I’ve always heard the saying that “some things never change,” but that would not be the case for bass tournaments. When you look back at tournament participation over the last 10 years, one thing is very apparent; anglers have walked away from bass tournaments. 

Let’s look at some of the reasons that might explain why participation is down. But understand this, you can’t point your finger at just one reason. First and foremost, we are living in a different time as compared to the hay day of tournament bass fishing that was the 1990s and early 2000s.

After the conclusion of the COVID outbreak in 2021, for some reason tournament participation has gone south. Tournaments were at full strength during COVID as anglers were looking for an escape from isolation. Bass boat sales were out the roof nationwide with people retreating to the outdoors. 

All the major tournament trails were filling up with a maximum number of entries anywhere from 200 to 300 boats or more. But a couple of years after COVID, for whatever reason, anglers quit showing up. 

That was about the time forward-facing sonar became an issue. Nothing in the last 40 years has had as much controversial impact than forward-facing sonar. 

Now I’m not pointing the finger at this alone because it may be just a coincidence that anglers were dropping out of tournaments. But for the last five years, anglers have come up with other reasons for not fishing competitively. 

Some say it’s the economy, but I’m not totally buying into this idea. One thing about bass tournament anglers, they will do whatever it takes to make sure they can still compete even if it means selling their youngest child or their wife getting a second job in order to save enough money for them to fish the next tournament. 

While I’m joking about them selling their youngest child, there is one thing that seems to be a common variable to anglers not showing up: gas prices! Back in 2014 when a tank of gas cost you an arm and a leg ($4 a gallon), anglers decided to park their high-dollar bass boats.

While gas prices can have an influence on whether anglers fish or not, presently we are once again on the verge of anglers parking their boats as gas prices continue to rise due to the war with Iran. 

Here’s a major concern of mine that I think is having a negative effect on tournaments … cheaters! Over the last two years, there have been more anglers disqualified for rules violations and more people who have been caught cheating. 

This has given the sport a black eye and is just another reason anglers are thinking twice before entering a tournament. They just don’t trust that someone is not cheating! Even on local weeknight shootouts, there have been anglers caught cheating just to win a couple hundred dollars. 

So, even with all the reasons we’ve mentioned, one angler recently summed it up as to why tournament participation is down nationwide: “It’s just not fun any more!”

Very few of us fish for a living. We love tournaments because we enjoy the comradery and the competition. Most guys are perfectly happy if they just get a check to help cover their gas, hotel and food. 

But it’s sad that we live in a world today where there will always be a couple of bad apples that can ruin it for everybody. I just hope that one day anglers can look forward to fishing a tournament and not have to worry if someone is cheating. 

Hopefully the heyday of tournament bass fishing is not over. But it’s going to take time for some anglers to return to the sport they love. Tournament organizations are in a pickle today trying to figure out the formula that will encourage tournament anglers to return.

Every tournament trail is always attempting to get more anglers to enter their events. Their dilemma is trying to figure out who should be their target demographic group. Should they cater to the younger generation (18 to 34) or try to get the 35 and older anglers back? 

There’s one key component they’ll need to factor in when getting more anglers to return; they must gain their trust again.   

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Graduation season is officially here, which means students across Louisiana are preparing for one of life’s biggest milestones… and one of its longest ceremonies. Between the packed auditoriums, nervous sweating, endless speeches, and the fear of tripping on stage, every graduate knows survival requires a few essentials: graduation cords, a portable fan, sunglasses for hiding tired eyes from cramming for finals, and a fully charged phone ready for photos the second it’s over.

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Haynesville Elementary School is celebrating major recognition for its student leadership and involvement after the school’s 4-H Club was named “Club of the Year” during a recent awards banquet.

School officials praised the students and club leaders for their dedication and hard work throughout the year, calling the honor a reflection of the club’s continued excellence and community involvement.

“We are so proud of our amazing students and leaders for this well-deserved honor,” the school shared in an announcement following the event.

In addition to the club-wide recognition, Haynesville Elementary also celebrated a major individual accomplishment as Mills was inducted into the Louisiana State 4-H Hall of Fame.

School leaders described the honor as a testament to outstanding dedication, leadership, and service within the 4-H program and the community.

The Louisiana State 4-H Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and leadership through their participation and contributions to 4-H activities and programs.

Haynesville Elementary officials said the recognitions highlight the strong culture of leadership and student achievement present throughout the school.

“Haynesville Elementary continues to shine, and we couldn’t be prouder,” the school stated.

The achievements were celebrated by students, staff, families, and community supporters who continue to play an important role in the success of the school’s 4-H program.

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Several years ago, a radio station in San Francisco conducted a nonscientific listener survey. Sixty-eight percent of the people surveyed were for it. Twenty percent were against it. The remaining twelve percent had no opinion on the matter. So the radio station concluded from this nonscientific survey that the vast majority were in favor of it. The funny part is that the radio station never asked a question. It was an illustration of the bandwagon effect. If you get enough people walking down South Trenton Street in the same direction at nearly the same time, a parade is likely to break out.

I could go on one of my rants about people not thinking critically about political, educational, existential, or spiritual matters — but I won’t. I will say this: you need to read more than just the headlines on the website. You need to read the article. And you need to read more than one verse of the Bible if you want the whole picture. We often form opinions based on emotion rather than actually thinking something through. (I know — shocking.)

I talk about this because when people find out I’m a minister, they usually ask a question that goes something like this: “Do Methodists believe in drinking wine and playing cards at the dance held on Sunday afternoon at the movie theater?” This is not a serious question, but the ones people ask me are just as funny. When someone asks me about a specific “sin,” I usually ask them what they think. You might be surprised to know that people are looking for direction and validation in their lives. I’m amused that they mostly want to know if I’m AGAINST the same things they’re against. Often, in seeking direction and validation for our spiritual position, we join a church where people “think like we do.”

Nonchurch folks define the congregation of Trinity Methodist in two ways: by who attends our church, and by what we are AGAINST. I have a list of jokes to prove my point, but space doesn’t allow me to share them. (You’re welcome.) In church life, the bandwagon is joined as much for what a church is against as for what the church believes. But do you really want anyone defining you by what you’re against?

Now here’s what I want you to hear — and I want you to hear it louder than any bandwagon rolling down the street. I am FOR YOU. I believe God loves you just the way you are — not the “improved,” “cleanedup,” “Sundaybest” version of you, but the real you, the one who sometimes burns the biscuits, loses their patience, and wonders if they’re getting any of this right. You don’t have to do one single thing to earn God’s love. Not one. I believe God wants the best for you — and your “best” doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. God loves you so much that He sent Jesus into the world to show us that love with skin on.

And if you’ve never heard anyone say this plainly, let me be the first: you matter, you are loved, and heaven is not rolling its eyes at you. God is not waiting for you to get your act together — God is already cheering for you, believing in you, and walking with you.

What do you believe?

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After 22 years of shared finances, a new disagreement puts one couple at odds: should they help an adult son with car payments, or protect their retirement?

 See what Ida says 

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Burger joints are as much a part of our American culture as the fish and chip shops are in England.  On April 25, 1960, Michael James “Jim” Delligatti opened a drive-in restaurant franchise in Uniontown, Pennsylvania.  Jim’s drive-in operated on a streamlined technique in which they could deliver a hamburger, French fires, and a milkshake in 50 seconds or less.  The menu consisted of just ten items: hamburgers, cheeseburgers, French fries, triple thick milkshakes, Coca Cola, root beer, Orangeade, milk, coffee, and hot chocolate.  By using their assembly line process, they could prepare 36 hamburgers in just 110 seconds.  Jim’s drive-in had the space to prepare 6,000 hamburgers a day.  At $.15 each, the profit margin per hamburger was small, but they made up for it in volume.  Customers flocked to Jim’s drive-in.  The food was inexpensive, quick, and tasted good.  A bright neon sign identified the drive-in.  The brightly lit food preparation area was enclosed by 900 square feet of quarter-inch plate glass so customers could see that their food was served quickly in spotless surroundings.  Business was so good that by 1971, Jim owned a dozen drive-in restaurant franchises in western Pennsylvania.  Jim eventually owned 48 restaurants in the drive-in restaurant chain.      

Jim always paid attention to what his customers wanted.  After hearing that they desired a bigger sandwich, Jim went to work.  After a short time—speed was of the utmost importance—Jim created a bigger sandwich by using items already on his menu and adding a unique sauce made from salted egg yolks, mustard, onion, garlic, and relish.  In March of 1967, Jim used his Uniontown drive-in to test out his new sandwich.  Demand exploded and Jim added his new creation to the menus of his other drive-ins.  The results were the same.  Jim’s larger sandwich was a hit, but the parent company did not want to alter their original menu.  Jim explained, “they figured, why go to something else if (the original menu) was working so well?”  Eventually, Jim’s creation was added to the national chain’s menus with resounding success.  Since 1968, the chain has sold billions of Jim’s larger sandwiches.  In 2006, the parent company estimated that they were selling 550 million of them each year at a rate of 17 each second.            

Jim did not become wealthy off of his creation that is now sold in over 100 countries.  Jim received no payment and no royalties for the creation, but that was okay with Jim.  After more than six and a half decades, Jim’s Drive-In is still open.  From the menu at the drive-in restaurant at 575 Morgantown Street in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, you can still order the sandwich Jim created there by combining two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions, on a sesame seed bun.  It is said to be the most popular sandwich on the planet.  Jim, the owner of a McDonald’s franchise, was the creator of the Big Mac.  …and it’s time for lunch.

Sources:

1.     The Evening Standard (Uniontown, Pennsylvania), April 12, 1960, p.7.

2.     The Evening Standard, March 2, 1971, p.69.

3.     Valley News (West Lebanon, New Hampshire), December 4, 2016, p.12.

4.     “Michael James Delligatti,” Devlin Funeral Home, accessed May 3, 2026, https://www.devlinfuneralhome.com/obituaries/michael-james-delligatti/.

5.     “Inventor of the Big Mac dies, aged 98,” BBC News, November 30, 2016, accessed May 3, 2026, https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-38162497.

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For at least one day this week, aviator sunglasses become socially acceptable indoors, people suddenly feel the need for speed on their morning commute, and someone, somewhere, will absolutely attempt a volleyball reference they are too young to fully understand.

May 13 marks National Top Gun Day, an unofficial holiday celebrating the 1986 blockbuster film that turned fighter pilots into pop culture icons and permanently convinced generations of movie fans that motorcycles, leather jackets, and dramatic runway walks were essential personality traits.

The holiday arrives this year with even more momentum as both Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick are returning to theaters for a limited anniversary run beginning May 13 to celebrate the original movie’s 40th anniversary.

That means Americans this week may once again find themselves explaining to younger family members why everyone over age 35 instinctively says “Talk to me, Goose” during minor inconveniences.

The original Top Gun, released in 1986 and starring Tom Cruise as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, became one of the defining films of the 1980s. The movie reportedly boosted Navy recruitment, made aviator sunglasses wildly popular, and helped launch one of the most recognizable soundtracks in movie history.

Even people who have never seen the film somehow still understand the references. “Danger Zone” starts playing, and suddenly everyone feels qualified to land fighter jets.

The holiday itself has developed a surprisingly loyal online following over the years, with fans celebrating by rewatching the movies, quoting dialogue, and debating whether Top Gun: Maverick somehow managed to outperform the original nearly four decades later.

Social media users have already begun posting their plans for the annual celebration.

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Fontonio Donyell Carter
April 5, 1985 – May 7, 2026
Service: May 16 at 2:30 – 4:30 pm at Homer High School

Vincent Bernard Williams
July 23, 1975 – May 4, 2026
Visitation :May 15 from 1:00 – 6:00 pm at Memorial Funeral Home
Service: May 16 at 11:00 am at the 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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CLAIBORNE PARISH, La. — Claiborne Parish officials have announced that the 2026 Claiborne Parish Tax Lien Sale will be conducted entirely online, giving interested bidders remote access to participate from virtually anywhere.

The online auction is scheduled for June 2, 2026, and will run from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Central Time.
Registration for the tax lien sale opens May 4, 2026, and interested participants can create an account and complete registration through GovEase, the platform facilitating the online auction. Officials encourage bidders to review registration requirements and complete setup in advance of auction day.

According to promotional materials, the online format offers several conveniences for participants, including:

Access from any device, including phones, tablets, or computers

A bidder dashboard that tracks bidding activity and purchases in real time

The ability to enter maximum bids ahead of time to streamline the auction process

To help first-time participants navigate the process, online bidder training is also available through GovEase at govease.com/bidderhelp.

Residents and investors with questions regarding the upcoming sale can contact GovEase support by email at support@govease.com or by phone at (769) 208-5050 ext. 2.

Additional local questions may also be directed to the Claiborne Parish Civil Office at 318-927-4807.

Officials say moving the tax lien sale online is intended to improve accessibility and efficiency while allowing bidders to participate securely and conveniently.

Interested bidders are encouraged to register early and review auction procedures before the June 2 event.

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CLAIBORNE PARISH, La. — Residents in Claiborne Parish should prepare for a wet and stormy stretch of weather through midweek, with heavy rain chances and possible thunderstorms expected before drier and warmer conditions arrive for the weekend.

Forecasts indicate Wednesday will bring the most active weather of the week, beginning with a chance of morning showers and thunderstorms before more widespread rain and thunderstorms develop after 1 p.m. Temperatures are expected to reach a high near 80 degrees with light south winds around 5 mph.

Rain chances are high at 90%, making Wednesday the wettest day in the forecast period.

Storms are expected to continue into Wednesday night, with showers and possible thunderstorms likely before 1 a.m., followed by another chance of rain and storms overnight. Cloudy skies will persist as temperatures fall to around 54 degrees. The overnight rain chance remains elevated at 70%.

Conditions begin to improve on Thursday, though a 30% chance of lingering showers remains in the forecast. Skies will stay mostly cloudy with cooler temperatures, reaching a daytime high near 70 degrees.

By Thursday night, only a slight 20% chance of showers is expected before 1 a.m. Cloud cover will remain in place, with overnight lows dropping to around 51 degrees.

The weather pattern shifts toward more favorable conditions by Friday, bringing mostly sunny skies and a high near 76 degrees. Friday night remains mostly quiet, although a slight 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms returns after 1 a.m., with lows near 57 degrees.

The weekend forecast looks ideal for outdoor activities, with Saturday expected to be mostly sunny and warm, reaching a high near 80 degrees. Saturday night will remain partly cloudy with lows around 60 degrees.

Looking ahead to Sunday, temperatures continue to warm with a high near 85 degrees, though a 30% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms returns under mostly sunny skies.

Residents are encouraged to stay weather-aware during Wednesday’s expected storms and monitor local conditions for any updates or advisories.

After a soggy and stormy start, Claiborne Parish can look forward to a much brighter and warmer weekend.

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By Tiffany Flournoy

A Claiborne Academy senior has been selected as one of eight North Louisiana students awarded college scholarships from Meriwether Wealth & Planning.

Meriwether Wealth & Planning announced the recipients of its 2026 Meriwether Scholarships, selected from 46 applications submitted by high school seniors across North Louisiana. Each student will receive a $1,000 award to be applied to the college or university of their choice.

Among the recipients is Elaini Ware of Claiborne Academy, who plans to attend Louisiana Tech University and major in speech-language pathology.

Other recipients include Topher Wilson of Minden High School, Addison Lee of Glenbrook School and Camryn Nail and Hudson Smith of North Webster High School, along with Indya Carper of Captain Shreve High School, Ella Dison of Saline High School and Amberlynn Kennedy of West Ouachita High School.

A selection committee made up of Meriwether clients reviewed applications, essays and recommendation letters to determine the winners.

“We were able to offer eight scholarships this year thanks to the generosity of several clients who desired to make a positive impact in the lives of students,” said Tracy L. Campbell, a partner and financial advisor with the firm. “It’s evident by the applications we received that the future is bright for so many young people in our area.”

Meriwether officials said the firm has contributed more than $250,000 to local communities over the past five years through sponsorships, donations and scholarships supporting schools and nonprofit organizations.

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The Claiborne Parish Registrar of Voters is reminding residents that early voting remains underway and will continue through Saturday ahead of the upcoming May 16 Election Day.

Early voting is available daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Claiborne Parish Registrar of Voters Office, located at 507 West Main Street, Suite 1, in Homer.

Election officials noted that while the U.S. Representative race has been postponed until November, all other items originally scheduled for the ballot will remain in place for voters during both early voting and Election Day.

Residents choosing to vote early must do so at the Registrar’s Office during designated hours. On Election Day, May 16, voters will cast their ballots at their assigned local polling places throughout Claiborne Parish.

Registrar officials are encouraging eligible voters to take advantage of early voting to avoid potential delays and ensure participation in the upcoming election.

With several ballot items still before voters, parish officials emphasize the importance of reviewing ballot information in advance and making a plan to vote.

For additional election details, voters are encouraged to contact the Claiborne Parish Registrar of Voters Office directly or visit official state election resources.

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BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) released the 2025 letter grades for community water systems across the state on May 4, offering a transparent look at the quality and performance of more than 900 systems serving Louisiana residents.

This annual report card, mandated by the Community Drinking Water Accountability Rule (Act 98 of the 2021 Regular Legislative Session), provides residents with clear, accessible information about the systems that deliver their drinking water.

The latest report shows continued progress statewide, with fewer water systems receiving failing grades and more systems demonstrating measurable improvements in performance.

“The overall improvement we are seeing in water system grades is encouraging and reflects the hard work of our water providers and the impact of strategic investments at both the state and federal levels,” said Tonya Joiner, assistant secretary for the Louisiana Office of Public Health. “We remain committed to building on this progress and ensuring that all Louisianans have access to safe, reliable water.”

The water grading system, authorized in 2021, is part of the Safe Drinking Water Program’s broader effort to strengthen accountability among water providers while empowering consumers with clear information about their drinking water. The grades are calculated using a standardized 100-point scale based on seven critical categories:

1. Federal Water Quality Compliance
2. State Water Quality Compliance
3. Financial Sustainability
4. Operation and Maintenance
5. Infrastructure Sustainability
6. Customer Satisfaction
7. Secondary Contaminants (iron and manganese)

See Claiborne Parish on page 8.

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Job seekers and local employers in Claiborne Parish will have an opportunity to connect at an upcoming community job fair hosted by the Haynesville Police Department.

The department announced it will hold its Job Fair on June 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Haynesville Fair Barn.

Organizers say the event is designed to help residents explore employment opportunities close to home while strengthening connections between local businesses and the community.

Promoted under the theme “Build Your Future. Stay Local.”, the job fair encourages individuals searching for employment or considering a career change to meet directly with area employers and learn about available positions.

The event is also seeking participation from businesses interested in recruiting new employees. Local companies are invited to set up and connect with potential candidates from across Haynesville and surrounding communities.

“This is an opportunity to connect with local businesses and explore what’s available in our community,” organizers noted in promotional materials for the event.

Businesses interested in participating are encouraged to contact the Haynesville Police Department for additional details. Event coordinators Morgana or Billy can be reached at 318-624-1355.

Community leaders say the initiative reflects a broader effort to support workforce development, promote local hiring, and strengthen economic opportunities within Claiborne Parish.

The Haynesville Police Department emphasized that partnerships between residents, businesses, and local organizations are key to building a stronger community.

Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars and attend the June 5 event to network, explore job openings, and discover career opportunities available locally.

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Is there a phrase more terrifying to the modern grocery shopper than “UNEXPECTED ITEM IN BAGGING AREA”? (Except, perhaps, “ITEM REMOVED FROM BAGGING AREA.”) 

We’ve all been there: The panicked fumble, the furious (yet ultimately futile) pressing of the “clear error” button, the desperate eye-contact with the one store employee who is now also side-eyeing your entire existence. The worst part? The machine never understands your motivation. It doesn’t know about the snack craving, the mid-afternoon energy slump, or the urgent need for specifically this kind of chip. It only knows that something isn’t “registered” and now you’re the unexpected item.

Just… just give me the snacks, you heartless electronic demon.

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) reminds the public that increased water temperatures, storms, and extended cloudy weather can lead to fish kills in inland and nearshore waters across the state. These events are typically caused by low dissolved oxygen (hypoxia), which often occurs in warm water, since it has a lower carrying capacity for oxygen than cooler water.  Conditions such as stagnant water, heavy rainfall, decaying vegetation, or increased nutrient runoff contribute to hypoxic conditions—especially in shallow bayous, marshes, and ponds.

Fish kills may affect certain species or sizes more than others. For example, shad are sensitive to hypoxia, and are often the first or only fish that experience a fish kill, while some species, like gar, can breathe air and are resistant to hypoxic conditions. Other species have varying levels of tolerance to hypoxic conditions. 

While fish kills can temporarily impact recreational and commercial fishing, aquatic ecosystems in Louisiana are resilient and typically recover naturally. Even in large fish kills, some fish will find refuge from hypoxic conditions in the affected waterbody or connected waterbodies and survive. Scavengers and decomposers help break down fish remains, and most systems recover over time. If conditions remain favorable, fish populations often rebound after major kills within one to two years without the need for stocking, and young fish benefit from reduced competition and increased resources. However, fish kills caused by pollution or chemical spills can occur at any time and may require additional response.

Documenting fish kills in Louisiana, whether caused by natural or human-caused events, is important to responsibly manage fisheries resources. Please report any observed fish kill to LDWF so biologists can investigate and document the kill as soon as possible. For information on how to report a fish kill or more information about the causes of fish kills, go online to wlf.louisiana.gov/page/fish-kills.

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Claiborne Parish 4-H members recently traveled to the Louisiana State Capitol for 4-H Day at the Capitol, giving local youth a firsthand opportunity to explore state government and civic leadership in action.

During the visit, students spent the day inside the Louisiana State Capitol learning how state government operates, meeting with legislators, and gaining a better understanding of the legislative process.

The educational trip allowed Claiborne Parish 4-H members to tour the Capitol building, observe the inner workings of government, and experience how laws and policies are discussed and shaped at the state level.

Organizers say the event is designed to provide youth with real-world exposure to leadership, public service, and civic engagement—key pillars of the 4-H program.

“From touring the Capitol building to seeing democracy in action, our members got a real-life look at leadership, service, and civic engagement,” Claiborne Parish 4-H shared following the trip.

Beyond the educational value, the event also gave students the chance to proudly represent Claiborne Parish 4-H while connecting with fellow 4-H members from across Louisiana.

4-H leaders say experiences like these help prepare young people to become informed citizens and future community leaders by encouraging involvement in government, service, and leadership opportunities.

The trip to Baton Rouge marks another successful hands-on learning experience for Claiborne Parish 4-H youth as the organization continues its mission of developing confident, capable leaders throughout the parish.

I was always told as a kid growing up that you are judged by the company you keep. In other words, it’s important that you choose your friends wisely. This is also important when it comes to tournament bass fishing.

In each tournament, especially multi-day events, it’s important to have the right guys in the house you’re staying in. Guys that you trust and have the same moral and ethical values as yourself. Anglers that will come to your rescue on and off the lake if you have a problem.

Over the years I have fished all over the South and I have chosen who I travel with very carefully. There are several traits that make good roommates on the road. First and foremost, you have to trust the people you’re sharing a house with. I’m not talking about stealing or tearing the place up, but a person who when he says something, you can trust he’s telling the truth. 

Some guys like to share information, but you must be careful and proceed with caution with the info you receive — even from the guys you’re staying with. There are anglers that will lead you astray and send you down a rabbit hole just to eliminate you from being in contention. 

Understand this, bass fishermen are a different breed of people and love nothing more than winning. Oh, we all hope everyone in the house does well, but rest assured, each one of us wants to win!

The next trait I’m looking for in a good roommate on the road is attitude. Nothing is worse than having a guy in the house that has a poor attitude or rubs people the wrong way. It can make for a very long week of fishing when there’s one guy who the rest of the house can’t stand.

There are some guys that are always negative and like to drag others down with them. Fortunately for me, I’ve never had that experience before. But that’s because I choose the guys I’m traveling with very carefully. 

The final thing that is very important in a good housemate is if he is financially stable. This can be a problem if one guy can’t pull his weight and pony up the money necessary to take care his share of house expenses. 

I’ve always said, “If you can’t afford the expenses involved in tournament fishing like house rent, food, boat gas, entry fees, insurance etc., then you don’t need to be fishing tournaments!”  

No one, and I mean no one, has been as fortunate as I have when it comes to great housemates on the road. I have never encountered one angler who I would  later think, “He’ll never stay with me again!” 

For the last 10 years the guys who have been a part of our road crew are Brett Hortman, Walt Stevens, Adrian James, Brennan Flick and Cole Garrett. These guys are as good as gold and guys that I have nothing but great respect for. Not one time have we had an issue with anyone in the house. I’ve also had the privilege of staying with Albert Collins and Clayton Boulware, who are both great anglers but even better people. 

We’ve all had some great tournaments and some that weren’t so good. But the one thing I always knew, I could trust each and every one of them no matter what. Whether it was fixing a flat tire or making repairs on our boats, I could always count on these guys.

I always felt that if one of us was in contention to win, the rest of the house would help in any way we could. Finding guys like these is hard today with so many anglers fishing selfishly. 

To wrap this up, if you’re a young angler and getting into tournament bass fishing, choose who you travel with wisely. It will give great peace of mind knowing that if you have a problem, one of your guys will go out of their way to help you. 

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Residents in Claiborne Parish interested in pursuing a career in construction will soon have an opportunity to gain hands-on training and industry credentials through an upcoming workforce development program in Homer.

Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College (NLTCC) has announced a Basic Construction Class being offered in partnership with TIC – The Industrial Company.

The course is scheduled to take place in Homer from May 11 through June 5 and is designed to equip students with foundational skills needed to begin careers in the construction industry.

According to program information, participants will receive:

Basic construction skills training

Workplace readiness instruction

Preparation for earning the NCCER Core Certification

The NCCER Core certification is a nationally recognized credential that provides essential construction knowledge and safety training valued by employers across the industry.

Program organizers also noted that students who successfully complete the class will be guaranteed an interview with TIC, one of the largest construction and engineering companies in North America.

Officials say the partnership is intended to help strengthen the regional workforce while creating direct employment pathways for local residents seeking skilled trade careers.

The training opportunity is part of ongoing workforce development efforts aimed at connecting area residents with in-demand career fields and industry-recognized certifications.

Those interested in learning more or registering for the course are encouraged to visit the Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College website for additional details.

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If you grew up in the 1960s, you probably remember a time when home appliances were built like tanks, weighed like tractors, and behaved like mischievous cousins who couldn’t be trusted. Ours certainly did. We had a refrigerator with only one big outer door, and inside that door—like a frosty little secret—was the freezer compartment. It was the kind of setup that made sense only to engineers who had never met actual children.

The top hinge of that refrigerator had screws that were, shall we say, “spiritually backslidden.” They were stripped, worn, and holding on by the power of prayer alone. If you opened the door too quickly or too wide, the hinge would give up entirely, leaving the entire refrigerator door hanging by the bottom hinge like a drunk uncle leaning on a lamppost.

And when that happened, it made a noise. A loud noise. A noise that said, “Someone is trying to sneak a popsicle.”

My mother, who possessed the hearing of a bat and the reflexes of a ninja, would shout from the other room, “Fix the door!” And we kids would scramble like we were disarming a bomb. Because in the 60s, you didn’t sneak snacks. You attempted them. And you were usually caught.

The tea pitcher lived in that refrigerator too, which meant that even the simple act of getting a drink of tea required the stealth of a Navy SEAL. The door could be opened quietly, but children in the 60s were not careful. We were loud, clumsy, sugarmotivated creatures who believed we were invisible as long as we whispered.

Looking back, that refrigerator door was more than a household hazard. It was a spiritual formation tool. It taught us patience, discipline, and the consequences of lukewarm commitment. Because if you approached that door casually—halfheartedly, carelessly—it betrayed you. Every time.

And isn’t that a picture of the Christian life?

Revelation talks about being hot or cold, but not lukewarm. Lukewarm is what happens when we try to follow Jesus casually, quietly, or only when we think no one is watching. Lukewarm faith is refrigeratordoor faith: it looks sturdy from the outside, but the hinges are loose, the screws are stripped, and the whole thing falls apart the moment life swings too wide.

But when we approach our faith with intention—with reverence, steadiness, and a little holy fear—we discover that the door holds. The hinges strengthen. The whole thing works the way it was meant to.

That old refrigerator is long gone, but the lesson remains: a life of faith can’t be sneaked into or stumbled through. It must be opened with purpose.

And if you ever doubt that, just remember: God hears everything. Even the sound of a kid trying to steal a popsicle.

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She’s not just a nervous flyer anymore—she’s dreading every trip. With family and work pulling her cross-country, is it time to face her fears or stay grounded for good?

 See what Ida says 

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Wilmer McLean was a retired officer of the Virginia militia who became wealthy as a wholesale grocer based in Alexandria, Virginia.  In 1850, he married Virginia Beverley Hooe.  Three years later when Virginia was expecting their first child, Wilmer searched for a quiet, peaceful place for his growing family to live.  On January 1, 1854, Wilmer’s son, John Wilmer, was born.  Wilmer had his sights set on the 1200-acre rural Yorkshire Plantation north of Manassas along Bull Run, a 31-mile-long tributary of the Occoquan River.  Shortly after baby John was born, Wilmer purchased the plantation.  Three years later, they welcomed their second child, a daughter named Lucretia “Lula” Virginia.  Theirs was a perfectly peaceful existence.  They lived in a huge two-story house, some referred to it as a mansion, on one of the many rolling hills next to the lazy stream.  It seemed as if they were living in a dream world which would last forever. 

Their peaceful, dreamlike existence ended abruptly on July 21, 1861.  Confederate Brigadier General P.G.T. Beauregard had commandeered Wilmer’s home and barn as his headquarters along the strategic Bull Run.  Whether Wilmer and his family continued to live in their home with the soldiers or moved to a nearby home is unknown, but they remained in close proximity.  On that hot July day, Union and Confederate soldiers fought an artillery duel on Wilmer’s plantation.  General Beauregard later wrote, “A comical effect of this artillery fight was the destruction of the dinner of myself and staff by a Federal shell that fell into the fire-place of my headquarters at the McLean House.”  What became known as The Battle of Bull Run was the first major campaign of the Civil War. 

Following the battle, the soldiers moved to other battlefields.  Wilmer and his family returned to the peaceful existence on Yorkshire Plantation that they had enjoyed before the war.  Soon thereafter, Virginia became pregnant with their third child.  Once again, their peace was broken when soldiers converged again near the same strategic location.  For three days in 1862, August 28-30, Confederate and Union soldiers fought the Second Battle of Bull Run.  Shortly after the battle, Wilmer and his pregnant wife and their two children abandoned Yorkshire Plantation for safer environs. 

On January 28, 1863, Virginia gave birth to a daughter named Nannie.  Shortly thereafter, Wilmer and his family purchased a large home about 140 miles to the southwest in the village of Appomattox Court House, Virginia.  For two years, Wilmer’s family lived far from the fields of battle.  On April 9, 1865, Virginia was pregnant with their fourth child when Charles Marshall, Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s aide, asked Wilmer to show him a suitable place for Lee to meet another general.  Wanting to distance his family from any connection to the war, Wilmer showed the aide a dilapidated home which he quickly rejected.  With no other contenders, Wilmer reluctantly offered the use of his family’s home.  At about 1 o’clock that afternoon at the McLean home, General Lee met with Union General Ulysses S. Grant.  The Civil War ended during that meeting when General Lee surrendered the Confederate Army to General Grant.  The Civil War began in Wilmer McLean’s front yard and ended in his front parlor. 

Through it all, Wilmer wanted a safe and peaceful existence for himself and his family.  In June 1870, Wilmer dedicated himself to ensuring that the citizens of Manassas township in Virginia had the same safe and peaceful existence that he had wanted to provide for his family.  In June 1870, Wilmer McLean, whose homes bookended the Civil War, became a Justice of the Peace.

Sources:

1.     Jim Rogers, “Crumbling bar is all that’s left of Yorkshire Plantation,” Potomac News, July 23, 1990, accessed April 26, 2026, https://eservice.pwcgov.org/library/digitallibrary/hsdw/M_Folder/McLean76-274/pdfs/McLean76-274NewsArtA.pdf.

2.     Alexandria Gazette (Alexandria, Virginia), July 7, 1870, p.2.

3.     Kristi Finefield, “A Tale of Two Houses and the U.S. Civil War,” Library of Congress, April 9, 2015, accessed April 26, 2026, https://blogs.loc.gov/picturethis/2015/04/a-tale-of-two-houses-and-the-u-s-civil-war/.

4.     Hparkins, “The Peculiar Story of Wilmer McLean,” National Archives, November 10, 2010, accessed April 26, 2026, https://prologue.blogs.archives.gov/2010/11/10/the-peculiar-story-of-wilmer-mclean/.

5.     “The McLean House – Site of the Surrender Meeting,” National Park Service, Accessed April 26, 2026, https://www.nps.gov/apco/mclean-house.htm.

6.     “Wilmer McLean,” Findagrave.com, accessed April 26, 2026, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/5824/wilmer-mclean.

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