By Tiffany Flournoy 

The Claiborne Parish School Board received a favorable audit for fiscal year 2025, with auditors noting strong financial practices and one minor compliance issue tied to federal program documentation.

During the April 9 regular board meeting at Summerfield High School, students, staff, and officials participated in opening ceremonies led by Summerfield sixth grader Lindsey Walton, who delivered the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.

Board members approved the minutes from prior meetings and accepted the district’s annual audit report for the year ending June 30, 2025. Tim Green, partner and CPA with Allen, Green & Williamson LLP, said the firm issued an unmodified opinion, meaning the financial statements were fairly presented in accordance with applicable standards.

He also reported no significant deficiencies under Government Auditing Standards issued by the U.S. Comptroller General.

One compliance issue was identified in the district’s Child Nutrition Program involving time certifications that were not completed within required deadlines. Officials said corrective actions have already been implemented, including updated procedures and monitoring measures to ensure compliance going forward.

In other business, the board approved financial support for students and sponsors attending the National FBLA Convention in San Antonio this summer, authorized advertising for bids on food service supplies, and approved a request to extend the superintendent’s contract through December 31, 2028.

Members also approved the district’s differentiated compensation allocation plan for teachers, funded through the Louisiana Department of Education, which will provide stipends for eligible educators in high-need areas, with payments scheduled later this month.

Superintendent Chris Brooks also presented updates on a proposed retention, recruitment, and performance pay plan for the 2026–27 school year for board consideration at a future meeting.

The Town of Homer will hold a special election on May 16, 2026, to consider three propositions involving the rededication of existing sales taxes.

IMPORTANT:

These propositions DO NOT create any new taxes and DO NOT increase current tax rates.

Instead, they allow the Town to repurpose existing voter-approved sales taxes to better support current operational and infrastructure needs, as determined annually by the Board of Aldermen.

BACKGROUND – EXISTING TAXES WERE ORIGINALLY APPROVED BY VOTERS

The three taxes being considered for rededication were originally approved by voters on:

November 16, 1985

November 4, 2014

November 21, 2015

Each of these is a 1% sales and use tax currently in place and generating revenue for the Town of Homer.

WHAT THE PROPOSITIONS DO

If approved, the measures will allow the Town to redirect how these existing funds are
used, including:

Street and infrastructure improvements (construction, paving, maintenance)

Public works and essential services, such as water, sewer, drainage, police, fire, public buildings, recreation, and equipment

Residential garbage collection

General municipal operations, where funds may be used for any lawful purpose when
needed

This provides the Town with greater flexibility to address changing priorities and operational needs each year.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Currently, portions of these tax revenues are restricted to specific uses. This election would:

Allow funds to be used more efficiently and where they are most needed

Support day-to-day operations, not just capital projects

Help the Town respond to infrastructure demands, service costs, and emergencies

Ensure the Board of Aldermen can allocate resources responsibly on an annual basis

ELECTION DETAILS

Date: May 16, 2026

Poll Hours: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Eligible Voters: All registered voters within the Town of Homer

KEY TAKEAWAY

This election is about flexibility—not new taxes.

It allows the Town of Homer to make better use of existing revenue to maintain services, improve infrastructure, and meet the community’s needs now and into the future.

Submission by:

Jimmy Hand
Town of Homer
Alderman District 3
318-548-5621

A mix of warm temperatures and generally pleasant conditions will carry Claiborne Parish through the workweek, but residents should prepare for a return of rain and thunderstorms as the weekend approaches.

According to the National Weather Service, Wednesday will feature partly sunny skies with a high near 85 degrees. South winds at 5 to 10 mph could gust as high as 20 mph. Wednesday night will remain partly cloudy, with a low around 64 and light south winds.

On Thursday, there is a slight 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 p.m., followed by mostly sunny skies and a high near 87. Conditions will clear Thursday night, with temperatures dipping to around 63.

Friday continues the warming trend, bringing mostly sunny skies and a high near 89. Friday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 65.

Rain chances increase heading into the weekend. Saturday will start with a slight chance of showers, with a better chance for showers and thunderstorms developing after 1 p.m. Skies will remain mostly cloudy, with a high near 85 and a 40 percent chance of precipitation.

Saturday night brings the highest likelihood for rainfall, with showers likely and a possible thunderstorm. Overnight lows will drop to around 50, with a 60 percent chance of rain.

By Sunday, conditions begin to improve, though a slight 20 percent chance of showers lingers. Expect mostly sunny skies and a cooler high near 74. Sunday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 48.

Looking ahead to Monday, partly sunny skies return with a high near 76, offering a mild start to the new week.

Residents are encouraged to enjoy the warm and dry conditions through Friday while staying alert for changing weather conditions and potential storms over the weekend.

By Richard Searles, Journal Contributor

State faces record 6,465 orphaned wells, a cleanup bill that could top $1 billion, and a broken oversight system

Louisiana’s oil patch is leaving behind a growing legacy of abandoned wells that leak, contaminate groundwater and cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars — and on a per capita basis, the state’s problem is more than four times worse than Texas, which has drawn national attention for the same issue.

As of March 2025, Louisiana has 6,465 orphaned oil and gas wells — unplugged, abandoned sites with no responsible operator — according to the state Department of Conservation and Energy. Texas has approximately 10,029 orphaned wells, according to its Railroad Commission. But Texas has nearly seven times Louisiana’s population. Louisiana has roughly one orphaned well for every 711 residents. Texas has one for every 3,130. Louisiana’s per capita burden is more than four times heavier.

The Numbers Are Accelerating

Between 2014 and 2023, the Louisiana Legislative Auditor found that an average of about 445 wells were added to the orphaned list each year. In 2025, more than 1,600 wells were added — more than three times the historical annual average. In just the first months of 2026, another 517 wells have already been added.

Behind those orphaned wells sits an even larger problem: inactive wells not yet orphaned but at risk. The Legislative Auditor found the inactive well count climbed 21.7 percent from 2019 to 2024, reaching 21,629 statewide.

What It Will Cost — and Why the Numbers Differ

The cleanup bill has been reported in different ways, and understanding why requires a distinction between two categories of problem wells.

The first is the orphaned well count itself — the 6,500 wells with no responsible operator. The Louisiana Legislative Auditor places the average plugging cost at $113,000 per well. Multiplied across the current orphaned well list, that produces the widely cited $730 million figure.

But that number covers only orphaned wells. A July 2025 white paper from the LSU Center for Energy Studies, commissioned by the state, calculated that plugging and abandoning both orphaned and idle wells in just the Monroe and Shreveport regulatory districts — two of Louisiana’s three oil and gas districts — would cost approximately $860 million. The Lafayette district, which holds roughly 41 percent of the state’s total orphaned and idle well inventory, was not included in that estimate. When all three districts and all idle wells are accounted for, the total cost to Louisiana taxpayers could well exceed $1 billion.

Since 2023, the state has plugged just 490 orphaned wells at a combined cost of nearly $90 million in state and federal funds — far behind the pace needed to make meaningful progress.

The Oversight System Failed

Louisiana’s attempt to manage the problem through a private industry-led entity collapsed. The Louisiana Oilfield Restoration Association, created in 2019 to collect operator fees and fund plugging activity, was dissolved after a state audit found it falling far behind — and after allegations of self-dealing that included a $780,000 loan to a state official. An audit also found the association’s administrative partner was charging a 36 percent fee on revenues, nearly double the agreed cap. During fiscal years 2020 through 2023, the state plugged 976 orphaned wells through the program. During that same period, nearly 1,700 new orphaned wells were reported — meaning the system was losing ground even while operating.

The Louisiana Legislature responded in 2024 by creating the Natural Resources Trust Authority under the Department of Conservation and Energy, tasked with rebuilding oversight and funding. Financial security requirements — the bonds operators must post to cover future plugging costs — remain a structural weakness. Though coverage rose from 25 percent of wells in 2014 to 74 percent by 2024, the Legislative Auditor found the amounts collected still fall well short of actual plugging costs.

The Bottom Line

Louisiana is producing new orphaned wells faster than it can plug old ones, carrying a per capita orphaned well burden more than four times that of Texas, and facing a total cleanup bill that state and university researchers suggest could exceed $1 billion when all idle and orphaned wells statewide are fully accounted for. The consequences — contaminated groundwater, leaking methane, degraded land — fall most heavily on the rural communities where these wells are concentrated.

Sources: Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy; Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office; LSU Center for Energy Studies, “Orphan and Idle Wells in Louisiana,” July 2025; Texas Railroad Commission; Louisiana Illuminator.

Have you ever opened your refrigerator with plans to cook a healthy meal, only to discover wilted greens, moldy berries, or fruit that has gone bad far too soon? You are not alone.

Many households struggle with keeping fresh produce fresh, which often leads to wasted food, wasted money, and extra trips to the grocery store. The good news is that learning how to properly select and store fruits and vegetables can make a big difference. With a little knowledge and planning, you can stretch your food budget, reduce waste, and keep nutritious foods available for you and your family.

The process of keeping fruits and vegetables fresh begins at the grocery store. Selecting quality produce is the first and most important step in making fruits and vegetables last longer once you bring them home. When shopping, take a moment to carefully look over the produce you place in your cart. Choose items that are free from cuts, bruises, insect holes, mold, decay, or soft spots. These imperfections may seem small, but they can allow bacteria to spread and cause nearby produce to spoil more quickly.

It is also helpful to think ahead about when and how you plan to use the fruits and vegetables you are buying. Purchasing produce at varying stages of ripeness can help prevent everything from needing to be used at once. For example, buying bananas that are slightly green allows them to ripen over several days, giving you more time to enjoy them. The same idea applies to avocados, tomatoes, and other fruits that continue to ripen after harvest. A little planning while shopping can go a long way in preventing wasted food at home.

When fresh fruits and vegetables are not in season or when prices are higher than usual, frozen and canned options can be excellent alternatives. Frozen fruits and vegetables are typically harvested at peak ripeness and frozen quickly, helping preserve both flavor and nutrients. They are convenient, affordable, and have a longer shelf life, making them a great option to keep on hand. Canned fruits and vegetables can also be part of a healthy diet. When choosing canned items, look for vegetables labeled “low sodium” and fruits packed in 100 percent juice or water instead of heavy syrup. These small choices can help you manage sodium and added sugar intake while still enjoying the convenience of canned foods.

Knowing what to look for with specific fruits can also improve quality and freshness. Apples should feel firm and have smooth skin without bruises or blemishes. Bananas are best when they are mostly yellow with a little green at the ends, allowing them to ripen gradually at home. Grapes should be firm and tightly attached to the stem loose or shriveled grapes are often past their prime. Melons should have a sweet smell and feel slightly soft where the stem was attached. When selecting a watermelon, tapping it and listening for a hollow sound is a simple trick that often indicates ripeness.

Vegetables also benefit from careful selection. Potatoes should be firm and free of eyes or sprouts. Leafy greens, such as spinach and lettuce, should be bright in color and free from wilting or browning. Cucumbers, zucchini, and peppers should feel heavy for their size and have smooth, unwrinkled skin. Root vegetables such as carrots, turnips, beets, and sweet potatoes should be smooth, firm, and brightly colored. In many cases, smaller root vegetables are more tender and flavorful.

Once produce makes it home, proper storage is just as important as proper selection. Different fruits and vegetables have different storage needs. Some items do best when stored on the kitchen counter, while others should be placed in the refrigerator crisper drawer. Certain fruits, including apples, bananas, and tomatoes release ethylene gas, a natural ripening agent that can cause nearby produce to spoil faster. Keeping ethylene‑producing fruits separate from other fruits and vegetables can help extend freshness.

Many fruits can be ripened on the counter and then moved to the refrigerator once ripe to slow further ripening. Greens and most vegetables generally last longer when kept in the refrigerator. Using the crisper drawer helps maintain the right humidity level for produce, keeping it fresher for a longer period of time.

Even with the best planning, there may be times when fruits or vegetables become overripe before you are able to use them. When this happens, freezing can be a great solution. Overripe fruit can be frozen for smoothies, baking, or cooking. Some vegetables may need to be blanched briefly boiled and then cooled before freezing to help maintain quality. Cut fruits and vegetables should always be stored in airtight containers and refrigerated promptly to keep them safe and fresh.

Learning how to properly select and store fruits and vegetables does not have to be complicated. Small changes in how you shop, store, and plan meals can make a noticeable difference. These simple habits can help reduce food waste, save money on groceries, and ensure that healthy options are always within reach.

With a little attention and planning, keeping fruits and vegetables fresh becomes much easier and your grocery budget, your meals, and your family’s health will all benefit.

For more information, contact your local LSU AgCenter office.
Shakera Williams, DrHSc, MPH
Associate Extension Agent
Nutrition & Community Health
Webster, Claiborne, and Lincoln Parishes
Webster Parish Chair
sswilliams@agcenter.lsu.edu

Gardeners, farmers, and outdoor enthusiasts in Claiborne Parish will have an opportunity to dig deeper into soil health and crop success during an upcoming educational event hosted by the LSU AgCenter.

The “Soil to Harvest” program is set for Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Hill Farm Research Station, located at 11959 LA-9 in Homer. The event will begin with registration at 8:30 a.m., followed by sessions running from 9:00 a.m. until noon.

The workshop will feature a series of expert-led discussions focused on practical, seasonal topics relevant to local growers and landowners:

9:00 a.m. — Warm Season Vegetable Garden

Presented by John Monzingo, Assistant County Agent

10:00 a.m. — Insects and Diseases

Presented by Kyleigh Bass, Assistant County Agent (Lincoln & Bienville Parishes)

11:00 a.m. — Weed Identification and Turf Management

Presented by Dr. Ron Strahan

An optional field tour will also be available, giving attendees a hands-on look at research and demonstration areas.

Organizers say the event is designed to provide timely information to help residents improve garden productivity, manage pests, and better understand soil and plant health in the region.

The LSU AgCenter emphasizes that the program is open to the public and follows its policy of nondiscrimination. Individuals needing accommodations are encouraged to contact the Claiborne Parish Extension Office in advance.

This educational outreach effort reflects the AgCenter’s continued commitment to supporting agriculture and community development across Claiborne Parish and surrounding areas.

I don’t care what sport you play, there comes a day when the Gods of that sport will humble you. So many times, as an athlete, we think we have everything figured out. We think we know more than anyone else and that we are invincible. We have the attitude “you can’t beat me!”

That’s when we get a little too comfortable in our own skin and things start to unravel and go south. For bass tournament anglers, you never know when that day will be coming. But rest assured, it will happen!

My humbling moments have occurred more than once in my 30-year fishing career but there is one that stands out more than any other. It took place about five years ago on Lake Texoma on the Oklahoma/Texas border during one of those late February events with temperatures in the upper 20s and lower 30s.

Over the years, I’ve had several tournaments on Lake Texoma and have done well there in the past. It’s a lake that I feel very comfortable with. I have a lot of confidence each time I drop my boat in the water at this famed Oklahoma/ Texas fishery.

If you’re angler who likes to power fish with buzz baits, crankbaits and spinnerbaits, Texoma is the place for you. But there are times when you will question if there’s any bass in this lake as the fishing can get really tough.

On one of my recent trips to this impoundment, I found out firsthand just how tough Texoma can be. I was preparing for a three-day event while pre-fishing in some very frigid temperatures. To say that the bite was tough would be a huge understatement.

As Day 1 of practice began, I knew that the only way I was going to get a bite was by slowing down my presentation. Bass in cold water conditions are very lethargic and slow to react to a bait.

Well at the end of practice on Day 1, I had absolutely nothing figured out as I put my boat back on the trailer after a long 9-hour day with zero bites. That’s right, I had zero bites the entire day!

Day 2 brought the same cold temperatures but sunny skies as daytime temperatures rose into the upper 40s. I thought with temperatures warming as the day went on, that maybe there would be a good afternoon bite. My thinking was wrong as I once again as I loaded my boat after Day 2 of practice with zero bites.

That’s right, I had fished for a total of 18 hours and had yet to set the hook on a single fish! So, as I laid in bed that night, I thought that maybe I need to speed up my presentation and throw some type of reaction bait like a rattle-trap, which is very popular during cold weather tournaments.

As the final day of practice rolled around, I was actually a little excited and was looking forward to trying something different. So I tied on a ¼ oz SPRO Aruku Shad in the popular chrome with a blue back. When I say I threw the paint off that bait, I mean I stayed committed to my plan and never put it down pretty much all day long.

But as only the bass fishing Gods can explain, I once again came off the lake nine hours later with zero bites! At this point, now I’m as frustrated as I’ve ever been going into Day 1 of a tournament.

To cut this article short, I’ll just go ahead and tell you that over the next two days of tournament competition, I had one bite and never caught a single fish I could weigh-in.

For the first time in my tournament career, I fished on a body of water I’m very familiar with and caught only one bass over five consecutive days!

So, for all those up-and-coming anglers, listen up — if you fish tournaments, there will come a day when you question if you really know anything about how to catch a bass.

With this frustration, you might even want to sell everything you own that’s related to bass fishing! But hang in there — sooner or later, grey skies will fade, and sunshine will return as you catch bass like never before.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

Local quantum physicists are reportedly baffled by a recurring temporal anomaly centered around departing vehicles and friendly neighborhood grandmothers. A recent incident at an undisclosed Natchitoches residence has once again demonstrated that a simple, “Well, I best be getting along” functions not as an exit strategy, but as a binding verbal contract for at least ninety additional minutes of conversation, standard (weather, health) and bonus (garden pests, Junior’s third divorce) topics mandatory. Experts warn that the standard “Southern Goodbye” is not a process, but a geological event, with exit times now measured in fiscal quarters rather than minutes. We’ll have more on this story, assuming our reporter can ever leave.

This is story from a book entitled “Moments for Mothers.” The Rogers family was a strong Christian unit. Mr. Rogers took seriously his role as spiritual leader. Often at supper the family would have a Bible quiz or discuss some spiritual truth. One evening the family was discussing what heaven will be like. 7-year-old Jimmy grabbed this subject and ran with it; he had a very creative imagination.

Jimmy said, “When we get to heaven, the big angel will call the roll. He will come to the Rogers family and say, ‘Daddy Rogers’ and Daddy will say ‘Here! ‘. Then the angel will call out, ‘Mommy Rogers,’ and Mommy will say, ‘Here! ” Then the same thing will happen for Susie and Mavis. Then the angel will call my name, “Jimmy Rogers,” and because I’m little and don’t want to be missed, I will jump up and shout real loud, ‘Here!’”

Just a few days later, there was a tragic accident. A car struck down Jimmy as he made his way to the school bus. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. The family gathered round his bed and kept a prayerful vigil through the night. The doctors told them that he had suffered severe brain damage and could not recover.

Just before dawn, Jimmy seemed to be stirring a bit. The family saw his lips move; just one word was all he uttered before he passed from this life. But oh what comfort and hope that word gave for this grieving family. In a voice clear enough for everybody in the room to hear, Jimmy said, “Here!!” and then he was gone, to another world, to a better world, where a big angel was calling the roll.

We Christians believe this is true. It is why we can live with hope in the midst of such a crazy world. We know that we are all pilgrims, simply passing through this life. Our home is in heaven.

Easter people believe that one day we will all answer, “Here!”

Leaders in Haynesville are calling on residents to take an active role in maintaining the town’s cleanliness and overall appearance.

In a recent message, the Town of Haynesville emphasized the importance of community pride and shared responsibility when it comes to keeping neighborhoods clean, safe, and welcoming.

Officials are encouraging all property owners to properly maintain their land by removing debris, trash, and overgrown vegetation. Town leaders say that individual efforts can make a significant difference in preserving the beauty and character of the community.

Haynesville has long been recognized for its strong sense of pride and close-knit community, and leaders say that maintaining clean properties not only improves appearance but also contributes to overall safety and quality of life.

The town’s message serves as a reminder that keeping Claiborne Parish communities attractive is a shared effort, and when residents take pride in their own spaces, it reflects positively across the entire town.

“At what point does daycare cost more than your job is worth?”

 See what Ida says 

April 22 is best known as Earth Day, a global event dedicated to environmental protection, but the date also holds a broader place in history with events that have shaped science, culture, and international awareness.

The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970, marking the beginning of a modern environmental movement. Millions of Americans participated in rallies, teach-ins, and demonstrations focused on pollution, conservation, and sustainability. The momentum from that first observance led to the creation of key environmental protections, including the Environmental Protection Agency and landmark legislation addressing clean air and water.

Beyond environmental milestones, April 22 also marks the birth of Vladimir Lenin in 1870. As a revolutionary leader, Lenin played a central role in the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the formation of the Soviet Union. His influence reshaped global politics and contributed to the ideological conflicts that defined much of the 20th century.

In scientific history, April 22, 1994, saw the discovery of a new comet that would later be named Comet Hale-Bopp. The comet became one of the most widely observed celestial events of the late 20th century, visible to the naked eye for months and sparking widespread public interest in astronomy.

April 22 continues to be a day associated with awareness and reflection. Whether through environmental advocacy or recognition of historical figures and discoveries, the date underscores humanity’s ongoing relationship with both the planet and the forces that shape global change.

Troyal wanted to be a professional athlete. “The only thing that stopped me,” Troyal said, “was my professional athletic ability.” At Yukon High School, Troyal played football, baseball, and ran track and field. He was especially talented at the javelin throw. When he graduated in 1980, he attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater on a track and field scholarship. Troyal knew he wanted to play sports in college, but he was unsure what to study. Troyal finally decided to study advertising. As a child, his parents and siblings held casual weekly talent nights. Everyone had to participate. Because of this, Troyal learned to play banjo and guitar. Troyal used his talent to write jingles and commercials for his advertising classes.
In 1984, Troyal walked across the stage at Oklahoma State University and received his diploma. Shortly after he graduated with his degree in advertising, he learned that he had not completed the requirements for his degree. He was one college hour short. The clerical error was discovered after he walked. Troyal had no choice but to take another class, but his student loan and scholarship money ended the moment he walked across that stage. Troyal was from a large family who could not afford to pay his tuition for the single class, so he had to work to pay for the class.

All through college, Troyal worked odd jobs including roofing houses and working as a bouncer at a nightclub. One night while working to pay for the remaining class, Troyal asked Dolly, an employee at Willie’s Saloon in Stillwater, Oklahoma, to allow him to play his guitar and sing for the audience. Dolly agreed. The first night went so well that she asked him to play the following night. The crowds grew and drink sales increased, so Dolly kept Troyal on stage. What could have been just a one-off thing turned into a five-night a week job. One day, Troyal said to himself, “Hey, maybe this is what you’re supposed to be doing.”

Troyal had hoped to become a professional athlete, but he sang instead. One of the songs he sang had the line “Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers.” If his prayers to become an athlete had been answered, you might know Troyal in a whole different way. You know Troyal. His full name is Troyal Garth Brooks.

Source:

1. “Garth Brooks appears on ‘Late Show’ with Stephen Colbert, discusses time at OSU,” 2 News Oklahoma, November 30, 2018, accessed April 12, 2026, https://www.kjrh.com/news/local-news/garth-brooks-appears-on-late-show-with-stephen-colbert-discusses-time-at-osu.

Mary L. Davis Copeland
November 5, 1953 — April 20, 2026
Services: Thursday, April 23, 2026, 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

Residents in Claiborne Parish will have the opportunity to enhance their gardening knowledge during an upcoming “Soil to Harvest” workshop hosted by the local extension service.

The event is scheduled to take place at the Claiborne Parish Extension Office, located at 11959 LA-9 in Homer, with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. and sessions running from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The workshop will feature a series of educational sessions led by agriculture and horticulture experts. Topics will include warm-season vegetable gardening, insect and disease management, and weed identification along with turf management. Participants will hear from Assistant County Agents John Monzingo and Kyleigh Bass, as well as Dr. Ron Strahan, who will provide insight into maintaining healthy lawns and gardens.

An optional field tour will also be offered, giving attendees a hands-on opportunity to apply what they’ve learned.

Organizers say the workshop is designed to support both beginner and experienced gardeners by providing practical, research-based information to improve growing success throughout the season.

Those needing special accommodations are encouraged to contact the Claiborne Parish Extension Service in advance.

The event offers a valuable opportunity for local residents to gain knowledge, ask questions, and connect with agricultural professionals ahead of the busy growing season.

BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana is set to overhaul its K-12 English language arts (ELA) requirements, shifting toward what officials describe as a “return to timeless academic practices.”

The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) recently approved the revised standards, which were recommended by State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. The changes are designed to build upon the state’s recent gains in reading proficiency by doubling down on fundamental literacy skills.

“These standards reflect a return to timeless academic practices,” Dr. Brumley said. “They also prioritize feedback we’ve heard from parents and teachers who want more classroom time devoted to core skills.”

The updated standards, which are scheduled to take effect for the 2027–2028 school year, introduce several key shifts in how literacy is approached in Louisiana classrooms:

The Science of Reading: The curriculum will place a heavier emphasis on phonics and foundational decoding skills. This aligns with a growing national movement to move away from “balanced literacy” in favor of evidence-based methods that help students become independent readers.

Grammar and Communication: The revisions reinforce a structured progression in grammar and usage, aimed at improving student communication in both professional and everyday environments.

Cursive Writing: Despite the digital age, the state is recommitting to handwriting, requiring cursive as part of a comprehensive approach to literacy.

State policy requires a review of K-12 content standards at least once every seven years. The current update marks the first major revision since the 2015–2016 cycle.

The process began in 2024 and was facilitated by the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE). To ensure the changes reflected real-world classroom needs, the LDOE utilized a committee of local educators, school leaders, parents, and higher education experts. The revision included public meetings and a formal comment period to gather stakeholder input.

State officials clarified that while the new standards define what a student is expected to learn at each grade level, local school systems maintain the authority to choose their own curriculum—the specific textbooks and daily lesson plans used to teach those standards.

To prepare for the 2027 rollout, the LDOE plans to provide school systems with specialized training, instructional resources, and guidance to ensure a smooth transition for teachers and students alike.

Claiborne Parish, LA — A mix of warm temperatures and generally pleasant conditions will carry Claiborne Parish through the workweek, but residents should prepare for a return of rain and thunderstorms as the weekend approaches.

According to the National Weather Service, Wednesday will feature partly sunny skies with a high near 85 degrees. South winds at 5 to 10 mph could gust as high as 20 mph. Wednesday night will remain partly cloudy, with a low around 64 and light south winds.

On Thursday, there is a slight 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 p.m., followed by mostly sunny skies and a high near 87. Conditions will clear Thursday night, with temperatures dipping to around 63.

Friday continues the warming trend, bringing mostly sunny skies and a high near 89. Friday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 65.

Rain chances increase heading into the weekend. Saturday will start with a slight chance of showers, with a better chance for showers and thunderstorms developing after 1 p.m. Skies will remain mostly cloudy, with a high near 85 and a 40 percent chance of precipitation.

Saturday night brings the highest likelihood for rainfall, with showers likely and a possible thunderstorm. Overnight lows will drop to around 50, with a 60 percent chance of rain.

By Sunday, conditions begin to improve, though a slight 20 percent chance of showers lingers. Expect mostly sunny skies and a cooler high near 74. Sunday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 48.

Looking ahead to Monday, partly sunny skies return with a high near 76, offering a mild start to the new week.

Residents are encouraged to enjoy the warm and dry conditions through Friday while staying alert for changing weather conditions and potential storms over the weekend.

Baton Rouge, La. — On April 15, the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) will launch a new customer service number designed to make it easier for Louisiana residents to reach the department for assistance.

Residents will be able to call: 877-7LADCFS (877-752-3237) for child support services, child welfare assistance, and other DCFS inquiries. Hours of operation for the line will be 7:30 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday.

The Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline remains unchanged and continues to operate 24/7 at: 855-4LA-KIDS (855-452-5437).

Suspected abuse or neglect should always be reported to the hotline.

The LSU AgCenter Hill Farm Research Station will host a Beef and Forage Field Day on Thursday, April 30, from 8:30 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. at the Hill Farm Research Station located at 11959 Hwy. 9 in Homer, LA. Topics to be discussed at this annual event include a cattle market update, body condition scoring of cattle, supplementation, and weed control options.

There will also be a drone sprayer demonstration and a session on calving problems and herd health featuring local veterinarian Dr. George Gamble. In addition to a great lineup of speakers, there will be a tradeshow featuring a large variety of equipment, products, and services of interest to the cattle producer.

This Beef and Forage Field Day is a free event with lunch being provided. Please R.S.V.P. with
Kathy at the Hill Farm Research Station by April 24. The number at the station is 318-927-2578. For
more information on the Beef and Forage Field Day, or other LSU AgCenter beef cattle programming,
please contact your local LSU AgCenter Extension Office. If you should need special accommodations to
attend this field day, please contact Kathy at 318-927-2578.

All our lives we’ve heard people say, “I was there when …” Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s home run record. I was there when Reggie Jackson hit three home runs in a World Series game. I was there when Dale Earnhardt crashed in turn four and died at the Daytona 500.

Well, there was one event that I can say “I was there when” one particular fishing bait was introduced to the bass fishing world.

It was on Lake Okeechobee in 2006 when the concept of a new bait took bass fishing by storm … the ChatterBait! This was a bait that has become a staple for all bass tournament anglers. It’s a combination of two of the best baits ever made, a jig and a spinnerbait.

It’s a skirted jig with a small blade attached to the head of the bait. It has an unbelievable vibrating action that bass cannot refuse. Over the last 20 years, there have probably been more bass caught on this bait than any other.

I remember the day that I first heard about this new bait. I was fishing an FLW Tour event on Lake Okeechobee in South Florida and the word was out about this new bait that was catching bass like crazy.

Anglers were scrambling to get their hands on just one of these baits! Some guys would pay as much as $100 to get one. At this event, Roland Martin Marina was the only tackle store where you could get one. Every day for three straight days I walked into this store and every time all the pegs were empty.

Finally, with only one day left in the tournament, I asked Mrs. Mary Ann Martin (Roland’s wife) to please put one back for me and I would pick it up after I weighed my fish on the final day.

Turns out pro angler Bryan Thrift, in his first professional bass tournament, won this event and the ChatterBait craze began. For a couple of years, he tried to keep his secret bait under wraps but the folks that make the ChatterBait asked that he please let the cat out of the bag.

It was on stage during that FLW Tournament weigh-in on Lake Okeechobee that Bryan introduced the world to this revolutionary bait. From this event in 2006 through today, there’s probably not a single bass angler on a body of water that does not have some form of the ChatterBait tied on.

The company behind this bait is known as Z-Man and they have not only perfected this bait over the years but have come out with more versions. One thing about the fishing business; it’s a copycat industry, as other companies have tried to emulate this bait, but none have had the impact of the original ChatterBait.

While Z-Man has a patent on this bait protecting their blade design, there are other brands on the market that have had a little success, but no one has been able to capture that same magic that a ChatterBait produces.

While it’s not often that many of us can say “I was there when” a special moment took place, I was actually there when one of the greatest bass fishing lures hit market … the ChatterBait!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

This morning at the dayschool, the fish tank was mysteriously covered with a blanket like it was being punished for bad behavior. If you didn’t know better, you might’ve thought the fish were grounded for talking back to the teacher or refusing to share their crayons. But no—turns out we’ve got ourselves an algae outbreak. A fullblown, green, slimy, “Swamp Thing” situation. And the only way to get it under control is to keep the light out until the bloom settles down.

Now, I’m no marine biologist, but I do know this: when the fish tank is greener than a St. Patrick’s Day parade, something’s off.

And wouldn’t you know it—Jesus has something to say about this.

Because algae, as it turns out, loves light. Not the good, lifegiving kind of light Jesus talks about. No, algae loves the “I’vebeen-left-alone-too-long-without-boundaries” kind of light. Give algae too much light, and it throws a party. Give it a little more, and it invites all its cousins. Before long, the fish are filing formal complaints and asking for relocation.

So the solution?

Cover the tank.

Limit the light.

Let things reset.

And that’s when it hit me: sometimes God does the same thing with us.

Not because we’re bad. Not because we’re in trouble. But because something in us has started growing that doesn’t belong there—resentment, worry, pride, comparison, hurry, that one comment someone made in 2009 that we still replay like it’s a classic movie.

Sometimes the Lord lovingly puts a “cover” over our tank.

A season of quiet.

A pause we didn’t choose.

A slowdown we didn’t schedule.

A moment where the lights dim and we wonder, “What is happening?”

But maybe God is simply helping us get rid of the spiritual algae that’s clouding the water.

Jesus once said, “I am the light of the world,” and He also said, “You are the light of the world.” But He never said, “You need to be under the spotlight all the time.” Sometimes the brightest thing God can do is give us a little shade so the unhealthy stuff stops multiplying.

Think about it: When was the last time you slowed down long enough to notice what was growing in you?

When did you last let God filter the water of your soul?

The fish tank will be uncovered Thursday morning. The water will clear. The fish will go back to doing whatever fish do (mostly judging us through the glass). But the covering is part of the healing.

Maybe you’re in a coveredtank season right now. Maybe God is dimming the lights not to punish you, but to purify you. Not to hide you, but to help you.

And when the cover comes off, you’ll shine clearer, brighter, and more beautifully than before.

Even the fish would say amen to that—if they weren’t so busy swimming in circles.

If it feels like getting or keeping insurance lately comes down to luck, you’re not alone. With rates climbing, policies changing, and hurricane season always looming, many homeowners are left wondering what they’ll land on next—and whether they can afford it.