On Wednesday, July 15, Claiborne Memorial Medical Center conducted a comprehensive Emergency Preparedness Drill with the assistance of several community partners who helped plan and execute the exercise.

Participating agencies included:

Chief Deputy Brian Driskill, Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Department

Dennis Butcher, Director, Claiborne Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness

Todd Derrick, Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) Region 7 Coordinator

Knox Andress, Designated Regional Coordinator for Louisiana Region 7 HHC / ESF-8

Troopers Evan Murphy, Anthony Visciotti, and Jacob Winiarski, Louisiana State Police Troop G

Emergency preparedness drills are a vital part of ensuring hospitals are ready to respond to unexpected situations. These exercises allow healthcare providers, first responders, and emergency management agencies to strengthen communication, evaluate response procedures, identify opportunities for improvement, and enhance coordination during emergencies.

“Preparedness is essential to protecting our patients, visitors, staff, and community,” said CMMC Chief Executive Officer Tina Haynes. “We are grateful for the expertise and support of our community partners who helped make this exercise a success. Working together before an emergency occurs helps ensure we can respond quickly, effectively, and safely when every second counts.”

Claiborne Memorial Medical Center extends its sincere appreciation to all participating agencies and individuals for their commitment to keeping Claiborne Parish prepared and resilient.

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The Haynesville Police Department has announced a venue change for its upcoming School Supply Giveaway and Career Launch event scheduled for Friday, July 31.

The event will still be held at the Claiborne Parish Fairgrounds, but organizers have moved the location to the Old School House at the fairgrounds.

The event will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and will include a free school supply giveaway for Claiborne Parish residents only, while supplies last.

Organizers are continuing to accept school supply donations. Those wishing to donate may request documentation for a tax deduction.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear presentations from Shreveport Job Corps, which serves at-risk youth ages 16 to 24, and Workforce Development.

The event is hosted by the Haynesville Police Department, Shreveport Job Corps, and Workforce Development.

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The Herbert S. Ford Memorial Museum will host an Archaeology Program on Saturday, Aug. 15, offering attendees an introduction to Poverty Point and its culture.

The program will begin at 11 a.m. at the Ford Museum.

Guests are encouraged to bring any artifacts they would like identified by Poverty Point Site Manager Mark Brink and Park Ranger David Griffing, both of whom are experienced in artifact identification.

According to the museum, Griffing has written a book on regional artifact typology.

The Herbert S. Ford Memorial Museum invites the public to attend the program and learn more about Poverty Point while taking advantage of the opportunity to have artifacts identified by the guest experts.

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CLAIBORNE PARISH — Residents should prepare for another stretch of hot and humid weather this week, with heat index values climbing into the triple digits before scattered showers and thunderstorms return later in the week, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday is expected to be the hottest day of the forecast, with a high near 97 degrees and heat index values as high as 106 degrees. Rain chances increase beginning Thursday and continue through the weekend and into early next week.

Extended Forecast

Wednesday: Mostly sunny and hot with a high near 97°. Heat index values as high as 106°. West wind around 5 mph, becoming calm in the morning. Partly cloudy Wednesday night with a low around 77°.

Thursday: A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 p.m. Partly sunny with a high near 94°. Partly cloudy Thursday night with a low around 75°.

Friday: A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny with a high near 94°. A 20% chance of showers after 1 a.m. Friday night with a low around 76°.

Saturday: A 20% chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 1 p.m. Otherwise, mostly sunny with a high near 94°. A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms Saturday night with a low around 73°.

Sunday: A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny with a high near 92°. Mostly clear Sunday night with a low around 73°.

Monday: A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny with a high near 93°.

The National Weather Service encourages residents to take precautions during periods of extreme heat by staying hydrated, limiting strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, wearing lightweight clothing, and taking frequent breaks in air-conditioned or shaded areas.

Residents are also reminded to check on elderly neighbors, young children, and other vulnerable individuals and to never leave children or pets unattended inside a parked vehicle, where temperatures can quickly become life-threatening.

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The Claiborne Parish Fair & Livestock Board is inviting the barrel racing community to participate in an Exhibition Night at the Haynesville Arena as preparations continue for the Louisiana Legends Fest Barrel Race on Oct. 10, 2026.

The exhibition will be held on Thursday, Aug. 13, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Haynesville Arena.

The event is designed to give riders an opportunity to test the arena and provide feedback on the footing, layout, and facilities before the October competition. Organizers said the input received will help identify any improvements needed to create the best possible experience for competitors.

The cost is $5 per horse, which includes unlimited rides during the exhibition.

For additional information, email claiborneparishfairboard@gmail.com.

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Claiborne Academy will kick off the new school year with its annual Back-to-School BBQ on Tuesday, Aug. 4, inviting students, families, alumni, and the community to enjoy an evening of food, fellowship, and Rebel pride.

Serving will begin at 6 p.m.

The menu will include:

Brisket

Pork loin

Sausage

Potato casserole

Beans

Bread

Pound cake

The evening will also feature special team introductions for the:

Football Team

Cheerleaders

Softball Team

State Champion Basketball Team

A $10 donation per plate is requested.

The event is centered around the theme “One School • One Family • One Rebel” as Claiborne Academy celebrates the start of another school year.

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Now into Week 4 of recovery from quadruple bypass surgery and I’m slowly getting some energy back. My appetite is also returning after losing close to 20 pounds. Quality, deep rem sleep is hard to come by, but the anxiety issues are getting better. 

Enough about all that, let’s talk about things to do during the dog days of summer. While health wise, I’m still a few weeks away from dropping my boat in the water and getting back to serious fishing, now is a great time to head into my fishing man cave and reorganize, clean and respool a few reels for some good fall use. 

After a busy spring tournament schedule my fishing man cave is a disaster. Bags of baits that should be on pegs are laying everywhere. I’ve got tackle boxes scattered all over the room that also need to be placed on a shelf. 

Some of my crankbait boxes need to be gone through to consider certain baits that might need to be replaced. It’s also a great time to check the hooks and replace those old treble hooks with new ones. This is one area anglers can sometimes overlook until they lose a few fish, and it costs them a high finish. 

Outside the fishing man cave, another thing anglers have to be conscious of this time of year, with temperatures reaching the mid to upper 90’s, is leaving soft plastic baits in your boat. Point being, high temperatures will melt soft plastic lures making not only a mess but costing you money. 

Hopefully you’re fortunate enough to park your boat under a carport or inside your garage. But even in the garage, temperatures can reach extreme highs. I have a large fan that I run daily in my garage to help keep the temperature down. 

If I know that I won’t be fishing for quite a while during those hot summer days, I’ll remove the soft plastic baits from my boat and store them in my air-conditioned fishing man cave. 

After reorganizing the man cave, next I’ll take a look at the fishing reels that I have used most of the spring; clean each one as well as drop a little oil on the gears and moving parts. High dollar fishing reels only act like high dollar reels if you take good care of them.

Once your fishing man cave is in order, now is the time to get into your boat and clean it out. I take everything out of my boat so I can clean all the lockers. It’s also the time to take my spring tackle out and put my fall tackle in. 

And while you’re at it, why not clean any major carpet stains? The best thing I have found to bring your boat carpet back to looking new is shaving crème. Take a small section at a time and apply the shaving crème then scrub with a soft brush or rag. 

Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then rise with water and you’ll be amazed at how good your carpet will look. It’s also great for the new marine deck foam flooring that has become so popular.

These are just a few things to add to your summer to-do list in order to make sure you’re ready for some great fall fishing. ‘Til next time, stay cool and avoid the summer heat. 

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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The Ladies of Grace Women’s Auxiliary will host a One-Day Mentoring Camp for children ages 10-13 (5th-8th grade) on Saturday, Aug. 1 at the Claiborne Parish Library in Homer.

The camp will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the library, located at 909 Edgewood Drive.

According to the event flyer, the mentoring camp is designed to bring young people together for a day focused on learning, personal growth, and community involvement under the theme, “Working Together. Building Better Youth. Serving Our Community.”

Activities planned for the day include:

Engaging activities featuring fun, interactive sessions to inspire and educate.

Mentorship and guidance from positive role models.

Life skills and leadership development aimed at building confidence, character, and future leaders.

Community service opportunities focused on giving back and making a difference.

The event encourages participants to learn, grow, and achieve together while promoting the message that, “Together, we can inspire, empower and create a brighter future.”

The One-Day Mentoring Camp is open to children ages 10-13, serving students in 5th through 8th grade.

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Walking through our preschool the other day, a little fellow proudly showed me his bandaid. He stuck out his arm like he was unveiling a medal of honor. I asked what happened. With the solemnity only a fouryearold can muster, he said, “I got a bobo.”

Case closed. Diagnosis made. Treatment applied. Healing underway.

Children are refreshingly honest about pain. If something hurts, they point to it. If they fall, they cry. If they get a scratch, they want a bandaid — preferably one with dinosaurs or superheroes, because everyone knows those heal faster.

Adults, on the other hand, become experts at hiding our wounds. We carry heart bobo’s — hurts no one can see. Disappointments we never voice. Grief we tuck behind a busy schedule. Regrets we bury so deeply we forget where we put them. Pain that we pretend isn’t there because we think grown-ups are supposed to “handle it.”

But the truth is, some of the deepest wounds don’t show up on the skin.

Isaiah wrote, “By his wounds we are healed.” That’s not poetic exaggeration — it’s the heart of the Gospel. Jesus didn’t just die for our sins in some abstract theological sense. He took on our pain, our brokenness, our hidden hurts, our heart bobo’s. The Son of God carried what we try so hard to conceal.

There’s pathos in that exchange — Christ taking our sin and sorrow, offering us freedom, and yet we humans often cling to the very things He died to release us from. It’s like walking around with a perfectly good bandaid in hand but refusing to peel off the backing.

King David prayed, “Put a new and right spirit within me.” That’s the grown-up version of holding out your wound and saying, “Lord, this is where it hurts.” It’s the courage to admit we need healing. It’s the humility to let God do what we cannot.

And here’s the soft humor of it all: If a preschooler can trust a bandaid to make a scraped elbow better, surely we can trust the Savior of the world to tend to our hearts.

So maybe today is a good day to stop pretending we’re fine. A good day to let go of what Christ has already carried. A good day to let the Healer do His healing.

After all, Jesus didn’t come to make bad people good. He came to make broken people whole.  And that includes every one of us — heart bobo’s and all.

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July 29 marks the anniversary of the death of Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh, whose life and work have become among the most recognized in art history.

Van Gogh died on July 29, 1890, at the age of 37, two days after suffering a gunshot wound in Auvers-sur-Oise, France. Although he created more than 2,000 works of art, including around 900 paintings, he sold very few during his lifetime and struggled financially while pursuing his passion for painting.

One of his most famous final works, Wheatfield with Crows, is often associated with the final weeks of his life. The painting’s dramatic sky and winding paths have led generations of art historians and viewers to interpret it as reflecting his emotional state, though scholars continue to debate its exact significance.

Van Gogh’s distinctive style, characterized by bold colors and expressive brushstrokes, later helped shape modern art. Today, masterpieces such as The Starry Night, Sunflowers and Irises attract millions of visitors to museums around the world and rank among the most recognizable paintings ever created.

Ironically, the artist who struggled to gain recognition during his lifetime is now considered one of history’s greatest painters, with some of his works selling for tens of millions of dollars at auction.

More than 135 years after his death, Vincent van Gogh’s legacy continues to inspire artists, historians and art lovers worldwide, making July 29 a day to remember one of history’s most influential creative figures.

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All Americans learned in school that we fought two wars against the British, namely the American Revolution and the War of 1812, but there was a third war that began in 1859 which has been largely forgotten.  Following the War of 1812, the United Kingdom and the United States agreed in the Treaty of Oregon that the boundary between the countries was along the 49^th parallel from the Rocky Mountains to the middle of the channel which separates the continent from Vancouver’s Island then south through the channel to the Strait of Juan de Fuca and west to the Pacific Ocean (see map).  This agreement was made by using crude maps by people who had little knowledge of the area.  Both parties were unaware that there were two distinct channels or straits, the Haro Strait and the Rosario Strait, which were divided by San Juan Island. Because of the way the treaty was written, both countries claimed right to the island and people from both countries began settling on the island. For years, tension rose as each side argued that settlers from the other side were nothing more than squatters or trespassers.  

The first shot of the war happened on June 15, 1859, when Lyman Cutlar, an American, shot and killed a British subject whom Lyman had found destroying crops in his field.  British authorities threatened to arrest Lyman and to evict all Americans from the island.  In response, American Brigadier General William Harney ordered a company of 64 infantry soldiers to the island.  When the soldiers arrived, the British Governor at Vancouver ordered Royal Navy Captain Geoffrey Phipps Hornby to take his 31-gun steam frigate HMS Tribune to remove the American soldiers.  More British warships joined the Tribune shortly thereafter, and more American soldiers were sent to the island.  For months, the British and Americans stockpiled weapons and built up their forces for the upcoming battle.  Each side drilled and fired their cannons, but they were careful not to aim at the opposing soldiers just yet.  As both sides were making their final preparations for battle, General Winfield Scott, U.S. Army commander and War of 1812 veteran, arrived and began negotiations.  General Scott proposed and both sides agreed on a joint military occupation until a final border could be agreed upon.  For twelve long, tense years, San Juan Island remained under joint military occupation.  In 1871, when Great Britain and the United States were still unable to agree on ownership of San Juan Island, they turned to Kaiser Wilhelm I of Germany who set up a three-man arbitration commission to settle the dispute.  Both sides agreed that the commission’s decision would be final.  Finally in October 1872, after nearly a year of discussions by the commission, Kaiser Wilhelm I ruled in favor of the United States.  San Juan Island belonged to the United States.  The Royal Marines withdrew the following month, and the war ended 14 years after the first shot was fired.  The war over San Juan Island was named after that British subject who was the only fatality of this war between the United Kingdom and the United States.  It is known as the Pig War.  That’s right.  This conflict between the United Kingdom and United States was set off by a squabble over a pig. 

Source: “The Pig War,” National Park Service: San Juan Island, accessed July 19, 2026, https://www.nps.gov/sajh/learn/historyculture/the-pig-war.htm.       

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Donald Wayne Daniels
OCT 4, 1967 — JUL 18, 2026
Visitation: Friday July 31 from 1:00 – 6:00 pm at Memorial Funeral Home
Services: Saturday August 1 at 2:30 pm at Homer City Hall

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

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by Tiffany Flournoy

Homer, La.– The Claiborne Parish School Board unanimously approved the 2026 ad valorem tax millages and set key financial structures for the upcoming school year during its regular meeting on July 9.

Nine board members voted to adopt the resolution levying property taxes across several parish-wide funds. the approved tax rates include:

• general fund: constitutional tax (5.39 mills), special operational and maintenance tax (5.22 mills), and salaries and benefits (10.13 mills).
• maintenance tax: special maintenance tax (5.22 mills).
• special funds: school district maintenance tax (9.00 mills).

The measure passed 9-0 without objection or public comment during the designated hearing portion of the meeting. board member Mark Perot was absent.

In addition to the tax roll resolution, superintendent Chris Brooks presented several routine action items for the 2026–27 school year, all of which passed with unanimous 9-0 votes:

• salary schedules: approval of the official 2026–27 salary structure.
• organizational chart: approval of an updated organizational chart requested by superintendent Chris Brooks for annual audit compliance.
• extracurricular compensation: approval of the coaching and activity supplement scale, maintaining the same rates as the prior school year.

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The Claiborne Parish Assessor’s Office is helping residents better understand how local property taxes are calculated by sharing the 2026 millage rates for taxing districts throughout the parish.

A millage is the tax rate applied to property and represents the amount of tax levied for every $1,000 of taxable assessed property value. The term is derived from the Latin word meaning “thousandth.”

The published 2026 millage rates support a variety of local services, including education, public safety, roads and bridges, libraries, fire protection, and municipal governments.

Education

The following millages support Claiborne Parish schools:

School District Consolidation #1 – 10.13 mills

School District Maintenance – 9.00 mills

School Regular – 5.39 mills

School Public Works – 5.22 mills

School Public Works – 5.22 mills

Police Jury

Millages supporting parish operations include:

Parish Tax Out – 3.85 mills

Parish Tax In – 1.92 mills

Courthouse, Jail and Buildings – 2.77 mills

Roads, Streets and Bridges (Public Works) – 7.32 mills

Roads, Streets and Bridges Equipment – 2.09 mills

Public Services

Millages dedicated to community services include:

Claiborne Parish Library – 6.18 mills

Law Enforcement – 11.18 millsAssessment District – 4.40 mills

Recreation District Wards 2 & 3 – 4.96 mills

Fire Districts

Fire protection millages vary by district:

Fire District #3 – 9.97 mills

Fire District #4 – 10.09 mills

Fire District #5 – 20.00 mills

Fire District #6 – 15.00 mills

Evergreen Fire District – 9.51 mills

Municipal Millages

Residents living within municipal limits also pay city-specific millages:

Athens – 8.54 mills

Haynesville – 14.29 mills

Homer – 9.49 mills

Junction City – 4.62 mills

The Claiborne Parish Assessor’s Office encourages property owners to familiarize themselves with the various millages that fund essential public services throughout the parish. While the Assessor’s Office determines the assessed value of property, millage rates are established by the respective taxing authorities and approved in accordance with Louisiana law.

Understanding how millage rates are applied can help residents better understand their annual property tax bills and how those tax dollars support schools, infrastructure, public safety, and other local government services.

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The 2026–2027 Haynesville High School cheerleading squad returned home with multiple awards after an outstanding performance at a cheer camp held over the weekend at Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, Texas.

Competing against cheer squads from across Texas, the Haynesville cheerleaders showcased their talent, teamwork, and school spirit while earning top finishes in several competition categories.

The squad’s accomplishments included:

First Place – Camp Dance

First Place – Camp Cheer

Second Place – Game Day
School officials congratulated the team on its successful weekend, recognizing the athletes for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence.

The strong showing at camp provides momentum as the Haynesville High School cheerleaders prepare to support the Golden Tornado throughout the 2026–2027 school year, representing the school at athletic events and competitions while building on their early success.

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Summer heat will remain firmly in place across Claiborne Parish through early next week, with daytime highs climbing into the upper 90s and only a slight chance of weekend rain, according to the National Weather Service.

The warmest days of the forecast are expected to be Wednesday and Monday, when temperatures will reach 98 degrees. Aside from a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms on Saturday, residents can expect mostly sunny skies and hot conditions throughout the forecast period.

Extended Forecast

Wednesday: Sunny and hot with a high near 98°. Calm winds becoming northeast around 5 mph during the morning. Clear

Wednesday night with a low around 74°.

Thursday: Sunny with a high near 94°. Mostly clear Thursday night with a low around 73°.

Friday: Sunny and hot with a high near 95°. Mostly clear Friday night with a low around 75°.

Saturday: A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Otherwise, mostly sunny and hot with a high near 95°. Partly cloudy

Saturday night with a low around 76°.

Sunday: Sunny and hot with a high near 97°. Mostly clear Sunday night with a low around 77°.

Monday: Sunny and hot with a high near 98°.

With several days of hot weather ahead, the National Weather Service encourages residents to take precautions against heat-related illnesses by staying hydrated, limiting strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, and taking frequent breaks in air-conditioned or shaded areas.

Residents are also reminded to check on elderly neighbors, young children, and others who may be more vulnerable to extreme heat, and to never leave children or pets unattended inside a parked vehicle, where temperatures can rise to dangerous levels within minutes.

While a few showers or thunderstorms are possible on Saturday, no widespread rainfall is expected, and hot summer conditions are forecast to continue through early next week.

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Car enthusiasts from across the region are invited to cruise into downtown Homer this fall for the Thomas G. Bourn Memorial Show & Shine, one of the featured attractions of the Louisiana Legends Fest.

The annual car show will be held Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Historic Downtown Homer, showcasing an impressive lineup of classic cars, custom builds, muscle cars, trucks, and other standout vehicles.

Organizers are currently accepting registrations and encouraging vehicle owners to reserve their spots early.

Whether you own a meticulously restored classic, a custom show vehicle, a powerful muscle car, or a unique truck, organizers say the event offers the perfect opportunity to display your pride and joy while connecting with fellow automotive enthusiasts.

The Show & Shine is one of several attractions planned during the Louisiana Legends Fest, which also features live music, food vendors, shopping, and family-friendly entertainment, making it a full day of activities for visitors of all ages.

Participants interested in entering a vehicle can register online by visiting:
https://www.legendsfest.us/show-shine

The Thomas G. Bourn Memorial Show & Shine has become a popular tradition during Louisiana Legends Fest, celebrating automotive craftsmanship while bringing together collectors, hobbyists, and spectators from across the Ark-La-Tex.

Event organizers encourage the public to mark their calendars and plan a scenic fall trip to Homer for one of north Louisiana’s premier automotive showcases.

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By John Monzingo, Assistant County Agent

The dog days of summer are upon us. According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the dog days of summer occur from July 3 through August 11. These weeks are often characterized by long hours of daylight, high temperatures, and elevated humidity levels. While many spring vegetable gardens begin slowing down or stop producing altogether during this period, Louisiana gardeners still have opportunities to grow a productive late-summer garden.

Many vegetables thrive when planted during the hottest part of the year and can provide fresh produce well into the fall. By selecting heat-tolerant crops and following recommended planting dates, gardeners can extend their harvest season and make the most of Louisiana’s long growing season.

Vegetables for Late-Summer Planting

Growing vegetables during the dog days of summer does present some challenges. In addition to high temperatures and humidity, Louisiana often experiences periods of drought during late summer. Newly planted seeds and transplants require consistent moisture to become established and produce high-quality yields. Gardeners should develop a regular watering schedule and monitor soil moisture closely, especially during extended periods of hot, dry weather. Applying mulch around plants can also help conserve moisture, reduce weed pressure, and moderate soil temperatures.

Although summer heat can be demanding, it does not have to signal the end of the gardening season. With proper crop selection, timely planting, and adequate irrigation, gardeners can continue harvesting fresh vegetables well into the fall months.

For additional information on vegetables and recommended varieties for your area, contact John Monzingo, LSU AgCenter Assistant Extension Agent, at 318-927-3110 or 318-371-1371.

It is the policy of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service that no person shall be subject to discrimination on the grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, or disability.

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Claiborne Academy 4-H students showcased the results of months of hard work and dedication during the Claiborne Classic Livestock Show, held over the weekend at the Claiborne Parish Fair Barn, bringing home numerous awards and top honors.

Students spent the summer preparing their animals for competition, with their efforts paying off across multiple livestock classes and showmanship events.

Among the top performers was Aubry Shively, who captured the event’s Supreme Overall Heifer title after earning first-place finishes in the Commercial Heifer, December Heifer, and February Heifer classes. Shively also placed third in showmanship.

Other Claiborne Academy winners included:

Addison Garrett – First Place in Market Class and Fifth Place in Showmanship.

Scott Cryer – Fourth Place in Showmanship.

Jace Holt – First Place in Market Class and Fourth- and Fifth-Place finishes in Showmanship.

Kinley Holt – Participated in the Peewee Show and received a participation ribbon.

School officials praised the students for their commitment, noting that each exhibitor devoted significant time and effort throughout the summer to prepare their livestock for competition.

The strong showing at the Claiborne Classic highlights both the dedication of Claiborne Academy’s young exhibitors and the continued success of its 4-H program in developing agricultural knowledge, responsibility, and showmanship skills.

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If I have learned nothing else over my many years of tournament bass fishing, it’s the fact that it’s a young man’s sport. Being young has its privileges, especially when it comes to energy levels and mobility. At the age of 65, I no longer hop around the boat like a rat on crack. 

Now I’m a little more cautious in making sure I don’t hang a toe getting up on the front deck of my Caymas boat.  I’m just trying to maintain my balance and make sure that I don’t fall in the lake! 

I’ve also noticed that the older I have gotten, the further it seems to be from the driver’s seat console to the front of my boat. Just putting the trolling motor in the water also requires a little more energy now, even with high-tech lift-assist-systems that trolling motors have today. 

Even tying on a new lure can be a challenge as I need my reading glasses just to see what I’m doing. Threading fishing line through the eye of a hook requires skill that used to be automatic; now it’s an adventure and a test of my patience! 

One aspect that today’s young anglers seem to do a better job of is covering water and fishing as many places as they can in a day’s time. Older guys tend to stay in one area longer and fish it thoroughly just because we don’t want to take the time or exert the energy to move. 

I have also noticed the younger generation of today are not very likely to offer much help for the older guys who might be launching their boats by themselves. 

This was something I was always conscious of during my younger days. If I saw an older gentleman trying to launch his boat by himself, I always offered a helping hand. I think it’s just the way my generation was raised, to always be looking out for the elderly.

Even today, and now that I’m the older guy at the ramp, I’ll still offer ANY angler assistance. It’s just good manners.

In today’s tournament world, I find myself trying to stay in better shape just so I can compete with these young guns. To compete on any tournament trail, you must spend time on the water. 

A good angler will practice 8-10 hours a day in the boat trying to locate as many schools of bass as he can. It’s not uncommon for the really good anglers to practice from sunup to sundown. Again, nothing will make you a better angler than time on the water! 

These are the anglers who will not only cash more checks but will also be holding up the trophy at the end of the tournament. You cannot compete in today’s bass fishing world by taking shortcuts or only fishing for a few hours a day, no matter how good you think you are. 

Another issue at my age is that some days, fishing is literally a grind and a test of your patience. The bass don’t always bite all day long and there are only a few small windows of opportunity where the bass will feed. If you’re not on the water, you will miss those opportunities. 

There will be some days that you will ask yourself, “Why am I out here?”  But these are the days that will separate the good anglers from the average ones. The good anglers will stay on the lake and make every attempt to figure out how to make the fish bite. 

This is called persistence and determination, which can go a long way in having tournament success. It’s also called focus, which I find is a lot harder to maintain as I’ve gotten older. Focus ensures that you don’t miss those windows of opportunity when you get that unexpected bite. 

One thing that has not changed, even at the age of 65, is my desire to compete. I’m still that same competitive soul who gets so much joy in a high finish and beating the younger generation. We’ve all heard, age is just a number. That’s true until you reach what you think is that age …then reality sets in.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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Louisiana’s youth employment certificate process has changed and is now managed by Louisiana Works.

Under the updated process, employers are responsible for issuing work permits and verifying a minor’s age. Schools will no longer issue work permits or employment certificates.

Employers must use the new Louisiana Works Employment Certificate.

Louisiana Works also reminded schools that access to the Louisiana Works Employment Certificate System will end July 24, 2026.

The update is intended to provide important information for parents, students, employers and school partners preparing for youth employment.

Questions may be directed to EmploymentCertificate@la.gov or by calling 225-342-2683.

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July 22 marks one of the most famous days in American crime history.

On July 22, 1934, notorious bank robber John Dillinger was shot and killed by federal agents outside the Biograph Theater in Chicago after leaving a movie. His death ended one of the nation’s most highly publicized manhunts during the Great Depression.

Dillinger became one of America’s most infamous outlaws after a string of bank robberies, jail escapes and confrontations with law enforcement across the Midwest. Newspapers closely followed his crimes, turning him into a household name at a time when many Americans were struggling through economic hardship.

Federal authorities tracked Dillinger to the theater after receiving information from an informant. As he exited the building, agents attempted to arrest him. When he tried to flee, he was shot and killed.

The event marked a significant moment in the history of federal law enforcement. The pursuit of Dillinger helped elevate the public profile of what would become the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) under Director J. Edgar Hoover and led to increased attention on interstate crime-fighting efforts.

More than 90 years later, Dillinger’s story continues to be the subject of books, documentaries and films, making July 22 a notable date in American history.

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