Louisiana residents planning to take to the roads or waterways during the upcoming Labor Day weekend are being reminded to drive and boat sober as law enforcement agencies prepare to increase impaired-driving patrols across the state.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries hosted the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” press conference on Monday, Aug. 24, in the Joe L. Herring Room in Baton Rouge.

LDWF Enforcement Division Col. Stephen Clark joined representatives from several law enforcement agencies to emphasize that impaired operation of vehicles and vessels will not be tolerated. Officials said DUI enforcement patrols will increase during the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend.

“During Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, Louisiana Game Wardens will join our law enforcement partners in maintaining a visible presence statewide,” Clark said. “While our primary responsibility will be on the waterways, we are part of the same coordinated effort to prevent impaired operation and save lives. Through that coordinated effort, we can carry a consistent safety message from Louisiana’s roadways to its waterways.”

Louisiana game wardens will focus much of their enforcement efforts on the state’s waterways, where increased recreational boating is expected during the holiday weekend.

The statewide campaign also involves agencies responsible for highway and local traffic enforcement.

Other speakers at Monday’s press conference included Louisiana State Police Superintendent Col. Frank Besson, New Orleans Police Department Capt. Anthony Micheu, Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas “TJ” Morse Jr., Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre and Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director Lisa Freeman.

Officials are urging residents to make plans for a sober driver before drinking and reminding boat operators that impaired operation on the water can have serious consequences just as it can on the highway.

The message from participating agencies heading into the holiday weekend is simple: Drive sober. Boat sober. Help keep Louisiana’s roads and waterways safe.

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Claiborne Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.

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The Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Sam Dowies will host the 7th Annual Youth Hunt Contest this fall.

The contest is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, and will be open to youth hunters 17 years old and younger.

Participants will have an opportunity to compete in three categories: Biggest Buck, Heaviest Doe and Biggest Hog.

The Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office encouraged families and young hunters to mark their calendars for the annual event.

Additional information and contest rules will be announced at a later date.

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Hot and sunny conditions will dominate the forecast through the weekend, with temperatures reaching the triple digits Wednesday and remaining in the upper 90s through Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday will be sunny and hot with a high near 101 degrees. Southwest winds will be around 5 mph. Wednesday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 78.

Thursday will remain sunny and hot with a high near 99 degrees. Thursday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 76.

Friday will bring a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Otherwise, skies will be sunny with a high near 99 degrees. Friday night will be mostly clear with a low around 74.

Saturday will be sunny and hot with a high near 99 degrees. Saturday night will be mostly clear with a low around 73.

Sunday will continue the hot and sunny pattern with a high near 99 degrees.

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As the new school year begins, families often find themselves adjusting to busy schedules filled with school, homework, sports, clubs, and other activities. With so much happening, it can be easy to skip shared meals or eat on the go. However, making time to eat together as a family can have lasting benefits for children, teens, and adults.

Family mealtimes are more than just eating food. It is an opportunity to connect, communicate, and strengthen family relationships. Sitting down together, even a few times a week, creates a dedicated time for family members to talk about their day, share experiences, and support one another. One of the greatest benefits of family meals is improved nutrition. Research shows that children and teenagers who regularly eat meals with their families tend to consume more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other nutritious foods. Family meals also provide an opportunity for parents and caregivers to model healthy eating habits and encourage balanced food choices.

Eating as a family can also support academic success. When children have the chance to discuss their school day, assignments, and upcoming activities during meals, parents stay informed about what is happening in their lives. These conversations help build communication skills, increase confidence, and create an environment where children feel comfortable discussing challenges and achievements. In addition, family meals can contribute to better emotional well-being. Sharing meals together gives children a sense of belonging and security. Regular family interaction can help reduce stress, strengthen self-esteem, and foster stronger family bonds. During the busy school year, this time together can serve as an important opportunity to reconnect.

Many families believe they must gather around the dinner table every night to experience these benefits. In reality, family meals can happen at breakfast, lunch on weekends, or even a simple evening snack. What matters most is spending quality time together, free from distractions such as televisions, phones, and other electronic devices.

Tips for Making Family Mealtime a Priority This School Year

Plan at least a few family meals each week

Eat together at the table when possible

Turn off the TV and put away phones

Keep meals simple and easy to prepare

Let children help with meal preparation

Ask everyone to share something about their day

Try family breakfast if dinner is too busy

Eat together even if it’s just for 20–30 minutes

Focus on enjoying time together, not having a perfect meal

Include everyone’s favorite foods from time to time

Make family meals fun with conversation and laughter.

As students head back to school, family mealtime can be a valuable tool for supporting healthy habits, academic success, and strong family relationships. Making time to eat together helps families build stronger connections, create lasting memories, and support overall health and well-being.

Shakera Williams, DrHSc, MPH
Associate Extension Agent
Nutrition & Community Health
(Flavors of Health & CDC-HOP)
Webster, Claiborne, and Lincoln Parishes

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Claiborne Parish School District is encouraging students and families to become familiar with new state education laws for the 2026-2027 school year, including laws addressing school threats and certain artificial intelligence-generated images.

The district highlighted the School Threat Accountability & Safety Act, Act 619 of 2026, which makes it illegal to threaten or intimidate others or communicate false information about violence at school property, school-sponsored events or activities, and firearm-free zones.

According to information provided by the district, threats made as jokes, pranks, online posts, text messages or verbal statements will be taken seriously and may result in criminal and school consequences.

The district also highlighted the AI Image Regulation & Protection Act, Act 782 of 2026. The law makes it illegal to create, possess, share or sell certain AI-generated images depicting real or realistic individuals in a sexual manner without their consent. This includes images created or shared through social media, text applications or other electronic devices.

Potential consequences outlined by the district include criminal charges and prosecution, school discipline including suspension or expulsion, juvenile court consequences, and fines and financial responsibility.

Claiborne Parish Schools encouraged students to speak up when they see or hear something concerning and to report concerns to a trusted adult or school official immediately.

“New school year, new rules,” the district stated. “Make sure you’re up to date on the latest state education laws for the 2026–2027 school year.”

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Runners and walkers are invited to participate in the Glow Rebel Glow 5K on Saturday, Aug. 29, at the Haynesville Country Club.

The 5K run and walk will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will start and finish at the Haynesville Country Club, located at 2727 Country Club Drive in Haynesville.

Registration fee is $35 from Aug. 16 through race day. Registration will close at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 29.

Every pre-registered participant will receive an original Glow Rebel Glow 5K T-shirt. Shirts are not guaranteed for late registrants.

Race packet pickup will be held at Claiborne Academy on Friday, Aug. 28, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants may also pick up their packets at the race site beginning at 5 p.m. on race day.

The overall male and female finishers in the 5K will each receive a $50 gift card. Awards will also be presented to first- and second-place finishers in each age group, along with an award for the best glowing participant.

Age divisions are 12 and under, 13-17, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60 and older.

Following the race, participants are invited to join Rebel families for a post-race party featuring awards, water, snacks and a hamburger supper.

Strollers, wagons, baby joggers and other hand-pushed or pulled vehicles will be permitted on the course at a walking pace only. In-line skates and roller skates are not allowed, and runners may not run the course while pushing baby strollers.

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Louisiana Legends Fest is preparing to return to Claiborne Parish this October, with a series of events scheduled from Oct. 3 through Oct. 17 leading up to the main festival day in historic downtown Homer.

Activities will begin Oct. 3 with the Miss Louisiana Legends Fest Beauty Pageant.

On Oct. 9, the Community Treasure Hunt will begin.

Two events are planned for Oct. 10, beginning with a Bass Tournament at Lake Claiborne at dawn. A 5D Barrel Race will also be held in Haynesville.

The celebration will continue Oct. 15 with the Hometown Parade.

The festivities will culminate with Louisiana Legends Fest on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in historic downtown Homer.

Festival Day will feature live music, food, shopping, craft vendors, a Kids Court, car show, dog show and more.

Organizers are encouraging families to mark their calendars for the series of October events and the main festival celebration.

Details and registration information for each event are available at the Louisiana Legends Fest website.

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NATCHITOCHES – A Northwestern State University Computer Information Systems professor and three students participated in one of the largest hacking conferences in the world earlier this month. DEF CON 34 took place in Las Vegas where Dr. Jason Powell and Seth Thurman of Homer, Brady Benoit of Pineville and recent graduate Justin Dysarz of Sugarland, Texas, attended talks and took part in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions alongside thousands of security researchers and hobbyists from around the globe.

“DEF CON is organized around dozens of specialized ‘villages,’ each built around a different corner of the security world, from the AI Village and Car Hacking Village to the Cloud Village and Hardware Hacking and Soldering Skills Village,” Powell said.

The full lineup and this year’s schedule are available at defcon.org.

“The group’s favorite stop was the OS Community, a village dedicated to operating system research, low-level hacking and open-source projects,” Powell said. “The sessions there gave the students a deeper understanding of how operating systems are built, knowledge they plan to use directly this coming academic year as they begin building their own Linux distribution.”

The group also spent time at the Packet Hacking Village, home to the infamous Wall of Sheep. There, they practiced packet analysis, learning to intercept and decode network traffic and seeing firsthand why unencrypted connections leave passwords and other sensitive data exposed.

“Across every village, the group came away with the same broader lesson: real strength in cybersecurity comes from understanding both software and hardware, no matter which side of a competition a person is playing,” Powell said. “The sharpest competitors were the ones comfortable moving between code and circuitry.”

Powell said the group hopes their experience encourages more CIS classmates to explore both application development and cybersecurity coursework, rather than treating the two as separate tracks. They argue the areas reinforce each other in exactly the way DEF CON’s villages are built to demonstrate.

Powell and the group came away with no photos of their experience to share.

“DEF CON maintains a strict, consent-based photography and filming policy that limits when attendees can be photographed, particularly around the CTF areas, so the group left with plenty of notes but no pictures,” he said.

With CTF competitions in mind and a Linux distribution project ahead, Powell said students are already talking about returning to DEF CON next year.

Information on NSU’s Computer Information Systems program is available at https://www.nsula.edu/program/bachelor-of-science-in-computer-information-systems/.

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Everett B. Payne
February 18, 1936 — August 16, 2026
Visitation: Thursday, August 20 at Rose Neath Funeral Home from 5:00 until; 7:00 p.m.
Services: Friday, August 21 at 10:00 a.m. at Rose Neath Funeral Home Chapel

Claiborne Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.

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A Delaware man was arrested following an investigation into an alleged attempt to access an account at a Homer financial institution using fraudulent identification, according to the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office.

On July 16, members of the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a call for service at a local financial institution in Homer.

According to CPSO, a white male had entered the financial institution and attempted to gain access to an account by providing fraudulent identification.

Deputies later located a man matching the description provided by the complainants. The person of interest was detained by deputies on East Main Street in Homer.

The man was identified as Jesse James Potter of Wilmington, Delaware.

Following a subsequent investigation, Potter was arrested and charged with bank fraud and unlawful production, manufacturing, distribution or possession of fraudulent documents for identification purposes.

Potter was transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center, where his bond was set at $300,000.

Claiborne Parish Sheriff Sam Dowies thanked employees of the financial institution for their attention to detail and quick reporting of the incident.

Dowies also reminded residents to report suspicious activity to the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office.

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The Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office recovered several stolen vehicles and made arrests during investigations into thefts and criminal damage to property reported throughout July 2026.

According to CPSO, deputies responded to numerous calls for service involving thefts and property damage during the month.

Arrests have been made, and additional arrests are anticipated.

Deputies initiated multiple investigations, some of which led investigators into jurisdictions outside Claiborne Parish.

During the investigations, CPSO recovered three stolen four-wheelers, one stolen side-by-side UTV and one stolen motorcycle.

Additional items associated with the respective investigations were also recovered.

CPSO worked with the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, Haynesville Police Department and Springhill Police Department during the investigations. The Sheriff’s Office said cooperation among the agencies was vital to the investigations’ success.

Because active investigations remain ongoing, CPSO has not released information regarding the individuals who have been arrested.

Claiborne Parish Sheriff Sam Dowies thanked Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker and his deputies, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stewart Wright and his deputies, Haynesville Police Chief Anthony Smith and his officers, and Springhill Police Chief Will Lynd and his officers for their assistance.

Dowies also advised residents to remove keys from vehicles, keep vehicles locked and record serial numbers for vehicles, firearms and tools. He encouraged residents to consider surveillance cameras at their homes and other personally owned property and to contact law enforcement if they observe suspicious activity.

Dowies said preparation, including recording serial numbers, along with actively protecting personal property through surveillance cameras and alarm systems, could help diminish these types of crimes.

Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-927-2011. Information will remain anonymous.

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CLAIBORNE PARISH, La. — Claiborne Parish is expected to experience a prolonged stretch of hot and sunny weather through the weekend, with temperatures climbing to near 100 degrees by Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday will be sunny and hot with a high near 96 degrees. Southwest winds will be around 5 mph. Wednesday night will be mostly clear with a low around 77.

Thursday will remain sunny and hot with a high near 97 degrees. Thursday night will be mostly clear with temperatures falling to around 73.

Friday will bring another day of sunshine and increasing heat, with a high near 98. Friday night will be mostly clear with a low around 74.

Saturday will remain sunny and hot with a high near 98 degrees. Mostly clear conditions are expected Saturday night with a low around 74.

The hottest temperature of the forecast period is expected Sunday, when sunny skies will accompany a high near 99 degrees.

With temperatures remaining in the upper 90s for several consecutive days, residents should stay hydrated, take frequent breaks when outdoors and limit strenuous activity during the hottest portions of the day.

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Motorists traveling near Haynesville Jr./Sr. High School will encounter a temporary traffic change as Frasier Street is converted to one-way traffic during the beginning of the new school year.

According to the Haynesville Police Department, the change began the evening of Monday, Aug. 3, with traffic on Frasier Street behind the school restricted to southbound travel only from Stadium Drive.

A barricade was placed at the intersection of Frasier Street and Watters Street, blocking northbound traffic. Residents in the affected area will still be permitted to turn onto Watters Street to access their homes.

All other motorists must approach Frasier Street from Stadium Drive and travel southbound.

Police said the temporary traffic pattern is expected to remain in place for approximately two weeks as motorists become accustomed to school traffic and the new restrictions.

The measure is also intended to prevent vehicles from traveling north on Frasier Street toward an existing barricade that completely blocks the roadway.

Drivers traveling near Haynesville Jr./Sr. High School are encouraged to pay attention to barricades and traffic changes and allow additional time when traveling through the area.

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Two Homer High School students were recognized for their first-place achievement in the annual Agriscience Fair during the August meeting of the Claiborne Parish School Board.

Azaiyah Franklin and Cayden Franklin were honored for placing first in the Animal Systems Division of the competition.

During the School Board meeting, Kathy Babers, representing U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson’s office, recognized the students for their accomplishment.

The students’ first-place finish highlighted their work in agricultural science and brought recognition to Homer High School and the Claiborne Parish School District.

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Haynesville Elementary School is celebrating student Isabella Johnson after she achieved a perfect score on her LEAP test.

School officials announced the accomplishment Aug. 7, recognizing Johnson for the hard work and dedication that led to the outstanding academic achievement.

“This incredible accomplishment is a reflection of Isabella’s hard work, dedication, and determination,” Haynesville Elementary officials stated. “We are so proud of all she has achieved and can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next!”

The Louisiana Educational Assessment Program, commonly known as LEAP, is used to measure student knowledge and skills based on Louisiana’s academic standards.

Haynesville Elementary congratulated Johnson on the perfect score and celebrated the achievement as the new school year gets underway.

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Haynesville Jr./Sr. High School welcomed the Class of 2030 to Freshman College Day, giving students an opportunity to begin thinking about their goals for high school and beyond.

During the Aug. 7 program, freshmen spent time learning about the steps needed to succeed throughout high school while also exploring post-secondary education and career pathways.

Students were encouraged to consider their future plans and set personal goals as they begin their high school careers.

Haynesville High School alumni and other guests also participated in the program, serving as mentors and sharing encouragement with the incoming freshman class.

School officials thanked the alumni and guests who took time to help inspire students as they begin the next chapter of their education.

The event was held as part of the school’s efforts to help students begin high school with a clear vision for their future and a path toward achieving their goals.

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Mary Willis-Morris
December 22, 1964 — August 10, 2026
Services: Saturday August 15 at 2:30 pm at New Hope Baptist Church

Viola Ford
Jan 2, 1958 — Aug 4, 2026
Visitation: Friday, August 14, 2026 at 1:00 – 6:00 pm at Memorial Funeral Home – Homer
Services: Saturday, August 15 from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm at Mt. Sinai Cemetery

Claiborne Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.

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CLAIBORNE PARISH, La. — As students return to classrooms for the new school year, the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office is reminding motorists to slow down, stay alert in school zones, and obey Louisiana’s school bus safety laws.

Officials emphasized that drivers must know when to stop for a school bus displaying flashing red lights to help keep children safe as they travel to and from school.

According to the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office:

On a two-lane road: All vehicles traveling in both directions must stop.

On a four-lane road with no median or other physical barrier: All vehicles traveling in both directions must stop.

On a three-lane road with a center turning lane: All vehicles traveling in both directions must stop.

On a divided highway with a grass median or other physical barrier: Vehicles traveling in the same direction as the school bus must stop, while oncoming traffic should proceed with caution.

On a highway with a center turning lane and two travel lanes on each side: Vehicles traveling in the same direction as the school bus must stop, while oncoming traffic should proceed with caution.

The Sheriff’s Office encourages all motorists to exercise extra caution as school traffic increases and to remain vigilant in school zones throughout the school year to help ensure the safety of students.

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The Town of Homer is reminding residents that candidates planning to run in the Nov. 3, 2026 election must qualify during the official qualifying period Aug. 5-7, 2026.

According to the town, local and municipal candidates must qualify with the Claiborne Parish Clerk of Court, located at:

512 E. Main St.
Homer, LA 71040
(318) 927-9601

Residents seeking additional election information can visit:

Louisiana Secretary of State – Election Dates

GeauxVote for candidate and voter information

Claiborne Parish Clerk of Court

The Town of Homer also encourages residents who are not running for office to verify their voter registration status through GeauxVote before the upcoming election.

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Claiborne Memorial Medical Center was recognized this summer during the Louisiana Hospital Association Annual Meeting & Summer Conference as one of eight hospitals celebrating 75 years of membership in the Louisiana Hospital Association.

According to Claiborne Memorial Medical Center, while the hospital has served the community for even longer, the recognition commemorates 75 years of membership in the Louisiana Hospital Association and its longstanding commitment to advancing healthcare across Louisiana.

Hospital officials expressed gratitude to the physicians, employees, board members, volunteers, and the communities they serve for their continued support.

“Thank you for trusting us with your care. We look forward to serving Claiborne Parish and the surrounding region for many years to come,” the medical center said.

Pictured accepting the recognition are Tina Haynes, Chief Executive Officer, and Kevin Gray, Board Chairman.

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Hot and mostly sunny conditions are expected to continue through the weekend, with temperatures remaining in the mid-90s and only slight chances of afternoon showers and thunderstorms beginning Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

While most days will remain dry, isolated thunderstorms are possible during the afternoon and evening hours as the weekend approaches.

Extended Forecast

Wednesday: Sunny and hot with a high near 95°. Calm winds. Mostly clear Wednesday night with a low around 74°.

Thursday: Sunny with a high near 94°. Mostly clear Thursday night with a low around 74°.

Friday: A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Otherwise, sunny with a high near 93°. Partly cloudy Friday night with a low around 73°.

Saturday: A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny with a high near 94°. Mostly clear Saturday night with a low around 73°.

Sunday: A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny with a high near 94°.

The National Weather Service encourages residents to stay hydrated, limit prolonged outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, and take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.

Although rain chances remain low, isolated thunderstorms may develop Friday through Sunday. Residents should remain weather-aware and be prepared for brief periods of heavy rain, gusty winds, and lightning if storms develop.

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