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

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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.

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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!”

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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.

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

 See what Ida says 

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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John P. Thompson changed our world yet most of us have never heard of him. At some point in our lives, each of us has used his inventions. It would be hard to find a home in America which does not contain multiples of John’s inventions. They are so commonplace that they often go unnoticed.

Little is known about John Thompson, but he was born in 1857 in Iowa. After working various jobs including laborer, bank teller, and room furnisher in a couple of different states, he eventually settled in Portland, Oregon. While there, he worked as an auto mechanic. John used a hand tool to tighten fasteners to the cars he worked on, but the tool kept slipping off the fastener. This resulted in skinned knuckles and damage to the cars. Finally, John’s frustration had reached its limit. He decided to create a new tool and fastener that when used together would not slip. No one knows how long John worked on his inventions or how many attempts it took before he created his “cruciform groove” tool and fastener, but in the summer of 1932, John filed for patents for his two inventions. On May 9, 1933, the United States Patent Office granted patent numbers 1,908,080 and 1,908,081 for John’s fastener and tool respectively. For reasons that remain unclear, in the patents John assigned or transferred his rights to his inventions to Henry Frank. The connection between John and Henry has never been proven, but many people believe that Henry purchased or funded John’s patents.

Rather than investing the money to create and sell the tool and fasteners himself, Henry created a company to franchise the products. Companies which produced them paid Henry’s company a hefty royalty. In 1936, Cadillac became the first industrial customer to use John’s inventions for its 1937-year model cars. The new tool and fasteners increased production and lowered costs. Word quickly spread and within a short time the other automobile companies as well as railroad and aviation manufacturers adopted John’s cruciform groove inventions. In September 1940, John died impoverished and largely forgotten, but Henry became wealthy. John’s cruciform groove inventions could have been known as the Thompson screw and Thompson screwdriver, but because he transferred the patents to Henry, we know them by his last name. We have all used Henry Frank…Phillips screws and Phillips screwdrivers.

 

Sources:

1. Michael J. Allen, “Phillips screw and driver,” Oregon Encyclopedia: A project of the Oregon Historical Society, accessed April 5, 2026, https://www.oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/phillips_screw_and_driver/.

2. “J.P. Thompson Screw, patent number 1,908,080,” United States Patent and Title Office, May 9, 1933, accessed April 5, 2026, https://ppubs.uspto.gov/api/pdf/downloadPdf/1908080?requestToken=eyJzdWIiOiIzODg1YzMwNC1hNmRjLTQwMzMtYWNlYi0xODAxMTlkNzZkNjciLCJ2ZXIiOiJlYWZmMjhlYi1hMmRlLTQ4ZGUtYTQxMy01M2E2NzJjZjZjOTYiLCJleHAiOjB9.

3. “J.P. Thompson Screw Driver, patent number 1,908,081,” United States Patent and Title Office, May 9, 1933, accessed April 5, 2026, https://ppubs.uspto.gov/api/pdf/downloadPdf/1908081?requestToken=eyJzdWIiOiIzODg1YzMwNC1hNmRjLTQwMzMtYWNlYi0xODAxMTlkNzZkNjciLCJ2ZXIiOiJlYWZmMjhlYi1hMmRlLTQ4ZGUtYTQxMy01M2E2NzJjZjZjOTYiLCJleHAiOjB9.

April 15 is a date etched into history through events that span tragedy, perseverance, and transformation across different eras.

Perhaps the most widely recognized event tied to this day is the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. After striking an iceberg late on April 14, the luxury liner sank in the early hours of April 15, resulting in the deaths of more than 1,500 passengers and crew. The disaster shocked the world and led to sweeping maritime safety reforms, including improved lifeboat requirements and the establishment of the International Ice Patrol.

April 15 is also known in the United States as Tax Day, the deadline for filing federal income tax returns. While far less dramatic, the annual date has become a consistent fixture in American life, often sparking discussions about fiscal policy, government spending, and economic responsibility.

In 1947, another milestone unfolded when Jackie Robinson made his debut in Major League Baseball, breaking the color barrier. His first game with the Brooklyn Dodgers marked a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, challenging segregation in professional sports and paving the way for greater inclusion.

The date also carries somber significance in more recent history. On April 15, 2013, two bombs detonated near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, killing three people and injuring hundreds. The attack led to a massive manhunt and ultimately changes in security measures at major public events.

Across generations, April 15 has come to represent both loss and progress, serving as a reminder of how pivotal moments can reshape safety standards, social norms, and national conversations.

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Vicky “Nita” Brackens
July 19, 1961 – April 8, 2026
Not yet available

Bobby B. Jefferson
November 13, 1956 – April 6, 2026
Visitation: Friday, April 17 from 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, April 18 at 2:30 PM at Memorial Funeral Home

Marlene Warren-Williams
January 26, 1964 – April 7, 2026
Visitation: Thursday, April 16 from 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home
Services: Friday, April 17 at 1:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home

DeWayne Mills
August 20, 1960 — April 10, 2026
Visitation will be at the funeral home from 11 a.m.-noon, prior to the service.
Services: Wednesday, April 15 at 12:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home

John “Johnny” Mills
March 30, 1954 — April 13, 2026
Not available

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

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Garden enthusiasts in Claiborne Parish will have an extra reason to attend this year’s Piney Hills Louisiana Master Gardeners “Trails & Trellises” Garden Tour, with organizers announcing a special plant sale as part of the event.

The plant sale will take place at 1486 Almond Circle, one of the featured stops on the self-guided tour.

The location, known as the Jeanne Wiggins Garden, is among four private gardens in nearby Minden that will be open to visitors during the event.

Scheduled for Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the tour will be held rain or shine and will showcase a variety of garden styles, plant selections, and landscaping ideas. The added plant sale offers attendees the opportunity to purchase plants directly, making it easy to take home a piece of inspiration from the tour.

Tickets for the garden tour are available in advance for $10 through Master Gardeners or local extension offices in Claiborne and Webster parishes. Day-of-event tickets will be available for $15 at any of the garden locations.

Organizers say the event is designed to highlight the beauty and diversity of local gardens while also supporting horticultural education efforts in the region.

With warm spring weather expected and a plant sale now included, this year’s garden tour offers both inspiration and the chance to bring new plants home — all in one stop.

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Residents can expect a stretch of pleasant spring weather this week, featuring warm afternoons, mild nights, and only minimal chances for rain toward the end of the weekend.

Wednesday kicks off the forecast with partly sunny skies and a comfortable high near 78 degrees. Winds will remain calm early before shifting to a light southeast breeze around 5 mph. By Wednesday night, conditions will stay quiet with partly cloudy skies and a low dipping to around 56.

The warming trend continues Thursday, bringing mostly sunny skies and another high near 78.

Overnight, temperatures will settle near 57 under partly cloudy conditions.

By Friday, temperatures begin to climb. Expect mostly sunny skies with a high near 83, followed by a mild Friday night with lows around 60.

The weekend brings even warmer conditions. Saturday looks bright and mostly sunny, with highs reaching about 85 degrees. Saturday night will remain partly cloudy and mild, with lows near 62.

Rain chances return slightly on Sunday, though they remain low. A 20 percent chance of showers is expected during the day, with partly sunny skies and a high near 85. Sunday night could bring a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms under mostly cloudy skies, with temperatures around 65.

Looking ahead to Monday, the pattern remains similar. There is a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, with partly sunny skies and a high near 86.

Claiborne Parish is in for a warm and mostly dry week, ideal for outdoor plans. While a few showers may develop late in the weekend into early next week, widespread rain is not expected at this time.

Stay tuned for updates as conditions evolve.

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Rachel Wiggins Bays has officially announced her candidacy for District Judge in the Second Judicial District, comprised of Claiborne, Jackson and Bienville Parishes. Bays is seeking the Division “A” seat currently held by Judge Walter May. 

Originally from Shreveport, Rachel moved to Homer in 2017 following her marriage to Claiborne Parish native, Daniel Bays. For more than a decade, Rachel has practiced law in Minden at the law office of John D. and Eric G. Johnson, where she has built a reputation as a dedicated, hardworking and trustworthy attorney.

Rachel believes that decisions made from the bench truly matter, as they have a profound impact on families, businesses, children, law enforcement officers, and both defendants and victims seeking justice. “I have had the opportunity to practice before District Judges all over North Louisiana daily for the past eleven years,” Bays said. “I plan to take the wealth of knowledge I gained from all of those Judges with me to the bench.”

In addition to her career, Rachel is proud to be heavily involved in both her profession and her community. Rachel, Daniel and their daughters, Blair and Bishop are members of First Presbyterian Church in Homer. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Herbert S. Ford Museum and the Homer Country Club. She has also served as a Hearing Committee Member for the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board and volunteered as an arbitrator for the Bossier City Court’s Small Claims Division. 

If elected, Bays said she will bring practical experience, professionalism and a strong commitment to serving the people of the Second Judicial District.

The election will take place Nov. 3.

Rachel Bays for Judge | District Judge Division A | Claiborne, Jackson, and Bienville Parishes

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