Homer men, identified as twin brothers, have been arrested and charged in connection with an investigation into alleged sexual offenses involving juveniles, according to the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation began on April 24, 2026, after the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office received a complaint from the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services regarding allegations of sexual abuse.

Detectives launched an investigation and learned that the two brothers had previously been involved in a relationship with an adult female whose juvenile children later disclosed allegations of sexual abuse involving the men.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, investigators gathered information from a primary care physician who reported that the juveniles exhibited signs of learned behavior consistent with sexual abuse. The physician reportedly directed the children’s mother to seek assistance through the Domestic Abuse Resistance Team (DART) while the allegations were being investigated.

Detectives also obtained information from a state-mandated reporter regarding disclosures made by the juveniles. As part of the investigation, both juvenile victims were interviewed at the Gingerbread House Children’s Advocacy Center in Shreveport. During those forensic interviews, authorities said both children made disclosures alleging sexual abuse.

Following the investigation, arrest warrants were issued May 7, 2026, by a judge of Louisiana’s 2nd Judicial District Court.

Authorities identified the suspects as:

Tommy Eugene Merritt, also known as “Junior,” of Homer, who was charged with:
First Degree Rape of a Juvenile
Two counts of Molestation of a Juvenile

Tommy Earl Merritt of Homer, who was charged with:
First Degree Rape of a Juvenile

Deputies served the arrest warrants on both men at their Homer residence on May 7. According to the Sheriff’s Office, both suspects were taken into custody without incident.

The men were subsequently transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center, where they were booked on the listed charges and remain incarcerated.

The charges listed in this article are allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. An arrest or criminal charge is merely an accusation and should not be considered evidence of guilt.

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A Webster Parish resident, who owned property at Lake Claiborne, made a complaint to the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) on April 8 that he had been a victim of theft. The theft occurred at the Lake Claiborne property.

CPSO had the complainant complete an affidavit and a stolen vehicle was entered into NCIC (National Crime Information Center).

CPSO assigned a detective to follow up on the theft complaint. On May 14 CPSO detectives located the stolen vehicle (motorcycle) at a residence in Claiborne Parish. Additionally, CPSO located a stolen trailer that was believed to be property sought by the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office.

CPSO following the investigation obtained an arrest warrant for Frederick Kendrail Kelly of Homer, Louisiana.

On June 1, 2026, CPSO obtained a search warrant for a Homer residence seeking Frederick Kelly. Kelly was located hiding within the residence by CPSO and Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives.

Kelly was arrested without incident. CPSO recovered Schedule II controlled dangerous substance methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia within the residence where Kelly had been located.

Frederick D. Kelly was subsequently transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center where he was booked and incarcerated. Kelly was charged with:

• Theft of a motor vehicle
• Possession of Schedule II CDS Methamphetamine with intent to distribute
• Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Claiborne Parish Sheriff Sam Dowies would like to thank Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker and his deputies for their assistance with the arrest of Kelly.

Sheriff Dowies encouraged all citizens with information about criminal activities to contact the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office.

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

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A Homer man has been arrested and charged with attempted second-degree murder following a shooting investigation conducted by the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office.

According to authorities, deputies responded to a call for service on May 4, 2026, at a convenience store in Homer after reports that an individual had been shot at the business.

Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives arrived at the scene and launched an investigation into the incident. During the course of the investigation, detectives identified a suspect believed to have shot another individual with a firearm.

The victim was transported from the scene to Claiborne Memorial Medical Center by private vehicle before being transferred to LSU/Ochsner Medical Center in Shreveport for additional medical treatment.

Investigators later identified the suspect as Siryone Dayjion Willis of Homer. Following the investigation, detectives obtained an arrest warrant charging Willis with one count of Attempted Second-Degree Murder.

On May 6, 2026, Willis was taken into custody by the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office. He was subsequently booked into the Claiborne Parish Detention Center, where he remains incarcerated pending further court proceedings.

Authorities have not released additional details regarding the circumstances that led to the shooting, and the investigation remains ongoing.

The Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office continues to encourage anyone with information related to the case to contact law enforcement.

An arrest is an allegation of criminal conduct, and all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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By Pat Culverhouse

Ignoring traffic signs posted on a construction site at the intersection of La. Hwy. 531 and Industrial Dr. has a local couple facing numerous charges, including a bevy of bench warrants.

A Minden reserve police officer reportedly stopped a vehicle driven by 61-year-old Glenn David Moss after he pulled from the Love’s parking lot and proceeded east despite signs warning “One Way,” “No Right Turn,” “Road Closed” and “Detour.”

During the early Sunday morning traffic stop, the officer learned Moss had no driver’s license and the vehicle was not insured. A records check revealed Moss was also the subject of multiple warrants from jurisdictions including Minden City Court, DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office and the State of Louisiana.

A passenger in the vehicle, 50-year-old Amanda Machell Martin,  was also in the system on a fugitive warrant from the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office. 

During questioning, both Moss and Martin admitted to smoking methamphetamines in the past. 

After both were placed in custody, a search of the vehicle reportedly revealed a small bottle containing a crystal substance (suspected methamphetamines) in a  small, black zipper bag inside Martin’s purse. A glass pipe with residue was also found.

When the officer removed both suspects from the police unit at Minden PD headquarters, he reportedly inspected the vehicle for potential contraband. Behind the rear seat, where Moss was held, the officer reportedly found a small plastic bag with additional suspected methamphetamines.  

Police suspect the package was placed by one of the two since units are routinely inspected after each shift. 

Martin is facing charges for possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamines), possession of drug paraphernalia, obstruction of justice and on a fugitive warrant from Claiborne Parish SO. She is being held at the parish jail. No bond has been set.

Moss was also booked for possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamines) and possession of drug paraphernalia, plus charges of failure to obey traffic signs and driving under suspension.

He is also charged on the outstanding warrants that include parole violation, possession of drug paraphernalia, theft and numerous traffic offenses. Moss is being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center awaiting bond.

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Residents can expect a pleasant start to the week with sunshine and seasonable temperatures before increasing chances of showers and thunderstorms arrive for the weekend, according to the latest forecast.

Wednesday will feature mostly sunny skies and a high near 85 degrees. Light northeast winds around 5 mph will help keep conditions comfortable throughout the day. Wednesday night is expected to be partly cloudy with temperatures falling to around 66 degrees.

Similar weather is forecast for Thursday, with mostly sunny skies and afternoon temperatures once again reaching the mid-80s. Overnight lows Thursday night will settle near 68 degrees under partly cloudy skies.

The first signs of unsettled weather arrive Friday, when a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms develops after 1 p.m. Despite the possibility of rain, much of the day is expected to remain mostly sunny with highs around 86 degrees. Friday night will bring mostly cloudy conditions and a slight chance of lingering thunderstorms, with temperatures holding near 71 degrees.

Rain chances increase significantly over the weekend. On Saturday, forecasters predict a chance of showers and thunderstorms during the morning, becoming more widespread during the afternoon hours. The chance of precipitation rises to 60 percent, with mostly cloudy skies and highs near 86 degrees.

Saturday night will remain mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms and lows around 72 degrees.

Sunday is expected to bring another round of active weather as showers and thunderstorms become likely across the parish. Partly sunny skies and warm temperatures near 87 degrees are forecast, with a 60 percent chance of precipitation. Any storms that develop could produce brief periods of heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and frequent lightning.

The unsettled pattern continues into the beginning of next week. Monday’s forecast calls for partly sunny skies with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms and highs approaching 88 degrees.

The increased rain chances arrive just as many residents prepare for outdoor activities, community events, and recreational opportunities throughout the parish. Officials encourage residents to monitor local weather conditions, particularly during the afternoon and evening hours when thunderstorms are most likely to develop.

Residents attending outdoor events this weekend should have alternate plans in place and remain alert for changing weather conditions.

Overall, Claiborne Parish can expect a typical early-summer pattern of warm temperatures, increasing humidity, and scattered afternoon thunderstorms through the weekend and into next week.

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Claiborne Parish officials are encouraging residents to consider serving as poll workers, citing a growing need for election commissioners at polling locations throughout the parish.

The Claiborne Parish Police Jury recently shared information highlighting the importance of recruiting additional poll workers to ensure elections continue to operate smoothly and efficiently.

According to officials, poll workers play a vital role in the election process by assisting voters, managing polling locations, verifying voter information, and helping maintain the integrity of local, state, and federal elections.

Election commissioners can earn up to $200 while serving their community during Election Day. To qualify, individuals must be registered voters and capable of performing the essential duties required of a commissioner. Poll workers must also be available to work shifts that can last up to 14 hours and remain at their assigned polling location throughout the day.

Local leaders warn that a shortage of poll workers could eventually lead to the consolidation of polling places within the parish.

“The parish needs poll workers at every polling place,” the Police Jury noted in its announcement. “Consolidation of polling places may happen in the future if more workers are not found.”

Election officials say maintaining adequate staffing levels helps ensure voters have convenient access to polling locations across Claiborne Parish and reduces wait times on Election Day.

Residents interested in becoming election commissioners can find additional information through the Louisiana Secretary of State’s voter information website, GeauxVote.com, or by contacting the Claiborne Parish Clerk of Court’s Office.

The Geaux Vote mobile app is also available for download on both Apple and Android devices, providing election information, voter resources, and additional details about serving as a poll worker.

Officials encourage civic-minded residents to consider the opportunity as a way to support the democratic process while earning compensation for their service.

With future elections approaching, parish leaders hope increased participation will help preserve local polling locations and ensure continued voter access throughout Claiborne Parish.

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The Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation (LTHP) is seeking qualified developers, entrepreneurs, investors, preservation-minded buyers to redevelop two historic commercial buildings located prominently on the Courthouse Square in Downtown Homer.

The properties, known locally as the “Wooden Buildings”, are located at 500-506 East Main Street within both the Homer National Register Historic District Louisiana Cultural District. LTHP has released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) inviting interested parties to submit qualifications for the acquisition rehabilitation of the buildings.

“The Wooden Buildings represent exactly the type of historic property that can serve as a catalyst for continued downtown revitalization,” said Brian M. Davis, Executive Director of the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation. “Our goal has been to save these important buildings through our revolving fund program we find the right owner who can bring them back into productive use while respecting their historic character.”

Originally acquired by LTHP in 2018, the buildings were saved from further deterioration through stabilization efforts designed to preserve their historic character position them for future investment. Today, the buildings offer a rare opportunity to redevelop a highly visible downtown property while benefiting from significant historic preservation incentives.

The approximately 3,280-square-foot property consists of two historic commercial buildings
situated directly on Homer’s courthouse square. The structures are currently in “vanilla box”
condition, providing a flexible starting point for a variety of future uses including retail, restaurant, office, hospitality, or mixed-use redevelopment.

Eligible purchasers may be able to offset up to 55% of qualified rehabilitation expenses through the combined use of Federal & Louisiana Historic Tax Credit programs, significantly improving redevelopment feasibility. A façade easement remains in place to help preserve the buildings’ historic architectural features while allowing for adaptive reuse.

Located in the heart of Downtown Homer, the property benefits from strong visibility, walkability, proximity to government offices, local businesses, restaurants, community amenities. “This project is an important component of Main Street Homer’s ongoing efforts to attract new investments  businesses that revitalize Homer through economic development historic preservation,” said Main Street Homer’s Jimmy Hand.

Interested developers are encouraged to review the RFQ package, which includes property
information, market data, redevelopment incentives, historic preservation requirements, submission guidelines. The RFQ can be found here.

Responses to the RFQ are due by 5:00 PM Central Standard Time on June 30, 2026.

For additional information or to obtain a copy of the RFQ, contact:
Brian M. Davis
Executive Director
Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation
(318) 267-5220
Bdavis@lthp.org

About the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation

The Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to
preserving, protecting, & promoting Louisiana’s historic places. Through advocacy, education, technical assistance, & strategic preservation projects, the Trust works to ensure that Louisiana’s historic buildings & communities remain vital assets for future generations.

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By Richard Searles

Education, infrastructure and economic development among top priorities

BATON ROUGE, La. — The Louisiana Legislature adjourned its 2026 Regular Session after approving a balanced $47 billion state budget focused on education, economic development, infrastructure improvements and debt reduction.

The budget includes approximately $4 billion in State General Fund support for K-12 education and $1.3 billion for higher education. Funding also includes $420 million for early childhood education and $30 million for tutoring programs.

Lawmakers approved more than $360 million in economic development initiatives, including incentives for higher-paying jobs, business site development and workforce recruitment efforts.

The Legislature also allocated more than $500 million for additional road and infrastructure projects, $33 million for Medicaid home and community-based services and $144 million to reduce state retirement debt.

Before adjourning, lawmakers approved a new congressional district map, eliminated vehicle inspection sticker requirements in most parishes, added $50 million to the fortified roof grant program and approved additional protections for minors online.

During the session, legislators considered more than 2,500 measures and sent more than 900 bills to Gov. Jeff Landry for consideration.

The 2026 Regular Session concluded with lawmakers approving major investments in education, infrastructure and economic development while advancing a wide range of policy measures affecting Louisiana residents.

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Families from across Claiborne Parish are invited to spend a day of food, fun, and public safety education during the upcoming “Fun Day with the Firemen” event at Lake Claiborne State Park on Saturday, June 6.

The free community event will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the state park near Homer and will feature local first responders, demonstrations, family activities, and opportunities for residents to meet the men and women who serve their communities.

Hosted in partnership with several public safety agencies, the event will include representatives from Homer Fire & Rescue, Claiborne Fire District 5, Louisiana State Police, Delta Elite K-9, and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Organizers say attendees will have the chance to interact with emergency responders, learn about public safety, explore emergency vehicles and equipment, and gain valuable information about the work performed by local agencies.

Lake Claiborne State Park officials are encouraging residents to make plans to attend, noting that previous events have been popular with families looking for a fun and educational outing.

“If you’ve been to one of these events before, you know it’s all about the food, the fun, and maybe even learning something new,” park officials shared in promoting the event.

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

The event is open to the public and designed to strengthen community relationships while promoting safety awareness.

In addition to meeting firefighters and other first responders, visitors can expect demonstrations and activities geared toward children and adults alike, making the event an ideal family-friendly destination for the weekend.

Officials note that the gathering is intended to be a community-focused event centered on fun, public safety education, and building stronger connections between residents and emergency service personnel.

Residents throughout Claiborne Parish and surrounding areas are encouraged to bring their families and enjoy a day at Lake Claiborne State Park while supporting the local agencies that help keep their communities safe.

For additional information, contact Lake Claiborne State Park or follow its social media channels for updates.

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Job seekers from across Claiborne Parish and surrounding areas will have an opportunity to connect with local employers during the Haynesville Job Fair scheduled for Friday, June 5, 2026.

Hosted by the Haynesville Police Department, the event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Haynesville Fair Barn, located at 1563 Fairgrounds Drive in Haynesville.

Organizers are encouraging residents seeking employment, career advancement, or workforce training opportunities to attend and meet directly with representatives from a variety of businesses and organizations operating throughout the region.

The job fair will feature employers from several industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, public safety, construction, retail, corrections, and social services.

Participating organizations include:

Haynesville Police Department

Jimmy’s Chicken and Seafood

Ted’s Pharmacy

Killgore’s Pharmacy]

Claiborne Pharmacy

Barnette and Benifield

Claiborne Collision and Customs

B&N Contractors]

Heritage Nursing Center

Claiborne Rehab

Webster Parish Head Start

Claiborne Memorial Medical Center

Weyerhaeuser

Southern Ingenuity

AmeriHealth

David Wade Correctional Center

Officials say the event is designed to help strengthen the local workforce while connecting employers with qualified candidates from the community.

Attendees are encouraged to bring copies of their resumes and be prepared to discuss their skills, experience, and career interests with potential employers. Some businesses may conduct on-site interviews or provide information about current openings and future employment opportunities.

The Haynesville Police Department describes the event as an opportunity for residents to “connect, grow, and succeed” while learning more about career options available close to home.

Organizers emphasize that the job fair is open to the public and welcomes recent graduates, experienced professionals, individuals seeking career changes, and anyone interested in exploring employment opportunities in the area.

Community leaders hope the event will not only assist job seekers but also support local businesses and organizations working to fill critical positions.

For more information about the Haynesville Job Fair, residents are encouraged to contact the Haynesville Police Department.

The event’s message is simple: Great jobs, great people, and a great community.

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Claiborne Parish Schools will once again offer free summer meals to children throughout the parish as part of its Summer Feeding Program, helping ensure students have access to nutritious food while school is out of session.

The program is available to all children 18 years of age and younger, regardless of school enrollment status. School officials say families must register in advance through designated pickup location registration forms in order to receive meal boxes.

Meal distributions will be offered at locations in Haynesville, Homer, and Summerfield throughout the summer months.

According to the schedule released by the Claiborne Parish School Board, meal distributions in Haynesville and Homer will take place on Mondays only, beginning June 15 and continuing through July 20.

Families in Summerfield will be able to pick up meals on Tuesdays only, beginning June 16 and continuing through July 21.

Distribution hours for all locations will be 9 a.m. to noon.

School officials noted that each eligible child may receive one meal box per distribution. The boxes will contain a variety of food items designed to provide nutritious meals and snacks during the summer break.

The Summer Feeding Program is funded to help combat childhood hunger and support families during months when students do not have regular access to school meals.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to register early and select their preferred pickup location to ensure participation in the program.

For additional information or assistance with registration, families may contact Sandra Bosby, Supervisor of Child Nutrition, at (318) 927-3502 or by email at sbosby@cpsb.us.

Claiborne Parish Schools officials say the program remains an important resource for local families and reflects the district’s ongoing commitment to supporting the health and well-being of children throughout the community during the summer months.

The Claiborne Parish School Board noted that the program operates in accordance with equal opportunity guidelines and is open to all eligible children in the parish.

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Claiborne Parish 4-H is inviting residents of all ages to begin preparing for the 2026 Claiborne Parish Fair by exploring opportunities to enter exhibits and competitions that celebrate the creativity, skills, and talents of the local community.

The organization recently announced that the 2026 Claiborne Parish Fair Catalog is now available, giving participants an early look at the many categories and events planned for next year’s fair.

According to 4-H officials, the fair offers opportunities for individuals to showcase a wide variety of talents and hobbies, including baking, arts and crafts, photography, gardening, sewing, livestock exhibitions, woodworking, homemade creations, and other agricultural and creative pursuits.

Organizers are encouraging both first-time participants and longtime fair exhibitors to review the catalog and consider entering one or more categories.

“Every entry helps continue and grow this long-standing Claiborne Parish tradition for future generations,” 4-H officials noted in their announcement.

The Claiborne Parish Fair has long served as a showcase for local talent, agriculture, and community pride, bringing together residents from across the parish to celebrate achievements and friendly competition. Fair leaders say increased participation helps preserve the event’s rich history while ensuring its continued success for years to come.

Officials emphasize that entries of all sizes and skill levels are welcome.

“No entry is too small,” organizers said. “We want to see the talents of our community on display.”

The fair catalog provides detailed information about entry categories, rules, deadlines, judging criteria, and exhibit requirements, allowing participants ample time to prepare projects before the fair season begins.

Claiborne Parish 4-H hopes the release of the catalog will encourage greater community involvement and help make the 2026 Claiborne Parish Fair one of the most successful in recent years.

Residents interested in participating are encouraged to access the fair catalog through the QR code provided by Claiborne Parish 4-H and begin planning their entries now.

Organizers say the goal is simple: celebrate local talent, strengthen community involvement, and continue building a fair tradition that can be enjoyed by future generations throughout Claiborne Parish.

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Hundreds of kids who dream of playing in the pros – or, kids who just love to play – can get signed up for the free New Orleans Saints & Pelicans/Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Junior Training Camp on Saturday morning, June 27 on the Northwestern State campus in Natchitoches.

The JTC annually provides two hours of full throttle fun alongside Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame members and NSU coaches, and staff from the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans community relations department.

The clinic registration can be done quickly on the LaSportsHall.com website under the “events’ button. Or parents can call the LSHOF Foundation office at 318-238-4255 for registration help. The camp fills to its 300-kid capacity almost every summer.

The LaSportsHall.com website has the full schedule for the Induction Celebration June 25-27. The JTC is one of three free events, beginning with the Thursday evening Welcome Reception from 5-7 at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum at 800 Front Street in Natchitoches. The biggest free ticket is Friday night, June 26 Rockin’ Riverfest concert from 6-10:30 on the downtown riverbank, featuring a fireworks show after the Class of 2026 is introduced at 9:15.

The Junior Training Camp runs from 9-11 a.m., starting with registration between 8-9 a.m. at the Webb Wellness and Recreation Center (WRAC) gymnasium on the NSU campus. It’s important for parents to get their campers checked in well before the fun starts at 9 a.m. Then, campers get introduced to the sports stars who will be coaching them for the next two hours, inside focusing on basketball skills, and outside at Turpin Stadium, with football and general sports skills instruction.

Every camper will bring home two free T-shirts, other items, and a coupon for a meal at Raisin’ Canes. Photos from the camp will be posted on the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Facebook page, and so will a highlight video.

The goals of the JTC are simple – a fun, and thrilling, experience for the kids, free of charge; skills instruction from some of the best to ever play, or coach, the games; and promotion of health lifestyles and positive life choices.

The campers are separated into two groups. One stays inside for the first hour for basketball instruction, while the other is next door at Turpin Stadium, having football fun. The groups switch locations in the second half of the camp.

Parents can follow their favorite campers and watch all the fun from the stands in the gym and on the east side of Turpin Stadium – where it will be sunny, and hot, watching some really cool memories being made.

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What a relief. There’s a big Congressional hearing Wednesday on the “Protect College Sports Act of 2026.”

“Supporting Student-Athletes, Restoring Fair Competition and Saving the Games Fans Love” is the stated mission of Senator Ted Cruz and colleagues.

“We cannot allow college athletics to morph int o a mini-NFL or NBA,” said Cruz in an official statement announcing the hearing.

Senator, you’re late. By decades.

Some of it is fine by me. Absolutely if coaches are raking in mega-million dollar salaries, as they have been on the top shelf of the NCAA for this century, then the players ought to be cut in on the pie.

These seven-figure NIL deals we hear recruits and transfers are getting are no more excessive than the eight-figure contracts that are going to head coaches. Neither should exist, but …

We’re never going back to college sports as we thought they were. That will happen right alongside peace in the Middle East and admitting a messy CIA-Mafia conspiracy took out JFK.

You’ll get a lot more clarity June 12 when Steven Spielberg’s “Disclosure Day” hits movie screens and we find out Bigfoot uses UFOs to get away from prying eyes.

Ridiculous? So is the idea that Congress can solve this mess. We know the high level university presidents and conference commissioners can’t. Their first priorities are their own bottom lines. And it’s their second and third priorities, too.

The presidents punted on this long ago. It’s great that the former Ohio State president testifying Wednesday, Gordon Gee, is the same bold leader who offered these gems discussing an NCAA scandal staining the Buckeyes’ football program:

• “Let me just be very clear: I just hope the coach doesn’t fire me.”

• “They run the athletic department and I run the university., and I should have stayed out of there.”

He will no doubt show up at the hearing in his trademark bow tie. Looks academic. Here’s the clown Congress will hear from Wednesday: he ran up thousand-dollar luxury hotel bills on university expense accounts, got Ohio State to pay for $500 shower curtains for his university-provided house, and his marketing aces spent over $64,000 on bow ties, bow tie cookies and bow tie lapel pins for Gee and others to distribute over four years, according to reporting by the Dayton Daily News.

Surely he knows what’s good for the future of college sports.

Nick Saban will testify. He DOES know what’s good for the future of college sports.

He’s been telling anybody who will listen since the day he called it a coaching career, in part because their NIL package was the first and primary topic raised by practically every one of the first 20 or so players who he met with to discuss their futures with the following season’s Crimson Tide.

Listening to sages like Saban, and doing something about what you’ve heard, is where the disconnect exists with the presidents who make up the NCAA hierarchy and lead the Power 4 conference schools.

They are hoping Congress will impose its will where they would not. The Hatfields and McCoys have been sniping at each other across conference lines for decades instead of collaborating for the common good.

Now a group of presidents, board members and donors calling itself “Saving College Sports” – there’s even a snazzy letterhead – has presented Cruz and pals with a letter of support signed by dozens. New LSU president Wade Rousse’s name is on the letter. He told Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports he didn’t authorize his name to be included. Now that’s a reform-minded group, randomly claiming converts to its cause.

Know what’s missing from Wednesday’s festivities? Anyone not at the top tier. There are more than 360 NCAA Division I athletic programs. The issues discussed under the Capitol Dome tomorrow are so far out of scale for almost 300 of them that the eventual outcome for the non-Gucci schools is painfully predictable.

We saw it last month when the NCAA basketball postseasons, men and women, were padded to 76 teams – strictly a money grab for the biggies to get more teams in March Madness.

It doesn’t matter what’s good for the masses. It just comes down to what’s best for the masters of the college sports universe.

And they’re counting on a blow-hard heavy Congress, dripping in money from PACs and lobbyists that dwarf their actual salaries, to make it better?

Odds on that rank right up there with Jimmy Kimmel playing a round of golf with President Trump.

The ultimate solution to this mess will be when it crashes, drained of cash from disillusioned donors. Then we can hope that with nearly divine intervention, or desperation,  university leadership from across the far-reaching landscape gets real and sorts it out into authentic tiers of economically-sound competition with real oversight and rules that get enforced.

As likely as Fox News and CNN merging.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) invites you to take part in its annual Free Fishing Weekend on Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7. Louisiana’s Free Fishing Weekend allows residents and visitors to fish Louisiana waters without an otherwise required fishing license.

“This weekend there is no need to purchase a fishing license, so please bring your families and friends to enjoy one of our state’s most beloved pastimes,” says LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth. “Please take this opportunity to make memories with your loved ones and introduce them to the great sport of fishing.”

While a fishing license is not required, all fishing regulations, including size, season, catch limits, and gear restrictions, will remain in effect during Free Fishing Weekend. 

In addition, a free Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP) is still needed during Free Fishing Weekend when possessing tunas, billfish, swordfish, amberjacks, groupers, snappers, hinds, cobia, wahoo, dolphinfish, and gray triggerfish. When registering online at wlf.louisiana.gov, anglers should choose the “Free Fishing Weekend” option for the license type. Anglers can skip the “LDWF Fishing License Number” field. A Free Fishing Weekend ROLP will be valid only on Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7.  An annual ROLP is still needed if possessing offshore species outside of Free Fishing Weekend.

LDWF reminds the public that, at any time outside of Free Fishing Weekend, anglers 18 and older must possess a Louisiana fishing license to fish in any Louisiana public waters. Anyone who decides to continue fishing for the remainder of the year must purchase a state fishing license.

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Right now, the world of tournament bass fishing has reached a crossroads. If the powers that be (tournament organizations) do not address the key issues that have created this massive drop in tournament participation, the entire bass fishing industry is on the verge of collapse. 

Now this may sound a little harsh, and maybe a little overblown, but the time has come to save an industry that needs saving. Bass tournaments, no matter how you look at them, are a necessary avenue for product invention and promotion.  

This is how the fishing industry gets the word out about a new lure, or any product related to bass fishing. No other group has the power of promotion more than tournament anglers all across the country, and even around the world, simply by word of mouth. 

Look at Japan and how this crisis has impacted the bass fishing community. Nobody has been more creative and responsible for new lures and techniques than the Japanese. They have sent their best anglers to America for the sole purpose of promoting their market and the products they produce. 

How have they done it? By winning tournaments here in America. It seems like every year a new Japanese angler arrives on one of the high-level tours and has an immediate impact either by winning or finishing very high in every tournament. 

But getting back to the problem at hand, why has tournament participation dropped like the stock market crash of 1929? It hasn’t just fallen off a little, it has plummeted! Anglers have literally walked away overnight with zero signs of them coming back. 

So how can we fix the problem? First, we must recognize the problem before we can figure out how to correct it. It’s similar to an alcoholic’s dilemma; they have to realize they have a problem before they can fix it. 

Anglers leaving the sport they’ve loved so much basically started right after the COVID 19 pandemic. But during this time tournament participation was high with most events running full fields of 200 boats or more. Today those same events are drawing less than 100 boats while others have lost over two-thirds of their participation.

Also boat sales during COVID exploded to the point that there were one-year waiting lists for all major bass boat brands. Manufacturers struggled to build bass boats fast enough to satisfy the demand. 

So, what happened after COVID and why did tournament anglers load their high dollar bass boats and go home, never to return? Well, there’s only one thing that’s had a major impact on the bass fishing world – the invention of Forward-Facing Sonar (FFS)! Bingo!

This hit the bass fishing market like nothing else ever has. Just like American politics, it has also divided us as consumers! Not just a little bit either; anglers around the country continue to argue over the negative impact FFS has placed on our bass fisheries. Some issues have been substantiated, and others are now considered myths. 

Most anglers will agree that forward-facing sonar has been a tremendous invention that has totally changed the bass fishing world. But the true anglers who are considered to be purist believe that this new technology has no place in bass tournaments. 

The PGA Tour has faced similar technology issues lately with better golf clubs and golf balls that are flying farther than ever before. These adjustments have caused major concerns for the PGA Tour and even have resulted in some golf courses becoming obsolete, or at least, not suitable for pro tournaments.

So, the PGA Tour decided to implement new restrictions on manufacturers and how far golf balls can fly. They did this for the good of sport and the future of the sport. Maybe B.A.S.S. and Major League Fishing (MLF) need to take a page from the PGA Tour. 

Let’s take away FFS for all bass tournament competitions and get back to using acquired skills anglers need to have in order to compete at the highest level. You don’t have to eliminate it totally; allow anglers to use it for practice only. But it has no place on the professional level and should be banned on tournament day. 

The biggest concern at this time is with the lower entry-level tournaments like the BFL’s, Toyota Series and the Bassmaster Opens. Is it too late to make changes or eliminate FFS for tournaments on the lower levels? 

Not really. Every year tournament organizations make changes to their rules, and this would be no different. I just hope the powers that be (B.A.S.S. and MLF) wake up and do the right thing for 2027 in order to save a dying industry — tournament bass fishing!  

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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Celebrate the Louisiana Peach Festival’s 76th year with free admission, a wide range of entertainment and activities, and plenty of peachy events to enjoy leading up to the festival. Browse our guide below and start planning your trip to Downtown Ruston for the weekend of Saturday, June 6.

EAT:
From June 1-6, enjoy Peach Culinary Crawl, a weeklong tasting tour featuring over 20 local restaurants. Each participating location will offer special peach-inspired items. From peach BBQ and burgers to peach cocktails and desserts, there’s something to satisfy every craving. The full Culinary Crawl menu is available on the Peach Fest website.

SEE:
Get a preview of all the arts of the festival with the 39th Annual NCLAC Peach Art Exhibit. Check out the display of local artist of all ages in the Lincoln Parish Library Events Center happening all through July.

– Peach fest hack: After visiting the exhibit, take the quick drive to explore downtown Ruston, scope out the festival grounds, and snap a picture at one of the colorful murals!

EXPERIENCE: There’s plenty to enjoy Friday before the festival:

• Take a stroll through Downtown Ruston and browse the Peach Sidewalk Sale. Participating downtown shops will be offering peachy deals and special promotions from June 3-6.
  – Peach Fest Hack: Find your perfect festival outfit during the sidewalk sale!
• The Peach Parade is a long loved and cherished tradition by festival attendees. The parade will roll down W. Alabama Ave. and N. Monroe St. on Friday, June 5 at 6:00 PM.
• After the parade, you can head over to the North Louisiana Expo Center for the 37th Annual Peach Festival Rodeo for family fun entertainment, trick riders, and more.

Saturday June 6: Festival Day!

Festival activities start at 9:00 AM and there’s plenty to eat, see, and experience—all located on the festival grounds.

EAT:

Festival Eats

• This year, enjoy bites from 15 food vendors, offering everything from burgers, sandwiches, and pizza, to classic festival treats, refreshing drinks, and tasty snacks.
• You’ll also want to pay a visit to the Historic Fire Station for a scoop of frosty peach ice cream from the ladies of Beta Sigma Phi
  – Peach Fest Hack: Ask vendors what their special peach item is! All food vendors create and offer a peachy item just for the Peach Festival

Local Eats
Feeling like a sit-down meal? Check out these local restaurants that are walkable from the festival:

• The Local: morning pick-me-up coffee, pastries, and breakfast bites.
• Uptown Downtown or Heard Freighthouse Food Park: perfect for lunch and plenty of options! For sandwiches, wraps, and a sweet treat, go to Uptown Downtown. For BBQ, Burgers, Chinese, or Mexican cuisine, head over to the Food Park.
• Sundown Tavern or Ponchatoulas: both are beloved Ruston staples with that classic dive bar charm. Be sure to try the fried green beans at Sundown or the stuffed catfish at Ponchatoulas.
• Roma or Utility Brewing: For classic Italian-style pizza, pasta, and fresh salads, take a stroll to Roma’s Italian Bistro. Want to try something different? Utility Brewing serves up creative wood fire-baked pizzas paired with craft beer in a cozy setting.

SEE:

• Festival Art Displays: Discover Plein Air artists painting the scenes and capturing the action of the festival in real time. At Kids Alley, there will be interactive displays and activities for the kiddos to participate in the arts themselves!
• Ruston Antique Classic Car Show: Head over to Cadence Bank from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM for the Car Show. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just love vintage charm, this show is sure to impress with its lineup of beautifully restored classic vehicles.
• Fireworks Show: Stick around till the headliner performance for the Peach Festival’s Firework show at 8:45 PM! This dazzling sky display will take place before the headlining act to kick off the grand finale to the festival.
• Go to www.lapeachfest.com/schedule to see all festival events!

EXPERIENCE:

• Live Music: Enjoy more than 12 consecutive hours of live performances at the Railroad Park stage. With an exciting lineup of artists, the festival’s musical energy will keep you dancing all day long. Don’t miss the headliner, The Chee-Weez, taking the stage at 9:00 PM.
  – Peach Fest Hack: Bring a lawn chair or blanket in case seating runs out!
• Kids Alley: Make fun memories in this family-friendly zone packed with interactive activities and entertainment to keep the little ones smiling.
• Curated Market: Browse the booths of more than 90 vendors, all selling their handmade arts, jewelry, clothing, mugs, decorations, candles, and lots more. Additionally, you can stop by the Peach Fest Sticker Wall in the market—perfect for a fun and unique photo op.
  – Peach Fest Hack: arrive early to the Curated Market before your favorite vendor sells out. Visit www.lapeachfest.com/vendors to get a sneak peek at what vendors are offering.

SUNDAY:

After a busy Saturday, sleep in, take Sunday slow and enjoy Ruston’s cozy charm:

EAT:

• Trios: Enjoy their signature brunch menu in a trendy atmosphere.
• The Local: Order specialty brunch cocktails and bites in the heart of Downtown.
• Beau Vines Steakhouse: Not a brunch fan? Dive into a hearty lunch and bottomless mimosas.

SEE:
While you’re at the festival Saturday, you will likely spot a few of Ruston’s unique bulldog statues scattered throughout downtown. In total, there are 22 bulldogs placed around the city—each with its own charm. Stretch your visit a little longer and turn your Sunday into a scavenger hunt to track down the ones you missed.

EXPERIENCE:
Wind down with a peaceful visit to Lincoln Parish Park. This park offers mountain biking and walking trails, kayaking, fishing, and a playground for the kids. It’s the perfect way to soak in the natural beauty of Ruston and cap off your Peach Festival weekend.

From peachy treats and live music to charming shops and peaceful parks, the 76th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival is the perfect way to kick off your summer. Soak up the fun, explore Ruston, and celebrate 76 years of sweet traditions and unforgettable memories!

To learn the insider tips and tricks all seasoned festival goers know, read up on our How to Peach Fest blog.

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It may not feel romantic, but having honest conversations about money, family, and the future before marriage can make all the difference once real life begins.

 See what Ida says 

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I’ve been pondering one of life’s great mysteries: what happened to hats? Real hats. The kind men used to wear when they went to work, went to town, or went anywhere except the shower. Once upon a time, a man wouldn’t leave the house without a fedora, a trilby, or something with a brim wide enough to shade half the county. Now the only folks still wearing real hats are cowboys—and even they take them off indoors, which is more than I can say for the baseballcap crowd at Walmart.

I watch Perry Mason before bed most nights. Not for the suspense—there isn’t any. We all know Perry’s client didn’t do it. I watch to see how much the world has changed. In the 1957 episodes, everybody wears a hat. Even Perry. The only hatless soul is Paul Drake, the detective, who apparently needed full cranial ventilation to solve crimes. And have you noticed? Nobody has a television in their living room. They’re sitting around talking to each other like it’s normal. Wild times.

Do y’all know what happened to hats? Should we start a new fad here in Ruston? On second thought, no. I’d rather someone start a movement to make neckties disappear. That’s the one part of my calling I’ve never understood. Why wrap a decorative noose around my neck and cut off blood flow to my already overworked brain? I’m trying to preach the gospel, not pass out in the pulpit. Someone please start a necktie revolt. I’ll sign the petition.

And while we’re talking about things that vanished—what happened to CB radios? That was the first social media. You could make friends for a solid five miles. Longer if you were driving 55 on the interstate, which we all were back then, unless we weren’t, which is why we needed the CB in the first place. “Breaker onenine, where’s Smokey hiding?” Then radar detectors came along and CBs went the way of the eighttrack.

Some things I’m glad disappeared. Felt boards in church. I never trusted those things. One wrong move and Moses would fall off Mount Sinai. Typewriters? Good riddance. I used more liquid paper than ribbon. I’m surprised they didn’t sell it by the gallon.

But here’s something I hope doesn’t vanish: you.

So go to church on Sunday—before someone starts wondering what happened to you.

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The future has officially arrived — and apparently it wants to discuss your life goals before handing over your morning coffee. A new AI-powered coffee kiosk is leaving customers both caffeinated and confused as it replaces simple drink orders with a barrage of oddly personal questions. From optimizing emotional states to aligning beverages with long-term aspirations, the machine seems determined to do everything except just pour the coffee. Local residents report spending more time answering the kiosk than they would have spent chatting with an actual barista. Experts say this may be the first recorded case of a latte requiring a personality assessment.

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June 3 is National Egg Day, a celebration of one of the most versatile and widely consumed foods in the world.

Whether scrambled, fried, boiled or baked into a favorite dessert, eggs remain a staple in kitchens across America. This year’s observance comes after several years in which eggs became an unlikely headline-maker due to supply challenges, rising grocery costs and changing consumer habits.

For many families, eggs are among the first items checked on a grocery list. They are used in everything from breakfast plates and holiday baking to restaurant recipes and school cafeteria meals. Their affordability and nutritional value have helped make them a longtime favorite among consumers.

Eggs have also become a cultural fixture. Social media is filled with debates over the best way to cook them, while chefs continue to develop new recipes featuring the humble ingredient. In Louisiana, eggs often play a starring role in dishes ranging from breakfast biscuits and gravy to bread pudding and homemade meat pies.

The observance also offers a chance to appreciate the farmers, producers and businesses that help keep grocery shelves stocked. According to agricultural experts, Americans consume billions of eggs each year, making them one of the country’s most popular food products.

National Egg Day has no elaborate traditions, but many people mark the occasion by preparing a favorite egg dish, trying a new recipe or simply enjoying a classic breakfast.

Whether served sunny-side up, folded into an omelet or mixed into a cake batter, eggs continue to prove that some of the simplest foods can have the biggest impact.

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