HAYNESVILLE, La. — Young students in Claiborne Parish will soon have the opportunity to participate in a fun and educational experience as the Claiborne Parish 4-H Cloverbud Day Camp is set for Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Haynesville Fair Barn.

The camp will run from 9:00 a.m. until 1:45 p.m. and is open to second and third grade 4-H members. Organizers say the day will feature a variety of games, hands-on educational activities, and interactive experiences designed specifically for younger 4-H participants.

Camp attendance is free, but advance registration is required. Parents and guardians must register their child online by March 23 to secure a spot.

All activities will take place indoors, and participants are asked to bring a sack lunch with them for the day.

The camp is hosted through the LSU AgCenter’s Claiborne Parish office, which provides youth development programs through 4-H. Organizers note that accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request if arrangements are made at least two weeks prior to the event.

For more information, residents may contact Destiny Hightower at the Claiborne Parish LSU AgCenter office by phone at (318) 927-3110 or by email at dhightower@agcenter.lsu.edu.

The Cloverbud Day Camp is designed to introduce younger students to the 4-H program while providing a safe environment for learning, creativity, and fun.

Well, here we go again! Only a month and a half into the new year and controversy prevails in the bass tournament world. After a 2025 season full of controversy and one disqualification after another, in the first tournament of the year on Sam Rayburn, once again we have another disqualified winner. As a tournament angler myself, I’m not even sure I can put this into words.

Are you kidding me? Why and how does the BFL (Cowboy Division) season start off with someone breaking the rules? I would say I’m surprised, but with so many disqualifications this past season, I’m not.

I’m beyond the shock value of someone getting caught cheating or failing a polygraph. This was something that basically never happened from when I started tournament fishing (1990) till 2020. But over the last six years, it’s becoming the norm, especially in 2025.

So many anglers today either can’t read or they’re just plain dumb. Tournament bass fishing is not a difficult sport to understand. It’s really quite simple; as an angler all you have to do is READ THE RULES!

I have been a part of the tournament bass fishing world for over 30 years and never have I seen so many rule breakers and cheaters! Anglers who are willing to do whatever it takes to get into the winner’s circle or cash a check.

The sport has acquired a “win at all costs” mentality. But what’s making me nervous is there seems to be a trend that’s taking place in ALL bass tournament circuits nationwide. Is this a reflection on our society or just the fact that so many anglers feel the odds are in their favor when it comes to NOT getting caught?

Some bass fishing trails offer random polygraphs to a handful of anglers in the tournament no matter what their place of finish. It’s normal for the first-place angler to take a polygraph while other anglers are selected at random by computer.

There are some organizations that don’t offer polygraph testing due to the cost involved with paying an examiner. These are events that I tend to shy away from, as I’ve seen first-hand that there are anglers out there that will cheat even on a local weeknight three-hour tournament for a $200 first place prize.

On a sadder note, one angler this past year got caught cheating in a Fisher’s of Men tournament! An organization that is basically an outreach program to bring anglers closer to Christ.

If you asked those who have cheated why they did it, if they’re honest, I’ll bet it wasn’t just about the money, but more about being recognized as one of the best anglers in their region. Like so many other athletes in sports, it’s all about their ego!

Now understand this, there is a difference between a cheater and rule breaker. Not all violations fall under the category of cheaters. For example, all anglers are required to wear a lifejacket when the big engine is running or the boat is on plane so, if an angler forgets to put on his lifejacket while running from point A to point B, he’s not cheating, but rather he has broken a rule.

Webster defines a “cheater” as someone who violates rules dishonestly. Bass tournament organizations define it as someone who knowingly decided to break a rule on purpose with the intent of gaining a competitive advantage.

So, where are we in terms of getting rid of the cheaters in a bass tournament? First, there must be severe consequences for those that choose to cheat instead of playing by the rules.

Second, tournament organizations and judges must make examples out of these low-lifes by prosecuting them to the fullest extent of the law. After all, once they walk across that stage and receive a check, they’ve just committed fraud.

It’s also up the anglers themselves to help police these bass tournaments by reporting anything they see that would be considered breaking a rule or cheating during the tournament.

If you see suspicious activity like an angler putting fish in a basket under a dock or you find bass that have been tied to a stump on a shallow flat, make sure to report all suspicious activity to the tournament director immediately.

We can only hope that one day anglers will show more integrity and honesty by following the rules. After all, it’s only a bass tournament, not a matter of life and death.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

Hall Summit is preparing for a big day of action, community spirit, and charitable giving as the Hall Summit Community Center & Park hosts a full slate of events on Saturday, February 28, 2026, all benefiting Pilots for Patients.

The all-day event will bring together motorcycle riders, barbecue teams, outdoor sportsmen, vendors, and families for a cause that provides critical air transportation for patients in medical need.

One of the highlights of the day will be the Don Bernard Memorial Poker Run, which will begin at 3 State Harley-Davidson in Bossier City before riders make their way to Hall Summit. Motorcycles, cars, Jeeps, and clubs are all welcome to participate, honoring Bernard’s legacy while supporting the life-saving mission of Pilots for Patients.

Also on the schedule is a BBQ Cook-Off, featuring a non-traditional two-meat competition with half chicken and ribs. Teams will compete for bragging rights and prizes, with an entry fee of $150. Smoke will be in the air as pits fire up for what organizers expect to be a competitive and crowd-pleasing cook-off.

Outdoor excitement continues with a Wild Hog Live Catch Tournament, offering 40 award buckles and action throughout the day. The tournament is expected to draw participants from across the region.

In addition to the main events, attendees can enjoy a silent auction, raffles, vendors, concessions, and a variety of family-friendly activities, making the day accessible for all ages.

The event will take place at Hall Summit Community Center & Park, located at 1170 First Street in Hall Summit.

All proceeds from the day will go directly to Pilots for Patients, a nonprofit organization that coordinates free air transportation for patients facing serious medical challenges.

Organizers say the event is about more than competition and entertainment — it’s about honoring a legacy, supporting a life-saving cause, and showcasing the strength of a small community coming together for something bigger.

Remember when canceling cable was supposed to save us money? This week’s cartoon takes a playful jab at the modern household budget, where the “Streaming Services” column somehow rivals the mortgage. With platforms multiplying faster than passwords can be remembered, viewers may be wondering if they traded one big bill for five smaller ones that add up even faster. It’s a lighthearted look at subscription overload in the age of endless content — and endless monthly charges.

This winter has been a banner season for the dogs digging holes in the yard. With no grass to slow them down, they’ve taken to excavation like they’re auditioning for a canine episode of Gold Rush. They dig with abandon—pure, unfiltered joy. They’ve discovered a corner of the yard where two fences meet, a natural low spot that practically whispers, “Come on boys… dig here.” And they have obeyed that whisper with religious devotion.

Their digging has become a daily game: they dig, and I fill. They dig again, and I fill again. It’s our own little liturgy of futility. The hole is impressive—honestly, at this point I think the city should consider it for historical landmark status. They’ve even tunneled under the fencepost. Every day I stand there with my shovel, muttering, “Surely this time I’ve filled it,” and every day the dogs look back at me like, “Bless your heart.”

The other day, while filling the hole for the 47th time (give or take), I noticed it seemed to stretch out into the field behind the house. That was odd. I tried to imagine the position the dog must have been in to dig beyond the fence—some kind of canine yoga pose, no doubt.

Curiosity got the best of me, so I walked around to the other side. And there it was: a matching hole. My dogs weren’t just digging a hole—they were digging a two-sided hole. A collaborative, multi-campus excavation project. Most dogs dig under a fence to escape the yard. Mine? They dig under the fence and then keep digging on the other side, not to escape, but because the hole itself is the joy. They could have run free, explored the world, chased squirrels in new zip codes… but no. They stayed focused on digging the best hole ever dug in that backyard.

They are on a perfect hole-digging mission.

And it makes me wonder: what about your life? Do you have that kind of focus and tenacity as you try to live out your purpose?

Or—and let’s be honest here—are you more like the rest of us, digging a hole on one side of the fence, then walking around and digging the same hole from the other side? We don’t always need help escaping our problems. Sometimes we need help stopping the digging.

That raises the real question: what is your purpose in living? There’s a place called the church, and on Sunday mornings we help you wrestle with that question. We help you find direction, hope, and meaning.

And yes—many times—we help you climb out of the very hole you’ve dug for yourself.

Because unlike my dogs, you don’t have to keep digging. You really can step into a bigger world.

And we’d love to help you do it.

February 18 marks the birthday of Toni Morrison, one of the most influential literary figures in American history and a towering voice in African American culture. Born in 1931, Morrison reshaped how Black stories were told, studied, and valued, leaving a permanent mark not only on literature but on pop culture, education, and national conversations about race and identity.

Morrison’s novels centered Black life with depth, complexity, and honesty at a time when those perspectives were often marginalized or excluded altogether. Works such as Beloved, The Bluest Eye, and Song of Solomon explored themes of history, trauma, love, and resilience, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about America’s past and present.

While Morrison’s work is frequently studied in academic settings, her cultural influence extends far beyond classrooms. Her storytelling style, which blended folklore, realism, and lyrical prose, has inspired filmmakers, musicians, and writers across genres. References to her work appear in song lyrics, visual art, and modern television narratives that focus on generational memory and identity.

February 18 offers a moment to reflect on how Morrison helped redefine whose stories mattered. In 1993, she became the first Black woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature, a milestone that elevated African American voices on the global stage. Her achievement wasn’t just personal — it signaled a broader recognition of Black literature as essential to understanding the human experience.

Morrison was also deeply engaged in popular discourse. Her interviews, essays, and public speeches were widely shared and quoted, especially during periods of heightened racial tension in the United States. She had a rare ability to speak with clarity and authority while remaining accessible, making her a cultural figure whose influence reached well beyond literary circles.

Even after her passing in 2019, Morrison’s presence in pop culture continues to grow. Book clubs, social media discussions, and film adaptations have introduced her work to new generations of readers. Quotes from her novels regularly circulate online, often used to frame conversations about justice, beauty, and self-worth.

As Black History Month continues, February 18 stands as a reminder of the power of storytelling — and of Toni Morrison’s role in ensuring African American stories were not only told, but honored.

In April 1964, Walter and Betty Roberts opened the Actors and Writers Workshop in Atlanta, Georgia, “to provide younger talent in all fields with an opportunity to develop and showcase their talents, and to encourage an interest and participation in theater arts among young people, especially high school students.” Walter and Betty met nine years earlier during the casting of a play. Walter and Better were cast as husband and wife who bitterly hated each other, but in real life, it was love at first sight. Three days after they met, Walter proposed and Betty instantly accepted. As soon as the tour ended, they eloped. They worked in theater together until they decided to form their own production company. The A&W Workshop guided the young actors and writers by hosting various performances based on their talents. In celebration of William Shakespeare’s 400th birthday, they selected for their first touring production, “Othello.” Walter directed and played the part of the jealous Moor who killed the tragic Desdemona, who was played by Betty. Since it was a new venture with little capital, “Othello” was presented in modern dress. Walter had an orchestra, which included three musicians from the local Briarcliff High School, prerecord the music for the production. The announcement invited “Artists wishing to associate with the group [to] apply by letter. No fees are involved.”

In 1965, Coretta King called the A&W Workshop and asked if her nine-year-old daughter Yolanda could join the troupe. At just eight years old, Yolanda had written her first play, but she had been turned away from other theater groups because they did not accept black students. Betty, who thought talent was colorblind, told Coretta, “Sure. Come on over.” Yolanda was welcomed into the A&W Workshop and was regularly cast as the lead female in productions. By April 1966, Yolanda was one of two assistant directors of the company. She was just 10 years old at the time. Walter and Betty became close friends with Coretta and her husband, Martin.

In the following year, 1967, Betty was pregnant with her second child. Although the A&W Workshop had a full tour schedule, it was struggling financially. In June, the young performers opened the summer season with “Joan of Arc,” followed by “Little Plays for Little People,” “Green Pastures,” and “Once Upon a Mattress.” In September 1967, the A&W Workshop began its fall season and advertised that although it had already begun, they were still accepting applications for membership. Walter and Betty were in a financial slump and needed more students. On October 28, 1967, Walter and Betty welcomed their second child, a daughter, into the world. It was a happy occasion, mostly. Walter, Betty, and their son, Eric, were overjoyed with the new addition to their family, but Walter and Betty worried about the looming hospital bill which they were unable to afford. When Yolanda’s parents learned about their financial difficulty, they remembered when Walter and Betty had accepted their daughter when everyone else turned her away. Yolanda’s parents, Coretta Scott King and her husband, civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., paid the full hospital bill for Walter and Betty. You know Walter and Betty’s daughter. Her name is Julia Roberts.

Sources:

1. The Atlanta Journal, April 12, 1964, p.10-D.

2. The Atlanta Journal, April 23, 1964, p.71.

3. The Atlanta Journal, May 10, 1964, p.104.

4. The Atlanta Journal, July 31, 1964, p.26.

5. The Atlanta Journal, April 22, 1966, p.29.

6. The Atlanta Journal, June 29, 1967, p.79.

7. The Atlanta Constitution, September 9, 1967, p.37.

8. Caitlin O’Kane, “Julia Roberts reveals Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King paid for her parents’ hospital bill when she was born,” CBS News.com, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/julia-roberts-martin-luther-king-jr-and-coretta-scott-king-paid-birth-hospital-bill/, accessed February 8, 2026.

Patsy B. Hood
October 14, 1945 — January 31, 2026
Visitation: at the funeral home from 1-2 p.m. before the serviceServices: Sunday, February 22 at 2:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home

Wilbert “Gabe” Amos
October 5, 1945 – February 12, 2026
Visitation: Friday, February 20 from 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home
Services: Saturday, February 21 at 10:30 AM at Friendship Cemetery-Haynesville

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

Students across all Haynesville schools came together to make a big impact for a great cause, raising $3,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The donation was presented by members of the Elementary National Honor Society, who were joined in the effort by students ranging from the youngest learners to high school leaders. School officials praised the students for demonstrating compassion, leadership, and a commitment to serving others.

After the presentation, NHS students celebrated their achievement with a pizza party at Johnny’s Pizza, marking the end of a community-wide fundraising effort.

“Haynesville gives big, and we give together,” the school said, highlighting the collective effort that made the donation possible.

The Claiborne Parish School Board will be undergoing essential electrical repairs on Thursday, February 12. As a result, the Central Office will be closing at 12 noon on February 12th. Schools will remain open. All schools will not have Internet access for the remainder of the day and will experience limited phone access.

Claiborne Parish will experience cooler temperatures and mostly cloudy skies midweek, followed by increasing chances for rain and thunderstorms as the weekend approaches, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday will be mostly cloudy with a slight 20 percent chance of showers before and after noon. High temperatures are expected to reach near 71 degrees. Winds will be calm early, becoming north around 5 mph by the morning. Wednesday night will be partly cloudy, with overnight lows near 48. A light northeast wind around 5 mph will become calm overnight.

Thursday brings a return to sunnier conditions, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 73. Winds will remain calm throughout the day. Thursday night will be partly cloudy, with lows around 55.

By Friday, rain chances increase, with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms developing mainly after noon. Skies will be mostly cloudy, and temperatures will climb to near 77. Showers and thunderstorms remain possible Friday night under cloudy skies, with lows near 57.

The most unsettled weather arrives Saturday, as showers are likely throughout the day, with thunderstorms possible after noon. Highs will be cooler, reaching near 70, and rain chances increase to 80 percent. Saturday night will remain active, with showers and possible thunderstorms continuing into the evening, followed by additional chances after midnight. Overnight lows will drop to around 48, with a 70 percent chance of precipitation.

Conditions improve Sunday, with mostly sunny skies and cooler temperatures. Highs are expected near 64, followed by a mostly clear Sunday night with lows around 42.

Looking ahead to Washington’s Birthday, sunshine returns, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures.

Highs on Monday are forecast to reach near 70 degrees.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed as the weekend approaches, particularly regarding potential thunderstorms and locally heavy rainfall.

Every so often, Scripture taps us on the shoulder and whispers a truth we’d rather not admit out loud—especially not in front of the church council. It’s this: if there’s a polished saint on one side of the room and a repentant rascal on the other, the Lord tends to wander over to the rascal. And He does it with a kind of divine twinkle that says, “Watch what grace can do.”

This is not a minor theme. It’s practically the Bible’s greatest hits album.

Take Jacob. If your church had a background-check policy, Jacob wouldn’t even get to hand out bulletins. He lies, cheats, manipulates, and still God says, “That one. I’ll build a nation from that one.” Esau is out there doing CrossFit and being responsible. Jacob is stirring soup and plotting. And God chooses him anyway.

Or Rahab—whose résumé would not get her anywhere near the nursery sign-up sheet. Yet she becomes the hero of Jericho and ends up in Jesus’ family tree. God seems to delight in saying, “Your past doesn’t disqualify you. It’s the very place My grace shines brightest.”

And then there’s David. A man after God’s own heart… and also the star of several episodes that would make Dateline blush. Yet God keeps restoring him, using him, singing over him. Meanwhile, Saul—tall, impressive, polished—gets sidelined for trying too hard to look holy.

Peter is the apostle who could derail a committee meeting in under thirty seconds. He denies Jesus, misunderstands half the parables, and once cut off a man’s ear. Jesus hands him the keys to the kingdom anyway.

Zacchaeus? A professional cheat. A man who would overcharge you for your own tithe envelope. Jesus sees him and says, “Lunch at your place.” The crowd is scandalized. Jesus is delighted.

And the woman at the well—five husbands, a complicated story, and a reputation that made her the talk of the town. Jesus chooses her as the first evangelist of Samaria. The disciples are baffled. Jesus is not.
God consistently gravitates toward: the messy over the manicured, the repentant over the respectable, the hungry over the holy-looking, and the honest sinner over the polished saint

Why? Because saints tend to bring their résumé. Scoundrels bring their need.

Saints say, “Look what I’ve done for You.”

Scoundrels say, “Lord, have mercy.”

And God has always been drawn to the sound of mercy being asked for.

If you feel like a spiritual overachiever, God loves you—but He may ask you to scoot over so a tax collector can sit down.

If you feel like a spiritual disaster, God loves you—and He’s probably already pulling up a chair.

The gospel is not “God helps those who help themselves.”

The gospel is “God helps those who can’t even pretend to help themselves.”

And thank the Lord for that, because most of us are one bad day away from enrolling in Jacob’s School of Holy Mischief.

Everyone’s racing to hit the Assumptions button like it’s a reflex… while the big red FACTS buzzer just sits there, untouched.

Cue the game show music. Cue the dramatic pause.

Wrong answer, but thanks for playing.

In real life, jumping to conclusions doesn’t win prizes — it just spreads confusion. Accountability starts when we slow down, check the facts, and resist the urge to react first and think later.

Parish residents will have several opportunities this spring to learn, connect, and celebrate gardening and horticulture through three upcoming events hosted by the LSU AgCenter and community partners.

The first event, “Gather and Grow: Heirlooms in Your Garden,” will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, at the Claiborne Parish Library, located at 909 Edgewood Drive in Homer. The program will run from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and will feature Kerry Heafner with the LSU AgCenter as the guest speaker. The presentation will focus on heirloom plants and how gardeners can incorporate them into home gardens. The event is open to the public, requires no pre-registration, and is free to attend. Those needing special accommodations are encouraged to contact the Claiborne Parish Extension Service in advance.

Gardeners interested in expanding their knowledge even further are encouraged to apply for the 2026 Piney Hills Louisiana Master Gardener Program. Applications are now being accepted for the upcoming class, which will run from June through September. Classes will meet every Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., beginning June 16, 2026, for a total of 11 weeks. Participants receive in-depth training in horticulture, including vegetables, fruits, ornamentals, insects, turf, and plant health, taught by LSU AgCenter specialists and horticulture experts. In exchange, participants commit to 40 hours of volunteer service. The registration fee is $165, with a $25 early-registration discount available through April 20. The application deadline is May 22, 2026.

Rounding out the month is Buds and Blooms, a popular regional gardening and floral event taking place on Saturday, February 28. The event will be held in Minden at First Methodist Church and offers attendees an opportunity to enjoy garden-themed vendors, inspiration, and community fellowship. Admission is $15.

Together, these events offer something for gardeners of all experience levels, from beginners curious about heirloom plants to those interested in becoming certified Master Gardeners. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of these educational and community-focused opportunities throughout Claiborne Parish and the surrounding area.

Lately, during the extremely cold weather that we experienced a couple of weeks ago, I took some time to watch a few fishing podcasts. There are a handful of programs that I follow from top anglers within the world of professional bass fishing.

One of these is “After the Cast” with Major League Fishing pros Andy Montgomery, Edwin Evers and Ott DeFoe, strong personalities and great reputations for not only being outstanding anglers, but good Christians.

Their podcast is a behind the scenes look at the daily rigors that tournament anglers go through from the travel they face, to practice and tournament days.

But they’ll also sit down and talk about hot topics going on in bass fishing. They’re not afraid to voice their opinions and share their thoughts which makes the podcast very interesting to watch.

Another podcast I follow is “Zaldangerous,” also known as “The Bilge,” a program with Elite Series angler and Texas pro Chris Zaldain and his wife, Trait. These two do not shy away from controversial topics and are not afraid to challenge the establishments of B.A.S.S. or Major League Fishing (MLF) when it comes to rules violations or recent decisions that have been made with regards to a tournament organization.

Both podcasts, “After the Cast” and “Zaldangerous,” are programs that anyone would enjoy. They’re both great at shedding light on the hot topics in professional bass fishing while discussing possible solutions.

These are people “living the dream” by fishing for a living. They travel like gypsies and caravan across the country, fishing the best fisheries in America. They discuss today’s anglers and how to navigate the demands of professional bass fishing.

But their biggest concern is trying to provide for their families as a pro fisherman. So many of today’s anglers face obstacles that previous generations did not. First and foremost, how to navigate social media. This is a problem the older generation of anglers never had to deal with.

All three professional bass tournament organizations require that all anglers participate in social media. This can be in many forms like a podcast, Facebook page, YouTube videos, Tik Tok or maybe an Instagram account.

In today’s business world, it’s important that anglers have a social media presence as a way of promoting sponsor product and themselves as well. Of course, we all know that social media can be a place of controversy with people who are looking to discredit or cast blame on others for a particular situation.

Having a great social media presence is all about how many “clicks” or “likes” you’re getting with the posts you’re making. A really good account can translate into valuable dollars. It’s also another avenue where anglers can make money to help supplement their income.

But here’s a question — can the average angler make it as a professional bass fisherman today? The biggest issue facing anglers today are with sponsors; there just are not enough to go around. Sponsors are a critical part of how anglers make a living and provide for their families. Tournament winnings are just a bonus for anglers and are not factored into their annual budgets.

The fishing industry in general is just not big enough to support all the anglers looking to fish professionally. Most are stretched very thin with regards to how many anglers they can afford to sponsor.

The industry is short on sponsorship dollars with there being three major professional bass fishing organizations — Major League Fishing (MLF), B.A.S.S. and the new National Professional Fishing League (NPFL).

Anglers today are having to think outside the box and look at nonendemic companies that may have never had a presence in the bass fishing market.

Back during the old FLW days (2000 to 2012), there was Walmart, Land of Lakes, Kellogg’s, Snickers, Castro Motor Oil and many more that sank huge amounts of money into many of the old FLW Tour anglers.

But ever since the demise of the FLW Tour around 2012, these sponsors have chosen to walk away and are no longer interested in this market, leaving a huge sponsorship void for anglers to pursue.

Less sponsors means a bigger strain on anglers’ budgets as they try to navigate the costs involved with making a living as a professional.

Bottom line is this: with a shortage of sponsors it makes it very difficult for the average angler to participate on the professional level. It’s sad but it’s starting to look like only those anglers who have money, have a good financial support system like mom or dad, or wealthy grandparents will be the anglers who can compete on bass fishing’s highest level.

As the old saying goes, “money can’t buy happiness,” but it can buy you a spot on a bass pro tour!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

The Latest Question & Answer

In 1957, after years of bit parts in numerous films and television shows, Thomas was cast as Lana Turner’s love interest in the film “Another Time, Another Place.” In the second week of October 1957, Lana’s boyfriend Johnny Stompanato, a former marine who was a bodyguard and enforcer for mob boss Mickey Cohen, flew from Los Angeles to Cornwall, England, to be with her for the remainder of filming. For three months, Johnny watched from the sideline as the chemistry between Thomas and Lana grew. Thomas and Lana played their parts so well for the camera that Johnny became increasingly suspicious and jealous. Around New Year’s Day 1958, while Lana and Thomas were filming an intimate scene, Johnny’s jealousy could take no more. He rushed on screen, pointed a pistol at Thomas’s head, and threatened him to stay away from Lana. In a split-second move, Thomas forcefully disarmed Johnny. Thomas was aware of Johnny’s underworld connections and knew to expect a reprisal of some sort.

Lana was not a pushover by any means. When her marriage to Lex Barker broke down six months earlier, she forced him at gunpoint to leave her home. Lana had Johnny removed from the film set and contacted police who quickly deported Johnny from England. He was back in Hollywood by January 4, 1958. Despite this incident, Lana and Johnny remained on speaking terms. According to letters between Lana and Johnny, Lana wanted space. In a letter dated January 15, 1958, Lana wrote to Johnny, “You must let me alone in my own world for a while, to rest, think, rest, think… I need the time and a different place to funnel thru all the emotional turmoil I’ve been through.” Johnny had no intention of giving her the space she requested. He wanted to marry. Johnny wrote to Lana, “Let me prove that you and I belong together.” In another letter he wrote, “Every second of every day since you have been gone, I’ve thought of nothing but you and your kisses.” Johnny persuaded Lana’s 14-year-old daughter Cheryl to help convince Lana to marry him. On a letter dated April 3, 1958, Cheryl wrote to Johnny, “I just got your letter this morning because I was home for the weekend. How have you been? …When are you all coming back? Soon, I Hope. Mother and I really had a wonderful time in Europe.” She ended the letter, “Love ya and miss ya loads, Cherie.” She only had a short time to wait.

On the following day, April 4, Cheryl and Lana were at their home in Beverly Hills when Johnny stopped by for another attempt at convincing Lana to rekindle their romance and marry him. Johnny’s sweetness quickly turned to rage when he realized she could not be convinced. Johnny grabbed Lana and shook here while he cursed and threatened her. Cheryl heard Johnny yell, “I’ll get you if it takes a day, a week, or a year. I’ll cut your face up. I’ll stomp you. And if I can’t do it myself, I’ll find somebody who will.” As Johnny continued his tirade over Lana, Cheryl grabbed a 10-inch butcher knife and sank it to the hilt into Johnny’s abdomen. He died moments later. Cheryl was not prosecuted because a coroner’s jury deemed the killing a justifiable homicide. Mob boss Mickey Cohen linked Johnny’s death back to the altercation in which Thomas disarmed Johnny in a move similar to what we would expect to see in a James Bond film. Well, Thomas eventually became James Bond. His full name was Thomas Sean Connery.

Sources:

1. San Francisco Chronicle, October 1, 1957, p.25.

2. Berwick, PA., Enterprise, October 15, 1957, p.4.

3. The New London, Connecticut Evening Day, January 4, 1948, p.16.

4. The Akron Beacon Journal, April 5, 1958, p.1.

5. The Oregonian, April 11, 1958, p.10.

6. Los Angeles Times, April 12, 1958, p.1.

February 11 marks the birthday of one of the most influential voices in modern music history: Whitney Houston. Born on this date in 1963, Houston’s impact on pop culture extends far beyond record sales, reshaping the sound of popular music and redefining what vocal excellence looked like for generations that followed.

Rising to fame in the mid-1980s, Houston quickly became a cultural force. Her 1985 self-titled debut album produced multiple chart-topping singles and introduced audiences to a voice that blended pop accessibility with gospel power. At a time when female pop artists were often boxed into narrow roles, Houston crossed genres effortlessly, finding success on pop, R&B, adult contemporary, and international charts simultaneously.

Her influence wasn’t limited to music. Houston’s presence on television and in film helped expand representation in mainstream entertainment. Her starring role in The Bodyguard (1992) cemented her status as a crossover superstar, while the film’s soundtrack became one of the best-selling albums of all time. Songs like “I Will Always Love You” became cultural touchstones, played at weddings, graduations, sporting events, and moments of public mourning.

February 11 also invites reflection on Houston’s broader cultural legacy. She broke barriers for Black women in pop music during an era when radio formats were more rigidly segregated. Her success opened doors for countless artists who followed, including Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Jennifer Hudson, and Adele, all of whom have cited Houston as a major influence.

Even decades after her peak, Houston’s voice remains a benchmark. Viral clips of her live performances continue to circulate online, often sparking renewed appreciation from younger audiences discovering her for the first time. Vocal coaches, music critics, and fans alike frequently reference her control, tone, and emotional delivery as unmatched.

While Houston’s life also included public struggles, her artistic legacy continues to overshadow controversy. Each year on February 11, fans around the world revisit her catalog, celebrate her achievements, and reflect on how deeply her music is woven into shared cultural memory.

In an industry that constantly evolves, Whitney Houston’s voice remains timeless — and February 11 serves as a reminder of the day one of pop culture’s greatest legends was born.

Charles E. Wright
November 11, 1946 – February 5, 2026
Service: Saturday, February 14 at 11:00 AM at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church

Patsy B. Hood
October 14, 1945 — January 31, 2026
Visitation: at the funeral home from 1-2 p.m. before the serviceServices: Sunday, February 22 at 2:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home

Emmett “Trace” E. Coleman, III
January 21, 1992 — February 8, 2026
Visitation: at the funeral home from noon-2 p.m., prior to the service.Services: Thursday, February 12 at 2:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home

Claiborne Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or billvance.erg@gmail.com. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to billvance.erg@gmail.com

Nathan A. Jump, principal of Mt. Olive Christian School, was arrested Thursday by the Louisiana State Police Special Victims Unit on a felony sexual battery charge, according to authorities.

Jump, 50, was booked into the Claiborne Parish Detention Center. The charge stems from allegations of inappropriate contact with a student.

Louisiana State Police said the arrest followed an investigation initiated in October 2025 by the Special Victims Unit after reports that Jump allegedly committed sexual battery against a juvenile while serving as a school administrator. With assistance from the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, investigators obtained an arrest warrant through the 2nd Judicial District Court.

Mt. Olive Christian School is a small private school located off Highway 9 in Athens and serves families in Claiborne Parish.

Following the arrest, Dr. Nathan Jump, who also serves as president of Mt. Olive Christian School, announced he would take a voluntary leave of absence while the charge is pending. In a statement released by the school on Feb. 6, Jump said the decision was made out of respect for the students, faculty, and the school community.

The school’s Board of Directors met after the announcement and unanimously agreed to accept Jump’s voluntary leave. No timeline has been provided for his return, pending the resolution of the charge.

School officials have not released additional details regarding the allegations.

All parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Original: Mt. Olive Christian School principal arrested on sexual battery charge

Nathan A. Jump, principal of Mt. Olive Christian School, was arrested by Louisiana State Police Special Victims Unit Thursday on a felony sexual battery charge, authorities said.

The charge stems from allegations of inappropriate contact with a student. Police booked Jump, 50, into the Claiborne Parish Detention Center.

According to state police, the arrest follows an investigation launched in October 2025 by the LSP Special Victims Unit after reports that Jump allegedly committed sexual battery against a juvenile while serving as a school administrator. With assistance from the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, authorities obtained an arrest warrant through the 2nd Judicial District Court.

Mt. Olive Christian School is a small private school located off Highway 9 in Athens, serving families in Claiborne Parish.

All parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty.