Early voting for Louisiana’s upcoming election officially opens next week, giving registered voters statewide the opportunity to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day.
In nearly all Louisiana parishes, early voting takes place at the local Registrar of Voters office, which is typically located inside the parish courthouse. Some larger parishes may also operate additional branch sites to accommodate local turnout.
Polling locations statewide are open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily throughout the early voting period, excluding Sundays and state-recognized holidays.
Election officials urge voters to review their sample ballots in advance. Because ballots frequently feature a combination of candidate races, constitutional amendments, and local propositions, preparing ahead of time helps keep lines moving smoothly. Louisiana law limits voters to six minutes inside the voting booth, unless assistance has been authorized in advance.
To cast a ballot in person, voters must present a valid photo identification—such as a Louisiana driver’s license, a Louisiana Special ID card, LA Wallet digital ID, or another generally recognized picture identification card containing the voter’s name and signature. Those without a photo ID may still vote by signing an official voter affidavit.
Voters can check their registration status, review customized sample ballots, and confirm their designated polling places through the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Voter Portal at voterportal.sos.la.gov or via the free GeauxVote Mobile smartphone app.
BATON ROUGE, La. — The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana has released its comprehensive guide analyzing the 10 proposed constitutional amendments scheduled for the fall statewide ballot.
The independent, nonpartisan review is designed to explain the legal background, arguments for and against, and practical effects of each measure so voters can make informed decisions at the polls.
Seven of the 10 proposed changes address Article VII of the Louisiana Constitution, focusing on state and local tax policy, assessment rules, and public finance:
Amendment 1: Permits the surviving spouse of a disabled veteran who qualified for a special property tax exemption to transfer that exemption to a new home in a one-time move.
Amendment 2: Grants local taxing bodies greater flexibility and time to determine whether to roll forward to their maximum authorized property tax millage or retain a lower rate.
Amendment 3: Prohibits bail for individuals convicted of certain aggravated offenses against children under state law.
Amendment 4: Establishes a lifetime limit of two four-year terms for Louisiana governors, replacing the current consecutive-term limit.
Amendment 5: Gives the Louisiana Legislature and state retirement systems discretion over the order in which state surplus funds are applied toward retirement debt.
Amendment 6: Authorizes parishes and municipalities to increase property tax exemption levels for qualifying senior homeowners ages 65 to 81.
Amendment 7: Clarifies that public funds can be used to identify and replace lead drinking water service lines extending from public mains onto private residential property.
Amendment 8: Prohibits private corporations affiliated with designated foreign adversaries from exercising expropriation powers over private property.
Amendment 9: Increases the household income eligibility ceiling for property tax assessment freezes from $100,000 to $150,000.
Amendment 10: Authorizes parishes to create optional property tax exemption programs for the rehabilitation of blighted or derelict properties.
Wesley Johnston was crowned Miss Louisiana Legends Fest 2026 during the annual pageant held Saturday, October 10, at Claiborne Academy Gymnasium.
The event featured contestants competing across multiple age divisions, showcasing their personalities, talents and stage presence.
Winners were crowned in 10 categories, including the Angel Miss division.
The 2026 Louisiana Legends Fest Pageant winners were:
Angel Miss: Claire Calhoun
Baby Miss: Jayclee Wells
Toddler Miss: Everleigh Comeaux
Tiny Miss: Knola Heenry
Mini Miss: Elizabeth Smith
Petite Miss: Ava Harrison
Preteen Miss: Brynleigh Self
Junior Miss: Lindy Spurlock
Teen Miss: Maggie Allen
Miss Louisiana Legends Fest: Wesley Johnston
Louisiana Legends Fest organizers congratulated Johnston and the winners from each division, recognizing their accomplishments and participation in the annual event.
Organizers also expressed appreciation to all contestants, families and supporters who helped make the pageant a success.
Photographs from the event were captured by Drew Brasher of Photography by Drew Brasher, with additional photos expected to be released by festival organizers.
CLAIBORNE PARISH, La. — Claiborne Parish will remain hot and sunny through the middle of the week before a sharp drop in temperatures brings much cooler conditions for the weekend.
Wednesday will be sunny with a high near 93 degrees. Winds will be calm before becoming southerly around 5 mph during the morning. Wednesday night will be mostly clear with a low around 65.
Thursday will remain sunny and hot with a high near 93. Clear skies are expected Thursday night with a low around 64.
Cooler air will begin arriving Friday, when skies will be mostly sunny with a high near 84. Friday night will be partly cloudy as temperatures fall to around 51.
Saturday will be noticeably cooler with sunny skies and a high near 74. Saturday night will be mostly clear and chilly, with temperatures dropping to around 47.
Temperatures will begin to rebound Sunday, with sunny skies and a high near 80.
Tammy Jump, candidate for District Attorney of Louisiana’s 2nd Judicial District, is highlighting her 25 years of service as a full-time Assistant District Attorney and her experience of personally trying 20 jury trial cases.
Jump served the people of Bienville, Claiborne and Jackson Parishes as a prosecutor from 2000 to 2026, including serving as First Assistant District Attorney since 2010.
She has devoted her professional career to the criminal justice system, working with law enforcement, handling criminal prosecutions, and carrying out the responsibilities of the District Attorney’s office. Jump’s courtroom experience includes personally trying 20 cases before juries.
“Over the past 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving the people of these three parishes,” said Jump. “My experience in the courtroom has taught me the importance of preparation, sound judgment, fairness and respect for the law. Those principles have guided my career and will continue to do so. I have a deep understanding of our justice system, the responsibilities of being a prosecutor and the importance of treating every case with fairness and integrity.”
Jump is a candidate for District Attorney in the upcoming November election.
The Claiborne Parish School Board (CPSB) is encouraging parents of students with disabilities to apply for positions on the district’s Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) for the 2026–2027 school year. The application deadline is Friday, October 16, 2026.
The council brings together parents, educators and community stakeholders to provide feedback and recommendations regarding special education policies, programs, procedures and resources throughout the district.
Council members will serve in an advisory capacity to the supervisor of special education, district superintendent and school board. Members will be appointed for the current school year, with three meetings scheduled throughout the year.
The eight-member council will include at least four parents of students with disabilities who are not employed by the district.
Other members will include one high school student with disabilities, one school administrator who serves students with disabilities, one special education staff member and one service provider who works with students with disabilities.
The parent application is specifically intended for parents of CPSB students with disabilities who have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
Under Louisiana Revised Statute 17:1944.1, district employees are not eligible to serve as official parent representatives on the council. However, Claiborne Parish Schools emphasized that all district employees are encouraged to attend and participate in SEAC meetings, recognizing the importance of staff input in supporting special education services.
Through the council, parents will have an opportunity to share their experiences, provide feedback and help guide discussions concerning educational services and resources available to students with disabilities.
The Homer Fire Department is encouraging residents who need smoke alarms in their homes to contact their local fire department or apply through the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal’s free smoke alarm program.
The department shared the reminder on October 9, emphasizing the importance of having working smoke alarms to help protect families and property from fire-related emergencies.
The announcement follows the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal’s October 8 introduction of Pelly-Can, a new fire and life safety mascot designed to promote fire prevention and public safety education throughout the state.
Pelly-Can, a pelican inspired by Louisiana’s official state bird, will serve as a recognizable symbol for the State Fire Marshal’s Community Risk Reduction programs. The mascot’s catchphrase, “Making Fire Safety Soar in Louisiana,” reflects the agency’s efforts to increase public awareness of fire safety.
While the mascot is designed to engage children and families, the initiative will address a wide range of safety topics, including smoke alarms, home fire escape planning, cooking safety, carbon monoxide awareness, generator safety, disaster preparedness and older adult safety.
“Pelly-Can gives us a fun and recognizable way to connect with Louisiana communities while delivering serious safety messages,” said State Fire Marshal Chief Chad P. Sonnier. “We want Pelly-Can to become a familiar symbol of fire and life safety across our state.”
The State Fire Marshal’s Office also plans to provide local fire departments with educational materials featuring Pelly-Can, including activity sheets, coloring pages, handouts and social media graphics.
DPS Principal Assistant Chief Bryan J. Adams said the mascot will help local fire departments communicate important safety information to their communities.
“Our local fire departments know their communities best, and Pelly-Can gives them another tool to help reach those communities with consistent, meaningful safety messages,” Adams said.
As part of the statewide fire prevention effort, residents are reminded that working smoke alarms provide an important early warning during a fire, allowing occupants additional time to escape.
The Homer Fire Department encourages homeowners who do not have working smoke alarms to take advantage of the state’s free smoke alarm installation program.
Residents interested in requesting smoke alarms can contact their local fire department or visit the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal’s website at www.lasfm.org to access the smoke alarm application.
For additional information about fire prevention and safety resources, residents may also contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at osfm.publicaffairs@la.gov.
Claiborne Parish high school football teams experienced mixed results during Week Six of the 2026 season, with Haynesville continuing its winning streak while Homer and Claiborne Academy suffered losses.
The Haynesville Golden Tornado secured a high-scoring district victory over Glenbrook on Thursday, Oct. 8, while the Homer Pelicans and Claiborne Academy Rebels fell in their Friday, Oct. 9, matchups.
Haynesville defeats Glenbrook, 54-36
The Haynesville Golden Tornado extended its winning streak to four games with a 54-36 victory over the Glenbrook Apaches in Thursday night’s District 1-1A opener.
Haynesville’s offense produced its highest point total of the season, although Glenbrook kept the contest competitive throughout the second half.
The Apaches narrowed the deficit to 34-22 during the fourth quarter before Haynesville responded with another touchdown to extend its advantage.
The victory improved Haynesville’s record to 4-1.
The Golden Tornado will return home Friday, Oct. 16, to face Arcadia in another district matchup.
Homer falls to Calvary Baptist, 64-14
The Homer Pelicans faced a difficult challenge Friday night against Calvary Baptist Academy, falling 64-14.
Calvary’s offense controlled the matchup, putting 64 points on the scoreboard while limiting Homer to two touchdowns.
The loss followed a narrow 48-46 defeat against Ouachita Christian the previous week.
Homer is scheduled to return to action Friday, Oct. 23, against Green Oaks.
Claiborne Academy shut out by Tallulah Academy, 30-0
The Claiborne Academy Rebels were unable to generate enough offense Friday night, falling 30-0 to Tallulah Academy.
The defeat marked Claiborne Academy’s second consecutive loss following a 64-60 setback against Tensas Academy on Oct. 2.
The Rebels will look to rebound Friday, Oct. 16, when they host Prairie View Academy.
Claiborne Parish Week Six Results
Haynesville 54, Glenbrook 36 — Thursday, Oct. 8
Calvary Baptist 64, Homer 14 — Friday, Oct. 9
Tallulah Academy 30, Claiborne Academy 0 — Friday, Oct. 9
Haynesville will look to maintain its winning streak as district competition continues, while Homer and Claiborne Academy will work to rebound from their Week Six losses.
The Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office has announced the winners of its 7th Annual Youth Hunt Contest, recognizing three young hunters for their successful outings.
Anna Robinson earned the Biggest Buck award with a 9-point buck measuring 19½ inches wide and 12 inches tall. The buck weighed 198 pounds.
Greyson Easterling took home the Heaviest Doe award with a doe weighing 127 pounds.
Will Abshire was named the Biggest Hog winner after bringing in a hog weighing 135 pounds.
The annual contest provides young hunters in Claiborne Parish an opportunity to participate in the outdoors while spending time with their families and community.
Following the event, the Sheriff’s Office thanked the parents and grandparents who helped get the young hunters into the woods.
Officials also expressed appreciation to local businesses that supported the event by donating door prizes and providing food.
The 7th Annual Youth Hunt Contest was held Saturday, Oct. 10, with competitions for the biggest buck, heaviest doe and biggest hog.
Claiborne Parish 4-H recently hosted its annual Pet Show, bringing together local 4-H members and their pets for a day filled with creativity, costumes and fun.
Participants showcased their pets’ personalities through a variety of imaginative costumes. Among the standout entries were a chinchilla dressed as a magician, a hairless cat sporting a biker outfit and a calico cat wearing wings.
Dogs also joined in the festivities, including a dachshund dressed as a hot dog and a Pomeranian wearing a bumblebee costume.
The event provided 4-H members with an opportunity to demonstrate their creativity while celebrating their love for animals.
Claiborne Parish 4-H expressed appreciation to everyone who participated and helped make the event a success. Organizers also thanked Mrs. Nina for assisting with judging the competition.
The Pet Show highlighted the enthusiasm and dedication of local 4-H members while providing a fun opportunity for participants to share their pets with the community.
BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana hunters using firearm suppressors will not face state penalties for lacking federal tax stamps or registration papers following recent changes to federal law, wildlife officials announced Monday.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries issued guidance clarifying how enforcement agents will address suppressors in the field after major federal shifts removed long-standing registration mandates.
Congress recently reduced the federal tax on suppressors to $0, and a federal court in Texas ruled in August that the federal government could no longer enforce specific registration requirements. On Oct. 9, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced it would no longer require agency approval or registration to possess a suppressor.
While Louisiana state law permits hunters to use suppressors, state statutes previously relied on the federal tax stamp as proof that the device was possessed legally.
LDWF officials said enforcement agents will adjust their field inspections accordingly. Agents will not cite hunters or seize equipment simply because an individual does not possess an ATF tax stamp or registration paperwork, provided the suppressor is legally owned and attached to a firearm permitted for the active hunting season.
Officials emphasized that standard hunting regulations and restrictions remain in effect. Agents will continue checking licenses, harvest tags, season dates, legal hunting hours, bag limits and approved methods of take.
Key rules that remain unchanged include:
Suppressors remain legal for taking game birds, wild quadrupeds, outlaw quadrupeds, nutria and beaver.
Firearms must still meet legal specifications for the specific season and game pursued; attaching a suppressor does not make an otherwise illegal firearm lawful.
Individuals legally prohibited from possessing firearms may not possess suppressors.
Anyone convicted of a class four or greater hunting violation remains barred from hunting with a suppressor for five years following the conviction date.
Machine guns remain fully regulated under federal law.
Growing up as a kid who fished stock ponds his whole life, I could not wait for the day that I got my first bass boat. Every angler who loves bass fishing looks forward to the day they pull out of a boat dealer towing their first bass boat.
As a new boat owner there are so many things that you must learn on your own. Not many dealers take you out and show you how to launch your boat or go over maintenance tips you need to do yourself.
So much about a bass boat is learned through experience. You learn through trial and error, but hopefully the errors you make don’t cost you a ton of money to fix.
But there was one thing I learned the very first time I took out my new Pro Gator bass boat back in 1992. When you arrive at the dock after fishing, make sure you tie the boat to the dock properly.
It was on Chicot Lake, just north of Ville Platte, where I took it out for the very first time. I was so excited to go fishing in my new boat while learning all the ends and outs about it.
There was one thing that got my attention as I idled away from the boat dock. I noticed on my left, there were several gators sitting on the bank sunning themselves. A couple of these gators were over 10 feet long and looked at me as if I would be their next meal. More on that in just a minute.
After catching a few bass that evening, I decided to stay on the lake until after it got dark, as the bass were really biting just after the sun went down. It was around 9:30 that I headed back to the ramp.
Upon arriving at the boat dock, I tied off my boat (or so I thought). I then headed to my truck so I could back my trailer down the ramp and load my boat. After getting the trailer into the water, I hopped out of the truck and walked down the dock towards my boat. But as I got to the end of the dock, my boat was gone!
Now remember, there’s no one around for help and it’s pitch dark except for the light on the dock itself. So, as I scanned the bay and saw my boat floating about 50 yards out in the bay with its running lights on, panic set in on how I was going to get to it. At the same time, reality also set in and I knew there was only one way to retrieve the boat.
That’s right, I was going to have to swim alligator-infested waters to retrieve my brand-new bass boat. So, I did what any crazy man would do. I stripped down to my underwear and made a running sprint down that long boat dock and dove headfirst into the lake.
Let’s just say that had this been an Olympic swim meet, I would have set a new world record for the 50-meter freestyle. Arriving at the boat and having the fear of a gator pulling me under as I grabbed the side of my boat, I hopped in it quicker than a rabbit jumping over a briar patch.
The moral of the story: always make sure you properly tie your boat to the dock, so you don’t have to make an unnecessary swim. Good luck, good fishing and remember, every time you go fishing, it’s a great trip whether you catch fish or not.
BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Office of State Parks has launched the Louisiana State Parks Passport, a free program created to encourage families and travelers to visit public lands and historic landmarks across the state.
The passport booklet serves as a travel keepsake for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can collect a commemorative stamp at each location they explore. Travelers who visit all 32 state parks and historic sites can submit their completed passports to receive prizes ranging from official state park gear to a free overnight cabin or campsite stay.
“Whether hiking scenic trails, camping under the stars, paddling peaceful waterways, fishing, enjoying family recreation or exploring Louisiana’s historic treasures, this passport makes every stop along the way special. Each passport stamp represents a new destination and a new adventure,” Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser said. “The Louisiana State Parks Passport is a fun way to get explore new places and discover everything our state parks and historic sites have to offer. Grab a passport, get outdoors, and see if you can hit all 32 destinations”
Standard day-use entry fees apply at all participating locations. Passports are free and can be requested online by visiting the Louisiana State Parks Passport webpage.
There is something truly magical about bringing Louisiana communities together to celebrate what makes our state so vibrant, welcoming and unique.
Over the past few weeks, the Parish Journals of Louisiana had the privilege of partnering with Paige Alost and the Natchitoches Parish Tourist and Convention Commission, alongside Rebecca Blankenbaker and the Cane River National Heritage Area, to help promote a one-of-a-kind regional celebration: Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend: Natchitoches Celebrates Dolly Parton.
From the moment planning began, our mission was simple: rally readers from across North and Central Louisiana and share the charm, history, and warmth of Natchitoches.
Today, we could not be prouder of the overwhelming response.
Throughout the multi-week promotional campaign, our readers answered the call in record numbers:
Over 1.29 million total impressions were delivered across our 16 digital Parish Journals, connecting community members to the spirit and schedule of the festival.
More than 1 million views greeted readers on topboard banners across every single news article published in our network.
Nearly 300,000 in-depth reads were logged on our dedicated feature advertorials exploring the weekend’s itinerary and the rich heritage of Cane River country.
More than 4,400 verified, non-duplicated entries were submitted by readers eager to win the exclusive $600 Dolly Parton Weekend Getaway package.
Beyond the numbers, what stood out most was the enthusiasm of our neighbors. Whether reading in Lincoln, Webster, Rapides, Jackson, Shreveport-Bossier, or right at home in Natchitoches Parish, readers embraced the chance to support and visit a premier Louisiana destination.
Events like Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend demonstrate the enduring spirit of local community. Partnering with dedicated leaders like Paige Alost and Rebecca Blankenbaker reminds us of the power of collaboration between local tourism organizations and local community journalism.
To the Natchitoches Parish Tourist and Convention Commission and the Cane River National Heritage Area: thank you for trusting us to help tell your story. And to our readers across Louisiana: thank you for supporting community events and continuing to make our parish news network your daily home.
We were honored to play a part in this unforgettable celebration—and we look forward to many more to come.
Football coaches said that in the weight room, usually while we were trying to explain why we needed to sit down. Language professors warned us to use our Greek, Hebrew, Latin, and German daily. My piano teacher said something similar about muscle memory. Apparently, muscles have memories. Mine remember how much they dislike exercise.
I haven’t used it, and I have almost lost it.
I am talking about my handwriting.
I often write notes to members of the congregation. Some are invitations to church events. Others offer encouragement during rocky times. Then there is my special category: “I know where you sit, and I haven’t seen you sitting there for a couple of Sundays.”
If you want your preacher to have trouble tracking your attendance, move around the sanctuary. Of course, convincing a Methodist to change pews may require a greater miracle than anything I am prepared to perform.
I was writing a pile of those notes this week. For every successful note, I threw away two because of mistakes. By the time I finished, I had encouraged six church members and exhausted a small forest.
My handwriting is on the fritz. I know what I intend to write, but somewhere between my brain and my fingers, the message gets translated into a prescription.
When I was growing up, we learned cursive in the third grade. It was a rite of passage. Adults could no longer hide information in that mysterious, looping script. The Christmas gift list was finally readable. Unfortunately, so were the chores.
We spent hours forming those majestic letters. Our teachers expected proper slants, graceful loops, and consistent spacing. My handwriting now looks like a committee reached an agreement on none of those things.
These days, I do most of my writing on a keyboard. The computer straightens my lines, corrects my spelling, and occasionally changes a perfectly good word into something that could end my ministry.
I have neglected a skill I once used every day. Now my fingers need a refresher course.
Where has “use it or lose it” proven true in your life?
Some things grow rusty when we neglect them. That includes the ways we love one another. Patience needs practice, especially with people who give us plenty of opportunities. Compassion grows when we pay attention. Forgiveness takes more exercise than holding a grudge, although a grudge can certainly wear you out.
Jesus calls us to put love into practice: love our neighbors, pray for our enemies, forgive one another, and care for those who are easily overlooked. Those teachings become part of our lives as we follow him in ordinary, sometimes inconvenient moments.
We do not practice our way into earning his love. His love comes first. Then, by his grace, we learn to love as he loves.
So find a church on Sunday. We will be practicing following Jesus together. Then comes Monday, when we discover whether we learned anything. You are welcome to sit beside me. Just don’t ask me to take notes.
The 2023 Spanish-language film Society of the Snow introduced the tragedy to a new generation, emphasizing the relationships, sacrifices, and impossible decisions faced by those stranded in the mountains.
On Oct. 13, 1972, a plane carrying 45 people crashed into the snow-covered Andes Mountains in South America. What followed became one of the most remarkable and disturbing survival stories in aviation history.
For 72 days, a group of young men endured freezing temperatures, starvation, an avalanche, and the devastating realization that rescuers had stopped searching for them. When help finally arrived in December, only 16 people remained alive.
The tragedy, now widely known as the Miracle of the Andes, began when Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 was traveling from Uruguay to Chile. Among those aboard were members of the Old Christians Rugby Club, along with friends, relatives, and crew members. The aircraft was approaching Santiago, Chile, when a navigational error led the pilots to begin descending before clearing the surrounding mountains. The plane struck a mountain, losing both wings and its tail section before the remaining fuselage slid across the snow and came to rest in a remote valley high in the Andes.
Twelve people died in the initial crash, while others succumbed to injuries in the days that followed.
Those who survived found themselves stranded thousands of feet above sea level, surrounded by towering mountains, with little food, inadequate clothing, and no reliable means of communicating with the outside world.
The wrecked aircraft became their shelter.
Passengers used luggage, seat cushions, and pieces of the fuselage to block openings and protect themselves from the bitter cold. With almost no medical supplies, they treated injuries as best they could. Meanwhile, search aircraft flew over the region, but the white wreckage was nearly impossible to distinguish from the surrounding snow. After several days of unsuccessful searching, authorities suspended rescue operations.
The survivors eventually learned through a small radio that the official search had ended.
They were on their own.
As their limited food supplies disappeared, the group faced a decision that would become the most controversial aspect of their survival. With no vegetation or animals available and no other source of nourishment, the survivors eventually resorted to consuming the bodies of those who had died. The decision was not made lightly. Many of the passengers were deeply religious, and the dead included their friends and family members.
Survivors later described the emotional struggle surrounding the decision, explaining that it became a matter of survival rather than choice.
But their ordeal was far from over.
On Oct. 29, an avalanche struck the wreckage while the survivors were sleeping inside, burying the fuselage in snow and killing eight more people. Those who remained alive continued to endure the harsh mountain conditions as the weeks passed. Eventually, they concluded that waiting for rescue was no longer an option.
In December, three survivors — Nando Parrado, Roberto Canessa, and Antonio Vizintín — set out across the mountains in search of help. Equipped with makeshift clothing and a sleeping bag constructed from materials salvaged from the aircraft, the men began an exhausting journey through deep snow and rugged terrain. After several days, Vizintín returned to the crash site so the remaining two could conserve their limited food supplies.
Parrado and Canessa continued, climbing and descending through the mountains until they finally encountered a Chilean herdsman named Sergio Catalán. Their encounter set a rescue operation in motion. On Dec. 22 and 23, helicopters reached the crash site and evacuated the remaining survivors.
After 72 days in one of the world’s most unforgiving environments, 16 people returned home alive. Twenty-nine others had died.
The extraordinary events captured international attention and eventually inspired books, documentaries, and films, including the 1993 movie Alive and the 2023 Spanish-language film Society of the Snow. The latter introduced the tragedy to a new generation, emphasizing the relationships, sacrifices, and impossible decisions faced by those stranded in the mountains.
More than half a century later, the events of Oct. 13, 1972, remain a powerful example of human endurance. What began as a routine flight to a rugby match became a 72-day struggle against starvation, isolation, and death — and a survival story that continues to challenge conventional ideas about the limits of human resilience.
Dr. Kathryn “Kathy” Sullivan wanted to take a walk, but this was no walk around the block. She wanted to take a 140-mile walk. Let me explain. Kathy’s brother Grant had heard about the planned walk, had applied to be a participant, and encouraged Kathy to apply as well. She was uninterested at first because she wanted to take a seven-mile swim in the Pacific Ocean instead. Kathy disregarded Grant’s suggestion until she saw an advertisement for the upcoming walk in a scientific magazine. Shortly after she applied for the walk, William Ryan of Columbia University offered Kathy the chance to take the seven-mile swim that she had been dreaming of for years. William and Kathy discussed the walk and the swim, and they concluded that Kathy should wait to hear if her application to take the walk was accepted. Williams reassured Kathy that she would have another opportunity to take the swim but the opportunity to take the walk would probably never happen again. Kathy’s wait was worth it. She was invited for a week of interviews, psychological examinations, and physical examinations. Of the large group who were chosen, Kathy was one of six females selected. Grant, Kathy’s brother who had encouraged her to apply, was not selected.
The magazine advertisement I mentioned earlier said women could apply, but many scientists believed that women would be unable to complete such a walk because they were inferior to men. Scientists believed women would require more specialized equipment than men to complete such a walk. Of course, those scientists were mostly men. Kathy was fitted with a special pressurized suit which provided oxygen and blocked out the Sun’s rays. Kathy spent years training for the 140-mile walk which would last just a few hours. On October 11, 1984, 33-year-old Kathy dressed carefully in her specialized clothing which weighed more than she did. Then, she stepped out of the vehicle and began her walk. There were no trees, no sidewalks, nor automobiles on her route. Despite the initial doubts of scientists, she completed the walk without any trouble at all. Kathy made history.
Kathy still wanted to take that seven-mile swim, but it took longer than she had imagined. 36 years after Kathy completed her walk, she finally got the opportunity to take that swim in the Pacific Ocean. Just as she had for her walk, Kathy prepared well and used specialized equipment. On June 8, 2020, sixty-eight-year-old Kathy finally fulfilled her dream and completed the swim that she had dreamed of for decades.
Kathy does not consider herself an adrenaline junkie, but a scientist and explorer. You see, the 140 miles I mentioned was not the distance she traveled on her walk, but the height above the Earth she was when she took her walk. On October 11, 1984, Kathryn Sullivan became the first American woman to take a walk…a spacewalk 140 miles up in space. On June 8, 2020, she became the first woman to swim, well… descend, in a submersible to Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench, the deepest known point in Earth’s oceans. Kathy is the only woman known to have both walked in space and visited Challenger Deep.
HOMER, La. — The Claiborne Parish School Board unanimously adopted its 2026-27 General Fund and Special Revenue Fund budgets during its Sept. 10 meeting and scheduled an October meeting to consider calling an election on a proposed property tax.
The board voted 9-0 to adopt the budgets for the fiscal year that began July 1 and runs through June 30, 2027. One board member, Mark Perot, was absent.
The board also unanimously approved the final revision of its 2025-26 budget.
The upcoming tax election was also addressed. Board President Perry Anderson read a notice into the minutes stating that the board plans to consider, at its Oct. 15 meeting, a resolution ordering and calling an election in the Claiborne Parish Consolidated School District to authorize the levy of an ad valorem tax.
The Oct. 15 meeting was approved after the board voted 9-0 to reschedule its October meeting.
Dwayne Woodard, secretary of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury, addressed the board regarding upcoming public informational meetings concerning a proposed 2% tax measure that is scheduled to appear on the Nov. 3 ballot. Woodard encouraged residents to attend the meetings for additional information.
The school board also approved its annual Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire, which Business Manager Micki Turner said is prepared for auditors to confirm that, to the board’s knowledge, applicable rules and regulations have been followed.
Other actions included approving out-of-state travel for Human Resources professional Claudia Haynes to attend a conference in San Diego, California, and allowing Kelli Tims to take students to a football game at Southern Arkansas University as a reward for good behavior during August.
The board also approved opening bids for Chromebooks and interactive classroom display boards and approved job descriptions.
Turner reviewed the school system’s August 2026 financials.
The board held a public hearing on the proposed 2026-27 budget before the vote. No public comments were made.
Classic cars, custom builds, muscle cars and trucks will be among the attractions at the Thomas G. Bourn Memorial Show & Shine during the Louisiana Legends Fest on Saturday, Oct. 17.
The memorial car show will serve as one of the featured events of this year’s festival, showcasing vehicles and the craftsmanship that goes into restoring, customizing and maintaining them.
Organizers are inviting owners of classic, custom and muscle cars, as well as trucks and other show-worthy vehicles, to participate.
Vehicle owners interested in taking part are encouraged to register online in advance to reserve a spot in the show.
The Thomas G. Bourn Memorial Show & Shine will be held as part of the Louisiana Legends Fest on Saturday, Oct. 17.
JUNCTION CITY, La. — The Claiborne Parish Police Jury is reminding residents that a community meeting will be held Monday, Oct. 12, to discuss upcoming sales tax propositions and the future of rural residential trash pickup in the parish.
The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the Junction City Community Center, 104 West Third Street in Junction City. Claiborne Parish
The Police Jury is inviting residents to learn more about how the sales taxes work, ask questions and discuss what could happen to residential trash service if the measures are not approved.
The meeting comes ahead of a Nov. 3 special election involving sales tax propositions. One proposition would authorize a 1.375% sales and use tax for 10 years beginning Jan. 1, 2027, within a district consisting of Claiborne Parish except areas inside the municipal boundaries of Homer and Haynesville. Revenue would be dedicated to solid waste collection and disposal and materials for maintaining public roads within the district. Claiborne Parish
The Police Jury has been holding informational discussions as the election approaches and is encouraging residents to attend the Junction City meeting to learn about the proposals and have their questions addressed.
As fall approaches, many of us shift our focus from gardening and flower beds to football games and hayrides. The cooler months often bring thoughts of leaves changing color, crisp evenings, and plants going dormant. But what many people overlook is that fall and winter can be a vibrant time for planting. Numerous plants thrive in cooler temperatures and can bring color and life to your landscape well into the colder seasons.
Here in Louisiana, we’re fortunate to enjoy a long growing season. This gives us the opportunity to extend our gardening efforts beyond summer and into fall. A variety of beautiful fall annuals can be planted in late summer and early fall, offering a splash of color when most plants begin to fade. These annuals can be started with seed or purchased as young plants from your local garden center. Many varieties grow well in pots, hanging baskets, or existing flower beds.
The following are LSU AgCenter Super Plant recommended fall annuals:
Supertunia Vista Bubblegum – One of my personal favorites, this plant features brilliant pink flowers that bloom from early spring until the first heavy frost.
Amazon Dianthus – Transplant in September for vibrant blooms that last through fall and into early winter.
Sorbet Violas – Available in a wide array of colors, these cheerful flowers bloom in fall and often persist through spring.
If you’re looking for something more permanent, consider these Super Plant recommended perennials:
Leslie Ann Camellia and Shishi Gashira Camellia – Both shrubs offer stunning fall color and bloom from October through January.
Fall is a great time to refresh your garden and enjoy the beauty that cooler weather can bring. For more information about cool-season plants, contact John Monzingo at (318) 927-3110 or (318)371-1371.
