The Louisiana Legislature passed SB 121 Thursday, sending a new congressional map to Governor Jeff Landry for his signature following months of debate prompted by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down the state’s previous district lines.

The Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais found that the previous map unconstitutionally prioritized race over traditional redistricting principles such as compactness and communities of interest. The new map was drawn without race as the predominant factor in determining district boundaries.

The legislation creates five Republican-leaning congressional districts statewide. A review of the enacted map shows that some parishes are split between congressional districts. 

For Caddo and Bossier parishes, both remain unified within the Fourth Congressional District alongside De Soto, Red River, Natchitoches, Sabine, Webster, Claiborne, and Bienville parishes. Central Louisiana, including Rapides Parish, is kept whole within the Fifth Congressional District.

The map now heads to the Governor for signature. If signed, it will govern Louisiana’s congressional representation through the remainder of the decade.

The Shreveport-Bossier Journal will continue to monitor developments.

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The Haynesville Police Department is reminding motorists that the increasingly popular “Carolina Squat” vehicle modification is illegal in Louisiana and poses significant safety risks to drivers and the public.

Also known as the “Cali Lean,” the Carolina Squat is a modification in which a vehicle’s front suspension is raised while the rear suspension is lowered, creating a dramatic downward-sloping appearance. The trend, which has gained popularity through social media and customized truck culture, originated from Baja pre-runner trucks designed for off-road racing.

According to law enforcement officials, while authentic off-road vehicles are built with a slight front lift to absorb impacts after jumps, the street version exaggerates the design into what is commonly referred to as a “reverse rake,” making the vehicle appear as though it is constantly performing a wheelie.

The Haynesville Police Department says the modification creates several serious safety concerns.

Among the biggest hazards is reduced driver visibility. Due to the elevated front end, drivers often have difficulty seeing pedestrians, smaller vehicles, road hazards, and objects directly in front of them. Officials also warn that the altered angle causes headlights to point upward, potentially blinding oncoming drivers at night.

Additionally, changing a vehicle’s suspension and weight distribution can negatively affect steering, braking, and overall handling. Authorities say the modifications may increase stopping distances and raise the risk of rollover crashes.

Louisiana law specifically prohibits certain extreme suspension alterations under Louisiana Revised Statute 32:381.1.

Under the law, drivers cannot operate a vehicle on a public highway if the height of the front fender is six inches or more higher than the rear fender due to suspension, frame, or chassis modifications. The law applies to unloaded vehicles with no trailer attached.

The statute was enacted in 2022 as states across the South began cracking down on the trend due to mounting safety concerns. Similar laws have also been passed in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia.

The Haynesville Police Department encourages vehicle owners to ensure their modifications comply with Louisiana law and prioritize roadway safety for everyone traveling the state’s highways.

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Families across Claiborne Parish are invited to enjoy a day of community fun, safety education, and outdoor activities during the upcoming “Fun Day with the Firefighters and Friends” event at Lake Claiborne State Park.

The free community event will take place Saturday, June 6, from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the state park in Homer.

Organizers say the family-focused event is designed to bring the community together while giving residents an opportunity to meet local first responders and learn more about public safety services in the region.

Several agencies and organizations are scheduled to participate, including the Louisiana State Police, Delta Elite K9, Homer Fire Department, and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Attendees can expect a variety of interactive activities throughout the day, including K-9 demonstrations, emergency equipment showcases, opportunities to meet local heroes, and children’s activities.

Organizers are also encouraging guests to “be prepared to get wet,” hinting at water-related fun involving firefighters and emergency crews.

Lunch will be provided free of charge, and organizers emphasized that there is no cost to attend the event.

The gathering will be held at Lake Claiborne State Park, located near Homer, and is open to residents of all ages. Event organizers noted the day is intended to be a positive, family-oriented community event focused on safety awareness, fellowship, and outdoor fun.

Community members are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy a full day of activities with local firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency personnel from across the area.

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Residents across Claiborne Parish should prepare for several days of unsettled weather as showers and thunderstorms are expected to impact the area throughout the remainder of the week and into the weekend.

According to the latest forecast, rain chances will begin increasing Wednesday with showers and thunderstorms expected throughout the day. High temperatures are forecast to reach near 84 degrees, with calm winds becoming southerly during the afternoon. Forecasters place the chance of precipitation at 90 percent.

Storm activity is expected to continue Wednesday night, with showers and thunderstorms likely during the evening hours before tapering to scattered activity overnight. Overnight lows are expected to remain mild near 69 degrees.

The wet pattern is forecast to continue Thursday with additional showers and thunderstorms likely under mostly cloudy skies and afternoon highs near 83 degrees. Rain chances remain elevated at 70 percent.

Thursday night will bring another opportunity for scattered thunderstorms, with temperatures holding steady around 69 degrees.

By Friday, forecasters expect another round of showers and thunderstorms, especially during the afternoon and evening hours. High temperatures will once again climb into the mid-80s with a 60 percent chance of rainfall.

Weekend conditions are expected to improve slightly, though isolated to scattered thunderstorms will remain possible across the parish. Saturday and Sunday are both forecast to see highs near 86 degrees with partly sunny to mostly sunny skies mixed with periodic afternoon storm chances.

Emergency officials encourage residents to remain weather aware throughout the week, particularly during periods of heavier rainfall and thunderstorms that could produce lightning, gusty winds, and localized flooding in low-lying areas.

Motorists are also reminded to use caution during heavy rain and avoid driving through flooded roadways.

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The Claiborne Parish Library welcomed community members for an evening of history, remembrance, and storytelling during a recent program featuring local historian Mary Claire Kettler and her presentation on her book, Born to Fly – The Story of Major Warren W. Sutton.

Library officials described the event as “exceptional,” as attendees learned about the remarkable life and military service of Major Warren W. Sutton, a Mt. Lebanon native whose passion for aviation led him to become one of north Louisiana’s World War II heroes.

According to Kettler’s presentation, Sutton developed a love for flying shortly after graduating from Gibsland High School. After attending Louisiana Polytechnic Institute, he became determined to pursue aviation professionally. Because he was too young to join the U.S. Army Air Corps at the time, Sutton instead enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force while England and Canada were heavily engaged in World War II.

Kettler detailed Sutton’s accomplishments as a pilot, noting that he earned numerous accolades during his military career, including the prestigious Royal Canadian Distinguished Flying Cross. After later joining the U.S. Army Air Corps, Sutton’s wartime experience and leadership abilities quickly established him as a respected officer and leader.

Major Sutton ultimately gave his life in service during his 199th mission — a secret mission over Burma — when his aircraft was shot down and crashed. None of the five crew members aboard survived. In August 1949, the crew members were laid to rest together in a single grave at Arlington National Cemetery.

Library officials described Sutton as “another stellar member of the Greatest Generation,” noting his journey from a north Louisiana country boy to a decorated war hero who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The program also highlighted Kettler’s ongoing efforts to preserve regional history. A retired Southern Georgia University professor of Fashion Merchandising, Kettler has devoted much of her retirement to documenting and preserving the stories of Mt. Lebanon, Bienville Parish, and north Louisiana history.

The Claiborne Parish Library praised Kettler’s storytelling abilities and passion for local history, calling her a “dynamic” speaker and “memory keeper” whose presentations leave audiences inspired and informed.

The library also extended appreciation to Danny Suggs for providing food during the evening’s event.

Officials announced the library’s next historical program, Old Stones – Graves of the Old Homer Cemetery, will take place Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. The presentation will be led by Claiborne Parish Library Historian Wesley Harris.

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The Louisiana Department of Health announced Friday that beginning May 26, state SNAP recipients will only be able to use their Electronic Benefit Transfer cards for purchases made within Louisiana and in ZIP codes adjacent to the state’s border.

Department officials said the policy change aims to protect benefits from fraud and out-of-state use while ensuring Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program dollars support Louisiana grocers, farmers, businesses and local communities.

EBT cardholders who shop at Louisiana stores and through approved online retailers will not be affected. Residents who regularly shop just across the state line in Texas, Mississippi and Arkansas will experience little to no disruption, as many of those border ZIP codes are included under the policy’s approved designation. Out-of-state purchases attempted outside of the approved areas will be blocked.

SNAP recipients who are traveling and need temporary access to make purchases outside of Louisiana can request a short-term exemption online at lifeincheckebt.com, by calling 888-524-3578, or by visiting a local department SNAP office.

Any temporary out-of-state access will automatically expire at the beginning of the following month, returning the card to the default setting.

For more information and a full list of approved border-area ZIP codes, residents can visit ldh.la.gov/page/electronic-benefits-transfer-ebt.

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Ever dreamed of becoming a Master Gardener? Now is your chance. The LSU AgCenter is accepting applications for the next Piney Hills Louisiana Master Gardeners class, scheduled for June through September. Membership is open to all adults in Northwest Louisiana. Master Gardeners are the volunteer arm of the LSU AgCenter. They are trained in horticulture in exchange for 40 hours of volunteer service, sharing what they have learned with other gardeners.

Volunteer opportunities include organizing and staffing the annual garden tour, annual seminar, along with the spring Plant Sale, teaching children about gardening, creating, and maintaining demonstration gardens and assisting in local parish extension offices.

So, what will you learn? Topics include insects, plant health, vegetables, fruits, turf, ornamentals and more. Classes, both lecture and hands-on, are taught by Louisiana Cooperative Extension specialists, university professors and other horticulture experts.

Classes will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Tuesday for 11 weeks, starting June 16, 2026. Attendance at all classes is required for certification. There is a $165 registration fee, which covers the cost of training manuals, publications and supplies for the class. If you enroll before April 20, you will receive a $25 discount. The registration deadline is May 22, 2026.

Call 318-927-3110 or 318-371-1371, to request an application, or download one at www.phlmg.com (Programs and follow the links.) or jmonzingo@agcenter.lsu.edu

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By John Monzingo, Assistant County Agent

Louisiana is proudly known as the “Sportsman’s Paradise,” a nickname earned through its rich
tradition of outdoor recreation. With more than 15 million acres of swamps, forests, and
waterways, the state offers abundant opportunities for boating, hunting, fishing, and other
activities. Louisiana is home to over 600 species of fish and wildlife, including duck, deer,
freshwater fish, and alligator—according to Louisiana Living and Business. For many residents,
the arrival of fall signals the beginning of hunting season. However, preparation should begin
well in advance.

Too often, hunters wait until just a few months before the season to begin thinking about the
land they hunt. Typical preparations may include scouting, clearing shooting lanes, or planting
food plots to attract wildlife. While these practices are important, I encourage a broader
approach; one that focuses on improving habitat rather than simply attracting animals for
harvest.

Habitat management should be the primary objective when establishing food plots. Wildlife
requires adequate nutrition year-round, not just during hunting season. By adopting a
comprehensive, year-long management strategy, landowners can provide consistent forage and
support healthier wildlife populations. Additionally, it is important to follow all guidelines and
regulations established by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, particularly
regarding hunting over or near planted areas.

Before planting any crop, the first step should always be collecting a soil sample. Soil testing
provides critical information on nutrient levels, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium,
as well as soil pH. This allows land managers to apply the appropriate fertilizers and soil
amendments, such as lime or sulfur, to optimize plant growth. Adjusting soil pH to the proper
range ensures efficient nutrient uptake and promotes strong, productive vegetation.

Below is an example of a year-long planting guide for wildlife in our region:

Wildlife Planting Guide

Warm-Season (April–June)

2-Species Combination:

Cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata)

Seeding Rate: 40 lbs./acre
Planting Depth: ½–1 inch

Alyceclover (Alysicarpus vaginalis)

Seeding Rate: 10 lbs./acre
Planting Depth: ¼–½ inch

3-Species Combination:

Cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata) – 40 lbs./acre, ½–1 inch

Alyceclover (Alysicarpus vaginalis) – 10 lbs./acre, ¼–½ inch

American Jointvetch (Aeschynomene spp.) – 5 lbs./acre, ¼–½ inch

Cool-Season (September–Mid October)

4-Species Combination Option 1:

Rye (Secale cereale) – 75 lbs./acre, ½–1 inch

Oats (Avena sativa) – 25 lbs./acre, ½–1 inch

Arrowleaf Clover (Trifolium vesiculosum) – 10 lbs./acre, ¼–½ inch

Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) – 10 lbs./acre, ¼–½ inch

4-Species Combination Option 2:

Rye (Secale cereale) – 75 lbs./acre, ½–1 inch

Oats (Avena sativa) – 25 lbs./acre, ½–1 inch

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) – 20 lbs./acre, ½–1 inch

Arrowleaf Clover (Trifolium vesiculosum) – 10 lbs./acre, ¼–½ inch

Note: Seeding rates listed are for broadcast planting. Reduce rates by 20% when drilling. If plots
are primarily intended for quail or turkey, reduce rates by 40–60%.

By taking a long-term approach to habitat management, hunters can not only improve their
success in the field but also contribute to the sustainability of Louisiana’s wildlife resources for
future generations.

For additional information or assistance, please contact the LSU AgCenter Extension Office at
318-927-3110.

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has announced that applications are now available for the 2026 commercial alligator lottery harvest season, which will begin Aug. 26 across designated wildlife management areas, public lakes, and federal property locations throughout the state.

According to LDWF, the commercial alligator lottery harvests will take place on 23 Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), 28 public lakes, and one U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property.

Officials say applications must be submitted by June 15, 2026.

LDWF emphasized that this program is the state’s longstanding commercial alligator lottery harvest and is separate from the recently adopted recreational alligator lottery program, which will feature a different application process expected to open later this year.

Eligible applicants must be Louisiana residents who are at least 16 years old. Participants may submit one application per customer and may rank up to three preferred hunting areas on their application.

The application fee is $5, along with a $3.50 transaction fee. Hunters selected through the lottery process will also be required to purchase a $25 alligator hunter license and pay $40 for each alligator tag allocated.

To assist applicants in selecting hunting locations, LDWF has made additional resources available online, including area maps, contact information for WMAs and public lakes, and statistics showing 2025 first-choice selection percentages for each location.

The department encourages interested applicants to review the available information carefully before applying.

For additional information regarding commercial lottery alligator harvests on WMAs and public lakes, residents may contact their local LDWF Field Office or email LAalligatorprogram@wlf.la.gov.

Applications and additional program information are available through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website.

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The biggest, most star-studded and fun-filled party of every summer for miles around is coming your way in a month.

Three days of festivities are approaching beginning Thursday, June 25 through Saturday, June 27 for the 2026 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration in Natchitoches.

The LSHOF’s Class of 2026 will be enshrined Saturday night, June 27 at the Natchitoches Events Center to culminate the 67^th Induction Celebration.

The Induction Celebration will kick off Thursday, June 25, with the Welcome Reception from 5-7 p.m., free to the public at the Hall of Fame museum at 800 Front Street.

The Friday, June 26 schedule begins with the Celebrity Bowling Bash presented by BOM at Four Seasons Bowling Center in Alexandria. The 2026 Rockin’ River Fest, a free concert on the downtown riverbank stage, begins at 6 p.m. and runs until 10:30. In conjunction with the Rockin’ River Fest is the VIP Taste of Tailgating party, a ticketed indoor-outdoor event.

The slate on Saturday, June 27 kicks off with the free LSHOF Junior Training Camp led by community relations personnel from the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, along with Northwestern State coaches and this year’s Hall of Fame inductees, on the NSU campus at the Webb Wellness and Recreation Center and Turpin Stadium. This event is presented by Natchitoches Regional Medical Center and is nearing capacity. Free registration for kids ages 7-16 is required and can be easily accomplished at LaSportsHall.com.

At noon Saturday, the Round Table Luncheon presented by the Tiger Athletic Foundation is set for Riverside Reserve on Mill Street. Fox Sports broadcaster Tim Brando emcees an entertaining program.

Festivities culminate Saturday evening with the Induction Reception at the LSHOF museum beginning at 5, followed at 7 by the Induction Ceremony at the Natchitoches Events Center. Northwestern State University and State Farm Agents of Louisiana are presenting sponsors Saturday evening.

The VIP Taste of Tailgating, the Bowling Bash, the Round Table Luncheon and the Induction Reception and Ceremony are ticketed events requiring purchase in advance through LaSportsHall.com or by calling 318-238-4255.

The Thursday reception, the Friday evening River Fest and the Junior Training Camp are free.

The Class of ‘26 is headlined by a star-studded group:  Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame 2025 inductee Sylvia Fowles, NFL stars Joe Horn, Todd McClure and Pat Williams, Major League Baseball All-Star Jonathan Lucroy and legendary basketball coaches John Brady, Mike McConathy and Dewain Strother.

Alexandria native and LSU baseball hero Warren Morris will receive the Louisiana Sports Ambassador Award, earning enshrinement into the LSHOF. His walk-off home run won the 1996 College World Series for LSU and resulted in the Bolton High School product becoming a lifelong spokesman for college baseball, the CWS and LSU.

LSU graduate and New Orleans native Gil LeBreton and multi-faceted Shreveporter John James Marshall are going into the Hall as the 2026 winners of the LSWA’s Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism. Former Tioga girls basketball coach and nationally-acclaimed high school sports administrator Kathy Holloway is being inducted as the recipient of the Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award.

The Induction Celebration will be hosted by the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation, the support organization for the Hall of Fame. The LSHOF Foundation was established as a 501 c 3 non-profit entity in 1975 and is governed by a statewide board of directors. 

For information on sponsorship opportunities and other participation, contact Foundation President/CEO Ronnie Rantz at 225-802-6040 or RonnieRantz@LaSportsHall.com, or Greg Burke, Director of Business Development and Public Relations, at 318-663-5459 or GregBurke@LaSportsHall.com via email.

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Nothing is harder to swallow than when a younger athlete comes along and replaces the older, more experienced player. Egos are shattered and feelings are sometimes hurt. No athlete likes to be put out to pasture. But in today’s bass fishing universe, that’s exactly what’s happening.

To say the young guns of bass fishing have arrived would be an understatement! No matter what sport you play, there comes a day when someone wants to take your spot. They respect you because of your experience and time you’ve given to the game, but they are the ones pushing you out of the sport you love. 

Today, a younger generation is making its mark on the sport of tournament bass fishing by utterly dominating tournaments with catches that no one has ever seen before. This past month a young buck, Andrew Rickman, 24 years old from Canton, Texas, made his presence felt by catching a record setting B.A.S.S. Nation record of 95 pounds,15 ounces over a three-day period.

Now to some this may not resonate, especially if you’re not familiar with tournament bass fishing. But what this young man did is nothing short of incredible! Maybe this will help you understand; he caught 15 bass over the three days and averaged over 6 pounds per fish — something that has never been done before in tournament competition. 

What makes this more amazing is the fact that he had never seen, let alone fished Toledo Bend in his entire life! Most anglers could add up three years of tournament catches and not even come close to 95 pounds of bass. This kid did it in three days with zero experience on the lake!

It’s just another testament to how good so many of these young anglers are. They are doing things and catching fish in ways the older generation of anglers have never dreamed about. 

One thing that is very noticeable about the young anglers of today; they spend a tremendous amount of time on the water learning new techniques and studying their electronic units like Forward-Facing Sonar so they can get better.

So many of these young anglers (due to forward-facing sonar) have been unfairly labeled as “scopers only.” But it’s a little unfair to put a blanket label over all of them because so many have been raised with old-school techniques and can catch bass with or without Forward Facing Sonar.  

To put a bow on this topic, if changes or FFS restrictions are not made with regards to bass tournaments, I highly suggest that the older anglers spend more time on the water learning how to use FFS during the off season and spend less time in the deer stand if they want to be competitive with the young guns that are on the rise in the bass tournament world. 

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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I’m about to tell you something no preacher has ever told you. You may want to sit down. You may want to brace yourself. You may want to alert the denominational office, because if this leaks out, it could change the face of Christianity as we know it.

Ready?

It is holy, righteous, and perfectly acceptable for you to say “No.”

Not “no” to sin—we already know that one. I’m talking about a radical, countercultural, spiritually liberating “no” to good things. To church things. To “we’vealwaysdoneitthisway” things. To “we need a warm body on this committee” things.

You no longer have to say, “Let me pray about it,” when you already know the Holy Spirit is whispering, “Child… absolutely not.”

You have permission—pastoral, biblical, Christcentered permission—to use the word “no” freely, joyfully, and without guilt.

We live in a culture that treats “no” like a fourletter word. We’re so polite, so conflictavoidant, so eager to be liked, that we twist ourselves into pretzels trying to find “winwin” solutions.

Meanwhile, our souls are running on fumes.

Jesus Himself said “no” all the time. He said “no” to crowds who wanted Him to stay. “No” to disciples who wanted Him to skip the cross. “No” to temptations that promised shortcuts.

If the Son of God could say “no” without guilt, surely His followers can too.

This revelation hit me while changing the air filters at the house. We have two units, which means two filters, which means two opportunities for sanctification.

I went to the discount store, the only place in Ruston that carries my size—and brought home the filters. When I unwrapped them, I noticed something odd.

Let me pause here.

Why is everything wrapped in plastic?  Who decided my air filter needed to be hermetically sealed like it was going on a space mission? Why is my chewing gum wrapped like it’s a national security threat?

Somewhere, a committee met, and not one brave soul stood up and said, “No. Wrapping an air filter in plastic is dumb.”

Back to the filter.

Under the plastic was a sheet titled, “Getting to Know Your Filter.” I’m sorry… what? I don’t want a relationship with my filter. I don’t need to know its hopes, dreams, or how many microns it filters. If you’re out there reading airfilter biographies, I say this with love: get a hobby.

So I said “no.” I refused to “get to know my filter.” And it felt good.

“No” creates margin. “No” creates Sabbath. “No” creates space for the things Jesus actually calls you to do.

We are exhausted not because God has overburdened us, but because we have said “yes” to things He never asked us to carry.

When you say “no” to the unnecessary, you say “yes” to: peace, presence, prayer, people and purpose.

You say “yes” to following Jesus instead of following expectations.

The cross itself is God’s great “no” to everything that destroys us—and His great “yes” to everything that gives life.

When you say “no” in the right places, you’re not being selfish. You’re being faithful. You’re choosing the narrow way. You’re choosing Christ.

So hear this clearly, boldly, and with pastoral authority:

You are hereby empowered to say “no.”  Not because you’re lazy. Not because you don’t care. But because your “yes” belongs to Jesus first.

And that, my friend, is the secret that might just set the church free.

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If every disagreement turns into a critique of how you communicate, the real problem may be what you’re not resolving—here’s how to break the cycle and start working as a team.

 See what Ida says 

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The Indianapolis 500, commonly called Indy 500, is a 500-mile automobile race which has become the largest single-day spectator sporting event in the world. Since its meager beginnings in 1909, people have flocked to the track in record numbers to watch the high-speed thrills. On May 30, 1941, George “Joie” Chitwood readied his cigar-shaped racecar, the Blue Crown Spark Plug Special, for the Indianapolis 500. During qualifying, Joie bounced around the track in his racecar and had a hard time keeping his foot on the accelerator. Out of necessity, Joie used a simple strap to fix the problem. The other drivers objected to the strap because they thought it was dangerous. The heads of the AAA Drivers Association agreed and refused to allow Joie to use the strap. They only relented when Joie promised to release the strap if he thought he was going to crash. Keep in mind that the cars traveled more than 100 miles per hour. Joie did not crash that day. He came in 14th place and won $620. (The first-place winner, Floyd Davis, received $29,200.) Joie believed that using the strap helped his performance in the 1941 Indy 500, but the other drivers remained skeptical.

For decades, the general public remained skeptical as well. Carmakers often adopt equipment designed for racing cars on their vehicles. In 1949, now defunct carmaker Nash Motors offered this strap on about 40,000 of their Airflyte and Ambassador models, but over 39,000 of them were removed by dealerships at the request of the owners. In 1955, Ford offered it as an option on their vehicles, but less than 2% of buyers chose the strap. In 1958, Saab became the first carmaker to include the strap as part of their standard equipment.

Although he had nothing to do with its invention, Joie Chitwood made history that day in May 1941 because he was the first driver to wear the strap in the Indy 500. Today, all race car drivers are required to wear one. It has also become a requirement in all automobiles. At that time, the common misperception was that people were safer in a car accident if they were thrown from the wreck rather than behind held inside the vehicle. They called the strap safety belts, but we know this strap as the seat belt.

Sources:

1. Robert Tate, “The 1949 Nash was an Entirely New Postwar Design,” MotorCities National Heritage Area, October 1, 2025, accessed May 17, 2026, https://www.motorcities.org/story-of-the-week/2025/the-1949-nash-was-an-entirely-new-postwar-design.

2. “1941 Indianapolis 500 Race Results,” Indianapolis 500 Race Day Stats, accessed May 17, 2026, https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/indy500/history/historical-stats/race-stats/race-results/1941.

3. “Joie Chitwood (SR.),” National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum, accessed May 17, 2026, https://web.archive.org/web/20190619150409/https://www.sprintcarhof.com/helper_pages/FileGet.aspx?id=186.

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Elmer Fayette Tompkins
October 14, 1946 — May 8, 2026
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 30 at 11:00 am at Arlington Cemetery

Patricia Louise Goolsby
March 17, 1939 — May 11, 2026
Services: June 13 at 3:00 PM at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses

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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The Claiborne Parish Assessor’s Office is recognizing Deputy Assessor Toni Edwards for recently completing advanced professional training through the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO).

According to the assessor’s office, Edwards successfully completed courses in Mass Appraisals and Assessment Administration during training sessions held in Baton Rouge.

Officials say the courses are designed to provide assessors and appraisal professionals with updated knowledge and best practices related to property assessment systems, valuation methods, and administrative procedures.

The Claiborne Parish Assessor’s Office emphasized the importance of continuing education and professional development in order to better serve parish residents and remain informed about evolving assessment standards and resources.

“We believe in the importance of continued education in order to stay updated on the latest systems and resources for our parish residents,” the office stated in its announcement.

The International Association of Assessing Officers provides education and certification programs for assessment professionals nationwide, focusing on property valuation, taxation, and public administration practices.

Claiborne Parish officials congratulated Edwards on completing the training and praised her continued dedication to professional growth and public service.

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The Haynesville Police Department is encouraging drivers and motorcyclists alike to prioritize roadway safety as part of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month this May.

Through a public awareness campaign, the department is reminding motorists to stay alert and “look twice” for motorcycles traveling on local highways and roadways.

Police officials say motorcycle safety is a shared responsibility between riders and drivers, especially as warmer weather brings increased motorcycle traffic across Louisiana roads.

The department’s campaign emphasizes several key safety reminders for riders and motorists, including:

Wear a helmet — it could save your life

Look twice — motorcycles can be difficult to see

Slow down and allow more time to react

Ride responsibly and obey traffic laws

Wear proper protective gear every ride

The Haynesville Police Department also stressed the importance of defensive driving and maintaining awareness of motorcycles in traffic.

“Drive aware. Ride safe. Arrive alive,” the department shared as part of the safety message.
Law enforcement officials nationwide observe Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month each May to help reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving motorcycles.

The Haynesville Police Department encourages all residents to remain cautious, patient, and attentive while traveling roadways throughout the busy spring and summer travel seasons.

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Residents should prepare for an extended stretch of wet and stormy weather as showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue through the upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters say rain chances will remain elevated from Wednesday through Monday, with repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms likely throughout the area.

Wednesday’s forecast calls for a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms under partly sunny skies with a high near 83 degrees. Northeast winds around 5 mph are expected during the day.

Rain chances increase Wednesday night, with showers and thunderstorms becoming more likely after 1 a.m. Skies will remain mostly cloudy with overnight lows near 67 degrees.

Thursday’s forecast turns even wetter, with a 90 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms expected after 1 p.m. Temperatures will reach near 81 degrees with light east winds developing during the afternoon.

Stormy conditions are expected to continue Thursday night with a 90 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms and lows around 66 degrees.

Friday remains unsettled with an 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms and highs near 81 degrees. Additional scattered storms are expected Friday night under mostly cloudy skies.

The rainy pattern continues through the weekend, with showers and thunderstorms likely Saturday and Sunday. Daytime highs are forecast to remain in the lower 80s while overnight lows stay near 67 degrees.

Memorial Day is also expected to remain cloudy and wet, with a 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms and highs near 82 degrees.

Meteorologists encourage residents planning outdoor activities, travel, lake trips, or holiday gatherings to closely monitor weather forecasts and remain alert for possible thunderstorms and changing conditions throughout the extended holiday weekend.

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Homer High School is celebrating a historic academic achievement after student Leyla Slaughter became the first student in school history to earn an associate’s degree while still enrolled in high school.

School officials announced that Slaughter graduated from Northwestern State University with an Associate of General Studies degree, marking a milestone accomplishment for both the student and Homer High School.

The achievement highlights the growing opportunities available to high school students through dual enrollment and college partnership programs that allow students to earn college credits while completing high school coursework.

Faculty and administrators praised Slaughter for her dedication, hard work, and commitment to academic excellence throughout her educational journey.

Earning an associate’s degree before high school graduation requires students to complete significant college-level coursework while balancing the responsibilities of high school academics and activities.

School leaders described the accomplishment as a proud moment for Homer High School and an example of the academic potential of students in Claiborne Parish.

Community members, teachers, and fellow students joined in congratulating Slaughter on the historic achievement and wished her continued success in her future educational and career pursuits.

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Residents across Claiborne Parish are invited to continue supporting local farmers, growers, and vendors during the ongoing Creole Soul Farms Farmers Market season in Homer.

Hosted by A Gracious Plenty at 628 North Main Street in Homer, the market operates every Friday and the third Saturday of each month from March through October in partnership with the LSU AgCenter.

Organizers say the market offers residents access to fresh produce, plant starts, homemade goods, educational demonstrations, and family-friendly activities throughout the growing season.

Upcoming market highlights include LSU AgCenter food demonstrations and educational programming designed to promote healthy eating and local agriculture. Family activities are also planned, including a children’s “Plant a Zinnia” activity aimed at teaching gardening skills and encouraging youth involvement in agriculture.

Vendors are expected to offer tomatoes, basil, houseplants, and a variety of additional plant starts and garden items during upcoming market dates.

The market is part of a broader effort to support local agriculture while creating opportunities for residents to shop locally and connect with area farmers and producers.

Community leaders say the market continues to serve as an important gathering place for Claiborne Parish residents while promoting nutrition, gardening, and small business growth.

Additional information about market dates, vendors, and activities can be found through Creole Soul Farms and participating LSU AgCenter programs.

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