The Town of Haynesville is moving forward with a major $1.3 million infrastructure improvement project aimed at strengthening the community’s water system and enhancing public safety across key areas of town.

According to town officials, the project will replace aging water lines along Main Street and surrounding areas while also installing new fire hydrants throughout the construction zone.

Leaders say the improvements are designed to increase water system reliability, improve water quality, and strengthen fire protection services for residents and local businesses.

Funding for the project comes through a combination of Louisiana Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, state appropriations secured by Senator Stewart Cathey and Representative Rasid Young, and local funding from the Town of Haynesville.

Town officials described the project as an important long-term investment in Haynesville’s future growth and infrastructure stability.

Mayor Roderick D. Hampton said improving essential infrastructure remains a top priority for the administration.

“This $1.3 million project represents a meaningful investment in Haynesville’s future,” Hampton said. “By upgrading our water lines and fire hydrants, we improve service reliability, support local businesses, and enhance public safety for the entire community. This effort reflects our commitment to building a stronger foundation for continued progress.”

Officials noted that residents will receive advance notice regarding any temporary service interruptions or traffic impacts related to the construction work.

Town leaders are encouraging patience throughout the construction process, emphasizing that the upgrades will provide long-term benefits and help position Haynesville for continued growth and economic development.

Community officials say the project marks another step toward modernizing infrastructure and addressing long-standing needs throughout the town.

Claiborne Academy is celebrating a major athletic accomplishment after student-athlete Nate Smith captured his second consecutive MAIS 1A State Championship in the long jump.

Smith secured the 2026 state title with a jump of 20 feet, 3 inches, improving on his championship-winning mark from 2025 of 19 feet, 6.25 inches.

School officials praised Smith’s dedication, consistency, and work ethic, calling the back-to-back championships a reflection of his commitment both on and off the field.

“Hard work. Discipline. Consistency. And a whole lot of Rebel pride,” the school shared in its announcement celebrating the achievement.

The consecutive titles place Smith among the top track and field athletes in the MAIS 1A classification and continue a strong tradition of athletic excellence at Claiborne Academy.

Faculty, coaches, teammates, and supporters congratulated Smith for representing the school with excellence and continuing to raise the standard for Rebel athletics.

“This is what dedication looks like — and we couldn’t be more proud,” the school stated.

The championship victory marks another milestone for Claiborne Academy athletics as the school continues to celebrate student achievement in academics, leadership, and competitive sports.

BATON ROUGE — Louisiana families may qualify for SUN Bucks, a summer grocery assistance program providing a one-time $120 benefit for each eligible school-aged child to help purchase food during the summer break.

The program applies to children ages 5 to 18 and is designed to assist families while school meal programs are unavailable during the summer months.

Most eligible children will automatically receive the benefit and do not need to apply. Automatic eligibility includes children born between Aug. 20, 2007, and July 1, 2020, who received SNAP, FITAP, KCSP or income-based Medicaid benefits at any time between July 1, 2025, and Aug. 20, 2026.

Children may also automatically qualify if they attend a school participating in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program and were approved individually for free or reduced-price meals.

Some families, however, will need to submit an application. This includes households with children attending Community Eligibility Provision schools where all students receive free meals but no meal application was completed. Families may also qualify based on household income even if they do not meet the automatic eligibility categories.

Applications for summer 2026 benefits will be accepted through Aug. 20, 2026. Approved applicants typically receive benefits within three weeks of approval.

Officials say SUN Bucks benefits will begin distribution in mid-May. Families already receiving SNAP or those who participated in SUN Bucks last summer will have benefits added to their existing EBT card. Other households will receive a preloaded EBT card by mail in a plain white envelope addressed to the child.

Families are encouraged to verify their mailing address information with Medicaid, FITAP, KCSP and their child’s school to avoid delays in receiving benefits.

SUN Bucks cards can be activated through the LifeInCheck app, by calling 888-997-1117 or online through the LifeInCheck EBT system. Cardholders will need the child’s Social Security information, birthdate and ZIP code to complete activation.

Officials also remind families to choose secure PIN numbers and avoid common patterns such as repeated or consecutive digits.

Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop G responded to a two-vehicle crash on May 11 at 10:25 am on Louisiana Highway 2 near Arizona Road. The crash claimed the lives of 48-year-old Donyull White of Shreveport and 72-year-old Shirley Mitchell of Homer.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2014 BMW 528i, driven by White, was traveling west on Louisiana Highway 2. At the same time, a 2014 Honda Accord, driven by Mitchell, was traveling east on Louisiana Highway 2. For reasons still under investigation, the BMW crossed the centerline and collided with the Honda.

White, who was unrestrained at the time of the crash, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Mitchell, who was unrestrained, sustained severe injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced deceased. Impairment is not suspected; however, standard toxicology samples were taken and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Troopers wish to remind motorists of the importance of making good decisions while in motor vehicles. Never drive impaired, fatigued, or distracted. Additionally, Louisiana law requires that every person inside a motor vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain properly restrained. While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions like these can mean the difference between life and death.

A stretch of warm temperatures and mostly sunny skies is expected across Claiborne Parish through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters say residents can expect daytime highs in the upper 80s for much of the week, along with mild overnight temperatures and only slight chances of rain arriving late in the weekend.

Wednesday’s forecast calls for sunny skies and a high near 88 degrees with calm winds throughout the day. Clear conditions are expected Wednesday night with temperatures dropping to around 63 degrees.

Thursday will remain sunny with a high near 87 degrees. Thursday night is forecast to be partly cloudy with overnight lows around 67.

By Friday, mostly sunny skies will continue as temperatures climb near 89 degrees during the afternoon hours. Friday night will bring partly cloudy skies and lows near 69.

Saturday is expected to remain mostly sunny with another high near 88 degrees. However, rain chances begin to return Saturday night, with the National Weather Service forecasting a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms along with partly cloudy skies and lows around 70.

The slight chance for rain continues into Sunday, with a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms expected while mostly sunny conditions remain in place. Sunday’s high temperature is forecast near 88 degrees.

Meteorologists say the extended forecast points to generally quiet weather conditions, though isolated storms could develop over the weekend.

Residents planning outdoor activities are encouraged to stay hydrated during the warm afternoon temperatures and remain weather-aware late Saturday and Sunday in case isolated storms develop.

The Louisiana Department of Health is urging residents to prioritize water safety as summer approaches, reminding families that strong safety practices can help prevent drownings and serious water-related injuries, particularly among children.

The reminder comes as Gov. Jeff Landry has proclaimed May as Louisiana Children’s Trust Fund Swim Safety Month.

According to recent data compiled by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the fourth leading cause of injury-related deaths among children ages 0 to 14 in Louisiana.

LDH officials said most drownings are preventable and often happen quickly and quietly. Between 2022 and 2024, 55 children drowned in Louisiana, according to the LDH Office of Public Health. More than half of those children were unsupervised, and 42 percent drowned in water areas without proper protective barriers. Most incidents occurred in swimming pools.

An additional 54 children were hospitalized due to nonfatal drownings or near-drownings, which health officials say can lead to lifelong disabilities and permanent developmental impacts.

State health officials are encouraging parents and caregivers to actively supervise children whenever they are near water, keep young children within arm’s reach and never leave children unattended around pools, lakes or other bodies of water.

The department also recommends enrolling children in swim lessons at an early age, installing protective barriers and self-latching gates around pools, ensuring pools and spas have compliant drain covers and teaching children to avoid pool drains.

Officials say extra caution should be used in open water environments such as lakes and beaches, where conditions can include low visibility, changing depths, currents and underwater hazards.

Families are also encouraged to use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets during boating and water recreation activities, avoid alcohol while swimming or supervising children and learn CPR and basic rescue skills in case of emergencies.

Additional water safety information, swim lesson resources and CPR class information are available through the Louisiana Department of Health.

The Claiborne Parish School Board is offering local high school students an opportunity to build career skills and earn academic credits this summer through its “Fast Forward Summer Program.”

The program, scheduled to run from June 1 through July 19, is designed to help students gain workforce training and career readiness experience while preparing for future employment opportunities.

According to information released by the school board, participating students will be able to choose from several career-focused pathways, including Certified Nursing Assistant, CITF Carpentry I and II, CITF Welding I and II, and Phlebotomy/EKG courses. Officials noted that some classes are pending availability.

To qualify, students must currently attend a Claiborne Parish School Board school in grades 10 or 11 and be at least 16 years old by June 1, 2026. The program is aimed at students interested in becoming career-ready at graduation, earning high school credits, and seeking summer employment opportunities.

Applications for the program opened April 30 and remain available through May 14. Student interviews for selected pathways are scheduled for May 19.

School officials say the initiative is intended to give students hands-on learning experiences that align with in-demand workforce skills while also helping them prepare for post-graduation career opportunities.

Students interested in participating are encouraged to contact their high school counselor for additional information and application details.

Several talented art students from Homer High School were recognized for their creativity and artistic achievement during the 2026 Claiborne Jubilee Art Show held April 11 at Homer City Hall.

School officials announced that three students earned award placements during the annual event, which showcases artwork from students and artists throughout the region.

Jar’eiyanna Adams received a first-place award for her artwork, while Cindy Cripe and Harmonee Allen each earned second-place honors in the competition.

Faculty and school leaders praised the students for their hard work, artistic talent, and dedication to their craft.

The Claiborne Jubilee Art Show is one of the many community events connected to the annual Claiborne Jubilee celebration in Homer, providing local artists and students an opportunity to display their work and receive recognition for their creativity.

Homer High School officials congratulated all of the students on their accomplishments and for representing the school well at the parishwide event.

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) approved a Notice of Intent (NOI) for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) to conduct a recreational alligator hunting season from Oct. 1-31, 2026. The action came during the LWFC’s May meeting Thursday (May 7) in Baton Rouge.

“We are proud to increase recreational opportunity for Louisiana sportsmen and women across the state with this exciting new season,” said LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth. “The American Alligator is a true conservation success story, and by being able to have a recreational season, we are able to further promote this success and the rich hunting heritage that makes up the Louisiana way of life.”

The recreational season would be separate from the commercial season. Properties already issued commercial harvest tags are excluded from recreational eligibility. Alligators, hides, meat and parts taken under a recreational hide tag may not be sold, bartered or commingled with commercial-tag alligators.

The recreational season would be conducted by lottery. Only Louisiana residents may apply. A total of 5,000 participants would be selected with two recreational alligator hide tags issued to each participant. Immediate tag attachment upon harvest and tag validation within 72 hours via department portal, LA Wallet, phone, or LouisianaOutdoors.com, is required.

Method of take is restricted to hook and line, or snatch hook only — anchored, tethered, or originating from immovable eligible property with written landowner permission. Pole hunting and free shooting is prohibited.

There would be eight zones statewide with recreational opportunity in each zone. Zones B and C would have 1,250 participants, Zone A 500 participants and zones D, E, F, G and H 400 participants each.. A recreational alligator hunter must possess a basic hunting license, the recreational alligator hunting license, valid recreational hide tags and written proof of land ownership or permission.  A recreational alligator hunting license would be $25 for residents and $150 for non-residents.

To see the full NOI, visit the LDWF Alligator Hunting webpage.

Public comment on the NOI will be accepted through June 26. Comments may be submitted to LDWF Alligator Program Manager Jeb Linscombe at LDWF, 200 Dulles Drive, Lafayette, LA, 70506, or by email at jlinscombe@wlf.la.gov.

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.   

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.

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.

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?

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 

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

See Claiborne Parish on page 8.