By Tiffany Flournoy

HOMER, La. — Residents in unincorporated Claiborne Parish could lose parish-funded garbage pickup if voters reject a November 2026 renewal of a 2% sales tax.

Without voter approval, the parish would no longer fund residential garbage collection, dumpsters, or roll-off containers, that have historically been provided through sales tax for residents outside the unincorporated areas of the parish, Claiborne Parish Police jurors said during their regular meeting on  Feb. 4. 

The tax currently provides these services at no extra cost to households outside municipal limits, making its renewal critical for residents.

Financial updates presented at meeting showed December 2025 net sales tax collections totaled $68,983 — up 13.16% from November but down 2.47% compared with December 2024. The parish’s cash position stood at $12.17 million as of Jan. 31, reflecting an increase of more than $1 million from the previous month.

The jury also approved a request from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to issue the parish’s assurance letter to the agency’s Right of Way Section. Members also voted to discontinue Sparklight phone and internet service at the parish road barn on Highway 2 due to unreliable connectivity. The facility will continue using Starlink internet

At the meeting, parish  officials celebrated Haynesville High School’s football team, unanimously declaring Feb. 4 “Golden Tornado Day.” The team finished a perfect 14-0 season with a 39-37 win over Mangham, claiming its 18th state championship.

Other business included approval of minutes from the Jan. 7 meeting, payment of January bills, and a request from the Village of Athens for assistance with Mill Street repairs under its ad valorem tax credit program.

Continue your article here…

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By Tiffany Flournoy

HOMER, La. — The Claiborne Parish School Board honored a state championship football team and recognized the district’s top students and educators during its regular meeting Feb. 5.

The board adopted a formal resolution recognizing the Haynesville High School football team as the 2025 Division IV Non-Select State Champions. The Golden Tornadoes completed a perfect 10-0 regular season and went 4-0 in the playoffs, securing the state title Dec. 11, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

Head Coach David Franklin thanked the board for the recognition, describing the team as “an exceptional group of young men, not only on the field but off the field.” 

He said the championship reflects the hard work put in each year by players and coaches and added that he is proud of the way the team represents the town of Haynesville.

According to the resolution, the team’s accomplishment brought “honor, pride and recognition” to Haynesville High School, the Haynesville community, the Claiborne Parish School Board and the parish as a whole. It also recognized assistant coaches Tony Gantt, Mario Thompson, Jasper Edwards, Ryan Ware and Dallas Lay, along with Principal Lee Simms, faculty and the student body.

In other recognitions, Instructional Supervisor Marco French introduced the district’s Students of the Year, Teachers of the Year and Principal of the Year through a slideshow highlighting their achievements. Superintendent Chris Brooks and Board President Perry Anderson presented each honoree with a trophy and certificate.

Emery Edwards, a fifth grader at Haynesville Elementary School; Sonnie Vinson, an eighth grader at Summerfield High School; and Leyla Slaughter, a senior at Homer High School, were named Students of the Year. Teachers of the Year are Miranda Wingard, elementary teacher at Summerfield; Macy Garner, middle school teacher at Haynesville Jr./Sr. High; and LaFrance Cooper, high school teacher at Homer High. William Simms of Haynesville Jr./Sr. High was named Principal of the Year. All will advance to represent the district at the state level.

The board also approved revisions to policies addressing notification of school board meetings, employee recruitment, dismissal and conduct, all stemming from the 2025 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature. The motion passed 8-0.

Maintenance Supervisor Joey Guillory received approval to seek bids for renovations to the Haynesville auditorium, following prior review by the Buildings and Grounds Committee. The motion passed unanimously.

Board members briefly discussed January 2026 financials and current interest rates on district banking accounts. Further discussion on potentially moving funds due to interest rates is expected at a March finance meeting.

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A coordinated law enforcement effort in Claiborne Parish has resulted in the arrest of a Homer man facing warrants from both Louisiana and Texas authorities.

According to a news release from the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office, deputies, along with members of the United States Marshals Service Violent Offender Task Force based in Shreveport, served multiple arrest warrants on February 18, 2026, at a residence on Burns Road in Homer.

The warrants included a Pre-Revocation Warrant (Fugitive) from the state of Texas and local warrants issued by CPSO for Aggravated Battery and Second Degree Battery.

Authorities took Darren C. Burns into custody without incident. He was transported later that same day to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center, where he was booked and remains incarcerated.

Claiborne Parish Sheriff Sam Dowies expressed appreciation for the work of his deputies and the assistance provided by the United States Marshals Task Force. Sheriff Dowies noted that partnerships with outside agencies enhance public safety and help make Claiborne Parish a safer community.

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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The National Weather Service is forecasting a stretch of mild temperatures and increasing rain chances later this week for Claiborne Parish.

Wednesday will be mostly cloudy with a high near 75 degrees. Winds will be out of the south at 5 to 10 mph, keeping conditions warm and slightly breezy.

Cloud cover will continue into Wednesday night, with overnight lows dipping to around 59 degrees.

On Thursday, rain chances return as a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms moves into the area. Skies will be partly sunny, with afternoon highs again reaching near 75 degrees.

Thursday night brings a 20 percent chance of showers before midnight, followed by clearing skies and a cooler low around 42 degrees.

Sunshine returns Friday with clear skies and a high near 69 degrees. Friday night will be mostly clear, with temperatures falling to around 43 degrees.

The weekend looks pleasant overall. Saturday will be sunny with a high near 75 degrees, while Saturday night carries a slight 20 percent chance of showers and a low around 48 degrees.

By Sunday, there remains a 20 percent chance of showers under mostly sunny skies, with highs expected near 74 degrees.

Residents are encouraged to stay updated on changing weather conditions, especially with scattered thunderstorms possible Thursday.

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HAYNESVILLE, La. (February 12, 2026) – Later this month, you will have an opportunity to hear results of the Haynesville Community Survey and to provide your input about Haynesville’s future.

The Town of Haynesville is partnering with Atlas Community Studios to develop its Strategic Plan: Rooted in Community, Growing Together, which is focused on infrastructure, workforce and business development and housing. The project is supported through grant funding from the Delta Regional Authority Strategic Planning Grant program.

The public has two upcoming opportunities on Wednesday, Feb. 25, to participate in community feedback sessions. The first session will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, and the second will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Both sessions will take place at the Haynesville Community Center, 2400 Stadium Drive, weather permitting. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. The sessions are drop-in style, so attendees are encouraged to come as they are, whenever is most convenient for them. Those who would like to attend can RSVP on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/haynesvillestrategicplan/; RSVPs are encouraged but not required. Those who attend one of the sessions will be eligible to enter a prize drawing

During the sessions, several stations will be set up allowing community members to review the project findings to date from the recent community survey and quantitative data analysis and provide feedback on the proposed priorities and projects that will be the focus of the Strategic Plan.

An executive summary and a brief survey will be posted after the events for anyone who would like to provide feedback but was unable to attend in person.

The Strategic Plan project is being led by Steering Committee members Mayor Roderick Hampton, Tinique Beene, April Childress, Yolanda Coleman, Mershell Kinsby, Alyson McCoy, Lynn McCoy, Mary McDaniel, Betty Richardson, Amanda Sanders, Margaret White and Seth Winn.

“Our project team appreciates the thoughtful responses and input received through the Community Survey and community sessions we hosted in October 2025,” said Kate Greene, Redevelopment Director for Atlas Community Studios.

“This plan truly belongs to Haynesville and is a community-driven process. Your input is critically important to the success of the new Strategic Plan. One of the common themes emerging is that people in Haynesville really want to hear from young people about what they want for the future. We encourage parents to bring their teenagers and teachers to bring their students to our February in-person sessions.

The overall Strategic Plan project will take place over the following timeline:
Public Engagement: October–December 2025
Community Assessment: November 2025–March 2026
Strategic Plan: March–May 2026
Funding Resource Roadmap: May–July 2026

For more information and to check for future updates on the project, visit the project Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/haynesvillestrategicplan/ or the project landing page at https://www.rootedinhaynesville.com/. The project landing page is an information and resource hub for all things related to the strategic planning process, where you can learn more about the project, find opportunities to engage, get updates and check out project deliverables.

For more information, email Kate Greene, Redevelopment Director, Atlas Community Studios, at kate@atlascostudios.com.

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Ever notice how quickly opinions travel faster than facts? This week’s cartoon plays with that idea, leaning into the humor of how we debate, react and sometimes overreact in the digital age. Inspired by the game-show energy of Jeopardy!, it’s a lighthearted reminder that not every buzzer needs to be hit — and sometimes it’s okay to wait for the full answer.

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Baton Rouge, LA-Governor Landry formally requested on Feb. 23 that the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education’s investigation be expanded to include every public institution of higher education in Louisiana to ensure full compliance with federal law across the state. Letter attached.

“Let me be clear: Louisiana is done with woke DEI policies. Discrimination against ANY student will not be tolerated,” said Governor Landry. “This issue began under the previous administration, and we are fixing it. That is why, I’ve formally requested that the investigation be expanded to EVERY public higher education institution in Louisiana. If there are violations of federal law anywhere in our system, we want them corrected.”

By John Monzingo

Livestock showing has been a foundational component of 4H since its earliest days, and
Claiborne Parish is proud to be part of that long-standing tradition. Claiborne Parish has hosted
fairs and livestock events for well over a century. The earliest known county fair took place in
Haynesville in 1890, and the Claiborne Parish LSU AgCenter Extension Office still holds a copy
of the 1908 rule book.

The 1908 contests included 100yard and 200yard foot races for boys, horse and mule racing,
mule and horse team competitions, as well as canning, clothing construction, and quilting. While
the racing and draft team events have faded away over time, livestock showing remains a vibrant
and valued tradition in Claiborne Parish. Just as in 1908, today’s exhibitors can still participate in
poultry, rabbits, swine, beef cattle, lambs, and goats.

Preparing for the 2026 Show Season

Claiborne Parish 4H is already preparing for the 2026 livestock show season, which traditionally
begins during the second week of October. Local exhibitors have opportunities to participate in:

Claiborne Parish Fair

The State Fair of Louisiana

The Northwest District Livestock Show

The LSU AgCenter State Livestock Show

To participate in the livestock program, youth must be certified members of either 4H or FFA
and must meet the official possession dates for their animals. A possession date is the deadline
by which an exhibitor must own or take physical possession of the animal to be eligible for
competition. These dates are set by the governing body of each livestock show in accordance to
the LSU Livestock Show tentative dates.

Tentative Possession Dates for the 2026 Claiborne Parish Fair

(Dates are tentative and subject to change.)

Animal Category Possession Date

Market Steers June 10, 2026

Lambs July 10, 2026

Goats July 10, 2026

Commercial Heifers July 10, 2026

Dairy Cows July 10, 2026

Breeding Beef July 10, 2026

Rabbits August 1, 2026

Exhibition Poultry August 1, 2026

Swine August 10, 2026

Claiborne Parish 4H Livestock Club

In addition to livestock showing, Claiborne Parish 4H offers a Livestock Club open to any youth
interested in learning how to raise and exhibit animals. The club meets monthly in the afternoons
during the school year and provides handson learning in animal husbandry, showmanship, and
livestock industry education.

Topics covered so far this year include:

Proper care of livestock while at shows

The poultry industry

Animal health

Upcoming sessions will feature:

The beef industry

A livestock interest day (date to be announced)

The Livestock Club is an excellent opportunity for youth to develop responsibility, confidence,
and practical skills while working with animals. New members are welcome, and no prior experience with livestock is required. Families interested in getting involved are encouraged to contact John Monzingo at 3189273110 for more information.

For more information about 4-H livestock call John Monzingo at 318-927-3110 or email
Jmonzingo@agcenter.lsu.edu.

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By: Destiny Hightower
4-H Youth Development Agent/Parish Chair

Claiborne Parish 4‑H will be hosting its first‑annual Cloverbud Day Camp, “Camp Clover,” on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Haynesville Fair Barn. Designed specifically for 2nd and 3rd grader 4-H members, the camp will introduce youth to Louisiana wildlife, wetlands, environmental science, and Louisiana culture through hands‑on, age‑appropriate activities. This camp is free for 4-H members! For youth that want to attend that are not yet members, you may register them through the Claiborne Parish LSU AgCenter prior to March 20th for $15. All parents are asked to pack a lunch for youth attending this event. Parents are not required to stay, but please let us know if you would like to volunteer. Registration is through Qualtrics by March 23rd. The link is: https://lsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eJOImyZMx1Tt0Ro.

Camp Clover was developed and led by two outstanding Claiborne Parish Junior Leaders, both of whom also serve on the Louisiana 4‑H State Boards such as Wetlands Ambassadors and the State Executive Board. Their leadership ensures that campers will enjoy a full day of fun, learning, and discovery.

Throughout the day, Cloverbuds will rotate through engaging sessions including Wildlife and Fisheries, Smokey the Bear Fire Prevention, Pollution Prevention, and Flood Fighters with LaHouse. Campers will also explore Louisiana’s cultural heritage through lessons on crawfish and alligators, build their own miniature crawfish houses, and take part in an environmental education activity on marsh plants.

The camp will open with a lively scavenger hunt, followed by seven rotation sessions, lunch, and a final reflection and group photo. From hands‑on science to Louisiana traditions, Camp Clover will give Cloverbuds the chance to learn in a fun, supportive environment created just for them.

Claiborne Parish 4‑H extends its appreciation to Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries, LDAF, LaHouse, local educators, volunteers, Junior Leaders, and families for helping make this first‑time event a success. Camp Clover will provide a memorable introduction to 4‑H for our youngest members and showcased the power of youth leadership in action.

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Celebration is underway in Claiborne Parish as the Homer High School FFA chapter made history at the state competition, bringing home top honors and a State Champion title.

The talented team delivered standout performances across the board, with all of their rabbits placing in the top four of their respective classes—some of which included more than 10 competitors.

In showmanship results, Cindy placed 12th, Jaiyana earned 8th, Cayden finished 5th, Kyndal captured 3rd, and Azaiyah claimed 1st place. Azaiyah’s exceptional performance didn’t stop there—her high score secured her the title of Overall Senior Champion, officially naming her a State Champion.

FFA advisors and supporters praised the team’s dedication, preparation, and commitment throughout the show season, calling it an “amazing” year filled with hard work and achievement.

Despite the milestone accomplishment, members are already looking ahead. The team has reportedly created a list of new research topics and study goals as they begin preparing to come back even stronger next year.

The success of Homer High’s FFA program continues to showcase the talent, discipline, and determination of Claiborne Parish students on the state stage.

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When you’re young and full of pee and vinegar, you think you’re bullet proof. You have a younger mindset that nothing can happen to you. But nothing could be further from the truth. For an angler, or anyone who spends a great deal of time in the outdoors, there are three words you never want to hear, “You have Melanoma.”

This is the number one form of cancer that takes more lives than any other. Like so many others, I thought something like this would never happen to me. But God had other plans as that day came for me in June of 2023. Never in a million years did I think I would be that guy who would have to battle cancer, but here’s my story.

A couple of years earlier I started seeing a dermatologist on a regular basis. Then one day while my sister-in-law was cutting my hair, she asked if I knew about this small black dot on the back of my ear. Since none of us can see the back of our ears, I had never seen this spot. She suggested I get it looked at, so I took her advice and made an appointment.

It was March of 2023 when I had this appointment, and my dermatologist suggested we try some chemo cream to help get rid of this spot. Well, after two weeks of chemo cream the spot went away. I thought my worries were over until mid-April when the spot returned. So once again, I made another appointment scheduled for the first week of May.

While I wasn’t overly concerned, we were planning a family vacation to Disney World the last week of May and I wanted this spot off my ear. But as fate would have it, my dermatologist had to go out of town to attend a convention, and my May appointment was cancelled. So, they rebooked me for the last week of June which was basically eight weeks.

Again, at this point, I’m still not overly concerned but really wanted this off my ear. Well, let’s just say when I returned for my appointment the last week of June, this spot had ulcerated and was now a deep purple color. Then the day of my appointment, the minute I was called to the back, the nurse took a look at my ear, and she instantly got very concerned and rushed out of the room to get my dermatologist.

This got my attention and now I’m nervous as my doctor walked in and said, “Oh, Steve this is not good, and I’ll go ahead and prepare you that this is probably going to come back positive for Melanoma.”

She biopsied the spot and overnighted it to a lab for testing. The next day around 10 that morning, she called and told me, “You have Melanoma.” My heart sank and I was a little overwhelmed and wasn’t sure what to think. But my dermatologist did an outstanding job of reassuring me that everything will be OK, as hopefully we’ve caught this early.

To shorten this story, I had two ear surgeries to remove the upper portion of my left ear and four difficult immunotherapy sessions that were hard to get through due to my reaction to the drug OPDIVO. But since then, all of my scans have been clear and bloodwork has been good.

Immediately I started the first year going to M.D. Anderson in Houston every three months. Then in late 2025, they scheduled me for testing every six months which is where I’m at today. Hopefully, if my PET scans, MRI’s and bloodwork continue to be clear, I’ll soon be moving to testing annually for the rest of my life.

The one thing my cancer doctor has told me is that Melanoma is the worst form of cancer that can hide in the body for long periods of time. It can come back at any point and that’s why I’ll continue to go back to M.D. Anderson from now on.

Here’s my advice to anyone (especially anglers) when it comes to protecting yourself from the harmful rays of the sun. First, understand this: Melanoma does not discriminate, and no one is immune to getting this form of cancer. Wear long sleeve SPF shirts with built-in sunscreen. Wear long pants instead of shorts to protect your legs. Wear a wide brim hat — even if you look goofy. I also wear fishing gloves to help protect my hands.

Always apply sunscreen to any portion of the skin that might be exposed. Do everything you can to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Because the words you never want to hear are, “You have Melanoma.”

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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I did not put my sense of humor away for Lent. Honestly, I’m not sure I could if I tried. My sense of humor has a mind of its own and occasionally needs to be told, “Hush now, we’re in church.” I once preached a funeral with the “Exit” sign burned out over the doors we’d be leaving through. My brain, unhelpfully, started processing the symbolism — we all exit eventually — and before I knew it, my mouth was dangerously close to sharing that observation with the grieving family. That’s when I realized: for Lent, I may fast from many things, but my sense of humor is apparently not one of them.

And speaking of Lent, that little moment of funeral foolishness reminded me how this season always brings out our quirks, our questions, and our wellintentioned attempts at spiritual discipline. Many congregations observe Lenten practices, and you can usually spot us by the annual question: “So… what are you giving up for Lent?” Some of my Roman Catholic friends give up meat on Fridays, which has sparked many a conversation — and, fun fact, is the reason McDonald’s invented the fish sandwich. Stick with these Ponderings long enough and you’ll be ready for Jeopardy!

Which brings me to one of my favorite Lenten stories.

John Smith was the only Protestant to move into a large Catholic neighborhood. On the first Friday of Lent, John was outside grilling a big, juicy steak. Meanwhile, all his neighbors were dutifully eating cold tuna fish. This went on every Friday. Finally, the Catholic men decided something had to be done — John was tempting them beyond what any human should endure.

So they set out to convert him.

They talked with him, brought him to church, and the priest sprinkled water over him saying, “You were born a Baptist, you were raised a Baptist, and now you are a Catholic.” The men rejoiced. Their Lenten temptations were over.

Until the next year.

The first Friday of Lent rolled around, and just as the neighborhood sat down to their tuna, the unmistakable aroma of steak drifted through the air. They rushed to John’s yard, ready to remind him of his new commitments.

And there he stood, sprinkling water over his steak, saying, “You were born a cow, you were raised a cow, and now you are a fish.”

It’s funny — and it’s also a gentle reminder. It’s not what our neighbors call us that defines us. It’s not even what we call ourselves. Our actions, our habits, our quiet choices — those speak louder than our reputations or our labels.

Lent invites us into that quieter truth. Not the showy kind, not the “look what I’m giving up” kind, but the kind that shapes us from the inside out.

This Lent is Jesus shaping your heart and your journey to Easter?

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William J. “Bill” Blythe Jr. had recently been honorably discharged from the Army and had just been hired as an equipment salesman by the Mankee Equipment Company of Chicago. Immediately following World War II, so many soldiers were returning home and looking for work that jobs were scarce. 29-year-old Bill could find no work in his hometown of Hope, Arkansas, and was lucky to find work even if it required him to relocate to the windy city. It could not have come at a better time. Bill’s wife, 22-year-old Virginia Dell Cassiday, was six months pregnant. After calling home with the happy news, Bill began the 750-mile drive back to Hope, Arkansas, to prepare the family for the move.

Just before midnight on May 17, 1946, Bill had driven about half of the 755 miles to Hope when, about three miles west of Sikeston, Missouri, one of the front tires on Bill’s 1942 Buick sedan blew out. Bill lost control of the car, and it rolled over twice before coming to a stop on the side of the Brown Spur drainage ditch along Highway 60. Sikeston was surrounded by drainage ditches to help prevent flooding. Bill suffered a head injury and crawled out of the wrecked car. He could hear the sounds of passing cars and could see their headlights as they passed. He began crawling up the steep embankment toward the highway. As he was crawling, he slipped and fell into the drainage ditch which contained four feet of water. There, he drowned.

Virginia was devastated. Three months after the accident, she had her child and named him William J. Blythe III in honor of her late husband. Everyone called him Billy. Virginia, now a single parent, went to nursing school in New Orleans, Louisiana. Virginia’s parents took care of Billy while she was away. In 1950, Virginia returned to Hope and went to work as a nurse. In that same year, she met and married a car dealership owner named Roger. In 1956, Roger and Virginia had a son whom they named Roger Jr. At some point, Billy Blythe began using his stepfather’s last name, and, in 1962, Billy legally changed his last name so that he and his half-brother would have the same last name. In the following year, Billy was selected to be a delegate to Boys Nation, a special youth leadership conference held in Washington D.C. Billy was among the other boys from Boys Nation who, along with the Girls Nation, were invited to the Rose Garden at the White House to meet President John F. Kennedy. Billy was one of the first in line to shake JFK’s hand. Billy said later that meeting JFK had a profound impact on his life.

Imagine just for a second that Bill Blythe’s car wreck never occurred. Billy Blythe III would probably have been born in Chicago. The whole trajectory of his life would have been different. He probably would not have become President of the United States. If he had, we would know him as Bill Blythe rather than Bill Clinton.

Sources:

1. Daily American Republic (Poplar Bluff, Missouri), May 18, 1946, p.1.

2. “It All Began in a Place Called Hope: Biography of the President Bill Clinton,” National Archives, accessed February 15, 2026, https://clintonwhitehouse5.archives.gov/WH/EOP/OP/html/Hope.html.

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February 25 marks the birthday of Nina Simone, an artist whose music blurred the lines between entertainment, activism, and cultural revolution. Born in 1933, Simone became one of the most uncompromising voices of the Civil Rights era, using her platform to challenge injustice while reshaping the sound of American music.

Trained as a classical pianist, Simone defied expectations by blending jazz, blues, folk, gospel, and classical influences into a style uniquely her own. Her performances were emotionally raw and politically charged, reflecting both personal struggle and collective Black experience. Songs like “Mississippi Goddam” and “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” became anthems of resistance and pride.

Unlike many artists of her time, Simone refused to separate art from politics. Her willingness to address racism directly often made her controversial, but it also cemented her place as a cultural truth-teller. February 25 serves as a reminder of how her music functioned not just as entertainment, but as commentary on American life.

Simone’s influence on pop culture has only grown over time. Her music has been sampled and referenced by modern artists across genres, from hip-hop to indie pop. Filmmakers and television creators frequently use her songs to underscore moments of tension, empowerment, or historical reflection, introducing her voice to audiences far removed from the 1960s.

Beyond her music, Simone’s image and persona have become cultural symbols. Her unapologetic authenticity and refusal to conform resonate strongly in today’s conversations about artistic freedom and racial justice. Documentaries, biopics, and streaming playlists have renewed interest in her life, prompting deeper discussions about how Black women artists are treated by the industry.

February 25 also invites reflection on Simone’s complicated legacy. Her life was marked by brilliance, struggle, and resistance — elements that mirror the broader Black American experience she so often sang about. Today, she is widely recognized not only as a musical innovator but as a cultural icon who spoke truths others feared to voice.

As Black History Month nears its close, Nina Simone’s birthday serves as a powerful reminder that pop culture can be a force for change — and that music can carry the weight of history.

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Linda Joyce Davis Anderson
January 16, 1948 — February 19, 2026
Visitation: prior to the service from 12:00p.m.-1:30 p.m.
Services: Friday, February 27 at 2:00 p.m. at McKenzie Cemetery near Homer

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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By Tiffany Flournoy

HOMER, La. — The Claiborne Parish School Board honored a state championship football team and recognized the district’s top students and educators during its regular meeting Feb. 5.

The board adopted a formal resolution recognizing the Haynesville High School football team as the 2025 Division IV Non-Select State Champions. The Golden Tornadoes completed a perfect 10-0 regular season and went 4-0 in the playoffs, securing the state title Dec. 11, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

Head Coach David Franklin thanked the board for the recognition, describing the team as “an exceptional group of young men, not only on the field but off the field.” 

He said the championship reflects the hard work put in each year by players and coaches and added that he is proud of the way the team represents the town of Haynesville.

According to the resolution, the team’s accomplishment brought “honor, pride and recognition” to Haynesville High School, the Haynesville community, the Claiborne Parish School Board and the parish as a whole. It also recognized assistant coaches Tony Gantt, Mario Thompson, Jasper Edwards, Ryan Ware and Dallas Lay, along with Principal Lee Simms, faculty and the student body.

In other recognitions, Instructional Supervisor Marco French introduced the district’s Students of the Year, Teachers of the Year and Principal of the Year through a slideshow highlighting their achievements. Superintendent Chris Brooks and Board President Perry Anderson presented each honoree with a trophy and certificate.

Emery Edwards, a fifth grader at Haynesville Elementary School; Sonnie Vinson, an eighth grader at Summerfield High School; and Leyla Slaughter, a senior at Homer High School, were named Students of the Year. Teachers of the Year are Miranda Wingard, elementary teacher at Summerfield; Macy Garner, middle school teacher at Haynesville Jr./Sr. High; and LaFrance Cooper, high school teacher at Homer High. William Simms of Haynesville Jr./Sr. High was named Principal of the Year. All will advance to represent the district at the state level.

The board also approved revisions to policies addressing notification of school board meetings, employee recruitment, dismissal and conduct, all stemming from the 2025 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature. The motion passed 8-0.

Maintenance Supervisor Joey Guillory received approval to seek bids for renovations to the Haynesville auditorium, following prior review by the Buildings and Grounds Committee. The motion passed unanimously.

Board members briefly discussed January 2026 financials and current interest rates on district banking accounts. Further discussion on potentially moving funds due to interest rates is expected at a March finance meeting.

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The Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents and visitors to respect handicap parking spaces throughout the parish.

Officials emphasize that parking in a designated handicap spot without the proper permit is illegal and can result in a citation. These spaces are reserved for individuals with disabilities to ensure safe and convenient access to businesses, public buildings, and community facilities.

The sheriff’s office encourages everyone in Claiborne Parish to follow parking regulations and help maintain accessibility for those who need it.

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Residents in Claiborne Parish can expect mostly cloudy skies and mild temperatures through midweek, with increasing chances of showers and thunderstorms beginning Friday and continuing into the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 74 degrees. Southwest winds around 5 mph are expected, with gusts reaching up to 20 mph.

Mostly cloudy skies will continue Wednesday night, with overnight lows around 59 degrees.

Thursday will remain mostly cloudy, with temperatures climbing to near 77 degrees during the day. Skies will stay cloudy Thursday night, with cooler temperatures and lows around 52 degrees.

Rain chances begin Friday, with a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms developing after noon. Skies will be partly sunny, and temperatures will reach near 70 degrees. Rain chances increase

Friday night, with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after midnight, and lows falling to around 48.

Unsettled weather continues into Saturday, with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms under mostly sunny skies. Temperatures will be slightly cooler, with a high near 67 degrees. Saturday night will bring a continued 30 percent chance of showers and partly cloudy skies, with lows dropping to around 40 degrees.

Conditions improve by Sunday, with mostly sunny skies returning and cooler temperatures, as the high reaches near 62 degrees.

Residents are encouraged to stay weather aware, especially late Friday through Saturday when thunderstorms are possible.

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In an effort to strengthen local tourism efforts, the Claiborne Parish Police Jury established the Claiborne Parish Tourist Commission in October 2025, marking a new chapter in the parish’s strategy to promote conventions and visitor growth.

The seven-member commission, comprised of representatives nominated by local nonprofit organizations, is tasked with enhancing tourism development and marketing initiatives throughout the parish. Members serve three-year terms.

The Tourist Commission held its inaugural meeting on Feb. 2, 2026, where officers were elected and plans for the year ahead were set in motion. Jack Hightower was elected chair, Amanda Sanders will serve as vice chair, and Ashley Buckner was selected as secretary/treasurer.

In addition to electing officers, the board established working committees and approved its 2026 meeting calendar. Scheduled meeting dates include April 7, June 1, Aug. 3, Oct. 5 and Dec. 7. Agendas and additional information will be posted on the parish website under the Tourist Commission section at Claiborneparish.org/documents.

Tourism remains a key industry across Louisiana, drawing more than 42 million visitors annually and generating billions in economic impact. Locally, Claiborne Parish has continued to attract visitors through its scenic lakes, historic sites and signature events such as the Haynesville Celebration of Butterflies and Louisiana Legends Fest.

According to a study by the University of New Orleans, visitors spent approximately $3.15 million in Claiborne Parish in 2022, generating about $120,000 in local tax revenue. Parish leaders say the creation of the Tourist Commission is intended to build on that foundation and position Claiborne Parish for continued growth in the years ahead.

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As the first signs of spring approach, Claiborne Parish residents are being encouraged to get a head start on their vegetable gardens. While the official start of spring is March 20, local gardening experts say there are several crops that can be successfully planted even earlier.

John Monzingo, Assistant County Agent with the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, says that as daylight increases and temperatures begin to warm, many gardeners are eager to spend more time outdoors preparing their plots. “Collecting soil samples and monitoring weather patterns are great ways to ensure a successful growing season,” Monzingo noted.

According to Monzingo, vegetables such as celery, sweet corn, snap beans, and watermelons can be planted before the official start of spring. Planting dates, methods, spacing, and harvest times for these crops are as follows:

Celery – Plant transplants 1 inch deep from March 1–April 15; space 18–24 inches apart; harvest in 60–120 days.

Sweet Corn – Plant seeds ½ inch deep from March 1–May 15; space 10–12 inches apart; harvest in 69–92 days.

Snap Beans – Plant seeds ½ inch deep from March 15–May 15; space 2–3 inches apart; harvest in 48–55 days.

Watermelons – Plant seeds ½ inch deep from March 15–June 30; space 36–60 inches apart; harvest in 90–110 days.

For residents with limited space, Monzingo recommends alternative growing methods such as raised beds, window boxes, or even 5‑gallon buckets. “Many warm-season crops perform well in containers, making gardening accessible for everyone,” he said.

For additional planting guidance or variety recommendations, Claiborne Parish gardeners can contact John Monzingo at 318‑927‑3110 or 318‑371‑1371.

The Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service emphasizes that all programs are offered without discrimination based on race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, or disability.

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Women from across North Louisiana are invited to take part in a free, one-day vocal workshop, “Find Your Voice: Empowering Women Through Song,” set for Saturday, March 7, in Ruston.

The workshop, hosted by Southern A’Chord Chorus, is made possible through a state arts grant and will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the fellowship hall of the Presbyterian Church of Ruston, located at 212 N. Bonner St.

Led by nationally recognized vocal coach Robin Curtis of Texarkana, the event will focus on healthy vocal production, ensemble singing and skill-building for women singers of varying experience levels. The day will include large-group instruction as well as smaller breakout sessions.

Curtis has decades of successful vocal coaching in her background and currently teaches voice in Texarkana, where her focus is on pop and pageant preparation. She has also worked with multiple choruses and quartets that have won numerous medals in competition from regional to international levels. One of her most recent accolades is serving as education director for the national women’s singing group, TRU Harmony A Cappella.

“Group singing can have amazing health benefits for all ages, both physical and psychological,” Curtis said. “If you can carry a tune, then you can learn new vocal skills to improve and reap those benefits.”

While the workshop itself is geared toward participants, the public is invited to attend the concluding portion of the day, when singers will share what they have learned during the session through a short performance.

Pre-registration by Feb. 28 is encouraged, though walk-ins will be welcomed as space allows. Open to women ages 16 and older, the workshop includes lunch for all participants. To pre-register, go to bit.ly/women-sing.

For more information about Southern A’Chord, interested singers are encouraged to visit the website southernachordchorus.org or the Facebook page Southern A’Chord Chorus. The women’s a cappella community chorus was formed in 2024 and draws members from several parishes.

“Even though Southern A’Chord is based in Ruston,” said director Candice Bassett, of Grayson, “we consider the community we serve much bigger. We are hoping to reach women who are looking for a way to find their voice, gain confidence and be part of something that can empower them to do even more. Singing together bridges gaps and breaks down barriers, helping us see we are more alike than different.”

The workshop is supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, the Office of Cultural Development, and the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, as administered by the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council. Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Additional local funding comes from Century Next Bank, Jonesboro State Bank, Origin Bank and the CPA firm of Kenneth D. Folden & Co. in Jonesboro.

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