High school students and families in central Louisiana will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from some of the nation’s top colleges and universities during the STORY (Small Town Outreach, Recruitment and Yield) Information Session on Sunday, Sept. 14, presented by Yale University’s Admissions Office. The event will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts in Natchitoches and is free to attend. Organizers encourage students to bring their questions and curiosity as they explore admissions and financial aid opportunities.

“This is an incredible opportunity for area students, but just as important an experience for area college counselors, too, said Katie Summerell, Director of LSMSA’s College Counseling Center. “I hope that ALL students and counselors take advantage of this unique opportunity.”

The program begins with a 40-minute presentation on the college admissions process, including holistic admissions, building a college list, and applying for financial aid. Following the session, an 80-minute college fair will feature admissions representatives from highly selective research universities, flagship public institutions, and liberal arts colleges from across the country.

Colleges and universities scheduled to attend include Barnard College, Brown University, Caltech, Case Western Reserve University, Colby College, College of the Holy Cross, Columbia University, Cornell University, Harvard College, Johns Hopkins University, Louisiana State University, Louisiana Tech, MIT, New York University, Northwestern State University of Louisiana, Northwestern University, Princeton University, Rice University, Smith College, Southern Methodist University, Swarthmore College, Tufts University, Tulane University, University of Chicago, University of Maryland, University of Michigan, University of Notre Dame, University of Pennsylvania, University of Southern California, Vanderbilt University, Wellesley College, Williams College, and Yale University.

The STORY initiative was created to expand access to higher education for students from small towns and rural communities. By bringing multiple institutions together, the program provides local students and families with information and connections that might otherwise require traveling long distances.
Registration is required to attend. Students and families can sign up online at https://apps.admissions.yale.edu/register/STORYLA .

ABOUT LSMSA

LSMSA’s commencement began in Prather in 1985 with 172 members of the first graduating class. LSMSA is a tuition-free, public high school for high-achieving sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a nominal room and board fee to cover housing, meals, and campus activities. The LSMSA Foundation offers assistance for families so that no eligible student is denied the school’s 42-year legacy of a college-level living/learning experience. For more information about LSMSA visit LSMSA.edu.

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We are in the middle of remodeling our children’s ministry space at Trinity Methodist Church. Part of that project was finding a place for our Mother’s Day Out program and pre-school to meet. We are space sharing, but for this article you need to know the preschool kids are on the floor directly above the church offices. Now I have set the stage.

It’s 7:45 a.m. on a Tuesday, and the church parking lot is already a battleground. Not of spiritual warfare, mind you—but of minivans versus ministry.

On one side: daycare parents, armed with coffee, diaper bags, and toddlers who believe pants are optional. Their mission? Drop off their little cherubs before the morning meltdown begins.

On the other: the church staff, clutching devotionals and half-eaten granola bars, praying for a parking spot close enough to avoid the Louisiana humidity turning their hair into a theological metaphor for chaos.

The moment the daycare opens its doors, a holy stampede begins. Parents circle the lot like Israelites around Jericho, hoping the walls of occupied parking spaces will miraculously fall. Meanwhile, the youth pastor, who arrived early to prep for Bible study, is boxed in by a double-parked SUV with a “Jesus Loves Me” bumper sticker and a rogue juice box under the tire.

The church secretary—who has seen things—keeps a running tally of passive-aggressive notes left on windshields. Last week’s favorite: “Thou shalt not park in the staff spot. Exodus 20:15.”

The senior pastor, ever the peacemaker, suggested a “Parking Lot Reconciliation Ministry.” It lasted one week. After a parent tried to cast out the spirit of tardiness from a staff member’s Honda Civic, the ministry was quietly retired.

Some staff have resorted to spiritual warfare. One youth intern reportedly anointed his parking spot with oil. It was later discovered to be Chick-fil-A sauce.

Despite the chaos, there’s beauty in the madness. Parents and staff share stories, swap prayer requests, and occasionally rescue each other from rogue tricycles. The parking lot, it turns out, is more than asphalt—it’s a place of community, laughter, and the occasional sanctified fender bender.

So next time you find yourself circling the lot, remember blessed are the peacemakers… and those who arrive before 7:30.

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The Claiborne Parish 4-H Junior Leaders welcomed returning and new members during their Back-to-School Introductory Meeting held on Aug. 26. The event featured pizza courtesy of Pizza Pro, icebreakers led by Junior Leader President Keylie Manning, and an introduction to this year’s exciting lineup of activities.

Mrs. Destiny Hightower shared plans for a variety of events, including a trip to visit veterans at the VA hospital and an excursion to view the Christmas lights in Marshall, Texas. Officers Keylie Manning (President) and Evan (Vice President) encouraged members to look forward to a year filled with service, leadership, and community engagement.

“We are planning so many new events for this year,” the officers said in a statement. “We want you all to be more than excited for 4-H and everything it has to offer, especially Junior Leaders!”

Registration for Claiborne Parish 4-H is open until September 30, with fees payable through participating schools or at the 4-H office, located at 507 W. Main St., Homer, LA 71040. Registration forms can be found on the program’s Facebook and Instagram pages or accessed via a QR code provided by the organization.

The Junior Leader officers expressed their excitement for the year ahead, saying they “can’t wait to see all the amazing things we’ll accomplish together.”

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There’s one thing that the three Claiborne Parish high school football teams have in common – the zero in the loss column.

Haynesville and Homer scored opening-night victories while Claiborne Academy pushed to 3-0 as every team won on the first full night of football.

Haynesville demolished North Webster 38-0 as the Tors start their march back to the Superdome.

Homer pulled off the upset this time against Haughton, 36-34, after nearly upsetting the Bucs in 2024.

Claiborne Academy put on another offensive clinic in a 54-30 drubbing of Dermott (Ark.).

The Tors (1-0) host Harmony Grove (Ark.) (0-2) at its traditional 7:30 p.m. kickoff Friday.

Homer (1-0) hosts a wounded Minden (0-1) bunch Friday.

Claiborne Academy (3-0) hits the road for the third time in four games as they travel to Porter’s Chapel Academy in Vicksburg, Miss.

HAYNESVILLE

Haynesville wasn’t afraid to take to the air against North Webster as Isaiah Washington tossed three lengthy touchdowns as Tors receivers made contested catches.

Damien Cooper made the catch of the night off a tip by a North Webster defender and ran it for the score.

Kaylen Payton snatched a touchdown with his finger tips off a play action.

L’travious Brooks undercut another Knight defender for a second-half touchdown, proving Haynesville still has plenty of talent back after losing a large senior class of a state runner-up team in 2024.

The Tors are looking for their fourth straight win against Harmony Grove after beating the Hornets 58-24 in 2024. The first two wins were both by one score, but the Hornets (0-2) are still looking for their first win of the season after netting just 19 points in their first two games combined.

HOMER

What a coming out party for freshman quarterback Delario Jones Jr. as he led the Pelicans to a comeback and a two-point win over Haughton.

Homer’s been known for its running game for the past couple of seasons behind stud Greg Williams, but the Pelicans took to the air with Jones and a handful of talented receivers.

Jones threw for 389 yards and three touchdowns on 19-of-28 passing and no interceptions.

Jerzyion Levington (9-162) and Shauntrevion Fielding (5-108 both topped 100 yards receiving as Fielding caught two scoring passes and Levington added a third.

Homer built a 28-14 first-half lead before a Taylor Weathersby touchdown run cut the Pelicans’ lead to 28-20 at the half.

Haughton scored the first two touchdowns of the third quarter to snatch a 34-28 lead, but Homer pulled through with a touchdown and the all-important two-point conversion to snatch the advantage for good with six minutes left.

Now the Pelicans, who won their opener for the first time since 2018, have a chance at a 2-0 start.

They’ll get a Minden squad that blew a 35-point lead in a loss to Mansfield.

The Tide scored two defensive touchdowns in the first half to help build what felt like an insurmountable lead before the Wolverines roared all the way back in a 46-38 win.

Minden won the 2024 matchup with Homer, 39-20, on its way to an 8-3 season.

CLAIBORNE ACADEMY

The Rebels continued their roll through the early part of the season as Claiborne Academy picked apart Demott.

Quarterback Kyler Monk was an efficient 6-of-8 for 105 passing yards with another 147 on the ground with four total touchdowns.

Dylan Buckner topped 100 yards (8-135) and scored twice as the Rebels averaged more than 15 yards per carry.

Maddox Gaston was the favorite target this week, posting a team-high 53 receiving yards while Nate Smith caught a touchdown.

Week 4 opponent Porter Chapel’s Academy is just 1-2 this season, but the two losses are against tough competition in Briarfield Academy (44-14) and Wilkinson County Christian (20-14). Porter’s Chapel won their opener 42-14 over Kemper.

The schools didn’t meet in 2024.

The Rebels technically started 6-0 in 2024 after River Oaks forfeited its win, and Claiborne Academy can come within two victories of that start with a win Friday.

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The 2025 dove hunting season began Saturday (Sept. 6) statewide, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced.

Louisiana is divided into the North and South zones for dove season. The North Zone runs from Sept. 6-28, Oct.11-Nov. 16 and Dec. 20-Jan. 18, 2026. The South Zone runs from Sept. 6-21, Oct. 18-Nov. 30 and Dec. 13-Jan. 11, 2026.

Dove hunters 18 and older are required to have a basic hunting license and be Harvest Information Program (HIP) certified. Youth 17 and under do not need a hunting license or HIP certification to dove hunt. To purchase a hunting license, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/hunting-licenses-permits-tags.

LDWF will have lease fields available in DeRidder and Colfax for the opening day (Sept. 6) of dove hunting season along with several LDWF Wildlife Management Area (WMA) dove fields.

Hunters may access permits for the lease field hunts through the LDWF website at https://la.accessgov.com/dove-hunts/Forms/Page/dove-hunts/registration/. Both hunts will begin one-half hour before sunrise on Saturday. The registration fee for the lease fields is $10 for adults plus a convenience fee. Youths age 17 and younger do not have to pay the registration fee.

Only non-toxic shot size 6 and smaller may be used at these hunts and no lead shot is to be used. Dogs are allowed and ATVs are allowed but may be restricted to field roads if wet conditions prevail.

For a complete list of WMAs open to dove hunting and more information on WMA dove hunting, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/seasons-and-regulations.

All visitors to LDWF WMAs must have either a WMA Access Permit, Senior Hunting/Fishing License, Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise License or Lifetime Hunting/Fishing License. Go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/wmarefugeconservation-area-licenses-and-permits for more information.

Richard Temple at rtemple@wlf.la.gov or 337-491-2110.

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There’s one famous quote among tournament bass anglers, “When it’s your turn to win, it’s your turn and you can’t mess it up.” So basically, no matter what you do, the bass fishing gods will make sure you don’t mess it up.

I’m not a superstitious angler, but I do believe that there are the powers that be that can make things happen to help you win. Every now and then, things go your way and Lady Luck shines on you like a beam of light from the heavens.

But sometimes it seems like the whole world is against you and it becomes obvious that today just might not be your day. On these days you’re left wondering, “Where is my Lady Luck and why is she not stepping in and saving me from myself?” This is exactly the question I was asking at a recent event on Lake of the Pines.

After a pretty good practice for two straight days and feeling good about a couple of patterns I had put together, things went south quickly on tournament day.

But let’s start with the first cast of the day as I was working a topwater bait when a 3-pound bass came up and exploded on it! As I swung the bass into the boat, I thought, “This is going to be a great day when your first cast produces a solid 3-pound bass! What a great start!”

But many anglers believe it’s a bad omen to catch a bass on your first cast. Again, I’ve never believed in these kinds of superstitions, but it seemed to be real as things went downhill from there.

Despite the bad omen, I was feeling good about my first fish of the day being a 3-pounder in the live well. But I continued to throw the topwater bait with zero results.

I turned to plan “B,” as I reached down and picked up a spinnerbait that I had been catching a ton of fish on the previous two days of practice. They were hitting this spinnerbait so well in practice, I had to put a guard over the hook so I wouldn’t hook any fish that I might need on tournament day.

One thing is for certain; bass fishing is a funny sport. However, the bass gods have a warped sense of humor as they evidently sent out a memo to all bass that day to “not bite the spinnerbait Steve Graf is throwing!”

But that’s OK, I have a plan “C.” I decided to start fishing a small worm in and around boat docks and brush piles. This is how I thought I could win this event, as 90 percent of my bigger bites in practice came off brush piles.

But my day went from bad to worse as I had three fish break off on the hookset. I lost two huge fish (both over five pounds each) when they pulled off beside the boat as I was playing them down so I could land them.

I knew it wasn’t my day when I lost a $400 Daiwa rod and reel combo that got hung up in the net I was using to land a fish. I lost 45 minutes of valuable fishing time trying to drag and snag the combo with a crankbait — with no success.

Then the final straw came around 1:45 that afternoon as I bent over to pick up a certain rod and almost blacked out due to how hot it was. This has never happened to me before and I had been so conscious of making sure I was hydrating properly.

This was a wakeup call for me personally as at the age of 64 I’ve come to the realization that I don’t handle the heat like I used to. Even though I wear good quality sun protective clothing and sunscreen, it’s the heat that you just can’t escape when you’re on the lake trying to win a tournament.

If you think you would like to be a tournament bass fisherman, understand that there will be days that will frustrate you and make you question every idea you had on how to catch a bass. But it could be worse; you could have decided to pursue golf rather than tournament fishing!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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Southern A’Chord, Ruston’s new women’s a cappella community chorus, is conducting a membership drive this fall, and area singers are invited to share in the harmony.

The event is set for Thursday, Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. in the fellowship hall of the Presbyterian Church of Ruston, 212 N. Bonner – the chorus’s regular rehearsal time and location.

Guests will get a firsthand look at how the chorus works, including warmups, vocal techniques and rehearsal flow, and they’ll have the chance to sing with the group as well. Those who join now can prepare to be part of the ensemble’s holiday performances.

Southern A’Chord launched in the fall of 2024 with a Welcome Night, and this marks the first major recruitment effort since then. Chorus leaders say interested singers who cannot attend this event are welcome at any other upcoming rehearsal.

Made up of 16 women from across North Louisiana, Southern A’Chord welcomes singers of all backgrounds who want to grow musically in a supportive, service-minded environment. Their repertoire includes pop, gospel, patriotic and holiday selections.

“Whether you’ve sung for years or are just starting out, there’s a place for you here,” Director Candice Bassett, of Grayson, said.

A well-received community performance – “Southern A’Chord: Songs of Summer” – was presented July 31.

To learn more about membership or to book a performance, visit southernachordchorus.org, check out the Southern A’Chord Chorus Facebook page, or contact President Judy Sisson at jasisson@comcast.net or membership chair Sallie Rose Hollis at sallierose@mail.com

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In August 1941, four months before the United States entered World War II, a 26-year-old tailor named Shoichi Yokoi was drafted into the Japanese Imperial Army. For about two years, he served with the 29th Infantry Division in northeast China until his superiors promoted him and transferred him to Guam in the Mariana Islands. On July 21, 1944, just over a year after Yokoi’s transfer, U.S. forces stormed the island of Guam. Admiral Chester Nimitz’s plan was to capture the Mariana Islands so the U.S. military would have airfields from which they could bomb the Japanese home islands. Yokoi and the rest of the soldiers in the Imperial Army were under strict orders never to surrender. On August 10, after 20 days of fighting, U.S. soldiers declared Guam secure. Thousands of Japanese soldiers were killed, but less than 1,500 surrendered. Many Japanese soldiers, including Yokoi, fled into the jungle to avoid being captured. Japanese soldiers were trained to fight to the death because becoming a prisoner of war was the greatest shame a soldier could bestow upon his family back home.

Yokoi and other fleeing soldiers hid in caves and foraged for food. As per their orders, they burned their Japanese army uniforms. The only thing that Yokoi kept was a pair of scissors, a waistband his mother had embroidered, and a Japanese flag, all of which he kept hidden in the cave. Finally, Shoichi Yokoi’s luck ran out when two hunters, Jesus Duenas and Manuel Degracia, came upon him just after nightfall as Yokoi was going to set out a homemade shrimp trap on the Talofofo River. Yokoi panicked and tried to attack them, but Jesus and Manuel trained their rifles on the Japanese soldier. Yokoi halted his attack, but he had another plan. As the men neared Yokoi, he grabbed one of the men’s rifles but they quickly overpowered him. Despite his orders to fight to the death, there was little he could do. Yokoi was captured. At gunpoint, the hunters led him out of the dense jungle. Yokoi cried for them to kill him because he thought he would be killed either by his captives or, worse, by the Japanese if they returned him to his home country. According to Japanese teachings, being killed on the battlefield was honorable. Being captured alive was disgraceful. Despite his pleas, the hunters marched him to a local police station.

Yokoi had nothing to fear. No one wanted to harm him. From the police station, Yokoi was taken to Guam Memorial Hospital for treatment for malnourishment and anemia. When Yokoi returned to Japan two months later, he told reporters, “I have returned although I feel shame…I want to report that I am sorry I did not serve his majesty to my satisfaction.” He pounded on a table an insisted that “Japan lost the Pacific war because it lacked arms, warships, and planes, and not because of any lack of fighting spirit.” Rather than being ostracized by his Japanese homeland, he was a media sensation. You see, by the time Jesus and Manuel captured the Japanese soldier, World War II had ended. Shoichi Yokoi had been hiding in the jungles of Guam for 28 years.

 

 

Sources:

1. “Battle of Guam” National Park Service, accessed August 31, 2025, https://www.nps.gov/wapa/learn/historyculture/battle-of-guam.htm.

2. Mike Lanchin, “Shoichi Yokoi, the Japanese soldier who held out in Guam,” BBC News, accessed August 31, 2025, https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-16681636.

3. Evening Herald (Dublin, Ireland), January 25, 1972, p.5.

4. The Morning Press (Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania), March 2, 1972, p.22.

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September 10 is not an especially famous date on the calendar, but a closer look at history reveals some unusual and curious milestones that unfolded on this day. From the first recorded use of the guillotine in France to a Cold War-era chicken that crossed the wrong border, September 10 has delivered more than its share of oddities.

One of the most bizarre “firsts” tied to September 10 occurred in 1792 during the French Revolution, when the guillotine claimed its earliest political victim. The machine, introduced as a supposedly humane method of execution, was used to behead Nicolas Jacques Pelletier, a convicted criminal. While guillotines would later become symbols of the bloody Reign of Terror, the date marked the beginning of what was touted as a rational, scientific solution to capital punishment. Though macabre, it set the tone for the strange legacy of September 10 as a date linked to the unusual and the grim.

The 19th century added more unusual events to the September 10 timeline. In 1846, American inventor Elias Howe received a patent for the sewing machine, a device that would revolutionize clothing manufacturing and the lives of households worldwide. While not as shocking as the guillotine, the invention’s link to the date highlights a recurring pattern of September 10 delivering transformative—sometimes strange—moments in history.

Fast forward to the early 20th century, and September 10 saw a development that brought both awe and unease. In 1939, just days after the outbreak of World War II in Europe, Canada declared war on Germany. What was unique about the declaration was its timing: Canada became the first nation in the Americas to formally join the conflict, acting independently from Britain for the first time in its history. The decision underscored the shifting dynamics of empire and independence, a move that surprised observers at the time.

But perhaps the quirkiest story linked to the date took place in 1956, in the throes of Cold War tension. On September 10 of that year, a chicken made international headlines when it wandered across the heavily guarded border between East and West Germany. The incident sparked a standoff between border guards, each side refusing to cross into the other’s territory to retrieve the unfortunate bird. Ultimately, the chicken’s fate went unrecorded, but newspapers of the day reported the “feathered fugitive” as an unlikely symbol of the absurdities of the divided world.

In the world of science, September 10 brought another unusual milestone. In 2008, the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) powered up the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) for the first time. The collider, built to smash particles together at nearly the speed of light, immediately sparked wild speculation and conspiracy theories. Some worried it would create a black hole that might swallow the Earth. While those fears proved unfounded, the date went down in history as one that sparked both genuine scientific achievement and some of the strangest doomsday rumors of the 21st century.

Taken together, these events reveal September 10 as a date that repeatedly straddles the line between the transformative and the strange. From the debut of the guillotine to runaway chickens, groundbreaking inventions, and particle colliders, history seems to treat the day as a stage for odd twists of fate.

While September 10 may not carry the same notoriety as dates like July 4 or December 7, its legacy is an unusual one. It reminds us that history is full of surprises, and that even ordinary dates can leave behind extraordinary and sometimes bizarre stories.

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Lonnie “Lonnie Lee” Hill
December 8, 1948 – August 28, 2025
Visitation: Friday, September 12 from 1-6 PM at Memorial Funeral Home
Services: Saturday, September 13 at 2:30 PM at Bethel B.C.

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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While Claiborne Parish’s three football-playing high schools might be at different points in their season, there is one thing each program has in common.

There’s a zero in the loss column.

Homer and Haynesville kick off their regular seasons this week while Claiborne Academy has steamrolled its way to a 2-0 start.

Claiborne plays its first home game Friday against Dermott (Ark.).

Haynesville plays its customary opening week game against North Webster as they head to Webster Parish on Friday.

Homer takes aim at Haughton after nearly upsetting the Bucs in 2024.

CLAIBORNE ACADEMY

The Rebels have wrecked their first two opponents by a combined score of 98-12, including a 48-6 win against Tallulah Academy this past week.

In each game, Claiborne bolted to a huge first-quarter lead and put the game away early.
Quarterback Kyler Monk combined for seven touchdowns through two games while the receiving duo of Cade and Nate Smith accounted for five receiving touchdowns and running back Dylan Buckner adding another four on the ground.

The Rebels get a Dermott team that’s lost both of its games to the tune of 56-48 and 36-6.

HAYNESVILLE

The list of Haynesville players who made an all-state team that graduated is long from a team that made a state title appearance and ran the table in the regular season.

Six players, including district defensive MVP Desmon Sturdivant, must be replaced.

But perhaps the most important two names are still donning Haynesville black and gold – quarterback/safety Isiah Washington and head coach David Franklin.

The cupboard is far from bare, which is always seems to the case at Haynesville.

All-State running back Donnie Critton is back, and Yasin Meadors is another veteran ball carrier.

There’s still beef on the lines led by all-stater Treyvion Fielding.

Haynesville will be Haynesville, and they’ll be looking for their fourth straight win against a North Webster program that’s still coming into its own.

HOMER

Greg Williams, one of the most dynamic running backs in the entire state, is gone.

But a lot of the guys who paved the way like Stanley Williams are back, and Homer is otherwise a relatively experienced bunch.

Quarterback Kevin Williams leads an offense that returns a lot of their playmakers outside of Greg Williams.

Many of Homer’s players play both ways, and those experienced guys will flip around and play defense as well.

After losing five of their first six games in a brutal schedule this past season, Homer won its last four only to lose a first-round home playoff game.

Homer nearly missed a season-opening upset of Class 5A Haughton to start this past season in a 48-46 defeat, and the Pelicans hope they can find that magic again to give themselves a chance late.

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Claiborne Parish 4-H is celebrating the achievements of three outstanding youth who were recently selected to serve in state-level leadership positions within Louisiana 4-H.

Keylie Manning was elected to the Louisiana 4-H Executive Board as the Northwest Regional Representative, where she will help guide programs and provide a voice for youth in her region.

Luke Padgett earned a spot as a Louisiana 4-H Livestock Ambassador, a prestigious role that allows him to promote livestock education, leadership, and agriculture across the state.

Annagail Dison was named a Louisiana 4-H Wetlands Ambassador, where she will focus on environmental education, conservation, and helping others understand the importance of Louisiana’s wetlands.

These state-level opportunities are highly competitive and showcase the hard work, dedication, and leadership that Claiborne Parish youth bring to 4-H. Each of these members will serve as role models and leaders, representing both their parish and Louisiana 4-H at events and programs throughout the year.

The success of Keylie, Luke, and Annagail is a proud moment for Claiborne Parish and a reminder of the incredible opportunities available through 4-H for youth to grow, lead, and succeed.

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Two Claiborne Parish 4-H members, Sawyer Wilson and Kenlyn Babcock, recently attended LOST Camp (Louisiana Outdoor, Science, and Technology Camp), held at Camp Grant Walker in Pollock, Louisiana. The camp provided an opportunity for youth across the state to explore new skills, develop leadership, and make lifelong friendships.

During their time at camp, Sawyer and Kenlyn participated in hands-on sessions in Artificial Intelligence, Wetlands, Food & Fitness, and Outdoor Skills. These educational tracks allowed them to dive into real-world topics while gaining knowledge in both science and everyday life.

In addition to the learning experiences, the camp emphasized personal growth and character building. Claiborne Parish’s own Kenlyn Babcock was honored with the Fairness Award, a special recognition given to campers who demonstrate outstanding character, integrity, and respect toward others throughout the week.  Both youth represented their parish with pride and returned home with new knowledge,
friendships, and leadership skills. Their accomplishments highlight the importance of 4- H in providing educational and character-building opportunities for young people in our community.

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Claiborne Parish will soon host a very special event—Buddy Ball, a baseball
tournament designed specifically for youth with special needs. This fun-filled day will
provide an opportunity for all participants to experience the joy of baseball, teamwork,
and community support.

The upcoming event will feature a baseball game where each player is paired with a
“buddy” who assists them on the field, ensuring every participant gets the chance to
play, succeed, and shine. Buddy Ball is about much more than just baseball, it’s about
inclusion, friendship, and celebrating the abilities of every child.

Organizers are encouraging families, volunteers, and community members to come out
and cheer on the players, making it a memorable experience for everyone involved.

This event is made possible through the efforts of Claiborne Parish 4-H, local schools,
and community partners who are passionate about providing opportunities for all youth.

This event will take place on September 26 th at the Summerfield Baseball field at
5:00PM. We are seeking coaches, volunteers, referees, and youth participants to be
involved in this event. Please register through this QR code. Volunteers should try to
register by September 5 th , but youth participants have until September 19 th to register.

Please contact Destiny Hightower at (318) 927-3110 or dhightower@agcenter.lsu.edu to
register.

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Have you ever wondered how many people there are in the world with the same name as yourself? That thought ran through my head one day and gave me the idea to Google my own name. Don’t ask me why I decided to act on the idea to search my own name because I have no idea! But probably due to boredom and curiosity, I took the time to look myself up on the world wide web.

What would I find? Would I be impressed or disappointed with my findings? Would I be jealous or envious of others with the same name?

If you’re not sure who you are, just Google your name and see not just who you are, but how many of YOU there are! What I found was that there are many Steve Graf’s around the globe, but surprisingly I have yet to run into myself at any point in time. I came across 100 plus people with the same name as myself. But one good thing I did discover, it appears that no one with my name is an inmate anywhere!

Here’s what I did find. Steve Graf is a dentist, a banker, a doctor, vice president of sales, a consultant, and a neuroscientist. He’s also an engineer, retired educator/coach, and a YMCA CEO! Wow, I was very impressed with myself and the “brothers” that carry the same name.

Others with the same name were also a bridge operator, a veterinarian, an athletic director, a senior programmer, a maintenance coordinator and a pilot for Delta Airlines. So, the next time you fly Delta, poke your head into the cockpit and make sure it’s not THIS Steve Graf at the controls.

But surprisingly, I found another Steve Graf that played professional baseball! He played for the Cardinals and Pirates organizations at the same time I was playing in the Montreal Expos minor league system. Small world!

It is amazing that after seeing how many Steve Graf’s there are, I have never come across myself. There are several versions of me that live in California, New Jersey, New England, Kansas, Denver and Wisconsin. There’s more SG’s in Massachusetts, Indiana, Minnesota, South Carolina, South Dakota and Ohio along with one in Oregon, Iowa and Nevada just to name a few.

I was always told as a youngster growing up, that the only thing you have that’s truly your own in this life is your name. Well, I guess that’s not true, but don’t ruin or tarnish your name by doing something stupid. This Steve Graf wants to be remembered for the good things I’ve done in life and not for the bad.

After doing this Google search, I thought how cool it would be to start a Steve Graf Club! Have an annual get together of everyone that shares the same name, or would that be a little weird?

After reviewing a lot of these fine folks, turns out that if you are a Steve Graf, be proud! The one thing we all want in life is to be the best version of ourselves that we can be. We all want to be content with what we do and who we are.

So, no matter how many people there are with the same name as yourself, there’s only one YOU. Be proud of who YOU are and do things that will make people remember YOU as a good person.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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

By Steve Webb, Board Chair, Louisiana Credit Union Association; CEO, Neighbors Federal Credit Union

Recent commentary suggesting that credit unions are “draining” Louisiana communities misses the larger truth: credit unions are not a burden on our state; they are one of Louisiana’s greatest assets.

Credit unions do pay taxes

Contrary to common misconceptions, credit unions are not tax-free. Louisiana’s credit unions collectively paid more than $100 million in state and federal taxes last year alone. We contribute through property taxes, payroll taxes, sales taxes, and more. The only tax credit unions are exempt from is income tax on profits because those “profits” are returned to the people who own us: our members and not distributed to wealthy shareholders.

Banks, by contrast, enjoy their own tax advantages. Many organize as Subchapter S corporations (45 in Louisiana), which allows them to avoid paying corporate income tax at the entity level. To single out credit unions for their long-established tax status while ignoring these bank exemptions presents an incomplete picture. Congress has debated the credit union tax exemption many times (most recently a few months ago) and they have agreed that credit unions should be allowed this tax exemption.

Member-owned means community-focused

Credit unions exist to serve members, not outside investors. Every dollar earned is reinvested in the form of lower fees, higher savings rates, and more affordable loans. Those benefits stay in Louisiana households and small businesses, circulating back into the local economy.

Preserving access where banks leave gaps

The decline in community banks has been stark: nearly half have disappeared nationwide over the last two decades. When banks consolidate or sell to out-of-state institutions, resources often leave the community. Shareholders of a bank have the ultimate decision on which institution they would like to sell to. When a bank sells to a credit union, it’s not a loss; it’s a commitment to ensuring residents continue to have a locally governed institution focused on people, not profits.

Growth doesn’t change our mission

Some critics argue that credit unions have grown too large for their tax status. But size does not change structure. A credit union with 500 members and one with 500,000 members share the same cooperative foundation: not-for-profit, member-owned, and community-driven. Growth simply enables us to provide modern services and compete in a marketplace dominated by trillion-dollar megabanks.

The real bottom line

The real story is simple: when credit unions succeed, Louisiana families succeed. We help people buy homes, send kids to college, start small businesses, and build savings. That is exactly why Congress created credit unions in the first place.

Far from draining our communities, credit unions preserve their strength. We keep financial decision-making local, return millions of dollars in value to members, and invest in the places we call home. That’s not a loss for Louisiana; it’s a win.

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The LSU AgCenter Hill Farm Research Station will host a “Soil to Harvest” workshop on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 11959 LA-9 in Homer.

The event, designed for gardeners, homeowners, and anyone interested in sustainable growing practices, will cover a range of topics including soil health, composting, cover crops, mulching, fall ornamentals, fall vegetables, and the benefits of leafy green vegetables, according to Assistant County

Agent John Monzingo. Attendees will also enjoy a cooking demonstration featuring leafy greens.

Registration opens at 8:30 a.m., with the program set to begin at 9 a.m.

For more information, contact the LSU AgCenter at 318-927-3110.

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In the tapestry of the Church, we often speak of the “Body of Christ”—a living, breathing community of believers, each with a role, a gift, and a purpose. But what happens when we look at this body through the lens of a quirky little family: the Body family? Meet Some Body, Every Body, and No Body. Their stories might just help us understand our place in God’s Kingdom a little better.

Some Body is always present—at the front of the sanctuary, leading the choir, preaching the sermon, or organizing the potluck. They’re gifted, passionate, and often admired. But sometimes, Some Body forgets that being seen isn’t the same as being surrendered.

Paul reminds us in Romans 12:3, “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment.” Some Body is essential, yes—but only when they remember that their gifts are for service, not status.

Every Body is the heartbeat of the Church. They show up, pray, serve, and love—whether they’re on stage or sweeping the fellowship hall. Every Body understands that the Church isn’t built on personalities, but on participation.

1 Corinthians 12:12 says, “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” Every Body knows that unity doesn’t mean uniformity. We are different, but we belong to each other.

No Body used to be involved. Maybe they got hurt, felt overlooked, or simply drifted away. Now, No Body is absent—and the Church feels it. Their gifts are missed, their voice is silent, and their seat is empty.
Hebrews 10:25 urges us, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” No Body needs healing, restoration, and a reminder that they still matter.

Are you Some Body, needing to refocus your gifts on service?

Are you Every Body, faithfully showing up and building the Church?

Or are you No Body, longing to be seen and welcomed back?

The good news is that in Christ, we are all part of His Body. And whether you’re a hand, a foot, a heart, or a voice—there’s a place for you.

I invite you, to go to church and join the Body family!

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For high school juniors and seniors, transfer students, and parents alike, the journey to choosing the right university often feels overwhelming. Between deadlines, financial questions, and the desire to find a place that feels like home, the process can seem intimidating.

That’s why Northwestern State University is rolling out the purple carpet this fall. On Saturday, October 25, 2025, NSU will host its signature N-Side View Day, a one-of-a-kind open house designed to help future students imagine themselves thriving on campus in Natchitoches.

To reserve your spot, register today at nsu.la/nsideviewday.

“Your future is calling and it begins here,” says Emily Miller, Director of Recruiting. “We want students and families to see not just what Northwestern offers, but how it feels to be part of our community.”

Unlike traditional campus visits, N-Side View Day gives students a true insider’s perspective on university life.

Throughout the day, guests will:

Explore the historic NSU campus on guided tours that showcase everything from residence halls to state-of-the-art classrooms.

Connect directly with faculty and students, hearing firsthand what it’s like to learn and live at Northwestern.

Dive into academics, choosing from more than 100 degree programs tailored to career ambitions.
Get real answers about admissions, scholarships, and financial aid.

Every attendee receives a free ticket to cheer on the NSU Demon Football team.

Vanner Erikson, Director of Enrollment, explains “We’ve designed N-Side View Day to go beyond information. It’s an experience that inspires. Families leave with clarity, confidence, and excitement about the future.”

Set in Louisiana’s oldest city, Northwestern balances tradition with progress. Students engage in hands-on learning, collaborate with faculty, and take part in a campus culture that values creativity and leadership. Combined with the city’s historic charm, NSU’s affordable tuition and strong record of student achievement make it a destination for those who want both opportunity and community.

NSU President James T. Genovese shares, “We are committed to preparing students not just for jobs, but for meaningful lives of impact. N-Side View Day is a chance to experience that mission firsthand.”

Choosing a university is as much a family decision as it is a personal one. NSU understands this, which is why N-Side View Day includes tailored sessions for parents. Financial aid experts will break down scholarship opportunities, housing staff will explain residential life, and faculty will highlight career outcomes for graduates.

Parents often leave with as much excitement as their students. “The greatest relief for families,” says Miller, “is realizing that Northwestern offers the opportunities of a large university while providing the close-knit support of a community that truly cares.”

While many universities host open houses, Northwestern’s event stands apart for its personal touch. Every student who attends N-Side View Day is welcomed as an individual, with their goals and potential taken seriously from the moment they arrive.

“NSU is Louisiana’s best-kept secret,” says Erikson. “Once students step on campus, they feel it. They know this is where they belong.”

And with the event landing in late October, families can enjoy the beauty of Natchitoches in the fall, a season that showcases the city’s Southern charm and vibrant energy.

For prospective students, N-Side View Day transforms an ordinary Saturday into the beginning of something bigger. Whether you’re taking your first steps after high school or seeking a fresh start as a transfer, Northwestern State University invites you to experience a day that can help shape your future.

N-Side View Day
· Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA
· Saturday, October 25, 2025
· Includes free campus tours, sessions, and Demon Football game ticket

Reserve your spot today at nsu.la/nsideviewday.

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Donald Roan Dunagan was born in 1934. When Donnie was 19, he was drafted into the Marines where his superiors tested and retested him. Donnie wondered what was wrong, but everything was right. Donnie had an abnormally high IQ. After boot camp, he was sent to drill instructor school and became the youngest drill instructor in Marine history. Then, the Marines trained Donnie to be a spy. For over two decades, Donnie served as an in-the-field counterintelligence agent all over the world. During the Vietnam War, he became a platoon leader. He served three tours in Vietnam, where he was wounded several times. He earned a Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts. In 1977, he retired with the rank of major. For most of his military career, he kept his life before the Marines a secret.

The secret he kept for all those years was that he had been a child actor. In 1937, four-year-old Donnie entered a talent show in which he sang and danced before a packed theater in Memphis, Tennessee. He won first place. Unbeknownst to Donnie and his family, a movie talent scout from Los Angeles was in the crowd. Within a few weeks, the talent scout tracked Donnie down and offered him a screen test for R.K.O. Studios. At the time, his poor parents, Warren Frederick and Louise Margaret Dunagan, were only bringing in about 25 cents per hour, and lived in a cheap, run down, one room apartment. With little to lose, Donnie and his parents boarded a train for Hollywood. If nothing else, they would have a grand adventure. The screen test went better than anyone expected, and R.K.O. signed Donnie to a contract. With that signed contract, Donnie became the breadwinner of the family and earned $1,000 per week, had a fine automobile, and an impressive home by any standards. After five years of studying scripts, dance practice, music practice, interviews, and promotional tours, the seven-year-old begged his mother, Louise, to allow him to stop working in the film business because he wanted to be a normal child. Donnie’s mother was saddened by her son’s request but agreed. Donnie retired from acting at the young age of seven while on a promotional tour in London.

When Donnie arrived in London, the world was engulfed in the Second World War. London was a major target of Nazi Germany. One day, as Donnie was in the care of his nanny, his parents were killed by a German bomb. Well, that was the story Donnie told the press in 2001 and may have been the story that he believed. In fact, in 1941, Donnie’s parents returned to Los Angeles and divorced. Donnie’s mother, Louise, remarried. She died in 1974. Louise’s second husband, Ralph M. LeMaster, died in 1977. Donnie’s father, Warren, died in 1980. Donnie’s parents and stepfather are all buried a few feet apart in the same cemetery, Grand View Memorial Park and Crematory in Glendale, California.

After his parents’ so-called death, Donnie went to live with his grandfather, Tom Johnson. They lived in poverty in Ireland and England. When his grandfather died in 1945, Donnie was returned to the United States and lived in multiple orphanages. In about 1948, the fourteen-year-old boy ran away. For five years, he worked whatever job he could to survive until he was drafted into the Marines.

The biggest secret that Donnie kept was his most notable film role. He acted in such films as “The Forgotten Woman,” “The Tower of London,” and the title character in “Son of Frankenstein.” His final, and most famous, role was for Walt Disney in 1941 when he provided the voice of Bambi.

Sources:

1. Carlsbad Current-Argus, July 29, 2001, p.38.

2. “Warren F. Dunagan,” Find A Grave, accessed August 25, 2025, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/28800417/warren-f-dunagan.

3. “Louise D. LeMaster,” Find A Grave, accessed August 24, 2025, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/28800408/louise-d-lemaster.

4. “Ralph M. LeMaster,” Find A Grave, accessed August 24, 2025, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/28800390/ralph-m-lemaster.

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On September 3, 2008, television audiences were introduced to a gripping, outlaw world far beyond standard network fare. It was on this date that FX premiered Sons of Anarchy, a bold, multi-layered drama that would go on to redefine the scope and grittiness of modern TV storytelling.

Created by Kurt Sutter, Sons of Anarchy follows the turbulent lives of the SAMCRO motorcycle club—based in the fictional town of Charming, California—as they navigate crime, loyalty, family, and identity. At the center stands Charlie Hunnam as Jax Teller, the conflicted vice president whose growing disillusionment with the club’s violent legacy fuels much of the show’s emotional core. The cast also features Katey Sagal as matriarch Gemma Teller and Ron Perlman as club president Clay Morrow, with David Labrava—an authentic Hell’s Angel—serving both as technical adviser and on-screen enforcer, Happy Lowman.

From its first episode, Sons of Anarchy set itself apart with raw emotion, moral ambiguity, and unflinching violence—mirroring the best traditions of Shakespearean tragedy, filtered through the lens of outlaw subculture. The show’s gritty authenticity, rich character arcs, and moral complexity earned it critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. Over seven powerful seasons, viewers became deeply invested in the inner trials of Jax—torn between his own ideals and the dogged demands of loyalty—while also witnessing the unraveling of the world he inhabits.

Though the series concluded in December 2014, its cultural and artistic footprint endures. Sons of Anarchy not only influenced the aesthetics of anti-hero storytelling but also helped fuel the rise of network television willing to push boundaries, both in tone and in moral terrain.

More than a decade after that fateful September 3 premiere, the show is still cited as a turning point in cable television—ushering in a new era of serialized, morally complex dramas. Its resonance can be felt in countless successors that explore color-shaded characters, intricate loyalties, and the violence that ensues when those loyalties crack.

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Lynda Gay White Graham
August 15, 1945 — September 1, 2025
Visitation: September 5 at the church from 10-11 a.m., prior to the service.
Services: September 5 at 11:00 a.m. at Rocky Springs Baptist Church, Lisbon

Phillip “Fast” Harris
November 6, 1950 – September 1, 2025
Services: To be announced

Annie Robinson
January 11, 1949 – August 31, 2025
Visitation: Friday September 5 from 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home
Services: Saturday September 6 at 2:30 PM at Pine Hill C.M.E

Lonnie “Lonnie Lee” Hill
December 8, 1948 – August 28, 2025
Visitation: Friday September 12 from 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home
Services: Saturday September 13 at 2:30 PM at Bethel B.C.

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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