of ceremonies at a New York night club. Soon thereafter, the band leader hired Peggy Lou to share vocal duties in his band. “It was strictly a business arrangement initially,” Peggy Lou later explained, but when her marriage ended, she married the band leader. In the following year, Peggy Lou made her radio debut.

Peggy Lou was a star of every entertainment medium of the era. She was performing on stage, on recordings, and on radio with her husband, and she was also acting in Hollywood films. Her schedule was hectic. In 1936, her schedule grew more hectic when she had her first child, a son named David. Four years later, she had a son named Eric. Peggy Lou struggled to balance her career and family. Something had to give. Between 1931 and 1944, in addition to her other performances, Peggy Lou had appeared in 19 films. Then, Peggy Lou and her husband decided that she would pause her film career, and they would focus more on their family. Before you judge her husband too harshly, it was he who came up with a plan in which the whole family could spend every day working together. Twenty years later, she said, “I’m Lucky. How many actresses get the chance to work with their family every day?” It was a whole new adventure.

You may not remember Peggy Lou for her film career which included roles in Hollywood classics such as “Follow the Fleet” with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, “Cocoanut Grove” with co-star Fred MacMurray, and “Honeymoon Lodge,” which also featured her husband. You have probably never heard the names Peggy Lou Snyder or Peggy Lou Hilliard, but for 22 years, she entertained millions of people on radio and television as America’s favorite mother. You see, Peggy Lou’s most notable adventures began when she, under her lifelong stage name, created with her husband a radio show which evolved into a television show called “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.”

Sources:

1. The Cedar Rapids Gazette, August 29, 1976, p.40.

2. The York Dispatch, October 4, 1994, p.2.

3. The Des Moines Register, December 24, 2000, p.19.

4. “Harriet Nelson,” IMDb.com, accessed September 7, 2025, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0384948/?ref_=tt_cst_t_2

September 17 holds a special place in American pop culture history. On this day in 1937, the masked hero known as the Lone Ranger made his debut on national radio, galloping out of regional obscurity in Detroit and into living rooms across the country. What began as a small-scale radio drama would soon evolve into one of the most enduring legends in American entertainment, spawning television shows, comic books, films, and a cultural legacy that still echoes nearly nine decades later.

The Lone Ranger had already been riding the airwaves for a few years in Michigan before this national breakthrough. Created by WXYZ radio station writer Fran Striker and station owner George W. Trendle, the character was imagined as a heroic Texas Ranger who survived an ambush and fought for justice in the American West. With his iconic silver bullets, trusty horse Silver, and loyal companion Tonto, the Lone Ranger embodied a romantic vision of the frontier.

By the time the program went national on September 17, 1937, the United States was in the depths of the Great Depression. Families gathered around radios not just for news, but for escape, and the Lone Ranger delivered. His adventures brought listeners into a world where good triumphed over evil, and where the lawless frontier could be tamed by courage and honor. The show quickly gained a devoted following, making “Hi-Yo Silver! Away!” one of the most recognizable catchphrases of the era.

The significance of the Lone Ranger’s debut goes beyond entertainment. The show helped set the template for modern serialized storytelling. Its weekly cliffhangers, character arcs, and strong moral center influenced everything from superhero comics to today’s television dramas. Scholars have also pointed out how the Lone Ranger reflected American ideals of the time: rugged individualism paired with a sense of duty and justice.

Yet the series was not without its complexities. Tonto, portrayed by Native American actor Jay Silverheels in later television adaptations, became both a groundbreaking role for Indigenous representation and a controversial stereotype. Historians and critics have debated the cultural impact of the character for decades, noting how the show reinforced some outdated tropes while also giving audiences their first mainstream Native American hero.

The Lone Ranger’s influence stretched far beyond radio. The first television adaptation premiered in 1949 and ran for eight years, cementing the character in visual culture. A string of films, comic books, and merchandise followed. Even as late as 2013, Disney attempted to revive the franchise with a blockbuster film starring Armie Hammer and Johnny Depp, though the movie met with mixed reviews. Still, the fact that the story continues to be retold speaks to its lasting resonance.

September 17, then, marks more than a date on the calendar. It marks the birth of a pop culture icon that bridged radio, television, film, and literature. The Lone Ranger’s call to justice, his silver bullets, and his bond with Tonto are all reminders of how a character created during the hardships of the 1930s could ride into the national imagination and stay there for generations.

Donzell Anderson
July 10, 1952 – September 13, 2025
Services: Saturday September 27 at Evening Star CME Church

Vera Cooper
October 31, 1947 – September 12, 2025
Visitation: Friday, September 19 from 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home
Services: Saturday, September 20 at 2:30 PM at Center Spring CME

Martin Jackson, Sr.
November 26, 1946 – September 15, 2025
Visitation:Friday, September 19 at 10:00 AM at Holy Temple COGIC
Services: Friday, September 19 at 11:00 AM at Holy Temple COGIC

Freddie Lee Sumlin
February 25, 1957 – September 9, 2025
Visitation: Friday, September 19 from 1:30 PM – 6:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home
Services: Saturday, September 20 at 2:30 PM at Love Chapel BC

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

The 2025 Claiborne Butterfly Festival officially kicked off with the crowning of its 2025 Pageant Queens, paving the way for a weekend of family-friendly fun, local culture, and community pride.

Pageant Winners:

From “Baby Miss” to “Miss,” the queens of this year’s pageant are:

Baby Miss – Makenzie Ray’Lynn

Toddler Miss – Abigail Edwards

Teeny Miss – Maggie Fertenbaugh

Tiny Miss – Abigail Carpenter

Mini Miss – Brenley Berdan

Petite Miss – Laikley Lowrey

Junior Miss – Tessa Adams

Teen Miss – Kyleigh Mangum

Miss – Makenzie Joyner

People’s Choice – Olivia Turcotte

The pageant serves as the prelude to a weekend-long celebration filled with vibrant festivities. The highlight of the festival is the anticipated 27th Annual Haynesville Celebration of Butterflies, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 13 at the Claiborne Parish Fair Complex, located at 1563 Fairgrounds Drive, Haynesville.

With the pageant serving as a vibrant kickoff, the Claiborne Butterfly Festival is poised to deliver a memorable and meaningful weekend for Claiborne  Parish families and guests from across the region.

 The Louisiana Department of Transportation (DOTD), in partnership with Destination Zero Deaths (DZD), is launching the “Buckle Up, Phone Down” (BUPD) High School Video and Pledge Contest from September 1 through October 31, encouraging Louisiana teens to promote safe driving through creativity and advocacy.

Louisiana high school students are invited to submit videos highlighting the importance of seat belt use and avoiding phone distractions. A panel of judges will select the top three winners, who will receive cash prizes provided by AAA. Contest rules and entry information can be found here.

In addition to the video contest, all Louisiana residents are encouraged to take the Buckle Up, Phone Down Pledge online to show their commitment to safer roadways. Community members wishing to take the pledge can do so here.

The pledge involves three commitments:

1. No phone usage while driving, including calls, texting, browsing, or social media.
2. Passengers should speak up if they feel unsafe and urge the driver to avoid distractions.
3. Always wear a seatbelt and encourage others to do the same.

“Wearing a seatbelt is the most effective way to stay safe in a crash,” said DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet. “Distracted driving continues to claim lives in Louisiana, and this contest gives students and individuals across the state an opportunity to be the voice for change.”

The call to action is urgent. In 2024, distracted driving contributed to 25% of crash fatalities in Louisiana. From 2019 to 2023, the state averaged 289 fatalities and 406 serious injuries each year from not wearing seat belts.

Launched by the Missouri Department of Transportation in 2017, Buckle Up, Phone Down has grown into a national movement focused on personal responsibility and life saving actions. By pledging to buckle up and put phones down, Louisianans can help boost seat belt use, reduce distracted driving, and move closer to the goal of zero roadway fatalities.

For more information, visit http://www.destinationzerodeaths.com.