By Tiffany Flournoy

HOMER, La. — A Homer police officer has been arrested following an investigation into allegations that he made an arrest outside his jurisdiction and without proper legal authority, officials said in a news release Monday.

The Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office said it opened a criminal investigation March 20, 2026, after receiving a complaint accusing Officer William Fitzpatrick of conducting an arrest outside the Homer city limits.

Investigators determined that Fitzpatrick did not properly obtain an arrest warrant for the individual he detained, according to the sheriff’s office. Authorities also found that he did not secure a search warrant before entering the residence where the individual was taken into custody and failed to book the person into the Claiborne Parish Detention Center as required by law.

The sheriff’s office later obtained an arrest warrant for Fitzpatrick through Louisiana’s Second Judicial District Court. He was charged with simple kidnapping, false imprisonment and unauthorized entry into an inhabited dwelling.

Fitzpatrick surrendered to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center on March 28 and was booked before posting an $85,000 bond. 

Claiborne Parish Sheriff Sam Dowies said he is committed to enforcing the law and holding individuals accountable.

A gambling trip to local truck stop casinos proved to be unlucky for a Homer man who is now facing an abuse charge after allegedly punching his girlfriend during an alleged jealous rage.

Corey A. Willis, 48, has been booked into Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center for domestic abuse battery in connection with the Wednesday incident. His bond has been set at $5,000 surety or $500 cash.

MPD Sgt. Benjamin Sparks answered a disturbance call at Love’s Travel Stop on Industrial Dr. just before 7 p.m. where he learned a confrontation had taken place inside the casino. 

During questioning, the victim said she was playing a video poker machine when a male friend approached her and began to visit. According to the victim, Willis became extremely jealous when he observed the conversation and struck her in the face.

Officers reportedly reviewed surveillance video at the casino and determined that Willis did strike the woman. According to the arrest report, Willis has an extensive criminal history of violent crimes, some of which are of a domestic nature.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

By Tiffany Flournoy

HOMER, La. — The Claiborne Parish Police Jury approved a series of infrastructure, financial and community measures during its March 4 meeting, including a $500,000 road maintenance plan, a construction contract exceeding $1.2 million and continued support for a local veterans office.

Jurors unanimously adopted the parish’s 2026 chip-and-seal road program, which will cover more than 23 miles of roadway at an estimated cost of $500,000.

The jury also gave provisional approval to award a $1.201 million construction bid to Benmark Construction Group of Louisiana, pending final authorization from the project architect.

In other business, the Police Jury approved a cooperative endeavor agreement with the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to maintain a veterans services office in the parish administrative building. The parish will contribute $1,400.60 per month — a roughly 10% increase — to support an office that serves 772 veterans and their families and brings more than $6.1 million annually in federal benefits into the parish.

Jurors also unanimously voted to request $300,000 in state funding for improvements to the parish administrative building and courthouse.

The panel approved declaring a former Capital One bank building in Haynesville as surplus property, clearing the way for its sale or other disposition at the request of the parish library board.

Additional approvals included renewing a lease with DART for office space at $350 per month and extending a cooperative agreement with the LSU AgCenter through 2031.

Financial updates presented during the meeting showed mixed trends. January 2026 sales tax collections totaled $60,359, down 12.5% from December but up 11.2% compared to January 2025. The parish reported a cash position of $12.7 million at the end of February, an increase of more than $1 million from the same time last year.

Separately, the Police Jury declined to renew its contract with Hiperweb for the parish road department’s work order system.

Also noted at the meeting — a slight uptick in COVID-19 cases and a decline in flu cases, according to the parish coroner’s report.

The Claiborne Academy Rebels boys basketball team was also honored with jurors declaring March 4 as “CA Rebels Day” following the team’s first MAIS Class 1A state championship victory.

The next Police Jury meeting is scheduled for April 8 at the Police Jury Complex in Homer, 507 West Main Street. The road committee meeting will begin at 9 a.m., followed by the regular meeting at 10 a.m.

Residents of Claiborne Parish can expect a mix of warm spring temperatures and a brief weekend cooldown, according to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.

Sunny skies will dominate the middle of the week, beginning Wednesday with a high near 85 degrees.

Winds will remain light, becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Clear conditions will continue overnight, with lows around 59 degrees.

The warming trend peaks Thursday, with abundant sunshine and a high near 87 degrees. Another clear night will follow, with temperatures dipping to around 58 degrees.

Friday will remain sunny with a high near 85 degrees, though clouds are expected to increase Friday night, bringing mostly cloudy skies and a cooler low around 47 degrees.

A noticeable drop in temperatures arrives Saturday, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 68 degrees.

Cooler conditions will persist into Saturday night, with lows falling to around 45 degrees.

By Sunday, sunshine returns with a high near 78 degrees, providing pleasant conditions to wrap up the

weekend.

Forecasters say the overall stretch of dry weather will offer ideal opportunities for outdoor activities throughout the week across Claiborne Parish, with residents encouraged to plan ahead for the cooler temperatures heading into the weekend.

Colby Bowman, a lifelong Jackson Parish resident and experienced attorney, announces his candidacy for District Attorney of the 2^nd Judicial District. Bowman vows to restore integrity, enforce accountability, and put public safety first while maintaining an open-door policy long forgotten within the prosecutor’s office.

Bowman has served as an attorney for ten years since earning his Juris Doctorate from Southern University in Baton Rouge. He is the only candidate in the race actively practicing in all three parishes and with experience covering the full scope of the responsibilities of the District Attorney.

This unparalleled experience is matched by Bowman’s strong work ethic. He said, “Our community needs fresh leadership that is tirelessly committed to public safety. Families in our community deserve safe streets, and our law enforcement officers deserve a true collaborative partner in the District Attorney’s seat. Our system doesn’t work if our agencies don’t work together.”

He continued, “Justice is not being served in our neighborhoods under the status quo. Trials are being lost, dangerous narcotics are infiltrating our neighborhoods and criminals are walking free – just to leave our children in harm’s way. I pledge a new era of leadership and accountability that will keep our streets safer and prevent violent crime.“ As your District Attorney, I will relentlessly pursue solutions to the troubling waves of crime being committed by young adults and even minors. I have zero tolerance for violence between and against our children.  I will force unconcerned parents to answer for their children’s truancy from school. This will narrow the gateway that leads to crime at earlier ages, keeping more young people on the pathway to success,” Bowman said.

Bowman’s extensive experience, knowledge, and relationships within the narcotics enforcement community make him uniquely qualified to serve as District Attorney. “I’m not just an attorney. I’ve lost clients and friends far too early, seeing first-hand the worst of the cancer spread by drugs, violence, and abuse in our communities. We cannot be complacent with burying our children.”   

Beyond his legal career, Bowman serves as a volunteer firefighter with two departments, serving as the vice chairman of his local fire board. He routinely volunteers legal services to various boards and public entities. For five years he has taught Louisiana Tech University students, instilling practical skills and ethical leadership. Additionally, Bowman is a member of Masonic Lodge # 280 of Jonesboro.

Bowman and his wife, Lauren Dark Bowman, a registered nurse, are raising two daughters – Connor Wren (1) and Ava (15) and enjoy spending time outdoors and engaging in community life.

Colby Bowman invites all residents committed to justice, accountability, and public safety to support his campaign to revitalize the DA’s office and ensure a stronger, safer 2^nd Judicial District.

Contact:

Colby Bowman
318-259-6200
colby@bowman.law

Facebook: Colby Bowman for District Attorney
http://www.ColbyBowmanForDA.com

Paid for by Friends of Colby L. Bowman

A Homer High School student is advancing to the next level of academic competition after earning top honors in Civics.

Amiyah A. has officially qualified for the state literary rally in Civics, securing her place among the top students in Louisiana in the subject area. She will go on to compete at the state competition, which will be held in April at Louisiana State University.

Amiyah’s achievement reflects her dedication to academic excellence and her strong understanding of civics and government.

She is pictured alongside her Civics teacher, Ms. Wesley, who has supported and guided her throughout the competition process.

School officials and the Claiborne Parish community are celebrating Amiyah’s accomplishment and wishing her continued success as she prepares to represent Homer High School at the state level.

Residents interested in improving their lawns and gardens will have an opportunity to learn expert tips during an upcoming “Gather & Grow” workshop hosted by the LSU AgCenter.

The event will take place on March 30, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Claiborne Parish Library, located in Homer.

The workshop will feature guest speaker John Monzingo of the LSU AgCenter, who will present on the topic of “Weeds and Weed Control.” Attendees can expect to gain practical knowledge on identifying common weeds, as well as effective methods for managing and preventing them in home landscapes and gardens.

Organizers say the event is open to the public and no pre-registration is required, making it an accessible opportunity for anyone in Claiborne Parish to participate.

The “Gather & Grow” series is designed to provide helpful, research-based information to the community, encouraging residents to enhance their outdoor spaces and gardening practices.

For those needing special accommodations, attendees are encouraged to contact the Claiborne Parish Extension Service in advance.

Community members are invited to attend and take advantage of this free educational event.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is inviting residents across the state to take part in its 15th annual Boating Education Lagniappe Day, offering free certification courses at nine locations statewide.

Set for Saturday, April 25, 2026, the event will feature National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA)-approved boating safety classes, with start times varying by location.

Participants who complete the course will receive official certification required to legally operate certain watercraft.

The event is open to the public, and organizers say it’s designed to make boating safety education accessible—and enjoyable.

Participants will receive:

A NASBLA-approved boating safety course

Official vessel operator certification upon completion

Free lunch

Door prizes at select locations

All courses are offered at no cost, but registration is required, and space is limited. Officials encourage early sign-up as spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

State law requires anyone born after January 1, 1984, to complete an approved boating education course and carry proof of certification to operate a motorboat with more than 10 horsepower. However, LDWF encourages all boaters, regardless of age, to complete the training.

Course instruction will cover a wide range of topics, including boat types and equipment, navigation rules, safety procedures, legal requirements, and more. Additional areas such as trailering, personal watercraft operation, and canoeing will also be included.

Classes will be held in the following cities:

Shreveport

Monroe

Pineville

Lafayette

Lake Charles

Chauvin

Gonzales

Ponchatoula

Slidell

LDWF officials also extended thanks to the Louisiana Wildlife Agents Association and numerous local sponsors and partners for helping make the annual event possible.

For more information or to register, participants are encouraged to visit the LDWF website and select a nearby course location.

With over 30 years of bass tournament experience, I know that every bass angler that wets a hook has one goal in mind when they enter a tournament — win! While we all strive to bring winning sacks to the scales, the stars do not always align and allow that to happen.

My background as an athlete has proven to be beneficial when it comes to the mental side of tournament bass fishing. The “never give up” mentality is so important as a tournament angler.

Playing on a Texas state championship high school baseball team was one of my greatest accomplishments as an athlete. Twice during that special run in 1978, our backs were to the wall, but we never gave up and persevered on our way to winning it all.

We never panicked no matter what the situation was. We stayed strong and committed to each other, making sure things went our way. Tournament bass fishing is no different. There will be days when things just don’t go the way you thought they would.

But the guys who have a strong mindset, and the “never give up” attitude, seem to always find a way to put fish in the boat. Even if they don’t catch the winning fish, they still make a good showing.

One of my recent trips to Lake of the Pines brought me so much joy — eventually! It began when the fish I found in practice just did not pan out. Oh, I had lots of excuses as to why they did not bite, but to sum it up, I just did not catch them.

At 10:30 that tournament morning, I did not have a fish in the boat. I had caught a few, but none that would reach the 14-inch minimum. But I did not panic as I felt the fish would bite a little better in the afternoon due to the full moon we were fishing under.

I finally put three fish in the boat between 10:30 and noon and then decided to move out of the area where I had found quality fish during practice. There was so much fishing pressure on the lake, I was sure that a lot of the fish I had found the day before had been caught.

So, I pulled up on a point and made a long cast, and low and behold I caught a solid 3-pounder! I’m thinking, “hmmm, this is a good sign and maybe there’s a good school of bass on this point.” Sure enough, it was loaded with good keeper-size fish including a 5-pounder that threw my bait back to me on one particular cast.

I anchored down on this spot and for three hours I began to catch over 35 bass off this one point. It was a day you don’t have all the time as an angler and even though I did not catch the winning bag, I had an awesome day on the water and enjoyed a trip I will never forget!

I’m wondering if age has anything to do with how I think now as an angler. At 65 years old, winning tournaments is just not as high on my priority list as it used to be. Oh, I’m still competitive and want to beat the pants off all these young bucks, but then there’s reality.

But one thing I can say for myself, no matter how much longer I continue to fish bass tournaments, my desire to compete and win will never wane. I just have to remember; it’s not always about winning.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

When I was a little boy, keys were my thing. Not toys. Not marbles. Not baseball cards. Keys. Real, metal, grownup keys—the kind that clinked in your pocket and made you feel like you had access to the universe.

And I had a source.

My grandfather—Pop—was a policeman. And apparently in the 1960s, Americans were losing keys at a rate that can only be described as “biblical.” Pop would bring me bags of keys. Now, I’m sure it was only three or four at a time, but to my young eyes it looked like Fort Knox had sprung a leak.

I had a ritual. A system. A liturgy of keys.

House keys over here

Car keys over there

Mystery keys (the ones that looked like they opened secret government bunkers) in a special pile

Back then, every car company had its own key design. Ford keys looked like Ford keys. GM keys looked like GM keys. Chrysler keys looked like they were designed on a Friday afternoon. And because Ford also made Mercury, their keys were cousins—interchangeable in shape, though not in function. You could slip a Mercury key into a Ford ignition, but it wasn’t supposed to turn.

Supposed to.

One Friday night, Pop dropped off a fresh batch of keys. I sorted them with the precision of a jeweler. Then I grabbed a couple of Mercury keys and headed outside for what I can only describe as unauthorized field research.

I climbed into our 1961 Ford Galaxie—bench seat, steering wheel the size of a hula hoop, and an ignition switch that sat right on the dashboard like it was daring you to try something foolish.

I inserted a Mercury key.

It fit.

But it didn’t turn.

I inserted another Mercury key.

It fit.

It didn’t turn.

Then came key number three.

I slid it in, gave it a twist, and—VROOOOM—the Ford Galaxie roared to life like it had been waiting all day for a small child to hotwire it.Naturally, I followed the adult pattern I had observed:

I pulled the column shifter down into “D.”

“D” meant go.

And go it did.

The car lurched forward and traveled a majestic, triumphant five feet straight into the side of the house.

The dent remained for forty years, a permanent historical marker commemorating the beginning of my illustrious driving career.

The adults poured out of the house like a fire drill—Mom, Dad, and Pop the policeman.

“How did you start the car?” they asked.

I explained my keybased methodology. Pop immediately cut off my Ford key supply.

I still had a large collection of GM keys, though, and Pop owned a Chevrolet. I had a whole testing plan ready for that vehicle. Sadly, my research program was shut down before Phase Two.

Jesus has given us the keys to the Kingdom—and unlike my MercuryFord experiment, these keys actually belong to us, they always fit, and they never cause property damage.

You’re not locked out.

You’re not stuck in “Park.”

You don’t have to hotwire your way into grace.

The astonishing truth is this:

In Christ, you already hold the keys.

Keys to freedom.

Keys to forgiveness.

Keys to hope.

Keys to a life that actually goes somewhere.

And unlike that 1961 Ford Galaxie, you won’t crash into the side of the house when you use them.

Jesus hands you the keys and says, “Go ahead. Turn the ignition. Live. Move. Be free.”

That’s a Kingdom worth driving toward.

It’s barely spring, and it already feels like summer showed up early. Around here, people aren’t just noticing—it’s becoming the main topic of conversation.

Even the jokes are writing themselves. Crawfish might as well be saying they’re “boiling before the pot now.”

All humor aside, the early heat has folks doing double takes at the calendar and wondering what the rest of the season has in store.

March 25 marks the birthday of music icon Elton John, born in 1947 in Middlesex, England. Over the course of more than five decades, Elton John has become one of the best-selling artists of all time, known for flamboyant stage costumes, unforgettable melodies and deeply personal songwriting.

Bursting onto the international scene in the early 1970s, Elton John teamed with lyricist Bernie Taupin to create a catalog of hits including “Your Song,” “Rocket Man,” “Tiny Dancer,” and “Crocodile Rock.” His blend of pop, rock and theatrical performance redefined what it meant to be a global superstar.

Albums such as “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” cemented his reputation as a musical innovator. Known for his dynamic piano performances and larger-than-life persona, Elton John became synonymous with arena-filling concerts and extravagant tours.

Beyond music, he has been a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and HIV/AIDS awareness through the Elton John AIDS Foundation, using his platform to promote philanthropy and social change.

In 2019, his life and career were dramatized in the biographical film “Rocketman,” introducing his story to a new generation. He also completed a multi-year farewell tour, closing a historic chapter in live performance history.

As fans celebrate his birthday each March 25, Elton John’s influence remains undeniable. From chart-topping hits to cultural impact, his legacy continues to sparkle as brightly as the sequined jackets he made famous.

It was the most elaborate presidential inauguration in the history of our country at the time. An estimated one million people witnessed the peaceful transition of power in person. There was a 10-mile, two-and-a-half-hour inaugural parade which escorted incoming president Dwight D. Eisenhower from the Capitol to the White House. The parade was comprised of about 22,000 servicemen and women, 5,000 civilians, 50 state and organizational floats which cost a total of about $100,000, 65 musical units, 350 horses, three elephants, an Alaskan sled dog team, and the first public showing of our military’s most devastating piece of artillery at the time, an 85-ton atomic cannon called “Atomic Annie.” Overhead, a continuous stream of aircraft including 1,100 jet fighters and a fleet of super bombers flew over the parade route. To handle the huge crowds, two formal balls were held simultaneously at opposite sides of the city with President Eisenhower and First Lady Mamie Eisenhower having to be shuttled back and forth between the two for maximum effect. While at previous inaugurations, one or two film stars made appearances, at least 40 stars of film and stage entertained or were guests at the inauguration, more than at any previous inauguration. Newspapers around the world reported that it was the “biggest show ever staged in Washington.”

Hotels charge premium prices, and many desperate people had to pay a “black market bonus” of $100 just to make a hotel reservation. Adjusted for inflation, that would be over $1,200 in today’s money. Some of Washington’s “old families” rented out their luxury homes to millionaires and their friends for up to $3,000 for the week. That would be nearly $37,000 in today’s money. 60 special trains set up “Pullman Cities,” named after the 600 Pullman parlor and sleeper train cars which accommodated about 10,000 visitors. Forty steam locomotives kept constant “full heads of steam” to provide heat and hot water for the Pullman cities. The accommodation committee set up for the purpose of housing the influx of visitors to our nation’s capital referred to it as Operation Headache.

Rather than paying exorbitant fees and fighting the maddening crowds, most people chose to watch the inauguration from the comfort of their own homes. It was broadcast on all three major television networks: ABC, CBS, and NBC. An estimated 29 million people tuned in throughout the day for at least part of the inauguration.

President Eisenhower’s inauguration should have been the highest rated program on television during that era, but it was overshadowed by a regularly scheduled television sitcom shown the night before which depicted something that has happened to every living human being—a child was born. More than 70% of American households, some 44 million people, 15 million more than watched the inauguration, watched the 30-minute sitcom which aired on CBS, a single network. It remains one of the most watched sitcoms in television history. The episode was filmed two months earlier and starred an actress who was really pregnant, a first for television. This comedy showed the fictional chaos that happened leading up to the actress having a baby. The actress in the sitcom went into labor and had a son, named after his father, on the day the episode aired. The episode was titled “Lucy Goes to the Hospital” and starred Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.

Sources:

1. The Mail (Adelaide, Australia), January 17, 1953, p.23.

2. Press-Telegram (Long Beach, California), January 20, 1953, p.3.

3. The Roanoke Times, January 21, 1953, p.18.

4. “Inaugurations: 1953 Inauguration,” Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, National Archives, accessed March 15, 2026, https://www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov/eisenhowers-presidential-years/inaugurations.

5. “Lucy Goes to the Hospital,” IMDb.com, accessed March 15, 2026, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0609259/.

Kimberly Nicole Wright
October 4, 1983 – March 17, 2026
Visitation: Friday, March 27 from 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home
Services: Saturday, March 28 at 2:30 PM at Shiloh Baptist Church

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

By Tiffany Flournoy

Cafeteria employees in the Claiborne Parish School District will receive a $600 incentive payment after the Claiborne Parish School Board approved the measure during its March 5 meeting.

Board members also adopted the district’s 2026-27 academic calendar and authorized transferring district investment funds.

The one-time incentive will be issued in March to food service employees who were employed as of Jan. 5, 2026. Officials said the payment will not alter the district’s salary schedule. The measure passed unanimously.

The board also unanimously approved the 2026-27 school calendar, which includes aligning fall break with surrounding school districts.

Business Manager Mary Turner presented a financial recommendation the board approved to move most Louisiana Asset Management Pool (LAMP) funds to a First Guaranty Bank money market account, leaving $1,000 in LAMP. The board also voted to keep $500,000 in the district’s First Guaranty Bank checking account and transfer the remaining balance into the bank’s money market account.

Turner briefly reviewed February financial reports and said a school activity audit report had been mailed to board members. Amy Tynes of Allen, Green and Williamson LLP is expected to attend the next meeting to present the district’s 2024-25 audit.

Superintendent Chris Brooks reported no personnel changes since the February meeting and said parent-teacher conferences will be held March 16, which will be a virtual learning day for students.

Brooks also said a special called meeting may be held at 8 a.m. March 26 to discuss and approve lighting bids.

The meeting opened with a prayer led by Homer High School student Kirsten Dixon, a participant in the school’s KARE program, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

The next meeting of the Claiborne Parish School Board is scheduled for April 9 at 6 p.m. at the Claiborne Parish School Board office, 415 East Main St., Homer.

Student-athletes from Summerfield High School are being recognized for their outstanding performances on the basketball court, as the school announced its All-District Honors for the season.

Leading the way for the Lady Rebels, seniors Armiya Williams and Enizha Graham earned First Team All-District honors, highlighting their strong contributions throughout the year. Their leadership and consistent play helped anchor the Lady Rebels’ success this season.

Also representing the Lady Rebels, freshman Rakayla Jenkins received Honorable Mention, signaling a promising future as she continues to develop at the varsity level.

On the boys’ side, senior Jeremiah Hudson was named to the Second Team All-District, earning recognition for his impact and performance for the Rebels during the season.

Additional honors for the Rebels include Rowdy Salmon, a junior, and Robert Ford, an eighth grader, both of whom received Honorable Mention distinctions. Their recognition reflects depth and emerging talent within the program.

The honors celebrate not only individual achievement but also the continued strength of basketball programs at Summerfield High School in Claiborne Parish.

With a mix of experienced seniors and rising young players, the future looks bright for both the Rebels and Lady Rebels as they build on this season’s success.
Go Rebels.

Residents of Claiborne Parish will have an opportunity to learn more about weed management during an upcoming educational program hosted by the LSU AgCenter.

The program, titled “Weeds and Weed Control,” will be held on March 30, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Claiborne Parish Library in Homer. The event will feature John Monzingo of the LSU AgCenter as the guest speaker.

The meeting is open to the public, and no pre-registration is required. Organizers say the session will focus on identifying common weeds and discussing practical methods of weed control for gardens, lawns, and landscapes.

Program organizers noted that the LSU AgCenter and Louisiana State University provide equal opportunities in both programs and employment. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations will be made to ensure individuals with disabilities can participate in AgCenter programs.

Anyone needing accommodations is asked to contact Monzingo at 318-371-1371 or the Claiborne Parish Extension Office at 318-927-3110 at least two weeks prior to the event.

Officials encourage residents, gardeners, and landowners interested in improving weed management practices to attend the informational session.

Residents across Claiborne Parish can expect a stretch of sunny and increasingly warmer weather through the week and into the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday will bring mostly sunny skies with a high near 71 degrees. Southwest winds are expected between 5 and 10 mph, with occasional gusts reaching up to 20 mph. Wednesday night will remain mostly clear with overnight temperatures dropping to around 48 degrees.

Sunny conditions will continue Thursday, with temperatures climbing to near 79 degrees during the day.

Clear skies are expected Thursday night with a low around 53 degrees.

The warming trend will continue Friday with sunny skies and a high near 84 degrees. Friday night will remain clear with lows dipping to about 56 degrees.

Heading into the weekend, Saturday will be sunny with a high near 86 degrees. Clear conditions will continue Saturday night with lows around 59 degrees.

By Sunday, forecasters say the sunny weather will persist, with temperatures reaching near 88 degrees across the parish.

The extended forecast suggests ideal conditions for outdoor activities as springlike temperatures settle into the region. Residents are encouraged to enjoy the sunshine while staying hydrated during the warmer afternoon hours.

Information provided by:

Destiny Hightower Claiborne Parish 4-H Agent/Parish Chair

Claiborne Parish has a long history of youth livestock exhibition. Showing an animal at the annual
Claiborne Parish Fair or State Fair of Louisiana is a memorable event that many remember fondly. As the
winter and spring show season concludes, plans are being made for the summer and fall season, which
includes the Claiborne Parish Fair and the State Fair of Louisiana.

Effective April 1, Claiborne 4-H Agent and Parish Chair Destiny Hightower will take over responsibility
for the Claiborne 4-H Youth Livestock Program and is looking forward to working with 4-H’ers and their
families on their livestock projects. Participating in youth livestock projects can be very beneficial to
youth and families by teaching important lessons about responsibility, animal science, financial
management, and much more.

Below are some common questions asked about showing livestock in 4-H:

Who can show livestock? Any active Claiborne Parish 4-H club member
What kinds of livestock can I show? 4-H’ers can show cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, chickens, or
rabbits

Where can I show my livestock project? 4-H’ers have lots of opportunities to show their livestock
projects. There are livestock shows throughout the year, but our main shows are the Claiborne Parish Fair
and the State Fair of Louisiana, both are held in the fall.

I don’t live on a farm or have lots of land. Can I still show livestock? Absolutely! Sheep, goats,
pigs, rabbits, or chickens are great livestock projects that don’t require a lot of land or space. Some 4-
H’ers raise goats in their backyards! If you live in a town, check with city hall on regulations for
livestock.

When do I get my livestock project? Most livestock projects are purchased in the early spring-summer.
This gives 4-H’ers time to prepare their projects for the Parish Fair and State Fair in the fall.
I don’t know anything about livestock. Can I still participate? Yes, you can! One of 4-H’s mottos is “Learn by Doing”. The whole purpose of the livestock project is for you and your family to learn things
and to have a good time while learning. Your 4-H agents will be able to help guide you through the entire
process.

Who do I contact for more information on showing livestock in 4-H? If you would like more
information on showing livestock in 4-H, please contact Mrs. Destiny Hightower at 318-927-3110 or by
email at dhightower@agcenter.lsu.edu.

You also visit with Mrs. Destiny at your monthly 4-H Club Meetings. All you have to do is ask!

Life has so many variables out of our control that makes navigating our daily situations difficult. But in some instances, there are a few things we can control and it’s up to each of us to make it happen.

One thing we have zero control over is who our parents are. We as individuals have zero say on the DNA we are blessed with, nor the people it came from. Even though we are who we are, we do have the ability to become the person we truly want to be. In most cases, we can pave our own path to success or failure with the skills we have been blessed with.

Even with bad DNA flowing through our bodies, we still have the task of shaping our lives into whatever we want to be. But only if we as individuals take control and ownership of who we are will our direction in life be confirmed.

I learned at a very early age that the good Lord above had blessed me with good athletic abilities. I figured out before the age of 10 that it would be through sports, with hard work and determination, that I could possibly have some success. Sports gave me a purpose!

That’s what we’re all looking for … a purpose! Even if it goes against the beliefs of the people who raised us, we have to take control of our own destiny at some point.

Even when the odds are against us, there are also times when we have to accept the consequences of our actions. We have to make decisions that not only affect ourselves, but those around us.

Sometimes this means hurting the ones we love the most because the direction they want us to go may not be the same as the destination we had in mind.

By the time we reach 17 or 18 years old, most people know who they are and possibly what direction or path they might want to take. They start to see things in a different light than, say, their parents. But as parents, we must recognize that even though we think we know what’s best for our children, that may not always be the case. We must allow them to spread their wings and continue to grow even if they make a few mistakes along the way. It’s called growing up!

I’ve always heard the excuse that he or she was a product of the environment in which they were raised. Sometimes this can be true, but it doesn’t always have to be that way.

For example, my stepdad was a wife beater and treated women like they were worthless. Even though I witnessed many of these incidents first-hand at a young age, I always knew in my heart that this was wrong, and I made a conscious decision to never be that kind of person.

I always felt that God instills in each of us the ability to know right from wrong when we are born. He gave all of us a brain and the ability to reason when we see things that are not right.

Just because you grow up in a house with little to no guidance doesn’t give you the excuse to ignore what is right. Subconsciously we still know right from wrong and it’s up to each of us to make good decisions and do the right thing.

We all need direction in our lives, which was lacking early in my childhood. Hopefully, we have those we can turn to for advice like a parent or maybe a grandparent, aunt, uncle, preacher, teacher or maybe a coach. No matter who it is, it should be someone we trust. A person who has our best interest at heart.

Bottom line is this — at some point in our lives we must take control over our destiny no matter what our background is. But when we make a decision, we must accept the consequences for our actions. This is what we call accountability!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

It really does take less square footage to be a kid now than it did back in the olden days—by which I mean the 60s, 70s, and 80s, when dinosaurs did not roam the earth, but teenagers with giant stereos certainly did.

Back then, if you were a teenager, your bedroom looked like the back room of a Radio Shack. You had a stereo system that took up half the wall. Not a cute little Bluetooth speaker—no, no. This thing had a turntable, an amplifier, and speakers the size of end tables. If you turned the volume up, the windows rattled, the dog hid under the porch, and your mother yelled your full name from three counties away.

And the music collection? Albums were thin, yes, but they were the size of pizza boxes. And every album had a jacket, and the jacket slid into a cover, and some artists released double albums, which meant you needed a forklift to move your collection. Then came eight-tracks (which lasted about as long as a snowball in July), then cassettes, which required their own storage system—usually a shoebox with the lid missing.

If you were lucky, you had a phone in your room. It was attached to the wall by a cord, and the receiver was attached to the base by another cord. If you were really lucky, you had the long cord, the one that let you walk around the room, change albums, and still talk to your best friend about absolutely nothing for two hours.

You also had an alarm clock—or a clock radio—because you needed something to wake you up so you could enjoy that magical sleep between the alarm going off and your parent entering the room to announce, “I said GET UP.” Today we call that the snooze button. Back then we called it “living dangerously.”

Some studious kids had a desk with a typewriter on it. If you had a Pica typewriter, your term papers looked longer, which felt like cheating but wasn’t. And there was almost never a TV in the bedroom. The TV lived in the den, a 25-inch RCA color set that weighed more than a small car. The whole family gathered around it, and since there was no remote, the youngest child served as the official channel changer. It built character.

Fast-forward to 2026. Kids don’t need a whole room anymore. They need a pocket. Their music, alarm, computer, TV, telephone, camera, calculator, flashlight, and speakers are all in one device. Pull out your phone and look at everything it does. It’s a miracle of modern engineering.

There’s a tool that lets us do things we never dreamed possible.

iPhone.

But here’s the thing: for all the problems life throws at us—grief, illness, broken relationships, guilt, confusion, decisions that keep us up at night—there is no app for that. There’s no setting to toggle, no update to install, no notification that says, “Your peace has arrived.”

When you don’t know what to do…

When you’ve lost something or someone…

When the doctor is puzzled…

When your child or parent won’t listen…

When you’ve messed up and don’t know how to make it right…

When you need direction and can’t find the map…

There is one place to go.

Jesus.

He doesn’t fit in your pocket.

He doesn’t need charging.

He doesn’t go out of date when the next model comes out.

And He’s the only One who can hold everything your phone can’t—your fears, your hopes, your grief, your sin, your future.

Kids today may need less space to grow up. But all of us—no matter our age—need the same Savior to grow into the people God calls us to be.

Across Louisiana, spring weather often feels like a roller coaster. Residents can wake up to thick fog, enjoy warm sunshine by midday, and then find themselves watching storm clouds roll in just hours later. Sudden thunderstorms and severe weather alerts are not uncommon during this time of year, sometimes followed by clear skies again before the day ends.

The rapid shifts are a familiar part of life in the state, where warm Gulf air, cold fronts, and seasonal storm systems frequently collide. For many Louisianans, keeping an eye on the forecast—and being prepared for just about anything—has become a routine part of the spring season.